Move Over Scottsdale! This Less Crowded City Is The Most Underrated Arizona Getaway
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August may be the final month you’d decide to go to Arizona, except sweat lodges are your jam.
Dry warmth might beat humidity, however 115 levels is 115 levels any method you slice it.
With the A/C blasting, driving by means of Arizona is without doubt one of the most stunning states within the nation, the place some areas’ landscapes resemble Mars, and others boast seemingly countless canyons lined with quintessential cacti.
Positioned exterior Arizona’s largest metropolis, Phoenix, is the stylish suburb of Scottsdale.
Oddly sufficient, many would argue it is much more of a draw – a uncommon place the place the ‘burbs outshine the metropolis.
Whereas the pretty mountain town is brimming with world-class delicacies, purchasing, resorts, and nightlife, there’s a component of cheesiness that may’t go unnoticed.
I imply, what number of turquoise trinkets might you probably want in Outdated City?
Nevertheless, additional south in what looks as if the center of nowhere lies the hip metropolis of Tucson, a extra genuine, much less crowded vacation spot, and unquestionably, Arizona’s most underrated getaway.
Swap Luxurious For Authenticity This Fall
As I am typing this sentence, Scottsdale’s thermostats learn 109 levels, whereas Tucson is not far behind at 105.
As summer time winds down, and not quick sufficient in Arizona, fall is a superb time to go to the ‘Grand Canyon State’.
Statewide temps drop like flies as soon as summer time involves a detailed, making the desert an attractive vacation spot as soon as once more.
However earlier than you pull the set off on a ritzy Scottsdale resort, take into account what Tucson has to supply. They’re quite a bit alike in some methods and whole opposites in others.
Scottsdale tries to be genuine the identical method Cabo does by showcasing items of the previous in San Jose del Cabo’s metropolis heart, a near-desperate plea to vacationers primarily saying, “Ignore the shiny resorts! We did not neglect our roots!”.
Scottsdale constructed all these good issues starting from globally famend eating places to lavish resorts, however then perusing Outdated City turns into considerably of a cornball, exuding the sense they’re merely attempting too exhausting.
Tucson however is greater than only a school city and does not need to strive, residing up the nickname of the ‘Outdated Pueblo’ with centuries-old missions and longstanding saloons.
Scottsdale would outline itself as a luxurious getaway whereas Tucson embraces a what-you-see-is-what-you-get angle, but nonetheless providing grand inns, astounding nature to discover, and remnants from the Outdated West.
Tip: Tucson’s JW Marriott is the proper place to trip, dwelling to resort-style swimming pools and a lazy river backdropped by picturesque mountains
Keep away from Grand Canyon Crowds: Discover Arizona’s Missed Saguaro
Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon gotta be within the high 2 most visited locations within the state.
However southern Arizona appears to be forgotten on the maps of many.
Those that’ve skipped this a part of the state are doing themselves a disservice.
No, there will not be the identical epic views the Grand Canyon presents, however Saguaro isn’t any snoozefest.
For those who’re unaware, saguaros are a kind of cactus, and this park lives as much as the title with countless rows of cacti excellent for photo-ops.
Simply be cautious that regardless of these cacti trying like they’re posing for a hug, that is an effective way to place your first help equipment to make use of.
Saguaro Nationwide Park is lower than half-hour from Tucson and excellent for pleasurable scenic hikes, wildlife recognizing, and stargazing come dusk – all with out preventing for area.
Entry fees vary from $15-25 relying should you drive in or stroll in.
An Below-hyped Foodie Heaven
Tucson might fly underneath the radar, but it surely goes neck and neck with Scottsdale’s meals scene. Though, but once more, the argument being Tucson is extra genuine.
Positioned simply an hour north of Mexico’s state of Sonora, it goals to showcase native Southwest aptitude blended with a heavy affect on Mexican delicacies, together with low-cost eats like Sonoran Scorching Canine.
However the extremely flavorful delicacies goes method deeper than that. A lot so the meals scene as an entire has acquired UNESCO recognition.
Gap-in-the-walls, meals festivals, wineries, breweries, you title it, and Tucson has it.
Tip: Take a look at Tumerico – Yelp’s #1 restaurant in America.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.