[mapsmith]

Following in Thereuares steps to "go Local" here are some suggestions for Tucson, Arizona.

Don't fight the crouwds at Mi Nidito. The most popular Mexican restaurant in South Tucson is Mi Nidito. It usually requires a wait of between 15 minutes and one hour. However, if you walk south 1/2 block you will find an equally good Mexican Restaurant calle El Dorado. We have never been disappointed with the food and our guest like it as well. It DOES have a Cantina like feel (including a bar with a pool table that is part of the restaurant.) Or you can go east two blocks and south about foru blocks to La Cazuelitas. Another very good Mexican Restaruant on 6th Avenue.

HIke on the other Trails Tucson is know for its outdoor Recreation. Most tourists will day hike either in Sabino Canyon or in Pima Canyon. Split the difference between the two and try Pontotoc Canyon. This is a relatively shourt and easy trail at the North end of Alvernon Way. (Access tol North Alvernon Way is off Skyline at the MDA Headquarters.) Pontotoc Canyon trail starts at the same trailhead as the Finger Rock Trail but turns right immediately. Pontotoc Trail separates you from the view of Tucson by a 1000 rock wall on the south. There appears to be at least one group of Peregrine Falcons that live in the wall. So keep a look out for spectacular Flights. Pontotoc Canyon Trail is very doable for anyone in even minimal Physical Condition.

Ask the Locals Everyone in Tucson, whether they have been here two years or fifty have their "secret" restaurants or stores or hikes or clubs. We are not afraid to tell visitors about them. Ask the clerk in a Convenience Store or Grocery where an interesting place is and they will give you a laundry list of places to see. Just Ask.

Thanks Thereuare for the chance to share.

[cliffdwelling]

mapsmith, on Dec 7 2003, 11:45 AM, said:

Following in Thereuares steps to "go Local" here are some suggestions for Tucson, Arizona.

Don't fight the crouwds at Mi Nidito. The most popular Mexican restaurant in South Tucson is Mi Nidito. It usually requires a wait of between 15 minutes and one hour. However, if you walk south 1/2 block you will find an equally good Mexican Restaurant calle El Dorado. We have never been disappointed with the food and our guest like it as well. It DOES have a Cantina like feel (including a bar with a pool table that is part of the restaurant.) Or you can go east two blocks and south about foru blocks to La Cazuelitas. Another very good Mexican Restaruant on 6th Avenue.

Good advice except "Mi Nidito" is well worth the wait (IMHO). El Dorado has had some problems with security of vehicles parked in their lot. Mi Nidito has security 24/7 in their lot.
Also if you really want over the top Mexican- try "Cafe Poca Cosa" downtown. Reservations are suggested and this restaurant has never disappointed.

[cvgayle]

Reading this thread brought back pleasant memories from a few years back. My husband and I visited Tucson in the spring to see one of our favorite bands. It was the month of May and we walked everywhere, with temps pushing into the mid to high 90s °F....lol! Anyway, we visited many restaurants (and bars) in our travels. We dined at El Charro, Mi Nidito and Cafe Poca Cosa. We enjoyed all of them! We took a chance on Cafe Poca Cosa w/o reservations close to opening time, on a Saturday, and we were lucky enough to be seated at the bar. What a fabulous meal...I thoroughly enjoyed it! I real need to go back soon...it was a wonderful trip! I love Tucson.