Monday, November 14, 2011

TUCSON


Just booked a trip to Tucson to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary in January. What books have you read set in Tuscon or Arizona that would enrich our experience? Any advice on sites we should see or good restaurants. Thanks!

21 comments:

Chris said...

Patti, we are going to Tucson in January as well; that is where Julia is from, and where all her family remains. When will you be there?

Cullen Gallagher said...

Fredric Brown's THE LENIENT BEAST is set in Tucson. I'm not sure if it would enrich your travels, except it is an excellent book and fun to read!

Unknown said...

Do you know Patti O'Brien? She's a librarian and mystery fan and lives in Tucson. Might have some good tips.

Kieran Shea said...

Here's something you can read. The WINE LIST. Lady...it's your anniversary!

Anonymous said...

I sent you the link to Jackie's #1 recommendation of an Arizona desert book (not Tucson), Elizabeth Peters's SUMMER OF THE DRAGON.

She also recommends the Lena Jones series by Betty Webb, though that's set in Scottsdale I believe. If you want to read a mystery series tied to Arizona & Phoenix history (before it got so big) try Jon Talton's David Mapstone series.

I'm assuming Chris can give you a lot more information than I can, but I can recommend seeing the Arizona Desert Museum & the Pima Air and Space Museum.

Jeff M.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Is the WINE LIST a book, Kieran? I am always interested in wine-as long as it comes in below $15.
I have a book by Jance, who I think writes about Tuscon but will look for the others.
Thanks, Bill. Contacted Patti, who is from Michigan, and we will meet up.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I hope you'll have a wonderful trip!!

Honestly, I recommend Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee/Joe Leaphorn series. Such a sense he had for that country...

pattinase (abbott) said...

That's one series where I didn't miss a single book.

Erik Donald France said...

I only know a few things about it. The letters are inversed, Tucson -- not Tuscon as in Tuscany -- Apaches attacked settlements there from Spanish times through the ACW, and the Confederates made claim to Arizona (even naming it first) before it was brought into the USA . . . which may explain some things!

pattinase (abbott) said...

Oops, thanks, Erik.

Anonymous said...

One more place we really enjoyed was Old Tucson Studios (I sent you the link), where they filmed RIO BRAVO and dozens of other movies, which is west of town.

On our second visit to meet friends we ate at a nice outdoor place, Tohono Chul Park Tea Room.
(I sent you the link.)

Jeff M.

Anonymous said...

The Voice of the Desert, Joseph Wood Krutch

pattinase (abbott) said...

Thanks, Richard. Great idea.
Thanks for all the help, friends.

Prashant C. Trikannad said...

If you like Westerns then Louis L'Amour's HONDO is set in Arizona. Happy Celebrations!

Kieran Shea said...

P: Wine list is not a book, but if you are looking for a wine book (not based in AZ) WINE & WAR

pattinase (abbott) said...

I actually figured out what you meant later, Kieran. And there will be much wine drunk. And beer, my new discovery.

Charles Gramlich said...

One word. Sedona. you've probably already been there. Stay at the Best Western in town, great view. The restaruant next to it is great. they had buffalo burgers and a wonderful cheese cake.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Sedona is magical. Wouldn't mind a road trip.

Julia Rachel Barrett said...

Go to the Sonoran Desert Museum. Sedona is cool, but Jerome is cooler.
If you go to Phoenix, climb Camelback Mountain and what used to be called Squaw Peak - don't know the PC name. And the Superstition Wilderness is to die for in the winter. Perfect hiking.

Cap'n Bob said...

I just got back from Tucson a few hours ago. There were some good suggestions, above, and I'd add the St. Xaviar Mission, the Titan Missile Silo, The Museum of Miniatures, The Bookman's Stores, and a side trip to Tombstone. There's also a zoo, though I didn't see it.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Thanks, all. I have my list of sites.