Tucson Offers Luxury Golf

If you’re a golf aficionado (and if you’re reading this, then the chances are high that you are…), then Tucson is definitely the city for you. The beauty of the Arizonan climate is the mild winters, which allow for golfing to occur year-round. With over thirty golf courses in Tucson and the surrounding area, there is bound to be a course that matches up with your skill level. One of the more famous of the Tucson luxury golf real estate in the area is located in the town of Marana at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. This course, contained within the property of the Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain, is the home of the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship, which is held (and nationally televised) every February.

The community of Oro Valley, located just a few miles northwest of Tucson, is home to some of the finest golf courses in the southwest. Oro Valley’s five golf courses – El Conquistador Country Club, Golf Club at Vistoso, Oro Valley Country Club, Stone Canyon Club and Sun City Vistoso – each provide a unique game, which means that golfers have several options to pick from when choosing their course. These courses have been formally recognized for the experience they provide – in fact, Golf Club at Vistoso has been rated as the best public course in southern Arizona, while the Stone Canyon Club has garnered rankings such as #21 of the “Top 100 Residential Courses” by Golfweek, #68 on Golf Digest’s “Greatest 100 Golf Courses in the USA,” and #2 in the state of Arizona by Golf Digest (Arizona).

In addition, Tucson also features a number of private and semi-private golf courses, including the Forty Niner Country Club. Situated between two spectacular mountain ranges, this semi-private course has been recently renovated and is sure to appeal to golfers of all levels of expertise. According to their website, the course’s fifth hole is the most difficult, which allows players who struggle with it the chance to better their score on the back nine.

Never Far From a Tucson House of Worship

One of the most spiritually endearing aspects of Tucson, Arizona is the fact that no matter your religion, you will be able to find people who share your beliefs and with whom you can create a spiritual home. With places of worship for religions ranging from many different branches of Christianity to Judaism to Buddhism, there will almost certainly be a community for you to join since Tucson and Tusconians are well-known for welcoming all religions with open arms.

From a demographic point of view, according to www.bestplaces.net , nearly 45 percent of people in Tucson identify themselves as religious. Specifically, almost 27 percent identify themselves as Catholic, ten percent as Protestant and just over two percent as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or Mormon. Three-plus percent identify as Baptist and nearly 3.5 percent as “Other Christian”, with over two percent self-identifying as Jewish. Less than one percent each identify as Eastern and Islam, while approximately one percent each identify as either Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Methodist or Presbyterian.

Tucson features a number of ‘community’ churches, which focus more on spirituality in general than on a specific religion. Churches of this nature include the Community Church of the Foothills, the Community Interfaith Church and the Rosemont Community Church. Several nondenominational churches, such as the Broadway Christian Church, the Christian Faith Center and the CrossRoads Church, are also scattered across the city.

Synagogues in Tucson include the Temple Emanu-El, the Congregation Anshei Israel, the Congregation Or Chadash and the Congregation Young Israel of Tucson. Mosques can be found at the Islamic Center of Tucson, the ICS Masjid Tucson and the Ahmeddiya Movement in Islam.

No discussion of houses of worship in Tucson would be complete without mentioning what is universally regarded as the most beautiful Catholic Church in Tucson, and arguably in the entire state of Arizona: the Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The church is covered with intricate paintings, statues and murals, which make it well worth a tourist-type visit even for those not intending to worship within its historic walls.

Movie Theatres Are Always Close To Your Tucson Home

Most folks think movies are a great way to relax, and Tucson, Arizona boasts many theaters located conveniently around the city. No matter where you live in Tucson there will always be a movie theater close to your home.

To combine shopping and a movie, you can go to the Foothills Mall. Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the mall features a fifteen-screen multiplex cinema along with over 90 stores for you to shop in before or after your show. Meanwhile, another popular mall-based theater is the Century 20 at El Con Mall. El Con can always be counted on to have new releases as well as movies that may have been out for a bit longer.

If you don’t mind waiting a few weeks to see that newest big release, you can catch it at theaters like the Gateway Century 12 for a much cheaper price than first-run features. In fact, tickets at the Gateway Century 12 are usually less than five dollars each, with even lower prices for children and seniors. Additionally, the theater also has a Senior Day, which lowers the price for a senior ticket even further, and All Day Tuesday, when tickets for everyone can be up to half-off the normal price. For movie buffs who want to save a few bucks, the Gateway Century 12 offers a way to please both your mind and your wallet.

Other theaters in the Tucson area include the Century 20 at Park Place Mall, Tucson Spectrum 18, the Grand Cinemas Crossroads 6, Harkins AMC Loews Foothills 15, Oracle View, Tower Theatre, Century Oro Valley Marketplace and the Trans-Lux Desert Sky Cinema.

Finally, for “indie” aficionados, there’s no better place than The Loft Cinema Movie Theatre. The Loft, a nonprofit, independent art house, shows movies ranging from low-budget horror flicks to independently-released films. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to see a movie that’s different from the normal Hollywood fare.

Living in Tucson is an Athletes Haven

Tucson, Arizona is heaven for a sports-nut since the city plays host to a variety of sporting events and activities. To wit: If you call Tucson home, it’s easy to find something that will suit your need for competitive thrills.

Are you a golf aficionado? No problem - there are numerous award-winning golf courses liberally sprinkled around the city and surrounding areas. For example, the town of Marana, just a few miles north of Tucson, features the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, which is the home of the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship. This nationally television tournament takes place in February ever year.

If you’re a baseball fan, you can head out to the Kino Sports Complex, which contains a six-field practice facility which different local leagues and teams utilize. Or if you want to up the sports ante a little bit, mosey on over to Hi Corbett Field, home of the Tucson Toros, the local minor league baseball team. The Toros play during the evenings of the summer months, giving baseball-lovers a place to go to get their game on.

Soccer is also prominent in the Tucson sports community and the city offers several intramural-type leagues and tournaments. Fully equipped soccer fields are scattered across the city, including at Golf Links Sports Complex, Fort Lowell Park, Abraham Lincoln Regional Park, Rillito Regional Park and the University of Arizona Rincon Vista Sports Complex.

Because Tucson enjoys a balmy winter season, the city is a great training location for softball teams; the sunny weather, mild climate and lack of snow create a highly desirable and productive atmosphere. In fact, collegiate softball teams from DII, DIII, NAIA and junior colleges flock to Tucson for the Tucson Invitational Games during the collegiate softball spring training season. Softball facilities can be found at the Tucson Sports Park, Abraham Lincoln Regional Park and the Golf Links Sports Complex. Each has multiple fields and other amenities.

Tucson Residents Have Vast Healthcare Options

There are so many reasons other than the great weather as to why Tucson homes are so highly sought after and the excellent healthcare system is one of them. If you are looking at real estate in Tucson, you will be interested to learn more about the area’s healthcare options.

The city of Tucson offers some of the finest health care in the state of Arizona, from private doctors to highly skilled specialists to large-scale hospitals. In fact, one of the most well-known hospitals in the Tucson metropolitan area is the University Medical Center (UMC), part of the University of Arizona. This private, nonprofit teaching hospital was established in 1971 and is the only academic medical center in Arizona. Thanks to extraordinary physicians, a professional staff and a nurse-to-patient ratio of just 1:4, UMC is able to provide an extremely high level of care.

Another well-regarded hospital in the area is Tucson Medical Center (TMC) where over one thousand physicians participate in sixty different specialties. Those specialties include cardiac care, orthopedics, hospice care, neuroscience, maternal and child health, diagnostic services, behavioral health and senior services. Additionally, the only specifically child-oriented emergency department in the region can be found at Tucson Medical Center.

A Catholic medical group, the Carondelet Medical Group, has locations all across southern Arizona that provides care for a variety of illnesses. Considered by many to offer top-notch care, the Carondelet Medical Group boasts three specialty group offices, eighteen primary care offices and four hospitals, one of which is dedicated entirely to cardiac and vascular care. Highlights include the Carondelet Neurological Institute, which is located at St. Joseph’s Hospital and is the largest facility in southern Arizona that deals exclusively with neurological injuries, diseases and disorders.

For urgent care, the city is host to Urgent Care Associates of Tucson. Urgent Care Associates has two offices, one near central Tucson and one in southeast Tucson. According to Urgent Care Associates’ website, they accept all insurance and health care plans and there is no need to call in advance for an appointment. They accept walk-ins and treat unscheduled medical needs every day, with the exception of holidays.

Tucsons Wealth of Cuisine Options

When ruminating about restaurants in Tucson, Arizona, one might be tempted to think only about Mexican food. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth since Tucson boasts restaurants that serve every brand of food under the high Sonoran sun. With dining establishments that range from national fast food chains to local Tucson chains to simple mom-and-pop places that have been around for years, Tucson enjoys a wealth of cuisine opportunities.

Some of the best restaurants in Tucson can be found in the many resorts that call the Tucson metropolitan area home. The Westward Look Resort features two award-winning restaurants, GOLD and the Lookout Bar and Grille, while The Lodge at Ventana Canyon offers the high-end Ventana Bar and Grill as well as the Catalina Dining Room. If you’re feeling lucky, you can drive over to the Desert Diamond Casino and take in a buffet lunch while you try and hit it big in a Nevada-style environment.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual, one much-loved “chain-type” restaurant in Tucson is courtesy of the Fox Restaurant Concepts company. With several restaurants in the Tucson area, these fun-and-friendly eateries offer a variety of great foods at a variety of locations. For example, you can head to Zinburger for scrumptious burgers, NoRTH for modern Italian cuisine, Montana Avenue for American classics, Sauce for pizza and pasta or Blanco for Mexican food. Scattered across the city, these always-busy restaurants provide a convenient and delicious dining experience.

For down-home authentic Mexican food, savor a fabulous meal at El Charro in downtown Tucson. The restaurant, established in 1922, is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant continuously operated by the same family. Serving traditional Mexican fare such as tamales, enchiladas and quesadillas, the restaurant also sells its own line of homemade salsas. For a full menu, check out their website.

If you’re looking for tasty food dished out in a low-key atmosphere, try Bison Witches Bar and Deli and its huge menu of appetizing sandwiches. Favorites such as pastrami, grilled cheese and a Reuben are joined by offerings including the Wildcat, named for the mascot of the nearby University of Arizona. No matter your preference of condiments and toppings, you are sure to find something that will tickle your tastebuds at Bison Witches. A complete listing of food and drinks is available at their website.

The Many Communities of Tucson

Tucson, Arizona, is a community that has over 500 square miles of communities and neighborhoods. Each area is vastly different, which is why it’s so easy for those who come to the city to find an area that they feel comfortable in. The city boasts of mountain ranges and over 300 days of sunshine, which is perfect for those who enjoy the out of doors and who don’t care much for rain.

It would be surprising to those who live in history that Tucson has become the second largest city in Arizona, as it had very humble beginnings. It was settled in 1775 by Spanish soldiers, and now it has over a million residents, all living in different areas of this diverse city. Older neighborhoods have unique architecture and ambiance, while the downtown area features rambling ranch homes and pueblo style abodes on streets that are lined with trees, providing plenty of shade. Head into the metropolitan area of the community and you’ll find a golfer’s paradise, with amazing golf communities. But don’t think that you have to be a master golfer to enjoy the courses, as it’s easy to find courses for the novice as well as those for the professionals.

Tucson takes all the best of the nature that surrounds it and mixes it up with man-made beauty, to create something that is truly unique, including high class restaurants, guest ranches, ski resorts, and, of course, first-class golf courses. This absolutely amazing city features something for everybody, including high fashion as well as relaxing sections. With something for everybody, including midnight black skies and towering saguaros, cliff-side canyons and vast mountain ranges, Tucson is a wonderful place to visit and an amazing place to live in.

Tohono Chul Park in Tucson Houses Something for Everyone

Tucson, Arizona houses some of the most stunning landscapes, skylines, and species in the world. If you are considering visiting this area, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on an inside view of the true beauty of Arizona.

The Tohono Chul Park occupies forty-nine acres in Tucson. Tohono Chul Park houses one of the most fantastic botanical gardens anywhere in the world, but there is so much more to take in than the gorgeous blooms grown here each year. This park is a source of entertainment for all ages and offers a number of wonderful sights and activities each and every day. Among the favorites of children is the Reptile Ramble, during which park guides show off the awesome examples of captive reptiles kept safe by the park. This teaches, among other things, to respect the creatures and their habits, and also a bit of a “face your fear” philosophy.

Among the many gardens that occupy the forty-nine acres, is a children’s garden, where those who have had their fill of snakes can sail a toy boat through the meandering stream. Hummingbird garden, which is aptly named, is designed to appeal to the small flittering creatures, which have either come to reside within the park’s boundaries or simply happen through on their normal migration. There is even a garden for honoring the arts. The performance garden is not so much about the trees and flowers, as it is about the stage which becomes the temporary home of several special events in the spring and fall. And, for those interested in geology, the park pays respect to the rock formations that natural occur in the nearby Santa Catalina Mountain range. A fifty-five foot semi-circle wall contains a specimen of each of these formations and rests just beneath the view of the mountains themselves.

For those who have had enough of the outdoors, this park is also happy to pay tribute to artists of all types. The indoor gallery and exhibit hall pay homage to local artists who have the privilege of hanging their works alongside the natural artwork of Mother Nature. Every eight weeks these exhibits are changed out for an ever-changing indoor landscape, much like that outside.

Finally, for those who simply have not had enough, there are concert series, classes, workshops, and a calendar full of exciting events meant to draw you back for more of the park’s majestic beauty. From truly inspiring and education presentations on topics such as seasonal allergies, to workshops that provide hands on lessons in the arts, the Tohono Chul Park in Tucson has something for everyone.

Rock Climbing Around Tucson’s Mountain Real Estate

Are you looking for a way to conquer the world? If so, then there just may be something waiting for you in Tucson, Arizona. The Grand Canyon State is home to some of the most interesting landscapes in the world, from the flattest of the flat to the rockiest mountain tops, Arizona seems to have it all. One of the best ways to challenge yourself while experiencing all that Tucson has to offer is through rock climbing. This sport has captured the attention and love of millions and for good reason, not only does it provide a release and an excellent workout, but it also brings a person much closer to the Earth.

Before you hit the beautiful Tucson mountain real estate, however, you will likely want to venture into the heart of Tucson, where you can find a facility called Rocks and Ropes. For kids or adults, this center for rock climbing is the perfect way to get the training you need before trying the real thing. Learn about the correct way to secure harnesses, train your body to hold in awkward positions and learn the fun that can come with conquering great obstacles. Not only does the space have open hours each day, it also provides more hands on training for those who sign up for group climbs or the camp rock program, and KidzKlimb are open hours for children only to try their hand at the walls.

Once you have received the training you need, you may be ready to try out the mountains of Tucson. There are many excellent locations for climbers of all levels. Perhaps the most popular mountain is Mt. Lemmon. There are more than twelve hundred climbing routes that lead up the slope of the mountain. The peak sits more than nine thousand feet from the flat grounds of Tucson. It is the perfect place to climb with ropes. There are even sites that would speak better to the professionals, or those who simply don’t want to be tied down. For instance, the Hairpin Boulders, which are located within the Mount Lemmon range, offer a tough climb for those seeking a true challenge.

Whether you are a beginner looking for a new adventure, or an expert seeking the next great thrill, the rock climbing in and around Tucson will leave you breathless with excitement and thrill. Spend a day or a week and find your journey rock climbing in Tucson.

Guest Ranches near Tucson- Part II

There are so many wonderful guest ranches in and around Tucson, Arizona that it warranted another post.

For those that want to experience the true ranch life, Price Canyon Ranch offers the real deal. This is a working ranch that invites guests to visit and get a taste of the way life is in the west. It was founded in 1879, but it has always made a point to honor the history of the land that dates back well before its time. For some of the best scenery in all of Tucson, for some wonderful riding and bird watching, and for an all around exciting adventure, Price Canyon Ranch is just what you need.

The Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch may not be exactly what you picture a ranch to be, but nevertheless it offers unmatched fun and thrill for all those who make their way to Tucson. The colorful exterior of the main building provides a beautiful picture against the backdrop of natural skylines and the deep blue of a crystal clear sky. Since 1923, it has been welcoming others to experience the ways of the west, and does not fail to impress. Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, golf, and massage are just some of the fun-filled activities that are within reach at the Rancho De La Osa.

Become one with the earth at Sunglow Ranch just outside Tucson. This ranch is a bit different that the rest, bringing a bit of far eastern philosophy to the west. With workshops in Yoga, lessons in cooking, and even a class in photography, this ranch tries to make the most of its surroundings. The staff here seeks only to make you comfortable and to provide you the most enjoyable ways of experiencing ranch life.

Set on six-hundred forty acres of prime Tucson real estate, the Tanque Verde Ranch is a picture to behold. Learn to throw a lasso, ride your horse off into the sunset, or simply take in the views from the pool. Any way you go about it, you will not be able to resist the peace and relaxation that comes with a visit to the Tanque Verde Ranch.

Last, but certainly not least, on the list of Tucson area guest ranches is the White Stallion Ranch. This three-thousand acre ranch provides the best in outdoor enjoyment, but also welcomes those who prefer a bit more pampering. Basketball and tennis courts, pools and hot tubs, and even some card tables are just some of the awesome amenities available to guests of this Tucson ranch.

No matter what you are looking for, it is likely that one of these gorgeous guest ranches in and around Tucson offers just what you are looking for and more.

Tucson Guest Ranches near Tucson

In an effort to draw attention to the Arizona that the natives know and love, this is a two-part series on enjoying life in the west as it was best meant to be experienced. The guest ranches that dot the gorgeous landscapes in and around the beautiful Tucson real estate offer more fun, thrill, and outdoor adventure than anyone should be willing to pass up.

It is time to beat those winter blues and make your way out to a place where real estate is worth more than a two-story and a white picket fence. At Elkhorn Ranch in Arizona, you can learn a bit about what it was like to ride on the open plains in the early days of this country’s history. For a very reasonable fee, your whole family can spend a day or a week on a real working ranch. Aside from building a lasting bond with a horse and spending the days grooming, riding, and loving it, the Elkhorn Ranch has a number of exciting activities to offer, including swimming, tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and of course, a lot of hiking. Learn the way of the west with this Arizona getaway.

Another Arizona ranch near Tucson that will simply take your breath away is the Grapevine Canyon Ranch, voted 2010’s best guest ranch by the Arizona Foothill’s Magazine. Sit high atop your horse- after you have chosen from the lot of seventy available- and join your group of eighteen people for a ride to wrangle the cows. Those who want to venture into the heart of Arizona are welcome to stay for two weeks or more for the Horse Riding Program. Lessons, however, are available to all who visit the ranch- whether for a day or a month- and this guest ranch is in operation all year long. For the best rates, choose a date during the coldest or the hottest months of the year- December, January, February or June, July, August.

For more than sixty-five years people of all walks of life have ventured to the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in the heart of Tucson. This is another opportunity to try your hand at horseback riding, but the ranch also offers a number of indoor events and activities including wine tasting and piano jazz played by a professional entertainer. This is the resort for the person who wants a taste of the Wild West, but also longs for the finer things in life- golf, wine, music, and massage.

Amazing Real Estate of Colossal Cave Mountain Park near Tucson

Just outside the city line of Tucson is an amazing piece of earth that will leave you in awe after your visit. The Colossal Cave Mountain Park is something that will rarely be overshadowed, for it provides a connection with the earth that is simply unrivaled by nearly every other place on the globe. First occupied in 900 A.D., this region of caves and mountains holds many secrets of our nation’s past.

The most popular aspect of this park is the cave tour that takes visitors a half mile into the caves to learn about what exists under our feet each day. The tours last about forty-five minutes and travel nearly six stories into the earth. Maintaining a constant temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit and remaining ever-dry, the caves are able to be traveled throughout the year. If you have Real Player installed on your computer, the Colossal Cave Mountain Park invites you to take a virtual tour of the caves on their website, www.colossalcave.com.

However, it is not just the caves that make this park magnificent. There is a lot to take in on this large section of invaluable Tucson real estate. The staff of the park has recognized that. They have devised a game for all visitors in order to encourage full exploration of all that there is to behold. In order to win the treasure of the park, visitors must visit all eighteen stops on the map supplied to them. By punching the map with the paper punch available at each station, the visitors will demonstrate their willingness to explore and as a result will be rewarded.

For those who would rather follow a guide, there is also a horseback riding tour through the park. The route followed was the same that was designated as the National Mail Stagecoach route. The ride is safe for all level of riders, as the pace kept is meant to be slow and enjoyable. There are also stagecoach rides and hayrides upon reservation. Contact the park at (520) 647-3450 for more information.

For just five dollars per vehicle (and one dollar per person over six people in the car), you can enter the park and take advantage of all it has to offer. The cave tours, which take place every half hour during regular park hours, cost an additional six dollars per child and eleven dollars per adult. For such a small investment, you can truly experience all that Tucson and Arizona has to offer.