Visiting Tucson and Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona's small mountain ranges like the Chiricahua, Huachuca and Santa Catalina Mountains surprise travelers with stunning vistas and views. Saguaro National Park east and west of Tucson protects large tracts of land where the majestic saguaro flourish. Arizona's state flower is the Saguaro blossom. Tucson is the commercial, cultural and urban center for Southern Arizona. Home to the University of Arizona and their popular Wildcats sports programs, Tucson sits 60 miles north of the US-Mexico border. Nogales, south of Tucson, is Arizona's largest border town melded with its twin Nogales in Sonora Mexico. Crossing the border in Nogales, although busy, is straight-forward and relatively simple.

El Tour de Tucson is called one the premier organized US bicycling events in the US. The 2010 El Tour will be held November 20th with a variety of events for all ages and abilities. An alternative stationary cycling event is offered indoors the week prior and at the finish line on race day. The Fun Ride with 8 and 4 miles courses is great for youngsters, families and groups. There is even a special short course for tricycles, training wheels, and baby trailers. The big rides include a 109 miles course (longest) or 80, 66 and 35 miles options. Whether you come for fun, competition or exercise you will have a great time. The El Tour Downtown Fiesta goes on throughout the day near the finish line, with live music, food and festivities.

Tucson's Many Mouths One Stomach arts collective organizes an All Souls Procession in the city for November. The 2010 All Souls Procession will take place the weekend of November 5th through the 7th. Inspired by Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, the procession is organized as a public ceremony to honor those who have passed. The events include installation art, performers and creative expressions celebrating the lives of loved ones. The procession ends with the burning of a large urn filled with the written prayers, hopes, wishes and offerings of participants. This is a unique and special event for residents and visitors to Southern Arizona.

Best Western Hotels of Arizona offer three outstanding properties for visitors to Tucson. The Best Western InnSuites Tucson Foothills Hotel and Suites in north Tucson in the Catalina Foothills. The Best Western Las Brisas Hotel-Tucson Airport south of the city offers air travelers free shuttle service. The Best Western Royal Sun Inn and Suites is close to the University of Arizona with easy access to Interstate 10.