CV VISITS — TUCSON, ARIZONA
The Tucson botanical Gardens
I fell in love with Tucson after going the past few years for the Gem Show. I enjoy the serenity of the city’s desert setting, where the essence of the old Southwest still lingers in every adobe wall and cactus silhouette. It's a place that's refreshingly unpretentious, authentic, and filled with old-school appeal. I delight in any place that transports me to a bygone era.
The first time I went was during a particularly intense June heat wave (about 110 degrees). For those considering a visit, unless you are going specifically for the Gem Show, I recommend timing it after, when the city returns to its normal rhythm and lodging becomes both more readily available and reasonably priced.
I wanted to share my favorite spots that I always make a point of going to each visit.
STAY
ARIZONA INN
2200 E. Elm StREET
Tucson, AZ 85719
Since 1930 this charming pink adobe-style inn has been family owned and operated. It is located in a quaint historic residential neighborhood, and even if I don’t stay here every visit, I always rent an Airbnb that is nearby. It is reasonably priced most of the year, but during the Gem Show (Jan-Feb.) the rates are quite high and you must make reservations well in advance. My mom threw her back out during our stay here, and they were so lovely and accommodating. They brought her Advil, ice packs, and bottles of water. These acts of service are what distinguish hotels from being good and great.
THE MARIGOLD HOUSE
For the last two years, I have been very fortunate to be able to stay at this absolutely wonderful Airbnb. It is everything that one hopes an Airbnb is going to be, which means it is well-designed, lovingly maintained, and filled with thoughtful details. I hesitate to share this gem because it is my home away from home when I attend the show but the owners are so kind and it deserves to be enjoyed by all.
EAT & DRINK
MAYNARDS
311 East Congress StREET
Tucson, AZ 85701
Housed within the historic train depot, Maynards prides itself on its commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The focaccia bread is so good.
CORONET
353 S Meyer Ave
Tucson, AZ 85701
Charming cafe by day, sultry restaurant by night in the historic Barrio Viejo. They also have a bar. The food is delicious and the setting adorable.
ANELLO
222 EAST 6TH STREET
TUCSON, AZ, 85705
A hip local pizza spot that has a wonderfully simple menu with seasonal rotations. Everything is great, including the dessert.
CERES PASTA
77 W Washington St
Tucson, AZ 85701
Open only for lunch and on select day this, this adorable spot serves freshly made pasta and soft serve ice cream.
TIME MARKET
444 E University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85705
“Tucson’s original bodega” has been operating since 1919. A cute local market where you can pick up freshly baked bread pastries, or dine in on locally made pizza or a mean breakfast sandwich.
5 POINTS MARKET
756 SOUTH STONE AVe.
TUCSON, AZ 85701
Part gourmet market, part restaurant, breakfast items like the quiche are delicious, as are the baked goods.
EL CHARRO CAFE
311 N Court Ave,
Tucson, AZ 85701
Originally founded in 1922, this is the country’s oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant. The building is quaint and charming and the food is classic.
COCTELERIA LA PALMA
1137 S 6th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
Delicious ceviches and tostados perfect on a hot day, or anytime really.
EXO COFFEE
403 N 6th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705
One of the best lattes I have ever had (I have had a lot!) is Exo’s subtle orange cardamom version, which is delicately balanced, not at all overpowering.
BAR CRISOL
403 N 6th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705
The nighttime counterpart to Exo Coffee in their second location that focuses on mezcal and artisanal cocktails in a cozy, candlelit space in the charming Barrio Viejo.
PRESTA COFFEE
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Before I hit the gem show, I always stop here for a latte and their daily pop tart, which are often sold out by 11 AM. I always bring home bags of coffee from this roaster.
TALEGA COFFEE
403 N 6th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705
A newly opened coffee shop located in the Historic Brings Building, which used to be a funeral parlor. Sipping a latte with a dash of their homemade cinnamon syrup in the lovely outdoor patio (weather permitting) is a nice way to recoup.
SHOP
DESERT VINTAGE
403 N 6th Ave. Ste 119. Tucson, AZ 85705
One of the best vintage stores in the country with the most enviable selection of pieces by classic designers like Hermes, Halston, and YSL. Every item feels special.
AVENUE
3050 E Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716
A cute local boutique with a delightful array of new designers and found vintage items. From clothes and accessories to homewares, everything feels considered and well-edited.
BON
760 S Stone Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
This store has a sophisticated offering (it is one of Diane Keaton’s favorite stores) from their own line of chic clothing to French brands like P.Le Moult and Repetto. It feels like a store you would find in Paris. I recently learned that one of my favorite Astier de Villatte scents, Tucson, was inspired by this shop.