National Geographic Mentions Tucson City of Gastronomy

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Well, well, well… All of us locals know that Tucson is known for its amazing Mexican food, but now there’s recognition from National Geographic! We, of course, have a great selection of Tucson accolades, here is a collection of our food-related ones. If you want to jump straight to restaurants we love, you are more than welcome to do so.

Back in 2015 Tucson was awarded the first US city with the Capital of Gastronomy designation and joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Naturally, we covered the decision here, and so did the Smithsonian Magazine. The Gastronomy award is not the only foodie mention we’ve got. Not by a long shot.

La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Not Just National Geographic

Just recently the Washington Post recognized La Estrella Bakery for their amazing pan de muerto and other traditional Mexican treats. Also, Forbes magazine mentioned local Carlotta Flores of El Charro as one of 50 over 50 to keep an eye on. She has several Charro restaurants, all with a slightly different spin and all delicious.

We also love Tucson Meet Yourself, colloquially known as “Tucson Eat Yourself.” Here you will find not only amazing Mexican food but food from all over the world. All brought to you by Tucson citizens sharing their cuisine, a melting pot if you will. A pot you can eat a lot of great food out of.

Pretty please don’t take our word for it. Come check us out, we are so much more than the food. There are dozens of reasons to visit Tucson whether it’s our spectacular sunsets or the hiking trails. Are you in town for a celebration? Be sure to pick up some local beer & wine for an intoxicating taste of the area. Thinking of retiring here? It’s a good choice, Tucson is rated one of the best for retirement living.

Whatever brings you here, we’re certain you’ll want to stay.

http://seetucsonhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/National-Geographic-Traveller-Food.pdf

One of the Most Playable City for Kids

Kid Friendly city, Tucson AZ One of the Most Playful Cities

Tucson Designated a Kid Friendly City

Tucson is such a kid friendly city. So much that it was honored with the most playable city for the 10th year in a row by KaBOOM.  KaBOOM is a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of kids.

Kaboom states that, “Children are missing out on the childhood they deserve. Play is disappearing at home, at school and in communities, particularly for the 16 million children living in poverty.”

Play is so important to the physical, emotional and mental development of children. Living in a place that emphasizes community and has a diverse offering of activities for children is a key component to raising a well-rounded healthy adult.

I can confidently say that the sense of community in Tucson is present, abundant and thriving. People love and support the community here. It is one of the many things that makes Tucson a special place to me.

Balanced and active play is crucial to the well-being of kids and the communities that they thrive in. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of Playful Cities USA are working to attract and retain the thousands of families that want homes in close proximity to safe places to play.”

There is an abundance of great places for kids to play in Tucson. There are museums, soccer fields, playgrounds, parks, gyms, classes and lots of outdoor activities. The list of kid friendly things to do and explore in Tucson is never-ending.

Have a great day,
Tony Ray
(520) 631-TONY (8669)
Free relocation package and Tucson fun info

50 Over 50 Accomplished Women

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Congratulations to Carlotta Flores who made this year’s “50 Over 50: Vision“ in Forbes Magazine! Carlotta is the visionary owner of El Charro Café in downtown Tucson. You may have heard that Tucson is a Unesco City of Gastronomy. Carlotta Flores is a big part of what makes us the best 23 miles of Mexican Food in the States. Flores took the reins from its founder in 1972 and grew the business from a single café to multiple restaurants, over 400 employees, and a licensing and branding deal with MGM Grand in Las Vegas! That takes vision, dedication, and planning. In addition to all that Flores is an integral part of the Tucson community. She has a pay-it-forward mindset and according to her son Ray she reminds people that “sometimes you need to give more than you get to get somewhere.” Flores has been volunteering for over 20 years in Tucson and has served on several boards. She met the woman who nominated her, Rosalie Crowe, through the University of Arizona’s Chicano/Hispanic Student Affairs & Resource Center.

Unbelievable

El Charro Cafe
El Charro Cafe
Flores told the Arizona Daily Star that even though she spoke with the editor of the list, Maggie McGrath, a couple of days before the announcement she still didn’t believe it. Flores kept waiting for someone to ask for money to finalize the nomination but it never came. When the 50 over 50 news hit Tucson social media it began to sink in that the honor was actually real. No one around Flores has any doubt that she deserves the award. In 2019 the heart of the operation, El Charro Café, was a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award. That award recognized exceptional talent and vision in the culinary world. She may not have won that one (even though we believe she should have,) being on the Forbes list of 50 over 50 is nothing to slouch about. Congratulations Carlotta, you deserve all the goodness that comes your way. Download A PDF Copy of the Article “50 Over 50: Vision” From Forbes.com

Tucson Ranks in Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021

Travel And Leisure Rank Tucson Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021
Travel And Leisure Rank Tucson Top 50 Places to Visit in 2021

According to Travel & Leisure, our very own desert jewel Tucson is ranked #45 in their top 50 list of places to visit in 2021. And let’s face it, after 2020 we are ready to spread our wings and fly. For some of us, we don’t have to go far since we already live in paradise!

What They Said

Hotel Tuxon
Hotel Tuxon

T&L acknowledges that while we’ve often been in the shadows of our larger more metropolitan sisters like Phoenix and Santa Fe. However, we were catering to the wellness crowd years before “wellness” was really a thing. Our beautiful rolling vistas are a favorite of spas, outdoor enthusiasts, and artists.  

As beautiful as we are, we are also quirky and filled with personality. The accommodation for out-of-town visitors is unparalleled. From the Tuxon to Hotel McCoy you’re sure to enjoy the personality these venues offer. Or perhaps you’re looking for something a little less commercial. The Joshua Tree House Tucson boasts 5 beautiful suites backed up right next to the Saguaro National Park.  

Did you know that Tucson ranks gold as a bike city? Oh yea, it’s so great for cyclists that a new bike guest ranch is in the works to cater specifically to bicyclists! The Bike Ranch will be Tucson’s first sustainable eco-resort.

Come On Down

Yes, we know that 2021 is halfway over but we are confident that Tucson is going to remain in the top places to visit for years to come. We’ve already been identified as one of the top cities poised for recovery after the pandemic. Don’t believe us? Well, you’ll just have to come visit and make up your mind, it’s okay, we’ll wait.