Terrific Tucson: Get Away Now

Few qualities are more favorable to a vacationing golfer than idyllic climate, resplendent scenery, vibrant events and myriad attractions. That’s my favorite foursome; judging by Tucson’s extraordinary popularity, I’m not alone in thinking so.

Tucson qualifies on every count — and dramatically expands the list. This centuries-old destination is supernaturally enticing, underscored by a vibrant and burgeoning metropolis made even more luscious by soaring mountainscapes and saguaro-punctuated vistas that stretch all the way to Mexico.

With daytime temperatures cooling rapidly, there is no better time to schedule an escape to Old Pueblo. Here are four recommendations that promise to add considerable panache to any itinerary:

1. The Tucson Basin’s golf experience offers more than 40 courses, many of which sport the world-class design monikers of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Jay Morrish, Tom Weiskopf, Robert Trent Jones and others. Among the area’s must-plays: 27-hole Omni Tucson National Resort (click here for a specially priced Girlfriends’ Getaway), 27-hole Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (click here for an unlimited golf package), Sewailo (click here for a specially priced golf deal), 36-hole Ventana Canyon, 27-hole Dove Mountain and 27-hole La Paloma.

2. Prepare to be pampered by overnighting at one of Tucson’s acclaimed resort properties, including the Forbes Four Star-awarded Casino Del Sol Resort, luxurious The Lodge at Ventana Canyon and Loews Ventana Canyon, captivating The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, superlative Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and the undeniably enriching Canyon Ranch.

3. Immerse yourself in the region’s renowned arts, culture, cuisine and sports during some of Tucson’s signature events. Highlights include the All Souls Procession (Nov. 5-6), Loft Film Fest (Nov. 9-13), the 9,000-cyclists-strong 33^rd Annual El Tour de Tucson (Nov. 19), holiday shopping during the 47^th Annual 4^th Avenue Winter Street Fair (Dec. 9-11), NCAA-sanctioned NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl football game (Dec. 30), Tucson Jazz Festival (Jan. 12-22) and the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase (Jan. 28-Feb. 12).

4. Scrapbook memories are realized in Kodacolor splendor by visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Biosphere 2, Pima Air & Space Museum, Colossal Cave Mountain Park and the infamous OK Corral in nearby Tombstone.

Tucson is located 90 minutes south of Phoenix and about 70 minutes north of the Mexican border. For more information go online to visittucson.org.

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ALSO SEE: 2016-2017 Fall & Winter Desert Travel Guide

10% off at Troon North with promo code Dynamite10
Exclusive Deal: $25 off at Verrado Golf Club
Tucson Girlfriends’ Getaway with Golf, Spa, VIP Dinner, Starting at $409
$10 off at We-Ko-Pa with promo code AVID
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Stay & Play from $89
Taste Tucson’s Top 10 Craft Beers
Get Spoiled in Old Pueblo
Under the Tucson Sun
Four Days in Tucson 

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Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.