Desert Travel

Breathing Space: Tucson's Arizona Inn

Arizona Inn Succulents Photo © Alice Joyce

The Arizona Inn has provided a welcoming retreat for travelers to Tucson since the 1930s. Although the historic 14-acre property now features all mod cons – contemporary amenities that seem so necessary, I wonder how I functioned without wi-fi – the hotel accommodations and landscaped gardens have retained a genteel quietude and gracious ambiance guests associate with the notable surroundings.

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Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Moorish Garden Photo © Alice Joyce

Springtime is a particularly lovely time of year to tour the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Located in the very heart of the city, the Gardens comprise an engaging layout of specially designed spaces where you’ll experience visual delights while taking in the enlightening educational aspects of each area. Near the Gardens Gift Shop you’ll encounter the Porter Patio Garden which surrounds the former home of Bernice and Rutger Porter. Look for mature specimens of olive, myrtle, pomegranate and citrus in this welcoming spot.

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Botanical Gardens

Tucson Travel: Tohono Chul Park

Tohono Chul Moorish Garden Photo © Alice Joyce

Touring Tucson in early Springtime is a treat for the senses…

Having looked forward to exploring the Sonoran Desert city, I was rewarded with beautiful March weather for my foray to Tohono Chul Park, finding the paths abloom with Sophora secundiflora trees.

Sophora secundiflora blooms

The Park is a welcoming setting for all who revel in the natural world, share a love of art, and wish to learn about the

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