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August is perhaps the final month you’d choose to go to Arizona, except sweat lodges are your jam.
Dry warmth might beat humidity, however 115 levels is 115 levels any means you slice it.
With the A/C blasting, driving by means of Arizona is without doubt one of the most lovely states within the nation, the place some areas’ landscapes resemble Mars, and others boast seemingly infinite canyons lined with quintessential cacti.
Located exterior Arizona’s largest metropolis, Phoenix, is the stylish suburb of Scottsdale.
Oddly sufficient, many would argue it is much more of a draw – a uncommon place the place the ‘burbs outshine the metropolis.
While the pretty mountain town is brimming with world-class delicacies, procuring, resorts, and nightlife, there’s a component of cheesiness that may’t go unnoticed.
I imply, what number of turquoise trinkets may you probably want in Old Town?
However, additional south in what looks as if the center of nowhere lies the hip metropolis of Tucson, a extra genuine, much less crowded vacation spot, and certainly, Arizona’s most underrated getaway.
Swap Luxury For Authenticity This Fall
As I’m typing this sentence, Scottsdale’s thermostats learn 109 levels, whereas Tucson is not far behind at 105.
As summer time winds down, and not quick sufficient in Arizona, fall is a good time to go to the ‘Grand Canyon State’.
Statewide temps drop like flies as soon as summer time involves an in depth, making the desert an attractive vacation spot as soon as once more.
But earlier than you pull the set off on a ritzy Scottsdale resort, contemplate what Tucson has to supply. They’re lots alike in some methods and complete opposites in others.
Scottsdale tries to be genuine the identical means Cabo does by showcasing items of the previous in San Jose del Cabo’s metropolis heart, a near-desperate plea to vacationers basically saying, “Ignore the shiny resorts! We didn’t forget our roots!”.
Scottsdale constructed all these good issues starting from globally famend eating places to lavish resorts, however then perusing Old Town turns into considerably of a cornball, exuding the sense they’re merely attempting too onerous.
Tucson however is greater than only a school city and would not should attempt, residing up the nickname of the ‘Old Pueblo’ with centuries-old missions and longstanding saloons.
Scottsdale would outline itself as a luxurious getaway whereas Tucson embraces a what-you-see-is-what-you-get angle, but nonetheless providing grand motels, astounding nature to discover, and remnants from the Old West.
Tip: Tucson’s JW Marriott is the right place to trip, residence to resort-style swimming pools and a lazy river backdropped by picturesque mountains
Avoid Grand Canyon Crowds: Explore Arizona’s Overlooked Saguaro
Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon gotta be within the prime 2 most visited locations within the state.
But southern Arizona appears to be forgotten on the maps of many.
Those who’ve skipped this a part of the state are doing themselves a disservice.
No, there is probably not the identical epic views the Grand Canyon affords, however Saguaro isn’t any snoozefest.
If you are unaware, saguaros are a kind of cactus, and this park lives as much as the identify with infinite rows of cacti excellent for photo-ops.
Just be cautious that regardless of these cacti wanting like they’re posing for a hug, that is a good way to place your first support package to make use of.
Saguaro National Park is lower than half-hour from Tucson and ideal for satisfying scenic hikes, wildlife recognizing, and stargazing come dusk – all with out preventing for house.
Entry fees vary from $15-25 relying if you happen to drive in or stroll in.
An Under-hyped Foodie Heaven
Tucson might fly below the radar, nevertheless it goes neck and neck with Scottsdale’s meals scene. Although, but once more, the argument being Tucson is extra genuine.
Located simply an hour north of Mexico’s state of Sonora, it goals to showcase native Southwest aptitude blended with a heavy affect on Mexican delicacies, together with low-cost eats like Sonoran Hot Dogs.
But the extremely flavorful delicacies goes means deeper than that. So a lot so the meals scene as an entire has obtained UNESCO recognition.
Hole-in-the-walls, meals festivals, wineries, breweries, you identify it, and Tucson has it.
Tip: Check out Tumerico – Yelp’s #1 restaurant in America.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
