We moved to Tucson about 4 years ago and appreciate the city more and more as we continue to explore. We're dedicated "foodies" as well as avid hikers so my comments reflect those priorities.
The desert here is uniquely lush and beautiful. The less crowded trails are on the West side of town. I recommend Painted Hills for a gentle introduction, and Starr Pass or Hidden Canyon if you're up for something a bit hillier. All can be done as out-and-backs in an hour or so. Sabino Canyon on the NE side is over-run most of the time. We avoid it like the plague for that reason, beautiful as it is. Finger Rocks or Pima Trail are better bets but as this is peak season you still need to get there well before 9 a.m. if you hope to find parking.
Having lived in México for fiver years we think the so-called Sonoran cuisine here is severely over-rated and quite bland. The worst places are tourist traps like El Charro that charge ~$15 a plate for food that can be had at places like St. Mary's Mexican on Anklam or Taqueria Juanito for half that price (and much better quality).
Much more exciting are some of the cutting-edge places using local ingredients in innovative ways that earned Tucson its UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Barrio Bread on Eastbourne near Broadway is run by James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra and is well worth a pilgrimage. Ditto with Monsoon Chocolate, a brew pub with phenomenal food (try their daily specials, fried chicken or Zip Burger) called Ermano's on South Fourth Avenue, specialty grocery store Time Market and another brew pub called The Parish. Miss Saigon for Vietnamese and authentic Szechuan cuisine at Jung Dynasty are also recommended.
Hope you enjoy your visit!
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