Morning
Breakfast at the Cup Cafe
The Cup Cafe describes itself as a "historic modern bistro." This is fitting, considering it is located inside Tucson's historic Hotel Congress. This is the hotel where the Dillinger gang famously tried to make their escape by jumping off the second floor when the hotel caught fire. Today, the Cup Cafe is one downtown's most popular destinations for morning brunch, lunch, and dinner. The food is creative, eclectic, and genuinely delicious.
Explore the Tucson Museum of Art's Historic Block
The Tucson Museum of Art's historic block of properties is located on the corner of what was once the Presidio of San Augustin del Tucson, established back in August of 1775. Today, you can see remnants of the original Spanish Presidio, which was bounded by present-day Main Avenue, Pennington Street, Church Avenue, and Washington Street. Originally, the Presido's walls stood 12 feet high and were three feet thick. Other historic buildings and properties surround the Tucson Museum of Art, many of which offer daily guided or self-guided tours.
Photo courtesy of Mission San Xavier del Bac
Afternoon
Lunch at El Charro Cafe
As any Tucson native knows, El Charro Cafe is the oldest family-run Mexican food restaurant in the country. Today, the cafe is still a popular destination on quiet Court Avenue. The food is fresh, tasty, and presented with a gourmet twist. Enjoy the warmth of the downtown ambiance, and don't forget to stop in next door at La Tiendita, the restaurant's charming gift shop.
Head South to Mission San Xavier del Bac
The "white dove on the desert" has been a sight to behold for over 300 years now. Wander into the hushed interior of this historic mission, witness the reverence of the parishioners, and experience the sense that Tucson's historic legacies are alive and well, even today. The small adjoining museum is well worth exploring.
DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun
On the opposite end of town, soak in the history of Ted DeGrazia's home and work studio. The son of Italian immigrants, DeGrazia adopted Tucson and the Southwest as his home and subject throughout his long and successful artistic career. DeGrazia built his home and studio on the 10-acre foothills site in the early 1950s, and today it stands as a unique reminder of the artist's legacy and the inspiration he took from the Tucson desert.
Evening
Dinner and Drinks at the Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant
This historic 1860s landmark is located across the street from the Convention Center in downtown Tucson. The menu is eclectic, featuring Southwestern-infused appetizers and European entrees. The ambiance here is lively yet relaxed, and guests can choose to enjoy dinner and cocktails in the main dining room or on one of the garden patios.
