The southern Arizona city of Tucson is a gem and mineral treasure chest. If you are a fan of beautiful artwork crafted from precious materials then Tucson is your Mecca.
Located on a desert plain in the middle of an impressive ring of mountains, the southern Arizona city of Tucson has been called many things. Originally the name Tucson derives from the Spanish name for the city, which means “at the base of the black hill”. Native Indians also refer to it as “The Old Pueblo”, or The Old Place. But if you want a real understanding of what makes this desert destination tick, then spend some time in its modern museums, and don’t forget to take the option of lodging at one of the luxury Hotels in Tucson. Absorbing the culture, arts and history of any place will put you in good stead to go forth and have a great experience of your own. There are two heavyweight museums not to be missed: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: More a zoo than a museum, this world-famous destination displays an amazing collection of the surrounding desert creatures in their natural habitat. About half an hour drive from the city centre, the museum is located in the middle of the Sonoran desert. Just the drive is worth your time, with breathtaking views of the mountain ranges in abundance. Walking paths snake around the desert here, and without a watch you can easily let a whole day slide by enjoying this attraction. For any visitor staying in Tucson for more than one day, this is a must see destination. The Arizona State Museum is located in Tucson; founded in 1893 it is a treasure trove of information about both pre-historic history, and the Native peoples of Arizona. For over a millennia Native Americans have lived in the area; and the State Museum shines a light on their different ways of living, art, communications, and how they continue to be engaged today. Because the Museum is operated by the University of Arizona, it’s up-to-date and continues to evolve. For a visitor this means there are many hands on exhibitions, and you can even become involved in a current investigation or local archaeological digs. Hilton hotels in Tucson offer the perfect base to visit these magical museums.
Peter Merifield is a London-based freelance journalist with a mission to make you a better and happier human being. Drawing attention to the peculiarities of life in the modern age is all part of the package.Check out his other articles for everything you need to know about travel destinations and hotels.
