Suggestions on what to do/where to eat (Tucson: hotel, school) - Arizona (AZ) - City-Data Forum

crazyme4878 · 08-27-2008, 11:15 PM

Finally, next Tuesday (Sept. 2) I get to spend the day and night in Tucson (cross our fingers--I have already had to reschedule three times).

My problem is, I don't know what to do or where to eat! The main objective is to get a solid night sleep, but I still want to do things during the day.

I have been window shopping on 4th Street already. Plus I'm not much of a shopper. We are members at the Desert Museum, so I have already been there plenty of times. Maybe a hike? But I'm still adjusting to the heat, so if it is going to be hot, that won't work for me--but I am open to that (I would be hiking in the afternoon, as well, which doesn't work too well this time of the year). I love to read and write--maybe someone could suggest a great bookstore or a great coffee shop?

My other problem is deciding where to eat dinner that night. I have looked at past threads on this topic, but I still don't know. There are just so many choices! Cafe Poca Cosa looked really nice, but A)I'm not sure of the prices and B)I like to read while I'm eating alone and it doesn't seem like the place to eat alone, much less whip out a book. Sooooo...any suggestions on a place for a vegetarian, eating alone, reading a book, and wanting an alcoholic beverage? I have already been to Lovin' Spoonfuls and the Casbah, so I would like to try somewhere new. I like just about any ethnic food, but Chinese and Mexican come low on the list (Mexican because I can't help but think how easy and cheaper it is to make at home).

Location within Tucson isn't much of a problem. Any good ideas for lunch would also be much appreciated.

Thank you!

michael krotchie · 08-28-2008, 09:04 AM

Hmm you might want to check out Zemam's, I've heard great things about their food and their vegetarian selection is extensive. Might make it hard to read a book though while you're eating with your hands!

Govinda's is worth a look for Indian cuisine also.

If you are a photography fan check out this exhibit (http://www.tucsoneventscalendar.com/cgi-bin/calendar/view.cgi?date=2008-9-2&id=4&event_id=30967 - broken link) at the UofA's Center for Creative Photography (CCP) that is on display September 2nd. Would also give you a chance to wander around campus if you're so inclined.

crazyme4878 · 08-28-2008, 09:25 AM

Thank you so much! I think I will go see the photography exhibit. He seems right up my alley. And there must be a good coffee shop somewhere around campus. I was only on campus once, about 10 years ago so walking around would be something interesting to do, and with school just starting, I won't look like a moron wandering around lost and aimlessly!

I saw Govinda on the internet and they looked interesting. Has anyone been there? I think I will go to Zemams. It looks very interesting. We live in tiny towns so often, that I want to take advantage of living so close to Tucson right now. Zemams seems to fit that bill! However, I'm still open to suggestions.

ZonyPony · 08-28-2008, 10:28 AM

Regarding bookstores, check out Bookman's at Speedway and Wilmot, my personal favorite! Plus, they have two other locations as well.

Barnes & Noble Bookseller has two stores. Borders Books also has two locations. Enjoy!

crazyme4878 · 08-28-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

Regarding bookstores, check out Bookman's at Speedway and Wilmot, my personal favorite! Plus, they have two other locations as well.

Thank you! I love to puruse bookstores, especially locally owned ones and especially recommended ones! I use to work in a bookstore, and although it didn't have the huge responsibilities and nice sounding titles of some of my other jobs, it remains my favorite to this day. And it is one thing I can't do too well with my kids in tow...so I think it will be a must, for at least an hour, on Tuesday.

Mi_Mom · 08-28-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyme4878

Thank you! I love to puruse bookstores, especially locally owned ones and especially recommended ones! I use to work in a bookstore, and although it didn't have the huge responsibilities and nice sounding titles of some of my other jobs, it remains my favorite to this day. And it is one thing I can't do too well with my kids in tow...so I think it will be a must, for at least an hour, on Tuesday.

Absolutely agree. We've been here since March and just went for our first time last week. I was IN heaven in that place. It's fantastic. I went 3 times in one week.

crazyme4878 · 08-28-2008, 02:30 PM

Sounds like I have my day planned out! MI-Mom--you definitely convinced me! So I will puruse Bookman's, then on to campus to visit the photo exhibition, gawking, and reading/writing at a coffee shop. Check in to the hotel, relax, go out to eat, and then be a total bum in the room!

Any other suggestions for dining? Or suggestions for a coffee shop and/or lunch eatery within walking distance of campus?

p.s. ZonyPony--I tried to rep you, but couldn't...

michael krotchie · 08-28-2008, 03:15 PM

I wasn't going to suggest Coffee X Change because it isn't exactly near campus, but if you're heading to Bookman's it is just catty corner from it.

Pretty chill cafe, also has wifi if you need it. And an outdoor patio area.

mdtoaz · 08-28-2008, 03:18 PM

My favorite place to eat is Feast on Speedway Feast Tasteful Takeout. They usually have some vegetarian food on the menu, and if you call ahead of time, they'll totally hook you up.

Try .:. Tucson Originals .:. for lots of great non-chain restaurants in all parts of town.

sierraAZ · 08-28-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyme4878

Sounds like I have my day planned out! MI-Mom--you definitely convinced me! So I will puruse Bookman's, then on to campus to visit the photo exhibition, gawking, and reading/writing at a coffee shop. Check in to the hotel, relax, go out to eat, and then be a total bum in the room!

Any other suggestions for dining? Or suggestions for a coffee shop and/or lunch eatery within walking distance of campus?

p.s. ZonyPony--I tried to rep you, but couldn't...

There's Starbucks ON campus. I think the Coffee Plantation across University St. from it doesn't exist anymore, but I'm not sure.

Frog & Furkin is a fun place - it's also on University. There are some stores on this street, too, as well as a decadent dessert place (can't think of its name right now).