Oro Valley--commuting to UofA, pizza? (Tucson, Flowing Wells: university, live in, restaurants)

[OVnewbie]

We just moved to Oro Valley from the DC suburbs. Love the views, but the driving is, uh, more than we're used to. (We never had to go into DC, only went in for art/entertainment.) I'll be commuting to the U of A ... anyone have opinions on the fastest route into town ... the most enjoyable, if we have extra time? and how long can I expect it to take at rush hour?

Also, we love pizza. Where is the best? Any places we should avoid? (Peter Piper, perhaps?)

[RickTucsonHomes]

From Oro Valley head south to Orange Grove, then East to 1st ave. South on 1st ave, it changes into Euclid and drops you into the west side campus area.
30-40 minutes depending on traffic and where you live in OV.

Out in Oro Valley area there is great pizza at Mama Louise's, SW corner of Magee and Oracle. It's kind of hidden away over on the side. Lots of good places by campus from what everyone says.

[Bummer]

Welcome, OVnewbie,

I agree with Just Me . . . South to Orange Grove, East to 1st Avenue and then South to the University.

As for the best pizza . . . the Chicago Pizza joint next to the Holiday Inn is long gone so no help here.

[joskel]

"
Also, we love pizza. Where is the best? Any places we should avoid? (Peter Piper, perhaps?)"

Check Romeel's Tucson Restaurant Reviews . He is an assistant professor at the UA who likes to eat out. There are sections on Pizza and Italian and a section on University Eats. Perhaps these will be helpful to you.

Have a great day.
Joseph

[azhiker]

I guess I agree with the route suggested, except I'd wonder if continuing down First all the way down would be faster than First south until River, then cutting over to Campbell and going down (the way I always go).

As to pizza, in OV, there's Angelina's on the corner of First and Tangerine that is excellent but pricey.

Down by the University at the corner of Campbell and 6th, there's Grimaldi's. They use a coal fired oven, the pizza is great, and reasonably priced. Can't go wrong there.

[RickTucsonHomes]

Also, if you are new to Oro Valley you might want to check out the Oro Valley Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning, coffee, pastries, fresh local grown veggies etc. Makes for a nice relaxing morning venture.

[DreamworksSKG]

I went to U of A for one semester but left because it was too different from my moderate liberal lifestyle in the Boston area. Tucson and Arizona is nice to visit, but I couldn't live there due to my different political views from the majority of people who live there.--

that said, I enjoy visiting Arizona from time to time and it is beautiful country.

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A suggestion to get to U of A from Oro Valley would be
W Lambert Ln to N. La Canada Dr.
L on N. La Canada Dr. and go south toward Tucson
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After W. River Rd. down by the Tucson Mall vicinity
it will cross W River Rd.
cross W River Rd and N. La Canada Dr. will turn into
N. Flowing Wells Rd.
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Take N. Flowing Wells Rd.
to W. Grant Rd.
at W. grant Rd turn L onto W. Grant
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take W. Grant to E. Grant to
N. Stone Ave. and turn R
follow N. Stone Ave and cross Speedway at the lights
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Continue on N. Stone Ave. -
and turn L onto E. 2nd St. which will take you to the West Side of Campus entrance.
at (E james Rogers Way)
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*ENJOY*
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Just be thankful you're commuting in Tucson
you could be commuting here in Boston :-)
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[DreamworksSKG]

The good thing about La Canada Dr. is its double lane on both sides for much of the route. -

[StockholmGTR]

As for pizza... Go to Rocco's on Broadway. Here is their website. They have great food.
www.roccoslittlechicago.com/