TUCSON-FANTASTIC WINTER VACATION !

January is dragging on and your back is hurting. Your cheeks are red, your ears are numb and you still have not shovelled the sidewalk yet. It is at this time that your mind drifts to a sunny beach in the Bahama's or a golf course in Palm Springs. Then your mind goes straight to the very gruesome thought of the ugly fellow sticking his hands down your pants and checking for explosives at the not so friendly TSA checkpoint out at the airport. Nope, flying is out of the question, but where can I go and have some fun that won't break the bank and I can thaw out? Try TUCSON, ARIZONA ! It is very affordable, it is sunny, the golfing is some of the best in the country and you will spend two weeks and not see the same thing twice. Bet you didn't know that did you? The best part is, if your just dying for some more snow, you can always get that also at a local ski slope on top of the mountain's that are almost in town. Here is a great itinerary for you to enjoy a couple of weeks in the Southwest Desert.

Some Tucson Sights and Sounds to visit !

Tucson was founded by Spanish Missionaries back in 1692. They first constructed the very ornate and beautiful San Xavier Mission ( http://sanxaviermission.org/Index.html ) and you do need to check their website out. This mission is absolutely stunning and it is only 15 minutes from Downtown Tuscon. Do spend a half day touring and visiting this mission. Bring your camera and enjoy the hospitality. It is still a working Catholic mission to this day, not to mention it's beautiful desert landscaping. Well worth your time.

Old Tucson ( http://www.oldtucson.com/ ), no this is actually not the authentic Old Tucson. This is the famous movie set " Old Tucson ". This is an actual town complete with saloons ( where you saddle up to the bar and enjoy a Sarsaparilla with your pardner ), watch the old cowpoke shoe a horse, or a gunfight on main-street. It is dusty, it is authentic and it is a hoot of a good time. While your meandering your way around town, be sure to look closely. You can almost see Dean Martin stumbling back out the front door of the Sheriff's office. You can hear the Duke in his slow drawl tell some " pilgrim " he needs to saddle up and get out of town. This is the site where most of the famous historical western movie's were filmed. The list is actually very long of the award winning actors and actresses that have strode the streets of this famous rendition of " Old Tucson ". The Clanton gang died in the corrals here, John Wayne rescued his grandson from the clutches of the evil Richard Boone here and the memories are some you will treasure by visiting here. Do allow yourself a full day for visiting Old Tucson. ps: Don't forget some sun screen and a straw hat.

Tombstone, Arizona: About an hour south of Tucson is the authentic site of probably the most famous shootout in American history. This is the site of where the actual Clanton gang met their demise at the hands of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. You can walk in their ghostly footsteps at the O.K. Corral ( http://www.ok-corral.com/ ) then mosey on down to the Chrystal Palace Saloon ( http://www.crystalpalacesaloon.com/ ) for a cold one. This is the Saloon where Wyatt and Virgil Earp started their gambling revenue in Tombstone. If memory serves me correctly this is also the site of the murder of Morgan Earp on the porch. Although I could be wrong about that. If I am, somebody correct me. Tombstone is lively, it is just filled to the brim with history of the Southwest. The mountains just out of town toward the south are the mountains that the famous Cochise held off the U.S.Army for so many years and forced a truce. Tombstone is not that expensive to take in and while there, do not forget to visit the World Famous Boot Hill Cemetery. This is the site of probably the most famous grave marker in the world. See photo beside. You will want to allow for a complete day to visit Tombstone, there is just to much to see and do in this quaint little town. Most of the town is the same today as it was back in 1880, except now their is electricity.

Golfing in Tucson ( http://www.tucsoncitygolf.com/ ) is a must for you golfers out there. The back drops of the mountains in the winter, are usually snow capped and they are truly gorgeous. There are many municipal courses in town and of course if your staying at some of the world class resorts you can play there courses. Check this website if your inclined to want to stay at one of the finest resort locations in the world today. ( http://www.visittucson.org/visitor/accommodations/resorts/ ) While your golfing your bride can be pampered at the spa with the many amenities that are available at most these resorts.

Dining out in Tucson: I am only going to make one plug for one restaurant in this great city. The fact is there are to many good places to eat. I will say that the Mexican Food in Tucson is unsurpassed for those of you that love Mexican. Italian is also at the top of the list for great food. And no, I am not including the chain restaurants. Their were many Italian families that immigrated to Tucson a century ago, and there are several restaurants in town that have been operating for 50 plus years and it is authentic. Great Italian and Mexican in Tucson. However you cannot hit the Southwestern United States where cows were king, without mentioning one of the greatest Prime Rib and Steak Houses that I personally have ever eaten at. You must hit the El Corral Steakhouse ( http://www.superpages.com/bp/Tucson-AZ/El-Corral-Steakhouse-L0140621999.htm ) when in Tucson. The cut Prime Ribs ranging from ladies cuts to MONSTER CUTS and their steaks are to drool over. They have a desert at El Corral named Mud Pie that is a chocolate junkies death nail. I still get the shakes every-time I think of it. That Mud Pie is truly to die for.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: For those of you that itchy feet, do keep in mind that Tucson is very strategically located. It is two hours from Phoenix and Scottsdale. It is only a 6 hour drive from Palm Springs and Southern California. And of course you have the Grand Canyon about 5 hours north. My recommendation to you is this. If your hankering for a fun, easy going and affordable couple of weeks or maybe for the entire snow season, then do consider Tucson. I lived their for years and miss it. Can't say I miss the summer's as yes, the temperature is usually around 105, but for the winter, there is no place better. Enjoy and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section or drop me an email at ( kwrcrow@gmail.com ). I would love to hear from. Until next time, God Bless and travel safely. Ken