Visiting Tucson and Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona with nearly 350 days of sunshine make a delightful winter getaway. Tucson events include the world's largest gem, mineral and fossil showcase and the Fiesta del los Vaqueros, not to forget the seemingly endless golf options including El Rio - Trini Alvarez Golf Course, the original site of the PGA Tucson Open. Automobile travelers pass through historic communities like Casa Grande with its charming downtown area filled with landmarks on the National Historic Register. Don’t miss a stop at the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and Museum housed in the Old Rock Church in historic Casa Grande. Enjoy winter like never before, in Southern Arizona.

The 2012 Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase runs January 28th through February 12th at venues throughout Tucson. The Tucson Convention Center hosts the main event, The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, February 9th through the 12th. The 58th annual show is the largest in the US, featuring exhibits, Saturday Night Dinner as well as auctions, lectures and seminars.

PRCA fans join the best rodeo athletes in the country for La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. The first major PRCA event for 2012, the Tucson Rodeo, features more than 650 cowboys and cowgirls in competition February 18th through the 26th. Don’t miss the Tucson Rodeo Parade along Park Avenue Thursday morning and the nightly Coors Barn Dances. Bring the young ones to enjoy the Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and Justin Junior Rodeo - the rodeo is fun for all ages.

Airplane enthusiasts plan now to visit the 2012 Cactus Fly-In the first full weekend in March. Hosted by the Arizona Antique Aircraft Association, the fly-in is held at the Casa Grande Fire Training Facility on the Casa Grande Municipal Airport grounds. This is an uncontrolled airport making the location ideal. The 2012 Cactus Fly-In runs March 2nd through March 4th featuring aircraft competition, forums and social events. Join like-minded airplane enthusiasts for a great weekend of camaraderie and networking in Casa Grande’s beautiful spring weather.

Yuma, near the Mexico border in Southern Arizona, is one of the sunniest cities in the US. The winter weather is ideal for a getaway, vacation or seasonal home. Bordered by the Colorado River to the west and Baja California and Sonora Mexico to the south, Yuma’s southwestern Arizona location is a crossroads for travelers.

Athletes kick off your New Year’s training with the Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon. Organized by the Caballeros de Yuma and sponsored by the Cocopah Casino, the Yuma Territorial Marathon start and finish is at the Cocopah Casino. With ideal weather for athletes, this is a great Marathon to begin 2012 – join the fun and competition January 28th.

Automobile enthusiasts, hit the road to Yuma for the 2012 Midnight at the Oasis. The 20th annual car show is March 2nd through the 4th. Filled with nostalgia, Midnight at the Oasis features over 1,000 beautifully restored cars and plenty of entertainment. Don’t miss performances by The Grass Roots and Paul Revere and the Raiders, and be sure to enter the raffle for the 1966 Mustang GT Coupe.

Tucson and Southern Arizona Hotel Map