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New York Times highlights Tucson tourism in '36 hours' series

Posted at 4:06 PM, Sep 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-20 19:39:48-04

Tucson is over two-thousand miles away from The City That Never Sleeps, but New York's most notable publication is giving Tucson some special attention in an article published Thursday.

The New York Times spent time in the Old Pueblo recently, highlighting 36 hours worth of culinary experiences and outdoor fun.

Reporter Elaine Glusac with the Times makes the comparison that Austin is to Texas as Tucson is to Arizona.

"In this outspoken university town, artists, intellectuals and athletes share their passions for good food and outdoor fun," Glusac said.

The locations the article focuses on mostly near midtown with Saguaro National Park being the outlier.

Popular outdoor spots received mentions, including Tumamoc Hill, or as the article refers to it, "Natural Stairmaster:"

Some run the 1.5-mile route that switchbacks uphill, but most find the 700-foot rise aerobically demanding enough to keep to a brisk hiking pace. A series of transmission towers and signs that say “Stop Walking” mark the top, but the views of Tucson and its surrounding mountains plus the groves of saguaros picketing the hillside help distract from the challenge of the ascent.

RELATED: Best places to hike in the Tucson area

The journey continues, giving the Nation's First City of Gastronomy much deserved attention for its food. El Charro, Boca Tacos, Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails, Hotel Congress, and Welcome Diner are some of the spots listed.

"The raucous Hotel Congress, earsplitting as a hotel but essential on the nightlife circuit, offers four bars, a spacious outdoor patio and even a coffee shop for late-night tacos," Glusac said.

While covering an entire city in 36 hours is a challenging feat, notable staples were left off the list including Mount Lemmon, the Sonoran Desert Museum, Eegees, and Catalina State Park.

Here's a map of all the locations the article covers.