In a perfect world, my vacations would take place in idyllic locations such as Aruba, Italy, and New Zealand. I don’t live in a perfect world with a perfect bank account. But even on a budget, I found a way to enjoy the perfect weekend getaway — right in my own backyard.
My husband and I took a drive down to Tucson, Arizona, and spent the weekend exploring some of our favorite southern Arizona destinations. We found an online deal for a Tucson bed and breakfast and took the risk, booking it sight unseen. I’m so glad we did!
The Big Blue House Inn, located in Tucson, Arizona, offers comfort and charm. Photo courtesy of Big Blue House Inn.
The Big Blue House Inn offered all I had hoped for in a bed and breakfast. Complete with wrap around porch and comfy rockers, it holds all the charm and relaxation of a Southern veranda. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine, read, rock, and watch the world go by.
From the charming fireplace and bay window reading nook to the comfortable bed and convenient kitchenette, our room offered the quiet respite we craved. We settled into leather reading chairs with a pile of magazines and books and relished the gift of doing nothing. We brewed coffee in the mornings and enjoyed coffee in bed while we planned our daily adventures.
Featuring a cozy sitting area and luxurious bed, our room offered a quiet retreat. Photo courtesy of Big Blue House Inn.
The mining town of Bisbee was tops on our list. Founded in 1880, Bisbee was home to one of the richest mineral sites in the world, producing millions of ounces of gold, copper, silver, lead, and zinc. Even today, the rich red hues of the surrounding hillsides offer a glimpse of the wealth they once produced.
The main street in Bisbee, Arizona with its famous “B” hilltop in the background.
Today, Bisbee is home to an array of artists, merchants, and restaurants. The charm of its original architecture and its eclectic atmosphere make it the perfect destination for dining, shopping, and exploration.
Santiago Restaurant offers decadent Mexican food and margaritas so large, you can almost swim in them!
The alleys of Bisbee offer a glimpse of yesteryear charm.
Bisbee offers an endless supply of architectural interest and a view into the town’s colorful past.
Back in Tucson, we decided to wander the fun and funky 4th Avenue district. Located within walking distance of The Big Blue House Inn, it boasts restaurants, bars, shopping, coffee shops and street musicians, making it the perfect place to people watch. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the landmark restaurant, Caruso’s. This family-owned Italian restaurant has been in operation since the 1930s and features a lovely garden patio, complete with fountain and flowers.
The canopied walkway of Caruso’s Restaurant in Tucson.
Before returning home the next day, we decided to stop off at the Tucson Botanical Garden. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, the garden offers unexpected charm at every turn. Although it features the obligatory cacti and desert brush one expects from an Arizona landscape, the Garden has incorporated local artistry and history that enriches the experience.
Pottery and other examples of indigenous life pay tribute to the Native American history of Tucson.
Quintessential Arizona is visible at every turn at the Tucson Botanical Garden.
Tucked in between saguaros and mesquites are herb gardens that delight with the sights and scents of lavender, rosemary, sage, and other savory herbs. A neighborhood garden pays tribute to the local culture and artistry of the Tucson area. Featuring community-based planting beds and garden art, its pathways pay homage to the citizens of the city for which the garden is named.
An old sink becomes a planting bed for succulents in a neighborhood garden.
A butterfly stops to rest and feed at the Tucson Botanical Garden.
Our weekend getaway to southern Arizona offered so much more than we bargained for. The sights, sounds, scents, and tastes of the trip were a delicious surprise — one we can’t wait to experience again.
Bits & Pieces 
Nice post, thanks! These days it’s good to know there is a good get away not to far and affordable. Great pics, too!
After Tucson and before Bisbee hang a right on hwy 83 (if your heading east). Check out the Sonoita/Patagonia region.
Sonoita is a growing wine region which in IMHO will be quite popular someday. Some vineyards grow there own, most get the grapes from Cochise County. We stayed at the Sonoita Inn which was built to stable Secretariat.
A little further down the road is Patagonia, a birders paradise. There will be bus loads of birders down there through out the year from all over the country. We stayed at Dos Palmas. It’s a travel trailer (Ricky and Lucy style) plopped down in the middle of a residential neighborhood. One of the most relaxing and novel vacations we’ve had. TV trays at no extra charge. 🙂
Patagonia is home to many artists, hippies, small shops and The Velvet Elvis (very funny story here but would get off topic). There is also a fantastic (State?) park for birding, hiking and photography.