Jo Jo had his reasons to leave his home in Tucson, Arizona, well, he was a bit of a loner… and we reckon Paul McCartney was probably on some Californian grass too.
Because people have been putting down roots in the Sonoran Desert for 250 years.
And are doing so in ever-greater numbers now.
Our friends in the Grand Canyon State only alerted us to their quarter millennial anniversary next year.
As is the way in these southern border states and the pride of the south-west has only been in the union since 1912, their place names are abbreviated from far more luxuriant titles.
We have to Get Back to 1775 for the founding of the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson.
And while Southern Arizona has undergone many changes since then.
Tucson has maintained the multicultural roots the city was founded on 250 years ago.
Fiesta time
A celebration will take place at the Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson on August 25.
It will acknowledge the rich cultures of people who lived in the region over thousands of years.
Including the O’odham, Yaqui and Apache.
The free fiesta will feature performances that celebrate the variety of cultures that make the region special including mariachi, live music and dance.
Next year also marks 10 Years as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for Tucson.
The city’s culinary scene has evolved from thousands of years of agricultural history and a border that encompasses distinct Mexican and Native American traditions.
All of which led to its designation as the United States’ first UNESCO World City of Gastronomy in 2015.
And its reputation as “America’s Best Mexican Food.”
Gastronomy and astronomy
Visit Tucson launched America’s Best Mexican Food Field Guide this year, spotlighting a trail of local Mexican restaurants giving users a true taste of Tucson.
Tucson is also known for its Dark Sky and Astro Tourism.
The Headquarters of Dark Sky International in the greater Tucson area has long been a haven for stargazers and astronomers alike.
Visit Flandreau Science Center & Planetarium, Steward Observatory which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.
To learn about the university’s astronomy missions and other projects.
Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the city is surrounded by five mountain ranges, perfect for adventure lovers.
More than just deserts
Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss a stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
A model for native plants and animals featured together in ecological outdoor exhibits.
Wildlife enthusiasts can indulge in birdwatching with over 500 species of birds just waiting to be spotted along the Tucson Birding Trail.
And the anniversaries don’t end there.
With the Tucson Rodeo Parade, the largest outdoor winter event, turning 100 in 2025 and set to take place on February 20.
Now the San Antonians in neighbouring Texas will tell you it won’t be my first rodeo.
So, there’s no better time to revisit the Deep South and Get Back Home in Tucson, Arizona.
We found a return flight for a sample January 6 to January 11 ticket from under £3,000 flying with American Airlines through British Airways.
