Off the Beaten Path

By TucsonStyle.com Reporter: Melissa Candek

The Tucson area has an abundance of recreation areas and restaurants, and many of us have our favorite spots that we frequent. There are also quite a few lesser-known locations that are worth visiting, and these may just become some of your new favorites.

The 101-acre Roy P. Drachman-Agua Caliente Regional Park, on Tucson's far East side near Catalina Highway, contains a perennial warm spring that flows into three ponds. The park also features walking trails, a picnic area, wildlife and aquatic viewing areas and historical sites. This is a unique and historical location that offers a relaxing setting for a picnic or nature watching. For more information and directions, call 877-6006.

Explore the Sonoran Desert's plant life at the Northwest side's Tohono Chul Park, at Ina Road and Paseo del Norte. The park is an expansive desert botanical garden with trails and exhibits. The park also has a Tea Room with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea available. Pick up a souvenir in the Greenhouse and Museum Shops. Trails and paths include a Nature Loop Trail, Hummingbird Garden, Cholla Forest and Spanish Colonial Garden. For more information, call 742-6455.

Tucson's Mexican restaurants can be found on just about every corner. Tucson claims to be the country's Mexican food capital, and it's easy to see why considering the number of traditional and established Mexican restaurants here. One such location is La Fuente Restaurant, located on Oracle Road north of Speedway.

The 40-year old restaurant offers an authentic Mexican food menu and has served Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and President George W. Bush. The live La Fuente Mariachi Music Show takes place every night on the restaurant's center stage. For more information, call 623-8659.

Crossroads Mexican Restaurant and Drive-In, on South 4th Avenue in South Tucson, is a family owned restaurant that offers traditional Mexican and seafood dishes. Crossroads is located near some of Tucson's better known Mexican restaurants, and has made a name for itself among them. For more information, call 624-0395. Reservations are recommended on weekends.