Shop at
the unique plazas or
mega-malls of Tucson

TravelGolf.com Staff Report

Tucson shoppers find that this city has everything: From modern malls to fine Native American craft stores to Western wear to exquisite galleries.

Downtown Arts District and University Areas

Within convenient walking distance of the Tucson Convention Center, you’re going to find many wonderful shopping areas; others are close to the University of Arizona.

Fourth Avenue Shopping District – On Fourth Avenue between the downtown and Speedway Boulevard, you’ll find the historic Fourth Avenue Shopping District, very close to the University of Arizona campus. Browse among more than 100 friendly shops, unusual second-hand clothing stores, bead boutiques, Southwestern-style galleries and restaurants. Historic trolleys travel along Fourth Avenue to the University of Arizona’s main gate.

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Old Town Artisans complex, at 201 N. Court Ave. -- For handcrafted Southwestern wares, visit Old Town Artisans -- downtown in the historic El Presidio neighborhood. For sale here are the works of 100 regional craftspeople plus Latin American imports. This 150-year-old adobe complex occupies an entire city block adjacent to the Tucson Museum of Art. Shops open into a beautifully landscaped central courtyard and restaurant.

Main Gate Square, just west of the University of Arizona campus, on University Boulevard, between Park and Euclid Avenue -- Shop and dine at 70 places. You’ll find big national and local shops include clothing stores, a bike shop, coffeehouses, a brew pub, and a variety of places to dine.

Only-in-Tucson plazas

Tucson also has a number of Old World-style plazas where many independent, locally owned shops and galleries are clustered. These one-of-a-kind places are known for beautiful architecture, lovely crafts, elaborate courtyards, and intimate cafes that invite leisurely shopping.

Kaibab Courtyard, Northwest corner of Campbell Ave. and Glenn St. -- Looking for art that reflects the best of Southwestern Native American creations? This collection of upscale retailers offers has been here for more than 50 years selling collectible Native American Indian arts and crafts, Navajo weavings, Pueblo pottery, Nambe silver, Mexican folk art, Hopi Kachina dolls, Southwestern apparel and fine old Mexican furniture.

Joesler Village, at River Road and Campbell Avenue – This plaza was named for Josias Joesler, a Swiss-born architect who shaped Tucson’s architecture from the 1930s through the 1950s. There is a collection of shops and restaurants here that reflect the signature Tucson style. Reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century Mexican village, it contains assorted boutiques, galleries, and eateries with lots of eclectic elegance.

St. Philip’s Plaza, southeast corner of River Road and Campbell Avenue -- This plaza features high-end restaurants, a day spa, and shops featuring fashions, furnishings, and the arts, set in a Mexican-style plaza with fountains, tiled courtyards, and great landscaping. Check out the Maya Palace for unusual clothing and the Turquoise Door for lapis, opals, diamonds and turquoise.

Plaza Palomino, at the southeast corner of Swan Road and Fort Lowell Road -- Enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing among tiled courtyards and fountains in a neo-Spanish hacienda-like setting. Women’s apparel, jewelry, galleries, gift shops, specialty foods, and restaurants.

Antiques Tucson’s antique district is located on Grant Road, between Campbell Avenue and Craycroft Road. Here are some of the possibilities for finding antiques from all eras:

American Antique Mall, 3130 E. Grant Road -- Located in the heart of the antiques district, Tucson’s largest antique mall has 100 quality dealers.

Antique Center, 5001 E. Speedway Blvd. -- More than 9,000 square feet of shopping features furniture, primitives and all kinds of fabulous small items, including fine jewelry, glass and silver.

Almost Heaven, 3006 E. Grant Road -- Nine theme rooms here are filled with one-of-a-kind crafts and gifts, handmade by craftspeople and artists, many from the area.

Rustic Roost Craft Mall, 7835 E. Broadway Blvd. – This is a beautiful setting for some of the area’s skilled crafters and artisans and offers some of handmade arts, crafts and gifts.

Hang out at the mall

Tucson has a number of shopping malls, enclosed and air-conditioned for all-weather comfort. Perhaps the most popular is the Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road where Dillards, May’s, Robinson-May and Sears have stores.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.