*Kitt
Peak*
Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), part of the National
Optical Astronomy
Observatory (NOAO), supports the most diverse collection
of astronomical
observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared
astronomy and daytime
study of the Sun. Founded in 1958, KPNO operates three
major nighttime
telescopes, shares site responsibilities with the National
Solar Observatory and
hosts the facilities of consortia which operate 19 optical
telescopes and two
radio telescopes. Kitt Peak is located 56 miles southwest
of Tucson, AZ, and has
a Visitor Center open daily to the public.
*Nogales*
Soak up some culture from south of the border by taking
a drive to Nogales,
Sonora, Mexico. Great shopping, food, mariachis and
colorful architecture only
about 40 miles from Green Valley. Touristas may bring
$400 worth of goods from
Mexico duty-free, and many prescription drugs are
considerably cheaper to
purchase in Mexico; however, you must have a U.S.
prescription and drugs not
approved in the United States will not be allowed
across the border. For more
information call 800-4SONORA.
*Tombstone*
The “town to tough to die” is an easy
ride from Green Valley. A great place to
learn about the Old West, Tombstone’s many attractions
include the world’s
largest rosebush—according to the Guinness Book
of World Records—lots of
historic buildings and, of course, the famous O.K.
Corral and Boothill Cemetary.
*Bisbee*
Once one of the world’s richest mineral sites,
today the beautiful copper mining
town of Bisbee offers visitors several museums, galleries,
gift shops,
restaurants and lots of historic sights to see. An
easy and beautiful drive from
Green Valley.
*Sonoita,
Elgin, Patagonia: Arizona Wine & Movie Country*
Most visitors to the area are surprised to learn there
is such a thing as an
“ Arizona wine country”. Once discovered,
they are even more surprised to learn
that the wines are excellent, and even prize-winning.
Look for Sonoita
Vineyards, Elgin Vineyards, Callaghan Vineyards, Rancho
Rosa Vineyards and
Arizona Vineyards; all worth a taste (but perhaps
not all on the same trip).
And, more than 50 movies have been filmed in the area,
including “Red River” and
“ Oklahoma.” Kino Springs (between Patagonia
and Nogales) was home to Stewart
Granger, whose not infrequent guest was John Wayne.
Take a car trip to the other
side of the Santa Ritas to experience a bit of Arizona
unlike any other.
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