Planners booking an event in Southern Arizona have myriad options to choose from when it comes to quintessential experiences. From a dude ranch event in Tucson to a Medjool date dinner in Yuma, following are some after-meeting options to entertain groups.
Tucson
For groups, one worthwhile experience is breaking bread downtown in Tucson, where the dining scene has increased in popularity over the last few years, according to Dan Gibson, director of communications for Visit Tucson.
Tucson’s light rail system, Sun Link, offers easy access to dozens of great options at a variety of price points, according to Gibson, including Cup Cafe in the historic Hotel Congress, Pizzeria Bianco, Cafe Poca Cosa, Agustin Kitchen and Proper.
“Everyone’s a foodie these days and these restaurants are a delight for all the senses,” Gibson says. “Getting out of the conference room for a night on the town creates memories for attendees and the opportunity to mingle.”
A more structured culinary outing can be arranged by Taste of Tucson Downtown or Tucson Food Tours, which Gibson says both offer guided experiences at very reasonable prices.
Visiting Tucson’s museums is another group highlight.
“Simply, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the best zoos in the U.S. and the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the best museums for aircraft in the U.S.,” Gibson says, adding both attractions are available for group banquets and receptions. “How often can you enjoy a gathering or cocktail hour in the shadow of an SR-71 Blackbird, a plane that set numerous air speed records?”
He adds both attractions offer plenty of photo ops for attendees dedicated to showing off on social media, as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has some 300 species of live animals and 1,400 different plants on display, and the Pima Air & Space Museum is home to some of the most famous aircraft in history.
There are many other options for putting history on the agenda.
“While Tucson is certainly a modern city these days, with all the amenities, the heart of the Old West is still beating here,” Gibson says.
To organize a throwback experience, groups can check out Tanque Verde Ranch and White Stallion Ranch.
“The experience of a dude ranch right out of a John Wayne film is still available, including the fireside cookout and weekly rodeos,” Gibson says.
Tucson is also home to two destination spas, Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa and Canyon Ranch in Tucson, which both offer amazing menus of relaxing spa treatments as well as challenge courses that were designed to force attendees out of their comfort zones and improve communication.
“Attendees would be blown away to see Miraval or Canyon Ranch on the schedule,” Gibson says. “These are the places celebrities retreat to.”
Planners can also set aside time for an active pursuit such as a hike in the mountains surrounding Tucson or an organized bike ride on The Loop, which is a car-free path that surrounds most of the city.
“Tucson’s outdoor activities are in the backyard of most of our meetings venues,” Gibson says.
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Yuma
Several key experiences in Yuma revolve around the city’s culinary offerings.
One tasty option is a cooking class at Tina’s Cocina, according to Leslie McClendon, group sales manager for Visit Yuma.
“Hostess with the most-est, Tina Clark, will make sure everyone has fun while learning to make tamales, roll sushi or other regional dishes,” she says. “This is a uniquely Yuma experience because of the setting in a 100-year-old former parish house, and because bonding over food and drink in a cozy kitchen is a natural.”
Yuma is also the winter vegetable capital of North America, supplying more than 90 percent of the leafy greens consumed across the continent from November through March.
“Our Field to Feast tours give you a hands-on, ground-up look at how all that agricultural bounty is produced,” says McClendon, who adds the outing begins with picking veggies and concludes with a “feast” using the chosen produce.
Last year Yuma introduced Date Night dinners and it didn’t take long for Fodors.com to rank it among the world’s most unique dining experiences.
“This elegant meal features Yuma-grown Medjool dates in every course and is served under the stars in one of our local date groves,” McClendon says.
Heading out of the kitchen, groups can organize float or paddle outings on the Colorado River, with starting points near the Pivot Point Conference Center. Another option is one of Yuma’s trolley tours that explore the destination’s rich history.
Tubac
Located about an hour from Tucson is Tubac, home to the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa.
“It’s perfect for groups large or small, with something for everyone,” says Angela Kirkner, executive director of the Tubac COC, citing a 27-hole golf course, a full-service pro shop and “the best practice facility” in Arizona. “This is where the Kevin Costner film Tin Cup was filmed.”
The property features a spa and picturesque setting.
“Guests can also take advantage of complimentary bicycles to tour the grounds or make the quick jaunt into the village to explore unique shops and galleries,” Kirkner says.
Given Tubac’s motto, “Where Art and History Meet,” groups can check out the galleries along Tubac’s streets and get acquainted with its history at the Tubac Presidio, which features a museum and an original 1885 schoolhouse.
“With such a diversity of attractions, all in one easy to navigate park, it is perfect for groups who may wish to fan out and explore,” Kirkner says.
Sierra Vista
Among the most intriguing experiences for groups meeting in Sierra Vista is an outing to the nearby Hereford-based Ramsey Canyon Preserve, according to Patrice Graber, secretary for the Sierra Vista Visitor Center.
The preserve, which is affiliated with the Nature Conservancy, is a world-renowned attraction that provides a habitat for a variety of plant and animal life and is a haven for more than 170 varieties of birds.
“The preserve offers a very special opportunity to learn about and enjoy our unique desert environment,” Graber says. “It’s a quick drive from downtown, offers easy access to some of the most beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife in the area, and is one of the most desired birding locations in the U.S.”
And located less than 30 minutes from Sierra Vista is the Elgin-based Sonoita Vineyards, where attendees can sample some of Arizona’s finest wines.
“Chat with the vintners, and enjoy the fresh air and stunning mountain views,” Graber says. “And be sure to pick up a few bottles to take home.”
