Once solely referred to as the Wild West, Tucson has long been known for its desert terrain, majestic mountains and sizzling temperatures. While these characteristics still ring true today, Tucson has since expanded into a metropolis of high-end dining, shopping and resort living. In fact, additional chic hotspots are frequently popping up before our very eyes. Don’t miss out on the next best place to grab a bite to eat or snag a good deal—read on to learn about some of Tucson’s greatest new arrivals.
Ilori Sunglass Boutique
With the weather quickly warming up and those triple-digit temps just around the corner, sunglasses are a crucial accessory for Tucsonans. If you’re going to throw down some dough on the latest must-have eyewear, why not make it a luxurious experience? Located at Tucson’s La Encantada is Ilori, a designer sunglass boutique also in Beverly Hills and New York where the exclusive experience is just as important as the product itself. Whether you’re enjoying a V.I.P. consultation, browsing the store’s unique brands or just plain gawking, Ilori is the see-and-be-seen, high-end eyewear shop. 520.615.7657, www.iloristyle.com.
Maynard’s Market & Kitchen
Open now for a few months, Maynard’s Market & Kitchen is the place to go if you want local fare and a memorable experience. Located on Toole Avenue in Downtown Tucson’s Historic Train Depot, take a seat and watch the trains pass by as you chow down. In addition to grab-and-go fare, Maynard’s offers up fantastic dine-in options for lunch, dinner and late night meals like stone-baked pizzas and pasta, beef short ribs, crispy gnocchi, grilled items, flat breads and much more—all made with fresh, regional and local ingredients. Whether grabbing a sandwich on your lunch break or making it a date night, Maynard’s Market is a unique spot you’ll return to again and again. 520.545.0577, www.maynardsmarkettucson.com.
Pamela Laurence Collection
After opening in the fall—also at premier shopping destination, La Encantada—Pamela Laurence Collection features a mix of high-end fine art, crystal, silver, jewelry, handbags and more. Operated by Pamela Laurence herself, many of the shop’s items cannot be found anywhere else in Tucson. Some of the luxurious brands include Hermes of Paris, Steuben, Lalique, Baccarat, Versace, Moser and Leiber bags. Check the Web site for frequent updates, as the Pamela Laurence Collection hosts a bevy of art shows and events as well. 520.577.4994, www.pamelalaurencecollection.com.
Cayton’s at the Ritz-Carlton
Although the Ritz-Carlton resort will not grace us with its presence until later this year, our anticipations have been slightly satiated with the opening of the gorgeous Cayton’s restaurant, the signature eatery of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain. Although not open yet for full service, Cayton’s proudly presents a lunch menu offering up American Cuisine with Southwest influence, as well sunset cocktails and appetizers. Along with the highly anticipated resort restaurant, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and pro shop are now open for business, as well as the Ritz-Carlton Residences, which are currently open for viewing and for sale. 520.572.3000, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/DoveMountain.
GOLD Restaurant
Although Westward Look has long been a favorite Tucson resort for visitors and locals alike, one recent change has everyone buzzing—the addition of all-new eatery, GOLD Restaurant, in place of the former Gold Room. New executive chef James Wallace has created an entirely new menu concept for breakfast, lunch and dinner, honing in on “innovative contemporary American cuisine with a touch of desert-inspired flavor.” With a new décor scheme and ambiance, GOLD serves as a fresh and original restaurant choice at your favorite Tucson getaway. 520.297.1151, www.westwardlook.com.
Frost
Although already a well-established brand in Tucson, Frost’s newest location at La Encantada has patrons swarming to the shopping center for a taste of high-quality, delectable gelato. Now with three locations around Tucson, Frost is a traditional gelateria whose ingredients and equipment have been imported from Italy. This sweet treat shop is decked out in electric blue lighting and contemporary fixtures, making it an ideal place to relax with a cup of creamy goodness. With a production chef from Bologna, Italy and an array of gelato and sorbet flavors like Limoncello, Coconut, Cheesecake, Nutella, Margarita and Passion Fruit, your first trip to Frost surely won’t be your last. 520.299.0315, www.frostgelato.com.
Tooley’s Café
In the past few years, downtown Tucson has really picked up speed with the addition of hip restaurants, boutiques and nightlife spots. Located on the southwest corner of 5th and Congress Street, across from Hotel Congress, Tooley’s Café is just one of the many new eateries to add character (and caffeine) to our downtown district. This quaint café offers a prime selection of organic, free trade coffee and tea; fresh pastries; lunch options like soup and salad; and numerous bread varieties. Craving delicious, all-natural dishes for your next event? Tooley’s provides a catering service, offering menu items like paella, roasted peppers, beans and rice. 520.203.8970, www.tooleyscafe.com.
Francesca’s Collections
As if you needed another reason to visit Tucson’s La Encantada shopping center, an all-new chic shopping destination has popped up recently—and best of all, the prices won’t burn a hole in your wallet! Francesca’s Collections is known for their selection of adorable summer dresses and clothing; fun, chunky jewelry; colorful, trendy handbags; home décor items; and even gift options. At Francesca’s Collections, although the quality is high, the prices are not. Whether you’re hitting up a spring wedding, birthday party, or simply need a cute hostess gift, Francesca’s Collections is your new one-stop-shop. 520.615.1700, www.francescascollections.com.
