While this might be of limited appeal for a national radio program, I might suggest looking at Tucson's status as Arizona's "Second City." As a former Tucsonan, I think it's safe to say that one of the best things about the Old Pueblo is that it is NOT Phoenix--in culture and in politics, southern Arizona has a distinctly different outlook from the asphalt wasteland that's a mere 90 minutes to the north. (Consider, for example, the mostly tongue-in-cheek "Free Baja Arizona" secession campaign of the mid 1980's, which grew largely from frustration and embarrassment at then-Governor Evan Mecham.) Former state legislator John Kromko could be a useful resource, as could the editorial staff of the Tucson Weekly.

Marty Kelley, Boise ID

Sent by Marty Kelley | 3:56 PM ET | 03-22-2007

Tucson has one of the largest concentrations of artists anywhere. Funky, fun, colorful, elegant and edgy.

Sent by Rand Carlson | 4:31 PM ET | 03-22-2007

The best part of every trip I take to Tucson are the hippies. Tucson has always seemed to me like the last refuge for the old new-ager's. I do have to admit I'm quite proud of being a Phoenician, but the people in Tucson can't be beat. The weather is beautiful, the people are enlightened, and it even smells nice.

Sent by Jared- Phoenix, AZ | 6:55 PM ET | 03-22-2007

I was born and raised in Tucson, and if you are going to Tucson, you must stop by: 4th Ave & downtown (Congress Blvd), San Xavier Del Bac mission (built in the 1780s), Sonoran Desert Museum (it's an amazing desert zoo and botanical garden) which is right near Saguaro National Monument (great place to take a picture of the pink drenched sky with cactus silhouettes) and you must have the mexican food. I recommend Cafe Poca Cosa, El Charro (since the early 1900s and claims they invented the chimichanga) or La Parilla Suiza (Mexico City style). Have fun!

Sent by Nancy | 2:20 AM ET | 03-23-2007

I lived in Tucson and the Sunsets are what I miss the most(other than family). What I did not like about Tucson was that it is a big city (and growing fast) in the middle of the desert and it is not sustainable (Phoenix is of course worse). Eventually they will run out of water.

Sent by Jonpaul | 2:30 PM ET | 03-23-2007

Tucson as an enjoyable place to live is fast fading, but the Sonoran Desert Musuem is a MUST SEE - you cannot come to Tucson and not go there - REALLY. If you do make it out to San Xavier del Bac - try the frybread - the mission is actually not that unique, but it is pretty, and you should at least try the Mexican food off of one of the taco stands in south Tucson - Oh and there is one more must try - go to LE CAVES it is on South 6th Ave just south of 22nd Street and get a donut or an empanada - this place cannot be beat and I wont ever understand why more people in Tucson have not discovered it - even if you don't like donuts you have try these.

Sent by Maggie | 12:41 PM ET | 03-27-2007

One interesting thing about Tucson is our shrine called El Tiradito. It is suppose to be the only shrine in the United States dedicated to a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground. We also have an amazing program called Victim Witness that has been sent all over the country, and which more cities should emulate.

Sent by Chandra | 10:01 PM ET | 03-28-2007