Best Southwestern Fall Weekend Getaways in Tucson, Arizona

Sometimes, mid-week, we feel that we just need to get away for the weekend. These are three of the best Southwestern Fall weekend getaways in Tucson, Arizona. Along with room accommodations they offer non-stressful and/or fun things to do during the weekend too.

Tanque Verde Guest Ranch is my favorite getaway because I favor Tucson's east side. It covers more than 60,000 acres by the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest. Room rates start at $129.00 per person, per night, but rates starting at $175.00 per person, per night also include 3 meals plus snacks and these activities: horseback riding, breakfast rides, outdoor BBQs, guided mountain biking adventures, tennis, swimming in their indoor and outdoor pools, relaxation in their spa, guided hikes, nature activities, team writing experiences, entertainment, evening programs and they even have a program for your children. It is known that bird watchers love it here. All of their very spacious, western style rooms have one queen or king or 2 queen size beds, a telephone, coffee pot, hair dryer, air conditioning, heat, full private bathrooms and you can even have your own casita. Rooms have a patio and most have a fireplace, too. I went her once just for their buffet, which was absolutely delicious - especially the desserts. Their contact information is: 14301 East Speedway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85748; telephone numbers: (800) 234-DUDE (3833) or (520) 296-6275; fax number: (520) 721-9426.

Starr Pass Resort & Spa is on the opposite end of Tucson - west, by the Tucson Mountains with views of the Sonoran Desert. This is great place to stay if you also love to golf. There are 3 different golf courses, one actually containing 27 holes. The Resort offers different accommodation packages starting at $269.00 per person, per night. They even have a Nickelodeon-packed weekend for children. There are 575 very spacious guestrooms and 35 suites with a private balcony or patio. All guest rooms have very comfy beds, a shower and luxurious tub, high-speed Internet access, a complimentary in-room laptop safe, dual-lines, cordless telephone with voice mail, a flat screen color television, OnCommand movies and video games, CD alarm clock, a coffee maker, refrigerator with mini-bar, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Vacation packages include, spa or golf and spa and golf. They also have beautiful dining areas. Throughout the Fall they have different events such as a wine class, tequila tasting class, movie and a meal and Jazz concerts which you can inquire about on their website: www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com. Their contact information is: 3800 West Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85745; telephone number: (520) 792-3500; fax number: (520) 792-3351.

Miraval Luxury Resort and Spa is for those who are very health conscious and need a weekend of extreme no-stress/stress reducing "me" time. Its' 400 acres are located at the base of the Catalina Mountains There you will receive a lot of pampering. Oprah viewers have heard her talk about her visits here many times. If you are familiar with Dr. Andrew Weil, he is often one of the experts at Miraval. While you are staying at Miraval you'll learn dieting tips as you eat their gourmet meals and you will also learn stress preventing techniques. You can exercise and use their fitness equipment, horseback ride, rock climb, wall climb, hike, go mountain biking, play tennis and golf (nearby), swim in their lap pool and regular size pool, meditate and practice yoga. You can also have access to their spa, steam room, sauna and whirlpools, get a message, facial and body treatments and use their full service salon. Packages start at $275.00 per person, per night - including 3 gourmet meals per day. They have 118 luxurious rooms with a king size bed, or 2 full size beds and private casita-style rooms too. They even offer transportation to and from Tucson International Airport. Their contact information is: 5000 East Via Estancia Miraval, Tucson, Arizona 85739; telephone number: (800) 825-4000.