Tucson, Arizona is a modern city surrounded by picturesque mountains. Known as the Old Pueblo, its rugged terrain, rich history and distinct attractions provide for unique experiences reminiscent of the old west.

Surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson is a hiker's paradise. The Sabino Canyon is a popular spot for visitors of any age. There are hiking trails for the active and trams for the average tourist. The park offers horseback riding and bird watching facilities. There are also swimming holes for those who want to escape the Tucson summer heat.

Mount Lemon is the highest peak of the Santa Catalina Mountains. It also has the distinction of being the southernmost skiing destination in the continental United States. Whether one hikes, drives or skis, Mount Lemon has something for everyone.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is Tucson's answer to the Metropolitan Museum of the Arts of New York. But it's more of a wildlife museum than an art gallery. It has a zoo that features desert animals such as scorpions, prairie dogs and mountain lions. For the faint of heart, there's always the nearby botanical garden.

Hiking can be adventurous but quite tiring. If one finds oneself worn out from all the walking but still raring for a unique adventure, an off-road excursion may just be in order. There are several companies in the city that offer off-road tours of the Sonoran desert.

A visit to Tucson is incomplete without a tour of the old west. The Old Tucson Studios is an interactive studio that offers unique Wild West entertainment daily. If you want a taste of the real thing, take a trip to Tombstone, one of Arizona's most renowned mining camps. It has since been developed into a theme park that replicates the old Tombstone mining town. Today, Tombstone is a tourism town littered with hotels, shops and restaurants. It also offers wagon tours and gunfight shows to visitors.

After a taste of the desert, one may want to head out to any one of Tucson's popular museums. There's the Pima Air and Space Museum, the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the quaint Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.

Tucson also offers various shopping selections. The city has two farmers markets: the Oro Valley Farmer's Market held every Saturday and the Farmer's Market at the St. Philip's Plaza on Sundays. Both markets are open year-round.

For the free-spirited shopper, there is always Fourth Avenue, known as the Bohemian Heart of Tucson. Stalls that line the street sell vintage clothing and Southwestern art. Restaurants serve Guatemalan, Greek, Chinese, Italian and good ol' American dishes. There is something for everyone in this vibrant shopping district.

If all else fails to entertain and excite, one just needs to find a place to sit and enjoy the beautiful and colorful Tucson sunset at dusk. It's breathtaking view that will surely leave a lasting memory.