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Growing up in Arizona, state university-bound students have three choices: Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, and the University of Arizona (UofA) in Tucson.
The main dilemma for my sister (Cam) and I was this. We grew up in the Phoenix Metro area, amongst lifelong ASU Sun Devil fans. However, our parents had both been UofA Wildcats, and we had a bunch of extended family in Tucson.
When high school ended and next steps needed to be figured out, Cam & I both opted to stay close to home and get some lower-level classes on our transcripts at the local community college. Let’s face it. It was cheaper, and room & board was a lot more affordable!
Soon enough, decision time came for where to earn our bachelors degrees. I (Nic, the homebody) decided to move two hours away to Tucson and attend the UofA! Cam decided on ASU. Go figure!
In Tucson, I actually lived at my Yia-Yia’s house (still can’t believe it!). It definitely made the adjustment a lot easier.
After graduation, I actually worked at ASU and earned a masters degree there as well. It was interesting being in the middle of the main state university rivalry.
Arizona Road Trip!
For the last seven years, we’ve made an Arizona road trip to Tucson at least once a year. It’s not a bad drive from SoCal (especially compared to our 3,000-mile and 4,000-mile epic road trips in 2015 and 2016). We very much enjoy maintaining relationships with our extended family there. Besides that, it’s fun visiting my alma mater, and Tucson has become somewhat of a foodie town (in addition to their classic mainstays).
UofA was in session on Presidents’ Day, so we took our kids to the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus. Part of our experience there was seeing a movie in the planetarium about black holes in space. This song was part of the movie…quite entertaining.
I love the University of Arizona campus, and while we were there, I took a trip down memory lane. This is the large mall area, lined with palm trees and red brick buildings.
Dinner Time!
For dinner, 19 of us had dinner at Blanco Tacos Tucson (one of our newer favorite places to eat in Tucson). What can I say about Blanco Tacos Tucson? It’s location is great; from their patio, you can watch the sunset and see the city lights. And the food is fresh, flavorful, and festive!
These chips & this salsa are some of the best we’ve ever tasted!
The “Warm Queso,” with seasoned ground beef, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. I could’ve just eaten it with a spoon…well, I almost did!
This is a cheese crisp. It’s not a quesadilla. It’s an Arizona thing! Think of a crispy thin crust pizza…but better. Yum!
Another day of our Arizona road trip came to a close, but the memories continued to pile up!
Where do you mix nostalgia with new memories? Please share in the comments below!
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Wait – I’ve never been to Blanco Tacos Tucson, but if I ever do, I am ordering that queso!!!!
Mmmm nothing like an authentic Tucson cheese crisp! Thanks for sharing your Tucson memories!
Blood Orange Margarita?? We love Blanco!
Red Berry. 🙂
Brings me back to my Tuscon memories… and I love TACOS 🙂 thanks for sharing!
The food looked soooo good! Have never been to Tucson, need to add it to my travel list.
That food looks amazing!
Thanks for taking us on the tour…can I have some of those cheese crisps, please??
Seriously! I’m getting hungry!
I love queso. I have never had it topped like that. It looks really good.
Looks like a nice campus. The food looks good too!
Thanks for this memory lane! I grew up in Arizona, but haven’t lived there for awhile. Loved seeing the pictures and I LOVE that Mexican restaurant.
This looks so amazing!!! Love the idea of the Warm Queso with Beef, and the Cheese Crisp. I am a Cali girl, but will have to try to make this!!
They have some locations in the Phoenix area as well, so that’s not quite as far! 🙂
I have never been to Tuscon! Now I want to try the queso 🙂
I stepped across the border into Arizona one time… Other than that I have never been there. I hear the Mexican food is amazing though!
How funny! Yes, the Mexican food (both authentic & new wave) is pretty tasty!
What a great idea to share your trip back to your University of Arizona. And it must have been amazing to be able to afford to eat. And you found the great places. Thanks for sharing.
I grew up in the Phoenix area as well. We are still here in Chandler area!