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Southwest

Things to do in Southwest

  1. A

    MGM Grand

    With a sprawling 5000 rooms, gaming areas equal in size to four football fields and a slew of fancy restaurants, the MGM is easy to get lost in. Owned by movie mogul Metro Goldwyn Mayer, the shimmering emerald-green 'City of Entertainment' co-opts themes from classic Hollywood movies. The casino consists of one gigantic circular room with an ornate domed ceiling and replicated 1930s glamour. Out front, it's hard to miss the USA's largest bronze statue, a 100,000lb lion. Popular attractions include a lion habitat.

    reviewed

  2. B

    MartAnne's Burrito Palace

    For those about to diet, we salute you. For those about to dig into a fratelliquile, a pork-and-scrambled-eggs burrito smothered in green chile, green onions and cheese, we embrace you and call you friend. For we, too, understand the power of its goodness. MartAnne's, a snug hole-in-the-wall with sassy Day of the Dead decor, checkered floors and bright coffee mugs, is locally beloved. Cash only.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Marble Brewery Tap Room

    With microbrews on tap and an espresso bar, this upstairs place covers both ends of the legal substance spectrum. An outdoor patio overlooks the Plaza, a leather-couched lounge has big flat-screens to watch whatever game is on, and they serve pizza.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Lux Coffeebar

    Bowie's 'Rebel, Rebel' may be spilling from the speakers but we're not convinced that the hipsters tapping away on their MacBooks in porkpie hats are going to be breaking too many rules. But hey, the staff schmoozes just fine, the espresso is organic and the vibe is welcoming, so it's all good.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Lost Leaf

    Yeah, it's an average-sized house from the outside. But inside? Pop- art paintings, cozy wood furnishings, an intimate patio for smoking and a beer menu that made us snap a salute in respect. Live music nightly.

    reviewed

  6. Loretto Line

    Cruise around in an open-air tram and learn about the history and culture of Santa Fe from experienced guides.

    reviewed

  7. F

    Lookout Studio

    Like Mary Colter's other canyon buildings, Lookout Studio was modeled after stone dwellings of the Southwest Pueblo Native Americans. Made of rough-cut Kaibab limestone, with a roof that mirrors the lines of the rim, the studio blends into its natural surroundings. Inside, you'll find a small souvenir shop and a tiny back porch that offers spectacular canyon views. There's also a stone stairway snaking below Lookout Studio towards another terrace, which is the site of the popular ranger-led Condor Talks.

    reviewed

  8. G

    LewAllen Galleries

    Probably the most prominent modern contemporary art gallery in town, LewAllen also shows Modernist masters.

    reviewed

  9. H

    Late for the Train

    Beans are roasted in-house, so the coffee and espresso drinks are some of the best in town. But on those really frigid winter days, try the habanero hot cocoa.

    reviewed

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  11. I

    La Cave

    This inspired wine and tapas bar is a hidden Strip gem that gets raves from regulars and newbies alike in every category: wine, food, service, value and ambiance.

    reviewed

  12. J

    Kowboyz

    This secondhand shop has everything you need to cowboy up. Shirts are a great deal at $10 each; the amazing selection of boots, however, demands top dollar. Movie costumers looking for authentic Western wear often come in here.

    reviewed

  13. Kokopelli Rafting Adventures

    Pickup from Santa Fe or meet near the river.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Imperial Palace

    The blue neon-roofed pagoda facade and faux-Far East theme are unbelievably hokey, but the zany atmosphere inside the casino is quite all right. Elvis fans, rejoice: the King never leaves the building.

    reviewed

  15. L

    Il Vicino

    For a break from chile, come to Il Vicino, where you'll find brick-oven pizzas, pastas and salads a quick walk from the Plaza.

    reviewed

  16. Hermit's Rest Snack Bar

    This walk-up window outside Hermit's Rest is basically a human-powered vending machine, and is cash-only.

    reviewed

  17. Heritage & Science Park

    Tune out the surrounding skyscrapers and imagine thundering hooves and creaking stagecoaches as you amble around Historic Heritage Square, a cluster of stately Victorians. Join a tour of the 1895 Rosson House or take the tots to the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum in the nearby 1901 Stevens House. The 1912 schoolroom with antique dolls squeezed behind the wooden desks is adorable. Star Wars figurines and GI Joe keep things from getting too frou-frou.

    Too quaint? Make a beeline to the Arizona Science Center, a high-tech, interactive temple of discovery where kids can slide through a stomach or investigate kinetic energy before winding down at the five-story IMAX Theatre or the…

    reviewed

  18. M

    Heart of Sedona

    Offering a pleasant outdoor patio with good views, this coffee shop is the best spot for a jolt of caffeine and a pastry while you check your email on their free wi-fi network.

    reviewed

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  20. N

    Hash House a Go Go

    Fill up on this SoCal import's 'twisted farm food,' which has to be seen to be believed. The pancakes are as big as tractor tires, while farm-egg scrambles and house-made hashes could knock over a cow.

    reviewed

  21. Gus Balon's

    Tucson's premier breakfast destination is a great place to fuel up if you're heading off to hike in Saguaro National Park's eastern district. Twenty-four types of pie and the cinnamon rolls are huge.

    reviewed

  22. Grill at Hacienda del Sol

    The sunset views compete with the smart, grown-up ambience, the Spanish Colonial decor and, of course, the exquisitely composed nouvelle Southwesterncuisine featuring herbs, veggies and fruit grown on site. Oenophiles have an extensive wine list to ponder. Reservations are required.

    reviewed

  23. Gorge Bar & Grill

    Popular with tourists for its hearty American food, margarita menu, and patio overlooking the plaza.

    reviewed