Welcome to #ThisIsTucson Insiders 🌵

I’m so excited to finally hit send on this — welcome to the very first #ThisIsTucson Insiders email 💌

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kimberly Kalil, the new editor of #ThisIsTucson. We’ve done a little reorganization on our team, and I’ll be managing things moving forward, but don’t worry, you’re still in very good hands.

I’m not a native Tucsonan, but I’ve lived here for almost 20 years — and I truly can’t imagine ever leaving. This city has a way of getting under your skin in the best way. I’m a big fan of the sunshine, raspados, hiking and shopping for goodies from local makers and artists — and I love a good plate of birria (shoutout to Amelia’s, my go-to spot). 

Analeise is still here, out finding and writing about all the things that make Tucson the place we love so much. And of course, Jamie is still letting us tag along as she eats her way through Tucson (arguably the best assignment of all).

This space is just for you, our Insiders, where we’ll share a little extra: things we’re loving lately, tips you won’t always see on our site and small reminders to get out and enjoy Tucson.

And honestly ... April might be one of the best times to do exactly that.

Before summer settles in, there’s this perfect window where Tucson really shines. So here are a few Insider tips to make the most of it:

🌞 Patio season is right now

If you’ve been saying “we should grab a drink outside,” this is your sign. Mornings are cool, evenings are golden, it doesn’t last long, so take advantage.

🌵 Get outside (early or late)

Whether it’s a quick walk, a hike or just coffee in the sun, this is prime desert weather. Bonus points if you catch a sunrise or sunset. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to start your morning, try Cariño Coffee Bar, 3305 N. Cardi Boulevard (enter on Country Club). Jamie swears by their iced chocomil with espresso — basically a Mexican chocolate latte — and says their vanilla matcha is amazing, too. Or head to Sunshine Wine, 15 N. Santa Rita Ave., and sip a spritzer on their patio.

🎨 Lean into local events

Spring markets, pop-ups and creative events are everywhere right now. This is when Tucson’s community really shows up. And this weekend, April 25, is Independent Bookstore Day 📚 Stacks Book Club is hosting events, along with other local favorites like Bookmans, Mostly Books, and Desierto Books to name a few. Consider this your sign to do a little exploring and support Tucson’s amazing indie bookstores on Saturday.

🍓 Seasonal eats hit different

From prickly pear everything to lighter, refreshing menus, this is a great time to try something new (or revisit an old favorite). One of my favorite spots for a tasty, seasonal menu is The Coronet, 198 W. Cushing St. ... always worth a visit.

And one more thing — as part of the Insiders Club, you’re automatically entered into a monthly giveaway 🎉 You don’t have to do anything to enter — just keep an eye on these Insider emails, because this is where we’ll announce our winners.

Since we’ve been making a few changes behind the scenes, March’s giveaway got a little lost in the shuffle ... so we’re making up for it with two giveaways.

Let’s start with March: Tucson artist Melissa Henshaw created a custom ceramic planter just for us — totally on brand for our wildflower theme 🌼

And for April: local artist Wally Towne of Rust in Piece donated the loveliest handmade lantern, perfect for patio season ✨

So drum roll please ... 

Our March giveaway winner is Erica Garcia 🎉

And for April, our winner is Kerrie Ann Cazares 🎉

I’ll be reaching out to coordinate picking up your prizes!

Now ... enough from me, you’ve got a patio to sit on somewhere.

I’m really glad you’re here,

Kimberly

Editor, #ThisIsTucson

P.S. If you haven't heard, we launched a Snail Mail Club, read more here.