the wandering chick
...Patagonia
the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road
Highway 83 and winter wheat fields

If you're in the Tucson area and like scenic drives, I'd recommend the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road, otherwise known as Highways 83 and 82.

It was a pleasant drive with a flavor for the Old West and cowboys and Indians. Grasslands dominate the landscape dotted with yucca and mesquite trees.

Leave I-10 at Vail east of Tucson and head south onto Highway 83. When you get to Sonoita, where, by the way, there are more than one restaurants that looked like they could put out a good meal (Too bad we drove through at 9:30 in the morning), take the right at Junction 82. Unless my travel partner and I missed something, the restaurants are the ONLY thing in Sonoita of interest. It's hardly more than a highway junction. Highway 82 leads all the way down to Nogales, a border city and the largest of the three towns on the route (Sonoita, Patagonia and Nogales).

This was pretty much the landscape all the way to Nogales, but I found it quite pretty.
Highway 83 to Patagonia
The scenic road to Patagonia
a rancher's windmill
The road to Patagonia
Patagonia, the town
Patagonia
The Santa Rita Mountains dominate the horizon to your right as you head south into cowboy land.
The artistic flair of the Patagonia community is evident. Colorfully painted, the buildings reflect the talent and pride of the local artisans. The town also boasts a butterfly garden (seasonal), and the nearby nature conservancy brings in bird-watchers from around the world.
Patagonia
Patagonia Cultural Center
A row of pots at a private home
The town's brightly colored market
Patagonia's Cultural Center
Above and Below: Patagonia's Cultural Center
a huge Mesquite tree on a residentail lot in Patagonia
This huge mesquite tree caught my interest as it dwarfs the surrounding houses.
Cattle owned by a local rancher
A local rancher breeds Charolais cattle, a white breed that originated in France. It's known for its high quality beef.
Highway 82 between Patagonia and Nogales
Highway 82 between Patagonia and Nogales
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Nogales
Nogales Courthouse
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nogales, Arizona
The Nogales, Arizona, courthouse

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