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Gastronomy Tours hit the historic trails of Marana

Gastronomy Tours hit the historic trails of Marana

Dec 26, 20182 min read

History runs deep in Marana — now’s your chance to discover it.

Hit the paths of our ancestors during Discover Marana’s Gastronomy Tours from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 6 and 12:30 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 24.

If you have ever been on a hike and wondered which plants are edible, this is the culinary tour for you. Dr. Suzanne Fish or Allen Denoyer guide you through Marana’s 4,000 years of agricultural history.

The two tours are the first to be approved by the Tucson City of Gastronomy, which was the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S.

Each is different but will include the flavors local chefs have come to love, a visit to ancient archaeological sites, and the techniques of brewmasters and artisanal bakers. Some of the participants include Bean Tree Farm and Catalina Brewing Company.

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The tours start at $99 per person and last between four and six hours — numbers are limited.

Make sure to wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes because you will spend at least an hour of the tour outside. So, which adventure are you going to take this year?

A Taste of the Wild – Gastronomy Tour

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 6

Los Morteros Holes (Credit: Marana Gastronomy Tours)
Los Morteros Holes (Credit: Marana Gastronomy Tours)

Itinerary
  • Meet at Tucson Premium Outlets at 9:30 a.m
  • Tour of Los Morteros Conservation Area at 9:45 a.m.
  • Foraging and Tasting at 10:45 a.m.
  • Tasting at Catalina Brewing Company at 12:45 p.m.
  • Tour ends at Tucson Premium Outlets at 1:30 p.m.

For more information and to book your spot on the A Taste of the Wild Gastronomy Tour, visit graylinearizona.com.

Marana Gastronomy Tour

12:30 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 24

Marana Gastronomy Tour small course at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (Photo credit: Town of Marana)
Marana Gastronomy Tour small course at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (Photo credit: Town of Marana)

Itinerary
  • Meet at Tucson Premium Outlets at 12:30 p.m.
  • Tour of Los Morteros Conservation Area at 1 p.m.
  • Tasting at Catalina Brewing Company at 2:30 p.m.
  • Tour of ancient Hohokam farm site at 3:15 p.m.
  • Tasting at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain at 4:30 p.m.
  • Tour finishes up at Tucson Premium Outlets 6 p.m.

For more information and to book your spot on the Marana Gastronomy Tour, visit graylinearizona.com.

Each tour begins at the Tucson Premium Outlets located at 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd. For more information on the tours, dates, and hours, visit discovermarana.org. 

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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