Tucked away from the hustle of midtown Tucson, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a beautiful escape where dining meets nature. It’s also an ideal backdrop for local foodie events like the recent SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival.
Many of us know about the treasure we have at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, but the folks at USA Today are well aware, too. Tucson Botanical Gardens has been nominated for “Best Botanical Garden” in this year’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest.
What’s Next?
Now, folks need to vote! You can do so online now Monday, March 10. Tucson Botanical Gardens is one of 20 nominees in the category.
“We were thrilled and honored to be ranked #4 in 2023 and 2024,” said Michelle Conklin, President and CEO of Tucson Botanical Gardens. “To receive this recognition once again from a distinguished national panel is a powerful testament to Tucson Botanical Gardens’ enduring reputation as a ‘big garden on a small footprint.'”
You need to be at least 18 years old to vote at 10best.usatoday.com.
Nominees are selected by a panel of experts, including editors from USA Today, 10Best.com, and a panel of experts.
“This accolade highlights not only our garden’s unique beauty but also the vibrant spirit of Tucson itself,” Conklin added. “We are deeply grateful for this national recognition and extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who support us with their votes.”
The 10 winning gardens will be revealed on Wednesday, March 19.
Grub at the Gardens
Stroll down the winding paths and you’ll likely encounter hummingbirds, lizards, and the occasional butterfly. Then, about midway through the Gardens, Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill is blooming with dishes to try.
Certain ingredients like chives on the avocado toast are often picked from potted plants in the windows of the cafe. The flowers in vases on each table are picked from the Gardens each morning.
It’s just one more reason to vote for the unique attraction we have in the middle of town.
To cast your vote, visit 10best.usatoday.com.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens are located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686 or visit tucsonbotanical.org.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
