Tucson—We’re the Song (travel article)

Vacations get us away from it all. They offer a chance to relax, rejuvenate, reconnect, renew. Travel allows us to find adventure, experience something different, and discover new places. When we unwind, we recapture a sense of freedom; We become open to ideas, inspiration, opportunities, and to creating memories. 

In Tucson, that openness is best represented by the city’s vast horizons—look up for endless blue skies, unbelievable sunsets, majestic sunrises. Look down at the life that remarkably thrives in Tucson’s rugged landscape—it’s hard not to believe that anything is possible. That soulful atmosphere has attracted notable artists, philosophers, and theologians for decades. Tucson is a place where inspiration is born, and as Randy Houser sings in “Top of the World,” “I want this moment to last”.

Everything about this is right

Tucson pushes the limits by delivering experiences way beyond typical. There’s an abundance of world-class resorts, one-of-a-kind—we mean it—attractions, fine dining, and even casinos. What sets Tucson apart from other destinations is somewhat undefinable. It’s like a song that worms its way into your head and has you humming all day long. Tucson seeps into your thoughts and becomes a presence you just don’t want to let go. Country music star, Randy Houser, recently found this to be true for him.

When Houser was scouting locations for his “Like a Cowboy” music video, he expressed a desire to find something “unique, special… a little beyond where we’ve been.” Tucson seemed a likely choice since, according to co-star and producer William Shockley, “There’s history [here] that you just can’t find anywhere else.” The people and the city’s cuisine, as well as the cultural mix of an urban location with rich history, just felt right for Houser and his music, and left him wanting to come back for more.

One music video became two (a year later Houser returned to shoot his “We Went” music video), he performed a sold-out concert at Tucson’s historic Fox Theatre, and once again, Tucson is partnering with Houser. This time for a promotional video using his song “Top of the World,” which captures the essence of Tucson. 

Feel like we’re a mile high

Listening to the lyrics of “Top of the World,” you can’t help but wonder if Tucson was the setting for its inspiration, because when you put the two together, well, “everything about this feels right.” It’s a love song about that euphoric moment when you make a connection and suddenly feel on top of the world… excited… breathless. It’s a moment that you never want to end. Although it’s a state of mind, it sets the stage for an unforgettable experience, and in Tucson, there’s no shortage of striking locations to create lasting moments.

In the song, the two lovers are “up on Lovers Ledge, sittin' out on the edge” and “feel like we’re a mile high.” 

When it comes to top-of-the-world moments, Tucson delivers with its five surrounding mountain ranges. Maybe the moment is a picnic on Mt. Lemmon, the 9,000-foot summit of the Santa Catalina Mountains named after botanist Sara Lemmon—the first known Anglo woman to trek up the mountain in search of rare flora—or a hike to Romero Pools to find respite or personal reflection in their cool, natural waters. Maybe it’s simply witnessing the awe-inspiring light show as the sun sets, or rises, over Gates Pass, a popular hangout with a limitless view… “You can see everything. Moon, the stars, it's ours. It's like we own it.”

Tucson’s wide-open sky, unencumbered by big city lights and rarely overcast, is perfect for stargazing. Why else would it be dubbed the “Astronomy Capital of the World”? Look up to find a glimmering celestial blanket and “…hope the sun don’t rise too fast.” But if you miss the moment, no worries, the star-studded event returns every night.

In fact, with more than 350 days of sunshine, bad weather rarely ruins the fun. That’s why Tucson is a real outdoor mecca that boasts hundreds of hiking trails, multiple golf courses, and a consistent ranking as one of the best cycling cities. Though, if a rainstorm does happen to pass through—you’ll see the huge, saturated clouds and hear booming thunder before the shower falls—consider yourself blessed and simply enjoy the cool, refreshing show like the locals do.

Tucson isn’t just about outdoor beauty. Steeped in culture and history, the area boasts some of the earliest Spanish-colonial architecture. Enjoy a moment of quiet serenity at Mission San Xavier del Bac, the oldest European-designed structure in Arizona. Crowned the “White Dove of the Desert” the church’s lime-washed walls offer a striking contrast against the azure sky and muted desert colors.

Yeah, I just want to stay in it

As a haven for creative types like Randy Houser, artistically Tucson rocks. From visual and performing arts to culinary arts and mixology, there’s plenty to experience. A trendy downtown district and nearby University of Arizona campus inject a hip, urban vibe where art galleries, eclectic boutiques, and vintage shops promise surprising souvenirs that will have those left at home seeing green. Extraordinary restaurants, cafes, and gastropubs tantalize the palate while stylish lounges shake it up with unexpected libations and live music that will draw you in, and make you “…just want to stay in it”.

So, crank the music up loud and sing along with Randy, because when you’re in Tucson…

Baby don't it feel like we're the highway
Radio turned up and we're the song
That's on it and baby don't it
Feel like we're a mile high
Can't breathe, you can see everything
Moon, the stars, it's ours, it's like we own it
Baby don't it feel like
We're on top of the world, top of the world, yeah yeah…

Tucson is a destination where you just don’t want your experience to end. So when it does, like Randy, feel free to plan your next visit, and also like him, you can say, “We Went” back.

Credits: “Top of the World” Performed by Randy Houser
Lyrics by: Rob Hatch, Vicky McGehee, Lance Miller, Jason Sellers

Click here to link to published piece.