TUCSON GETAWAYS!

By TucsonStyle.com Reporter: Melissa Candek

Most of Tucson's resorts and guest ranches cater to out-of-town visitors, though they also welcome local residents. Unique and scenic places such as Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch and the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa are worth a look for reduced rates on overnight packages and for unique dining experiences.

The Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, on Tucson's far East side, offers an outdoor BBQ twice a week. The dinner is held in the ranch's secluded Cottonwood Grove. A cowboy guitarist adds to the rustic scenery in the grove during dinner. The ranch welcomes Tucson residents, and the all-inclusive BBQ is $28 per person. The BBQ features ribs, chicken, steak and all the trimmings. Call 296-6275 for more information.

The Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa, on Tucson's Northwest side, is running buy one service, get another free with overnight stays through January 10. The packages include a coupon to buy one round of golf, get one free, or buy one 50 minute spa service, get one free. Room rates start at $109/night for two guests. The Recline & Dine special includes a room and dinner for two in the Catalina Grille for $199/night. The Ultimate Escape, $165/night, is a two night stay and includes dinner in the Catalina Grille, a bottle of wine upon arrival and a 25% discount in the spa or lobby shop. The La Encantada Package includes a $20 gift certificate to the shopping center for $139/night. For more information, call 544-5000.

The Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, near the Catalina Foothills, has an interesting history. In the early 1940s, the Hacienda was converted to a guest ranch. This served as a secluded hideaway for celebrities such as Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn and John Wayne. The ranch offers a number of unique dining opportunities at The Grill. Dinner is served every night from 5:30 until 10, and the menu includes a variety of entrees such as beef tenderloin, free range chicken, duck and sea bass. A late night menu, ¡TERRAZA!, is available until 11 pm. Sunday Brunch at The Grill, from 10-2, is $32 per person, and children 12 and under are $12.95. Live music is featured at Jazz Nights at The Grill, Wednesday through Sunday evenings from 7-10 pm. Call 529-3500 for more information.