Lots to do in Tucson's revitalized downtown

A taqueria and a giant head over a tiki bar on Fourth Avenue in downtown Tucson.[Photo/Beth J. Harpaz/AP]

If you're shopping for gifts or souvenirs, be sure to sift through the treasures at Old Town Artisans, 201 N. Court Ave. Nearby at 311 N. Court Ave., the fun and charming El Charro Cafe-run by the same family since 1922 - serves tasty old-school Mexican food and great sangria.

Another historic area is Barrio Viejo. Leave an offering at El Tiradito, 420 S.Main Ave., a shrine covered with candles and flowers. Around the corner, a colorful mural decorates the site of an old spring, El Ojito, which supplied early settlers with water.

Congress Street

Congress Street is hopping with venues both classic and new. The historic Hotel Congress has a real working pay phone in the lobbyyes, with a dial!-but there's nothing old-fashioned about its bloody Mary bar, offered Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm, where options for your drink range from artichokes to goat cheese. The Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St., has hosted everyone from The Lumineers to Merle Haggard.

For some innovative treats, try the Hub Ice Cream Factory, 245 E. Congress St., where flavors include bourbon almond brittle, Mexican wedding cookie, vanilla lavender and brandied cherry goat cheese. Cafe Poca Cosa, 100 E. Pennington St., is known for its "plato poca cosa", which includes samples of three entrees from the day's menu.