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manda405

Feb 18, 2006, 8:55 PM

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What to see in Nogales????

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A friend who works at the mall with me wants to go to Nogales for the day so he can visit Mexico. He is Isreali and is going home in 3 months. He was surprised that Mexico is so close to Tucson, and wants me to take him and show him around. The only problem is that I have no idea where to take him!! I have lived here for 7 months now and don't know of any good places that I could take him. Does anyone know of any places that are close enough to Nogales to drive to for the day?

What happens down in Mexico...Stays in Mexico.

esperanza

Feb 18, 2006, 9:08 PM

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Re: [manda405] What to see in Nogales????

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Puerto Peñasco is a possibility. It's apparently very touristy now, but at one time the white sand beaches on the Golfo de Cortez were lovely.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

bournemouth

Feb 19, 2006, 7:12 AM

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Re: [manda405] What to see in Nogales????

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Manda - Penasco is too far for a day drive. How about taking him to Magdalena - that's a lovely small town in a fertile valley. Padre Kino's bones are laid to rest there in the Plaza - it has the feel of a traditional town and is about an hour to an hour and a half south of Nogales. You won't need car papers but do need to check on getting a visa for your friend - no charge for visas of less than 7 days. Tell him to bring his passport.

You will pass through Imuris on the way to Magdalena and could check that town out too. Enjoy the trip.

Esteban

Feb 19, 2006, 7:41 AM

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Re: [manda405] What to see in Nogales????

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When I lived in Tucson, we used to go to Nogales all the time. Just drive down. Park at the Burger King...pay inside for all day parking. Then walk across the border and wander around. Border towns have more things for sale than Mazatlan.
There are a variety of places to eat with outdoor cafes that allow you to people watch. Make sure your friend has up to date paperwork because if not, he'll be stuck in Mexico.

raferguson

Feb 19, 2006, 7:33 PM

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Re: [manda405] What to see in Nogales????

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Not too long ago, some friends took us to Nogales for the day. We walked across the border, wandered around and looked at trinkets, crafts, and art. Our friends bought some items for their house. We had lunch in a decent restaurant, I forget the name but it is well known. It was fairly pleasant and civilized. We probably only went a few blocks from the downtown crossing. The vendors were no problem, less of a hassle than the time share guys in Puerto Vallarta, just say No Gracias.

If he just wants a little taste of Mexico for the day, Nogales is not a bad place to do it. No vehicle permits, no auto insurance, no hassle. If he wants the beach, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) is the closest beach to Tucson.

Your Israeli friend must have all his papers in order and with him, no matter where you cross the border. Passport required for him, but optional for you.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

manda405

Feb 22, 2006, 7:55 PM

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Re: [Esteban] What to see in Nogales????

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I live in Nogales, I guess I should have made that a little clearer. I know all about the junk stores selling overpriced souveniers and outdoor cafes where you can eat the same stuff you would have at "On the Border" in Tucson, but for twice the price. I also know that in Nogales, that's ALL there is. If I wanted to show him that, we could have lunch at "On the Border" and go hang out at the Swap Meet for a few hours, save us the drive. But I want him, and me for that matter, to see something cool that he can share with his family and friends at home.
Thanks for the posts on Magdelena and Puerto Penasco. I think we might go to the beach, he says he misses the beach.

What happens down in Mexico...Stays in Mexico.

Esteban

Feb 22, 2006, 8:40 PM

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Re: [manda405] What to see in Nogales????

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Actually, the swap meet is pretty cool.

Also, take him to the Parador(in Tucson) on Saturday night for some HOT Salsa music

alex .

Feb 23, 2006, 6:25 AM

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Re: [Esteban] What to see in Nogales????

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Yea, I like the tianguis as well, on the west side where cinco del febrero ends. Lots of interesting eateries in there.
Alex

manda405

Feb 24, 2006, 11:25 AM

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Re: [alex .] What to see in Nogales????

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Haven't been to that one yet, I work on the weekends. We did go to the small one that is close to the baseball staduim on Ave. Tecnologia. It kinda sucked, they didn't have any good food vendors and most of the stuff was junk.
My fav place to eat is Pinky's. It is on the main drag, (the two way street, not Obregon) across from the school. Good stuff, mostly "American" like burgers and fries, but they also do quesadillas and chimichangas. My kids love it.

What happens down in Mexico...Stays in Mexico.