San Xavier del Bac Mission From the earliest times, the Tohono O'odham settlement in which the Mission is located was called Bac, "place where the water appears," because the Santa Cruz River, which ran underground for some distance, reappears on the surface nearby. The celebrated Jesuit missionary and explorer, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, first visited Bac in 1692. Eight years later in 1700, Father Kino laid the foundations of the first church, some two miles north of the present site of the Mission. He named it San Xavier in honor of his chosen patron, St. Francis Xavier, the illustrious Jesuit "Apostle of the Indies." Mission San Xavier del Bac is situated in the Santa Cruz Valley nine miles south of Tucson, Arizona. Framed in the warm browns of the surrounding hills and the violet shadows of more distant mountains, it rises, brilliantly white from the desert floor of dusty green mesquite and sage. The imposing dome and lofty towers, the rounded parapets and graceful spires etched against the vivid blue complete a skyline with a graceful enchantment. |
 |
 |
Saguaro National Park East Saguaro National Park East and the many other hiking trails of the Tucson area. Only eight minutes away from Bed and Breakfast at Civano, this park and its three and one-half hour hiking trail is simply the closest, however, check out the site www.localhikes.com for a complete list of hiking trails in or around Tucson. From beginner trails to those that test your stamina and courage, Tucson has it. |
Desert Museum The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place! Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region so realistically you find yourself eye-to-eye with mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, and more. Within the Museum grounds, you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. There are almost 2 miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful desert. |
 |
 |
The world's largest collection of optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert under some of the finest night skies in the world. Kitt Peak, on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, is home to twenty-four optical and two radio telescopes representing eight astronomical research institutions. The Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's day. Guided tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. and group tours are available by appointment. You can stargaze at Kitt Peak with their Nightly Observing Programs . Go to: http://www.noao.edu/outreach/kpoutreach.html for more information. |
Tucson Botanical Gardens Voted America's Best Secret Garden by Reader's Digest, the Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Tucson. There are 16 specialty gardens within five and one-half acres representing a variety of gardening traditions and botanical themes. It was originally home of Bernice and Rutger Porter, dating to the l910's, and the earliest buildings on the property were constructed of adobe bricks made right on site. True to the vision of Mrs. Porter, the Gardens is a place of beauty, inspiration, and education about the natural world. It is a beautiful place to have a celebration or a wedding. |
 |
What will I find in Civano?
In Civano, the neighborhood named "Best New Community of the Year" by Sunset's January 2004 issue, you will find walking paths, shaded neighborhood streets, front porch friendliness, tennis, and swimming pools.
If you want action, you are mere minutes from Sahuaro National Monument and hiking trails. SW Trekking will provide mountain bikes, and Jeff Fassett, AMGA Certified Guide, will test your climbing skills.
Perhaps you want pampered. Discover the Yoga House, Civano Skin Care Salon, Reflexology by Shelly, and Monica Eng, Massage Therapist. This and more can be experienced in environmentally friendly Civano.