Browsing off the beaten trail

GETTING THERE:

Tucson is 485 miles east of Los Angeles by way of Interstate 10. From LAX, United and Southwest fly nonstop to Tucson; America West has connecting (change of planes)service. Connecting service also is available from Burbank and Orange County on Southwest, America West and Delta; from Ontario on America West, United and Southwest; from Long Beach on America West only. Restricted round-trip fares start at $96.

From downtown Tucson,

the best way to find the Lost Barrio is from Broadway (following Park Avenue from other parts of town will lead to many dead ends). From downtown, go east on Broadway, under the Rattlesnake bridge. Turn south on Park Avenue, which is two blocks east of Euclid Boulevard.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress; (520) 622-8848, www.hotcong.com. The restored landmark offers few amenities — there are no TVs or clocks — but loads of entertainment. There are two lively bars, nightly entertainment and fine food at reasonable prices in the Cup Café. Doubles $59-$89.

WHERE TO EAT:

Tooley’s Cafe, 299 S. Park Ave. Inexpensive Mexican food in a colorful setting in the heart of the Lost Barrio. Entrees $2-$8.

WHERE TO SHOP:

Bohemia, 299 S. Park Ave.; (520) 882-0800, www.bohemiatucson.com.

Colonial Frontiers, 244 S. Park Ave.; (520) 622-7400, www.colonialfrontiers.com.

Eastern Living, 212 S. Park Ave.; (520) 299-3889.

Explorations, 242 S. Park Ave.; (520) 622-2037.

Magellan Trading, 228 S. Park Ave.; (520) 622-4968, (800) 311-4968, www.magellantraders.com.

People’s Imports, 276 S. Park Ave.; (520) 903-2300.

Rustica, 200 S. Park Ave.; (520) 623-4435.

Studio Encanto, 300 S. Park Ave.; (520) 624-1133, www.studioencanto.com.