If you're a fan of old Westerns, you've no-doubt seen Old Tucson. Since 1939, it's been the backdrop for more than 400 films and shows. This timeless landscape continues entrancing people with legendary sunsets and striking saguaro.

Founded in 1775 as a Spanish military fort, it was incorporated as a city in 1877. With a population of over 500,000, it's the state's second-most populated city, behind Phoenix. One of Tucson's fascinations is the way it continues to grow while maintaining a firm hold on its roots.

In 2017, it became the first city in the country to win a UNESCO designation as a "City of Gastronomy" due to its mix of history, culture, and food. The earliest evidence of corn cultivation in the Southwest dates back to 2100 BCE in Tucson. Today, this distinctive cuisine has a direct link to traditional foods that are right at home in the contemporary scene. The city has over two dozen food festivals showcasing its take on good food. SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival is an excellent place to discover the area's best restaurants, chefs, brewmasters, and wineries. In September, get your gyro on at the authentic Tucson Greek Festival. Come October, quench your thirst at The Great Tucson Beer Festival and follow it up in November with the Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival.

Between festivals, check out Serial Grillers, rated one of the country's 25 coolest food trucks by Forbes. Dig into amazing butternut squash noodles and cashew gnocchi at The Tasteful Kitchen, one of many great vegetarian options. Beyond Bread is a Zagat-rated bakery, often earning Tuscon Weekly's "Best Bread and Sandwich" award. Another foodie favorite is Tucson Tamale Company.

The city is home to the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, with a fierce sports rivalry between the two. Games between the UA Wildcats and ASU Sundowners are electric and always a fun time. Triple-A ball is another big draw, with the Tuscon Padres, and the Sidewinders going head-to-head. Other popular sports include soccer, full-contact women's football, hockey, and NASCAR.

Looking for a little culture? The University of Arizona Museum of Art has a fantastic collection. It includes works from artists like Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothko, and Anthony Burgess. MOCA Tucson shines a spotlight on contemporary art trends, with exhibits changing every season. Metal Arts Village is a collaboration of metalworkers in the heart of the Ft. Lowell Furniture and Arts District. They invite you to visit all the galleries in a single night with their monthly Open Studios Under the Full Moon program.

There's so much to do in Tuscon; it's hard to know where to start. Go stargazing at UA's Steward Observatory or head up to Kitt Peak for out-of-this-world views. The city has a light pollution ordinance to keep night skies clear and stunning. Historic Downtown Tucson has everything from the Children's Museum to all things western. But it's impossible to get out and enjoy your city when you've got dead branches threatening to take out your roof. Getting the right person to remove it without damaging your home or tree is critical. LawnStarter connects you with the tree care expert you're looking for. It's simple. Sign up online or download our app, enter your ZIP code, and get a curated list of the most trusted tree care experts in your area. Choose a service date and know you're in good hands with LawnStarter pros.