Shrine Dedicated to a Sinner ~

Tucson's El Tiradito Shrine (The Wishing Shrine) is part of the Turquoise Trail walking tour. This little shrine is dedicated to a young man who was killed by an enraged husband when he found him in bed with his wife. The young man was having an affair with his mother in law. As a result of his murder, the mother in law (his lover) and her daughter (his wife) both committed suicide. Interesting piece of Tucson trivia, yes?

Tucson Food Friday! (Is beer a food?)

TOMORROW! Saturday! 
The 3rd annual Baja Beer Festival is back! This year it will be held in historic Armory Park. Sample over 200 beers from Arizona's best breweries and food (for purchase) from the regions most talented chefs. This year's fest features a focus on IPAs, as brewers compete in the first state-wide IPA competition. For FULL DETAILS, CLICK HERE. 

Friday Food - all about Tucson on NPR!

It's no surprise that we have many great Mexican restaurants in Tucson - some of them have been been open for nearly 100 years. Here is a feature piece on National Public Radio that salutes our many Sonoran-influenced culinary treats and products. It also mentions a few "must try" restaurants that are not mentioned in some of the traditional restaurant guides. Click here to read all about it. Yum! 

Tucson's Spiritual Lore ~

The story is that as Felix Lucero lay critically injured on a battlefield he made a deal with God that if he was permitted to live he would dedicate himself to creating Christian art. Tucson's Garden of Gethsemane is the result of his pact with the Almighty. Here's more info about this small public park if you would like to read more about this unusual sculpture garden.
Photos courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

And you thought you had seen it all....

Yes, we all call it "The Gem Show" for short but it's the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and you can find a whole lot more than turquoise necklaces there! Check out these great finds from sea bed and cliff excavations - the remains of ancient sea creatures. Fabulous!
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

Past and Present ~

Walking around through Tucson's old Barrio district you encounter a constant interplay of old and new. Here at the corner of Simpson and Convent is a building that still displays old Spanish signage from long ago. 

Throwback Thursday ~Tucson is a Tent City again!

01 FEBRUARY 2011

Tucson's tent city ~

THEN:

For the next few weeks parts of Tucson will be looking like a tent city as the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show moves into town. Many locations all over town make this show accessible to just about anyone. Vendors are set up in hotels, at the Convention Center, and in tents selling gems, minerals, jewelry making supplies, American Indian items and more. Click this handy link to read all about it here.

NOW: Exactly the same! The Gem Show attracts visitors from all over the world and there are tents, booths, and hotel lobbies FILLED with gorgeous specimens now through February 11. For this year's info, click here. 

Old World Charm ~

Cushing Street Restaurant is definitely has an Old World vibe with its massive wooden bar and collection of photos and curios. These days they are only open 4 days a week and reservations are suggested (especially if something is going on at the TCC across the street). There are a number of private dining rooms and also a great patio. Jazz on Fridays! 

Tuesday = Tucson Trivia Day!

Did you know that Calle Carlos Arruza is a Tucson street named after a famed Mexican matador? Arruza was an international sensation and was nicknamed "The Cyclone." Here is more info on him and his career.  

Throwback Thursday in Tucson - still beautiful!

16 NOVEMBER 2010

Tucson's Historic Barrio ~ beauty

THEN & NOW:

Check out this beautiful arbor ~ what a lovely entrance to this home in Tucson's barrio. Love that pierced tin lamp!

Throwback Thursday ~ Barrio Beauty Remains the Same!

25 May 2010

Tucson's Barrio Beauty ~

Here's another classic Tucson Barrio home - thick adobe walls help insulate against the intense desert heat. Tucson's barrio district (also called Barrio Historico or Barrio Libre) is a treasure trove of charming adobe homes - many date from the 1800's. Adjacent to Tucson's downtown, this small area is now a mix of private residences and offices for lawyers & other professionals.

To see other similar beauties, click on the "Barrio" label and/or the "Doorway/Entry" label below this post. Here's additional historical info: http://southwest.library.arizona.edu/barr/body.1_div.2.html

Saved from the Wrecking Ball ~

Tiny San Cosme Chapel was built in 1931 and was spared from the mass razing of houses and businesses deemed necessary to make way for the Tucson Convention Center. That urban expansion project destroyed much of an interesting Hispanic neighborhood but this adobe structure was left untouched. This little chapel has an adjacent tiny park and gazebo and interesting murals depicting the history of the neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of David Sewell. 

Most Famous Chili Dog in Tucson ~

Pat's Chili Dogs has been serving Tucson for decades! It is in a not-great area but that doesn't stop the fans! Click here for more info and more photos. If you love hot dogs and fries, this is your place!

Photos courtesy of Susan Dodson. 

Big Theatre ~

Here is my friend Valerie posing with three of the giant stars of "Barrio Stories," a production by Borderlands Theatre. The outdoor production presented the rich stories of the Mexican American neighborhood that was destroyed with the construction of the Tucson Convention Center.  

Throwback Thursday ~ Tucson's Historic Barrio

On this day in 2009 I posted this photo of a typical charming doorway in Tucson's barrio. Happily, some things never change and my bet is that this house has not changed much in six years. Here is the original post:
Tucson's barrio district (also called Barrio Historico or Barrio Libre) is a treasure trove of charming adobe homes - many date from the 1800's. Adjacent to Tucson's downtown, this small area is now a mix of private residences and offices for lawyers & other professionals.

http://southwest.library.arizona.edu/barr/body.1_div.2.html

Remember those you love ~

Tucson has a 140-year-old shrine tucked away on Main near Cushing Street: El Tiradito which honors a man who was definitely not a saint! Click on the link to read about this beloved little place.
Photo courtesy of Sue Dodson.

Tucson's MOCA - inspired re-use of space!

If you haven't visited Tucson's Museum of Contemporary Art, you should definitely check it out. First of all, it is a wonderful example of re-purposing a building space. What was once a fire station is now a museum of contemporary art and you couldn't ask for a more effective gallery space! Lots of light, high ceilings.... it's great fun!

Tucson's Throwback Thursday ~

So when I posted about MOCA on March 26, 2010 (click here to see the post) the Museum had just moved into its new digs downtown - an old Fire Station. Here, 5 years later, the news at MOCA is that the long-time director is leaving for a job in Florida. She feels that the museum is on firm footing now and she is turning over the reins. It is definitely a cool re-purposing of space downtown!

Winter Green ~

This cheerful row of restored adobe houses in Tucson's charming Barrio district brightens the block with pink doors and porches. The green exterior looks so nice on a drab winter day!

A Quiet Spot Downtown ~ (2 photos)

This small respite at 18th and Convent Avenue is a park designed for quiet contemplation. The park was created to honor two little boys who were killed by a drunken driver at this intersection. Here's the original story about how the city built the park. The colorful panels on the wall are based on "papel picado" (paper cut outs) used to celebrate the Day of the Dead.