Doggie Door?

 Pretty grand front door, isn't it? And that bottom opening -- doggie door? Package delivery? 

Bobcat Siesta

 A neighbor posted this photo of "Bobcats Sleeping on Porch" photo on the NextDoor network. WOW! Imagine opening your front door and find this family there! 

Photo courtesy of LM Grace. 

400 years of history ~

These magnificent and massive carved wooden doors are dated to 1665. They are from a chapel in Michoacan, Mexico and were carved by Tarascan wood carvers. They are now installed on one of the art galleries at the Amerind Foundation in Texas Canyon. 

Tucson Throwback Thursday ~

06 DECEMBER 2012

Secret shopping ~

THEN:

This is a wonderful store that is on the grounds of hte famous El Corral restaurant - so it's a little hidden from view. "Diamond Lil's" feataures vintage clothing and jewelry. I can't find a website for t hem but I did find this basic info on Yelp:  2201 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718; Open Wed-Sun 3pm - 9 pm. 

NOW:

A newer Yelp entry: https://www.yelp.com/biz/diamond-lils-vintage-and-gifts-tucson

The Kon Tiki Lounge ~ a Tucson classic

04 OCTOBER 2009

The Kon Tiki Lounge ~ a Tucson classic

THEN & NOW: Some things never change! 

A Tucson watering hole since 1963, the Kon Tiki Lounge serves a drink they call the Scorpion: "the largest drink in the world." It's a mix of rum, brandy, gin, fruit juice, and liqueurs ~ whew! And they serve it in a giant bowl with extra long straws. Quite a cocktail! I've never been brave enough to try it but do tell me if you have!

Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge 
www.kontikitucson.com
(520) 323-7193
Get directions

More Trompe L'Oeil! Fun!

One of the many things I love about Tucson is the amount of public art that adds a note of fun to the landscape. Here is a wonderful mural that decorates Dale's Doors on S Kino Parkway. The figure in the doorway is NOT a ghost - it's Shana, the daughter of the store's owner, Leslie Bray. The artwork was done by "Murals by Jos." 

So THAT'S what they are called!

 

It's common to see these colorful and elaborate paper cut outs hung from houses in Tucson. They always look so festive! Do you know what they are called? Click HERE to learn a little bit of Mexican history about them! 

Historical Throwback Thursday - all is the same!

09 AUGUST 2010

More mansions on Main ~

THEN: 8 years ago this particular posting was part of a "Walking Tour of Downtown Tucson" that I was navigating for site visitors. 

NOW: The tour would be the same! 

Facing each other on Main at Franklin are two very different homes ~ both beautiful. The Steinfeld Mansion (California Mission Revival style) was built in 1898 and originally housed an exclusive bachelors' club (tomorrow you'll visit the club's later location). Later, the Steinfelds bought it. Even later it was a convent! It is reputedly one of the first homes in Tucson to have running water.
http://www.dotcomtucson.com/tucson_arizona_attractions/steinfeld_mansion.html
The Jules Kruttschnidt House (now a bed and breakfast) blends Mexican adobe construction with a veranda and breezeway. http://www.bbonline.com/az/elpresidio/history.html

Next stop: Keep walking north on Main and on your left you will spot the Owl's Club building - just a few steps from the Steinfeld Mansion.

Tucson Loves Sushi!

26 JULY 2010

A flagship restaurant ~

THEN:

Here is one of the anchor stores at Broadway Village ~ Elle restaurant. It used to have a giant ripe red tomato as part of their logo/signage and fun tomato shaped door handles at the entry. Ownership has changed over the years and I noticed in my recent walkaround that the current owners decided to paint the tomato door handles shiny black.... Go figure.

Anyway, you can see the weathervane on top displays the year 1939 when the Village was built.

NOW: This site is now Sushi Garden Restaurant which has pretty good reviews!

Oh no!! NO DOUGHNUTS?

You are definitely missing something sweet if you have not tried the amazing doughnuts at Batch in downtown Tucson. They rotate their flavors so you can be surprised every day with a different selection. HOWEVER, when we stopped in at 5:30 pm on Sunday they were OUT OF DOUGHNUTS! Not a single one left1 I learned that they do 1/2 price on Sundays for doughnuts so they sell out early. I must do better planning next time and get there earlier! Yum! 

Magical Lanterns ~

One of my neighbors has a fantastic collection of hanging lanterns on the front porch - all cool, crisp white! So interesting and beautiful! 

A room with a different view ~

The massive "Sonora" sculpture that commands the main library plaza downtown looks quite different from inside the building. For more info on this controversial piece of Tuscson's collection of public art, click here. 

Throwback Thursday - We STILL like it hot!

10 MAY 2010

In Tucson we like it hot ~

THEN:

Oh boy... not even the middle of May yet and we almost hit 100 degrees! HOT! HOT! HOT! Just like this great red hot dress on display in front of one of the vintage clothing stores on 4th Avenue. Whatever style or era you like, there's a fashion find waiting for you on this fun shopping street. Vintage clothing, restaurants, bars, shops, food co-op, even a Dairy Queen!

NOW: Oh we have already sailed past the 100 degree mark already! I guess Tucson is getting even hotter even earlier! 

Guardian of Myra Drive ~

Years ago I posted this Knight in Shining Armor on the site and I forgot all about him until a site follower forwarded this photo. Obviously, years later he still stands guard on Myra Drive. These homeowners have quite an English sense of humor, yes?
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Throwback Thursday - Mice!

19 APRIL 2010

A Mighty Mouse Limo (and mousetrap!) ~

THEN:

I still haven't been able to catch the regular mouse cars as they drive around Tucson but I've captured the mouse LIMO for you. It's parked in front of the Truly Nolen headquarters on Speedway. And do check out that mighty mousetrap! Fun!

http://www.trulynolen.com/

NOW: 

Eight years later the mouse cars are still scooting around town - fighting pests! 

Tucson's Remarkable Rock Garden ~

Whenever I hear the term "rock garden" I don't really picture THIS! But it is clear that these homeowners on Desert Steppes Drive want to make sure that they remain untroubled by weeds until the end of time! Wow - imagine how long this must have taken to install! Rock Garden indeed!
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Throwback Thursday ~ Ditto, Repeat!

05 APRIL 2013

Southwest Good Luck Charm ~

 

THEN:

You know you're in the Southwest when you see strands of drying chile peppers (ristras).  Ristras are hung in front of a home to welcome visitors and to bring good luck.

NOW: 

Happily, good luck wishes endure from year to year! 

Welcome!

Yes, it is indeed Monday! Where did the weekend go? Welcome to another week of unpredictible weather in Tucson - some cold days, some rain, and some sun. As the saying goes, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Let's move the thermometer up from the 40's, please! 

Happiest Way to Start Your Week!

They say that laughter is the best medicine and the absolute expert of this form of therapy is the amazing talented cast that you will enjoy at The Gaslight Theatre. The current show is "The Lone Stranger" and it runs through March 25. Be sure and stay for the "after show" - the Olio - which is a wonderful show unto itself! This is a Tucson Treasure! 

Tucson's Cathedral is expanding ~

08 MARCH 2010

Tucson's Cathedral ~

THEN:

Surely one of the most beautiful buildings in downtown Tucson is St Augustine Cathedral on Stone Avenue. Over the front door carved in stone are various desert plants and inside the santuary the saguaro cactus blossom is featured on the main altar, pulpit, lectern and baptismal font. On the north end of the property is a colorful canopy/gazebo/stage which is formed of brilliantly colored metal flowers. I'll post that tomorrow so stay tuned!

http://www.staugustinecathedral.com/

NOW: Construction! The north side of the property is being developed as a low-income property for seniors. The colorful floral bandshell will be moved but I can't find a confirmation of its new location.