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

Bejeweled Steer ~

Have you ever seen a long-horned steer with so much BLING? This fellow is on display at El Corral Restaurant (River Road). Sparkly! 
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Charm at every turn ~

Tucson's historic Hacienda del Sol Resort offers charm at every turn. They have modernized and expanded the resort over the years but have kept the essential southwest charm in every element. 

Impressive doorman!

Tucson has some of the most interesting wildlife! This intimidating fellow stands guard at a home on North Campbell Avenue.
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

Southwest Sun Screen ~

Here is a sun roof constructed from ocotillo spines that I spotted at Hacienda del Sol, one of Tucson's historic resort properties. 

Tucson's Flying Fish ~

Guests at Tucson's lovely Hacienda del Sol Resort can enjoy this sparkling school of fish at poolside. The gorgeous view (yes, our sky really is that blue!) is north. Another resort - La Paloma - is visible in the distance. That is also La Paloma's golf course that puts some green in the landscape. 

The Best of the Southwest ~ Tucson Resort

 

Not a single guess yesterday about where this is so I'll reveal the location now. I am posting photos from the beautiful Hacienda del Sol resort which is high in the Foothills. Such charm! A beautiful resort in Tucson. 

Serene St Philip's in the Hills ~

Today we come to the end of a whirlwind 15-Day Alphabet Tour of MY FAVORITE THINGS in Tucson. If you have not been following along, let me explain. Each day has highlighted a Tucson treasure while being guided by the letters in MY FAVORITE THINGS. 

Today we wrap up the tour with a Tucson treasure that starts with the letter S - St Philip's Church at River & Campbell. 

This beautiful building was designed in the 1930's by Josias Joesler, one of Tucson's most famous architects. This Episcopal church is known for its outreach and its inclusion. 

The church's grounds are serene and offer many welcoming areas to enjoy a contemplative and refreshing moment. 

What is YOUR favorite thing/place in Tucson that starts with an S? Tell us!

I hope you enjoyed your tour around town these past 15 days. What did you like best?

Grand Illumination ~

These dramatic lamps/lanterns are part of the elegant ambiance in St Philip's Plaza, a collection of offices, shops, and restaurants at Campbell and River. A lovely spot! 

Spa..hhhhh ~

It's Tuesday - Tucson Trivia Time! Did you know that Tucson is a world-famous spa resort getaway destination? Tucson is home to Miraval and Canyon Ranch as well as home to many resorts that offer fantastic spa treatments. Relax! Enjoy! Visit Tucson!

Practical Art ~

 

This beautiful floral bench is part of the seating offered on the many patio areas of St Philip's Plaza, one of Tucson's most charming retail shopping areas. Rest! Enjoy! Shop! 

Stoneware Seating ~

Careful! These pretty floral seat cushions are not fabric - they are stone! This trompe l'oeil bench provides some lovely (but not comfy) seating at St Philip's Plaza. The whole plaza is filled with colorful tile and mosaic work - beautiful! 

Sad News for a Tucson Throwback Thursday ~

One of Tucson's beloved spaces was severely damaged by fire this week. DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun Chapel was badly burned. Here is the news link to read more.
Archive photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

Is this green oasis in Tucson? Yep!

So we are regularly breaking the 100 degree mark and it's nice to know that there are many places in Tucson that are green and cool and offer a respite from the heat. Here is a lovely view of one of the patio areas in beautiful St Philip's Plaza, definitely one of my favorite Tucson spots!  

Cravin' Cajun?

This new(ish) restaurant, Sazerac, serves a menu influenced by New Orleans cuisine. I have always loved this location in St Philip's Plaza but several restaurants have come and gone in this same spot. I hope this one stays around! The decor has a great vibe! 

A Serene Sunday ~

What a lovely spot to sit and watch the world go by! These fun mosaic tile chairs and beautiful column mural are yours to enjoy at beautiful St Philip's Plaza. 

Stairway to....?

This beautiful and colorful stairway brought song lyrics to mind! Led Zepplin's "Stairway to Heaven" or George Gershwin's "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise" are the first ones I thought of. Any others? 

Bienvenue! A cheery French welcome ~

Tucson's chapter of the Alliance Francaise had a "Galette des Rois" celebration (King's Cake) in conjunction with Ephiphany. Traditional (and all home made!) galette was served with cider. Here is one of the Board Members welcoming guests. A lovely party! Un bon fete! 

In grand style ~

This enormous decorated beauty welcomes shoppers at La Encantada, the very nice shopping center north of Sunrise near Campbell. The center also offers fake snowfalls during the season so that you can properly get into the holiday spirit! 

Charming European Side Street?

Nope! This charming shopping area is Tucson's most upscale shopping mall, La Encantada. Year-round flowers in bloom, festive lights, events, and shops like Tiffany, Apple, and Tommy Bahama make this a nice stroll around place. Wide variety of eateries, too. Spend the day! Spend the evening! In the winter they even host special "snowfall" nights when they manufacture snowflakes for anyone who wants to experience a white Christmas without freezing temperatures. (smile)