One of Tucson's Best ICONS ~

As we continue our virtual Alphabet Tour of Tucson we have arrived at Day 13 of showcasing great Tucson things using the letters of MY FAVORITE THINGS. 

This brings us to Tucson things and places that begin with the letter I. How about this fantastic neon sign as a classic Tucson Icon? This sign was installed about 8 years ago in the Miracle Mile neighborhood and serves as an old fashioned "Welcome" sign. 

What is your favorite Tucson Icon? Tell us! 

Thursday Throwback ~ WAY back to the 1930's!

22 SEPTEMBER 2010

Tucson tourism ~ another iconic motel

I just love the old neon signs around town and this one for the Arizona Motel captures the mood of the last century when automobile travel was a true American past time. It wasn't until I looked at their website, though, that I really appreciated how long this motel has been welcoming tourists. Their website has fantastic vintage photos! Check it out: http://www.arizonamoteltucson.com/

Tucson Throwback Thursday ~ May 7, 2010

Five years ago I featured this wonderful retro neon sign that had been erected on the old "Miracle Mile" - an area of motels (all with great neon signs) that had their heyday in the 50's and 60's. Here's the original post:

Yesterday you saw one side of this great neon sign; here's the flip side. Dirk Arnold, the artist, really captures the flavor of the heyday of the neon sign as a tourist attraction. This big cactus is a fun beacon on Oracle Road at Drachman (where the roundabout was).

From the Golden Age of Car Travel ~

This is the other sign that is on display at the main library (see yesterday's post for The Tropicana sign). There is just something so cheerful and uplifting about these old neon signs! I can understand why historic preservation groups fight to restore them - they are beautiful and fun! For the full story about these signs, click here: www.downtowntucson.org/2011/11/neon-tropicana-sign-lights-up-main-library/

Tucson's history in neon ~ fun!

The main library is displaying two beautifully restored neon signs from America's golden age of car travel - the 50's & 60's. This one advertised the Tropicana Motor Hotel which was on the famous Miracle Mile. LOVE those great colors!

For an interesting history about this sign and how it was saved, click here:
http://www.downtowntucson.org/2011/11/neon-tropicana-sign-lights-up-main-library/

The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation is working with community partners and Pima Community College to restore and reinstall, a series of these historic neon signs along Tucson's Mid-Century Modern highway.

An old Tucson treasure - hip & updated

Tucson's Miracle Mile is definitely enjoying a renaissance. Some of the famous old hotels from the post-war years are welcoming new generations of guests with their fabulous & historic old neon signs.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60950-d1028242-Reviews-La_Siesta-Tucson_Arizona.html

And here's the flip side ~

Yesterday you saw one side of this great neon sign; here's the flip side. Dirk Arnold, the artist, really captures the flavor of the heyday of the neon sign as a tourist attraction. This big cactus is a fun beacon on Oracle Road at Drachman (where the roundabout was).

Tucson's Miracle Mile is coming back ~

Once serving as the major gateway into Tucson for motoring vacationers, the Miracle Mile area had fallen into disrepair. This fantastic 30' saguaro sign (lit up at night it has a real WOW factor) is part of the determined effort to reclaim this historic area. Dirk Arnold is the artist of this heroic cactus.

Here's the front (or is it the back?) of the sign. Tomorrow you'll see the alternate view. Here's a great article that gives more history:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/art/2010/02/23/giant-saguaro-neon-to-light-up-revitalized-historic-miracle-mile-area/

The 1st of a new series... Hoof & Roof

As I was driving on Oracle Road I spotted this life-size elk on top of - what else? - the Tucson Elks Club Lodge. It got me to thinking about how many other animals there are around town that maintain a rooftop lookout. All suggestions are appreciated. My list so far includes the cow at OK Corral Restaurant, the horse at OK Feed, and Fred the Bison at Copper Country Antiques. What others am I missing?

Tucson's Ghost Ranch to rise again ~

The old gateway into Tucson that was used by all of the vacationing motorists was called "Miracle Mile." Many motor court style motels lined this route and one of the most famous was the circa-1940's Ghost Ranch Lodge with its distinctive sign (reputedly designed by Georgia O'Keefe).

The lodge has been closed for years but will get a second life as a senior living home due to open in August, 2010. Here's more of the story:
http://azstarnet.com/real-estate/article_930e5781-c17a-507c-b404-87b12b558e21.html

Tucson's (In-)Famous No-Tel Motel

Well, what else can I say? What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in honesty. Perhaps Governor Mark Sanford (and his microphone-loving wife, Jenny Sullivan Sanford), Nevada's Senator John Ensign, or former presidential hopeful John Edwards could keep this place in mind if they ever travel to Tucson. Hey, we won't tell ~ the sign promises that.

No-Tel Motel - maps.google.com2425 N Oracle Rd, Tucson - (520) 624-0980Directions and more »