Welcome!

This great sign on Oracle near Miracle Mile welcomes visitors and it reminds me of the wonderful signs of times past when Route 66 was a thriving vacation route. 

Tucson Tuesday Trivia ~ more good news!

Some trivia that is not at all trivial today is this: Tucson is free of natural disasters!  Unlike many areas of the U.S., Tucson does not suffer from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes. And if shoveling snow is your idea of a natural disaster, we don't have that, either!  (:

Tucson Trivia - Unusual Art Gallery

You may not consider the library to be a hotspot for artwork but you would be wrong! Here is just one example of the cool collection on display at the Joel Valdez Library (the main library downtown on Stone). This Thunderbird Curio sign was the first ever neon sign in Tucson. It was beautifully restored by the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation. For more info, click here. 

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! 

Tuesday's Tucson Trivia!

The location of Tucson's El Con Mall on Broadway was originally the site of the El Conquistador Hotel. This is how the mall got its name and its logo - check out the Conquistador between the "L" and the "C" and the weapons that decorate the signage. The hotel opened in 1929 and was taken down in 1968, never having managed to turn a profit.

Tucson Trivia - Neon Girls Get Facelifts, too!

Tucson's "Diving Girl" is one of my favorite of the many vintage neon signs around town. This building is no longer a hotel and apartments; it is now a law office. The lawyers/building owners had to wait a long time to get permission to give Diving Girl a facelift but it is quite a sight! Here's an old news story about the restoration that shows the "Before" sign. Wow - what a difference! 

Throwback Thursday Reminds Me....

24 AUGUST 2010

Fish & Chips & a great neon sign ~

NOW:

Arrrgh! This posting reminds me that I STILL haven't eaten there! I WILL! I WILL! 

THEN:

Sue's Fish & Chips has been around since the 50's and is considered a bit of a forerunner to Lucky Wishbone (which has locations all over town now). Sue's is on 4th Avenue in South Tucson. It wasn't open when I spotted its great yellow fish neon sign, but I want to check it out. Looks like a hole in the wall at the beach... When I try the fish & chips, I'll let you know!

2500 South 4th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85713-4813
(520) 622-5711

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/

A 63-year-old fish joint!

This south Tucson restaurant is a veritable institution and has been at 4th Avenue and 35th Street since 1952. Fair warning...this is not a fancy dining room experience.... it's mostly a take away food joint that serves fried seafood in plastic baskets. Sue's is one of the few places in town that specializes in fish & chips. I love their old neon sign!

Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

A royal gem - the Coronet Cafe ~

The charming Coronet Cafe on the ground floor of the Coronado Hotel is one of my favorite spots! The owners have created a European ambiance and a sort-of French(ish) menu to delight their diners. Outside patio is wonderful and the food is all fresh, homemade, and delicious. The Coronado Hotel is on 9th Street at the underpass to downtown.
Photo courtesy of Susan Dodson.

Smile as you drive by ~

The staff at my vet's office puts up great messages on their street sign. This is what you see driving west as you pull into their driveway. At this part of 22nd Street there is a road divider so people driving east can't readily see the flip side of the sign. It's like an insider's joke that you have to be walking by to really see it: it says "Squirrel!"  Fun stuff! 

Tucson featured in the New York Times!

Even after living in Tucson for many years I still subscribe to the Sunday New York Times. It connects me to one of my favorite places that I have lived. Here is a wonderful piece on Tucson that was in the recent Travel Section. Enjoy! 

Tucson's Wild West History ~

Tucson's rich Wild West history is still evident in the abundant selection of steakhouses around town. El Corral is a very popular dining spot with residents, snowbirds, and tourists.  And it has a really great neon sign! 

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).

Fun Downtown Tucson Living with Style ~

Built in 1910 the San Carlos Apartments are an integral part of Tucson's downtown. I love the fact that they have kept their old neon sign shining! Here's the link to learn more about this historic apartment complex.

What a great sign!

 I hope this cheers up your day! Happy Friday!

A favorite watering hole ~

Ahhhhh, the Tucson temperatures are finally dipping below 80 degrees in the evening! The fun and historic Hotel Congress has a great patio for outside dining and drinking. And it is a great spot for people watching, too.

Tucson is Cat Crazy ~

The Wildcats basketball team gets big support in Tucson! All over town business owners cheer them on. Isn't this vintage sign great?

Good advice for parents ~

CAT parents that is! I thought you cat lovers would enjoy this veterinarian's street sign message!

Last but not least ~

Shown here is the last of the current series of restored neon signs that grace Drachman near Stone. Thanks to Kathy, one of the site's avid followers, I can share this link which will provide you with the history of neon sign restoration in Tucson. Click here for the full info. Enjoy these photos of Tucson's history!