Santa was born in Tucson, AZ!

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus and he was created in Tucson, AZ! Artist Haddon Sundblom created the well known and well loved image of Santa for the Coca Cola company. 

Sundblom was a frequent visitor to Tucson where he stayed at what is now known as the Westward Look Resort. Sundblom often used the resort owner's two daughters, Laci and Sancy Nason, as his models. In this painting Sundblom transformed little Sancy into a boy so that Coke would appeal to both boys and girls.

Shocking Sign of the Times ~

Tucson's iconic Arizona Inn is shuttered for the first time since 1971 as a result of COVID 19. The Inn has been part of the Tucson community for 89 years and to see it boarded up is very sad. A recent news article said that they hoped to reopen in May but they are still closed with an uncertain date for reopening.  

Same House, Different Chef

Every year the Arizona Inn creates a "Mini Inn" display for the lobby. I don't know if the house is gingerbread (or even if it is edible). Here's a quick review of 6 versions that have been on display in recent years. The top image is this year's house. A little skimpy on embellishments IMHO.

YES, the alarming orange icing is really that color - no trick of the camera! Anyone who has ever seen the Inn will describe it as more of a PINK than an ORANGE color so it is unclear why the pastry chefs went so heavy into the "Hazard Orange" color zone...   Which one do you like the best? And YES some years are definitely better than others (as you can see for yourself). 

Change of Season ~

Ah, yes! "THE" tree is beautifully displayed at the Arizona Inn. Every year the Inn places a huge Christmas tree in the library - visible from Elm Street, too. A beautiful tradition and a beautiful tree. Sets the festive mood for the season! 

Tall Cowboy ~

That's a mighty tall cowboy standing sentry at the Hacienda del Sol Resort! And it looks like he has a big heart....    :)   (Yes, the Tucson sky really is that blue!)

Old World Charm ~ Tucson style

This pretty tiled fountain and lovely courtyard with its arched doorways is one of the delightful views you can enjoy at Hacienda del Sol Resort. This was taken at high noon so the sun washes out the color but you can still enjoy the shapes and the serene feeling. 

Dried Fruit ~ aka Proboscidea Paraviflora :)

This devil's claw is rendered in epic proportions in this striking cast bronze sculpture ("Large Devil's Claw") by Spencer Kane Edgerton. It is placed on the grounds of Hacienda del Sol Resort in Tucson, on loan from the R Kessler Collection. To learn more about this flowering Southwest plant and its fruit, go here. 

More than the sum of its parts ~

What looks like a motley collection of machine parts and sheet metal has been transformed into an interesting sculpture of a human head by this artist. This piece is part of the large collection of sculpture on display throughout the grounds of Tucson's Hacienda del Sol Resort. Interesting! 

Stairway to Paradise...

You may remember the iconic "Stairway to Paradise" as sung and danced in American in Paris. Ah,  yes, the lighted pink staircase! Go here to refresh your memory! Here is a modern sculptor's vision of that same voyage as seen on the grounds of Hacienda del Sol Resort in Tucson, AZ. 

What is this?

Recently I attended a conference held at the beautiful Hacienda del Sol Resort. As regular visitors to this site know, I love outdoor/public art and this spectacular mirrored creation certainly caught my eye!

Unfortunately, the resort does not supply an attribution to their collection of art (and that is REALLY TOO BAD!!!) so I don't know the artist or the title. Anyone want to make something up to suggest a name for this piece? I will share what one of the resort staffers calls it: "Upside Down Bowling Pin" - which is just as good a name as any! 

Direct Delivery to Santa ~

Looks like the Arizona Inn has established a direct mailbox to Santa. Good to know in case you haven't sent him your wish list yet! 

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. 

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. 

Another of Tucson's great T's ~

If you have recently been on the site you know that we are taking a virtual Alphabet Tour to showcase some of Tucson's greatest things and places using MY FAVORITE THINGS as the guide. 

Today is Day 11 and we are on the letter T. Tanque Verde Guest Ranch offers a true dude ranch experience and combines rustic Western-style charm with comfort. Even if you are not a guest there you can enjoy the restaurant and the Dog House Saloon. This is the West at its best!

What is your favorite Tucson thing/place that starts with the letter T? Tell us! 

A is for "Arizona Inn Bar" ~

Here we are on Day 4 of the Alphabet Tour of MY FAVORITE THINGS in Tucson which brings us to the letter A. For me the Arizona Inn comes to mind and especially their bar area and patio. So nice all year round! Having a drink in the library when the Christmas tree is displayed is a Tucson tradition. 

What are YOUR favorite Tucson things that begin with the letter A? Tell us! 

Traditional AZ Inn Holiday House ~

Every year the pastry chef at the Arizona Inn creates a miniature Inn that is displayed in the lobby. I don't know if it is actually a real gingerbread house or cake that is edible but it is certainly charming! In years past the stucco has sometimes been an alarming orange color so I am delighted that this year's house actually LOOKS like the adobe pink of the Inn. Happy holidays! 

Tucson Trivia - Golf Capital!

It's Tuesday so time for some Tucson trivia! Did you know that Tucson is considered a world class golf capital? Golfers know you can play golf in Tucson nearly every day of the year. And the variety of courses is amazing! Several courses have been PGA tour stops and many of Tucson's resorts have their own golf courses. There are also city-owned public courses. Fore! 

Tucson Throwback Thursday ~

26 OCTOBER 2012

South of France? Italy? Nope - Tucson's east side

THEN and NOW:  Some things stay the same! 

As I rounded the corner I thought I had stumbled into a charming village in France or Italy. No, I'm still sharing photos of my wonderful day at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. Here is their "Hiking Department" office.