Once a gas station & now an art studio; Once enclosed within the Presidio walls ~

The Romero House has had many lives ~ yes, once even a gas station. The Tucson Museum of Art's ceramic classes are held there now. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/romero-house.php

The Casa Cordova is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once enclosed within the Presidio walls. It is the home of the beloved El Nacimiento display from November - March every year. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/la-casa-cordova.php

Next stop: Time for a break! How about a sip of something cool? You're just two blocks away from TOMA, the fun bar area of El Charro Restaurant. Walk east on Washington and make a left on Court.

Historic homes with remarkable stories ~

The Tucson Museum of Art utilizes these historic homes for gallery space. There are many distinctive homes on this block and two are highlighted here with memorable tales to bring them to life:

The Stevens-Duffield House - The original owner tried to shoot his wife but she was saved by the heavy silver comb she wore in her hair. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/stevens-duffield-house.php

The Corbett House - The owners of this Mission-style home (built in 1907) manufactured gin in their attic during Prohibition. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/j-knox-corbett-house.php

More houses and more stories as we continue tomorrow!
Next stop: Walk north on Main Street and turn right at Washington.

A jewel in the downtown Tucson crown - Tucson's Museum of Art

The Tucson Museum of Art now occupies a full block within the El Presidio Historic District and maintains several of the historic homes which you will visit on our next stop in tomorrow's post.

The Museum's courtyard houses a lovely restaurant ~ Cafe A La Carte. Click this link to read about the current exhibits at TMA: http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/

Next stop: A stroll from south to north on Main Street, a remarkable block of homes each with its own fascinating history. http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/block/

Tucson History, Charm + Shopping!

This is the main entrance to Tucson's Old Town Artisans ~ an historical and charming enclave of shops & restaurants. The selection of gift items ranges from remarkable and beautiful fine art to postcards ~ something to fit any budget. The centerpiece is a fun courtyard cantina so if you're tired of walking, here's a spot to relax for a bit.

http://www.oldtownartisans.com/
Next stop: Walk south on Court to Alameda and turn right to reach one of the Tucson of Museum of Art's entrances.

Tucson in 1775 ~

Here we are in the heart of downtown Tucson ~ with modern skyscrapers looming over this adobe structure. El Presidio marks the beginning of the modern settlement of Tucson. It was built as necessary protection from Apache attacks. Walking around inside the Presidio is a great way to get a glimpse into Tucson's Spanish past. The lifesize mural depicting daily activities really brought the adobe structure to life for me. The building's interiors also have historical displays.

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/history/dig
Next stop: Walk west on Washington Street to Court and we're going to visit the famous Old Town Artisans compound.

Put on your walking shoes ~ let's go!

This week I would love to take you on an actual walking tour! Many of you are familiar with Tucson's rich history, but for those of you who aren't... join me as we go back a few hundred years.

First stop is the Arizona Historical Society Museum. Tucked in the Wells Fargo building right across from the main library, this gem of a museum will set the stage for what we are going to see in our stroll.

Our first stop will be El Presidio, a partial reconstruction of the Spanish fort built in 1775. Let's head west across the library plaza and turn right on Church Street. You will see the fort's adobe walls on the corner of Church & Washington.

140 N. Stone Avenue (in Wells Fargo bldg)
(520)770-1473
Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free admission the first Friday of the month.

The AHS Downtown Museum exhibits depict early Tucson businesses and homes, including drugstores, police and fire departments, and the Romero barbershop.
http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/

Boot scootin' hero ~

As the fourth installment of "Team Tucson" (the people who make Tucson a great place to live), I am pleased to have you meet Robert Lange, the boot and shoe repair wizard of Alpine Shoe Repair. If your boots aren't fit for boot scootin' at the Cactus Moon, bring them in for rehab. Robert has been in Tucson for 13 years and arrived via a Minnesota to San Diego route ~ snow to sea to desert.
Alpine Boot & Shoe Repair
6264 East Speedway Boulevard
(520)790-4029