When my husband and I heard that JFK Park, located at 3700 S. Mission Road, had a lake, swimming pool, sports fields, multiple playgrounds, and a library, we were there the next day. After all, we had spent the last 10 winters huddled inside next to a heater back in Upstate New York, so it’s still kind of novel for us to be outside longer than 5 minutes in December. Read the rest of An Afternoon at JFK Park »
Being somewhat new to Tucson, I was truly excited to learn about Cat Mountain Station. Located in what feels like the middle of the desert (although just off Ajo Way on Kinney Road), the refurbished 1950’s artisan center has the feel of a giant gift shop. There are novelties and collectibles, antiques, handmade items, and a café which offers absolutely amazing hot chocolate. Read the rest of Holiday Fair at Cat Mountain Station »
I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), near the Main Library downtown, at 149 N. Stone, to see the lady from Project Runway who is originally from Tucson, Elisa Jimenez. It was $10 to get in and the last show was still up, so it was sort of like seeing two shows for the price of one…except that the last show was probably free. At least the wine was free…with donation. Read the rest of Fashion Show at the Museum of Contemporary Art »
A few nights ago, I went with my family to the ATC’s (Arizona Theater Company’s) preview of their production of Hair (“The American Tribal Love Rock Musical”) at the Temple of Music and Art, located at 330 S. Scott Avenue. Although no photos were allowed, I snuck a shot of the set before the performance started. The ATC is a lovely theater, with a too-small lobby and an ample courtyard. The house was decorated with painted cutouts of revolution-related objects—this part was not as hippie-centric as I’d imagined it would be. Radioactivity symbols, cartoon helicopters and the Declaration of Independence mingled with flower power peace propaganda. I was hopeful for an artistic, currently relevant rendition of the controversially classic musical, Hair. Read the rest of The Arizona Theatre Company’s production of Hair »
A few nights ago, I went with my family to the ATC’s (Arizona Theater Company’s) preview of their production of Hair (“The American Tribal Love Rock Musical”) at the Temple of Music and Art, located at 330 S. Scott Avenue. Although no photos were allowed, I snuck a shot of the set before the performance started. The ATC is a lovely theater, with a too-small lobby and an ample courtyard. The house was decorated with painted cutouts of revolution-related objects—this part was not as hippie-centric as I’d imagined it would be. Radioactivity symbols, cartoon helicopters and the Declaration of Independence mingled with flower power peace propaganda. I was hopeful for an artistic, currently relevant rendition of the controversially classic musical, Hair. Read the rest of The Arizona Theatre Company’s production of Hair »
If you’re a walker who wants to experience some amazing panoramic views, “A” Mountain is the place for you. But, even if you’re not, this particular location can offer a place to go enjoy the scenery. Personally, I started going up this hill shortly after I moved here, at 7-months pregnant, and I still enjoy regular trips.
Officially “A” Mountain is called Sentinel Peak. It was only in 1915 that enthusiastic fans of the University of Arizona’s football team made there way to the peak of the mountain to party after a victory win. They celebrated by whitewashing a large “A” in red, white and blue at the top of the mountain and the structure has been kept up ever since. Now, it’s considered almost a Tucson institution. Read the rest of Walking and Other Activities at “A” Mountain »
Having seriously over-indulged Thanksgiving Day, my husband and I needed to repent. So we decided to take a long hike up to Seven Falls at Sabino Canyon the next day. The type of hike that we had always said we wanted to take, but never could really find the time to do. When we arrived at the parking lot off Sabiono Canyon Road and paid the five dollar parking fee, it was totally packed. I guess we weren’t the only ones wanting to work off that extra piece of pumpkin pie. So we headed to the welcome center to get a map and figure out exactly where the mouth of the trail was located.
My mother’s side of the family is scattered all over the world. Once every few years we have a family reunion in Tucson since that is where she and her siblings were raised. She has a brother in Ecuador, another brother in Denmark, and her sister is in California. This year, instead of staying with my parents, we all decided it would be fun to stay at a local resort. Our pick was Westward Look. My mom stays there quite a bit for mini-vacations and thought that it would be the perfect place to accommodate our diverse crowd. This get-together included many older adults, many younger adults, a few college-aged guys, and a ton of small children. Located at 245 E. Ina Road, the Westward Look is perfectly tucked away off the road into the desert, but still close and convenient to anything and everything you could possibly need. Read the rest of Tranquil and Serene at Westward Look »
It was a cool and quiet Sunday, everyone else was out of town, and my mom and I wanted to have lunch. But not just any quick lunch – rather, we wanted to make it into a more interesting experience, so we headed up to the malls in the north for some tiny trees and some sushi…
The Tucson Bonsai Society was having one of their annual shows in the Foothills Mall, so after getting up to Ina Road in the foothills, it was about a ten minute drive east to get to La Cholla Boulevard. It was a nice, quiet way to spend a Sunday morning, we found. There was plenty of information to be had on information cards next to each tree on display, and also more than just the trees, such as interesting little accent plants and grasses that were arranged to complement their bigger (in relative terms anyway) verdant cousins.
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My family is big on Sunday brunch. For every special occasion, such as Mother’s Day or birthdays, we mark the day by attending brunch at one of the local country clubs. Recently, my grandmother celebrated her 80th birthday, so my parents treated her, our family, and many of her friends to brunch at La Paloma Country Club. The Desert Garden Bistro offers an extensive Sunday brunch that begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Bring your appetite! Read the rest of Sunday Brunch at La Paloma »
