We live in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains. While walking their dogs or hiking nearby, many of our neighbors have seen, if not the actual big cat, then its impressive paw prints in the sand or mud. And while most of us have hiked Sabino Canyon, a relative few claim to have actually seen [...]
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No? Neither had I. So when I asked Mike Foster from the Carr House in the Huachuca Mountains, and he quickly answered that it was a Prickly Poppy, I had to look it up. I consulted several Desert plant books and could not find it mentioned. Is it a plant-non-gratis? Beautiful as it is from the highway, unlike it’s cousin, (it is actually a poppy), it is thorny, albiet “prickly”. The Prickly Poppy, Argemone Mexicana, is native to Mexico and the southwest USA. It is a member of the Papaveraceae family. This year, 2013, the highways seem to be unusually gifted with them. It may have medicinal uses as well. … Continue reading
On a recent late Sunday morning, I was cruising south from Saguaro National Park East on Old Spanish Trail heading more or less toward Colossal Cave when I suddenly came upon The Settlement Smokehouse. Turning abruptly into the parking lot, this establishment seemed somehow familiar. Didn’t this use to be … let me think … [...]
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A Spanish woman living with her family in a fort on the northern frontier of New Spain tells of her terrifying experience during the Second Battle of Tucson. On May 1, 1782, hundreds of Apaches attack the lightly-guarded Presidio San Agustin de Tucson. The civilians and soldiers of the Tucson Presidio are nearly wiped out. Today, you can visit the partially restored Presidio near the Tucson Museum of Art in Downtown Tucson. … Continue reading
A couple of years ago, our dear Tucson friends, Dan & Wanda, moved to Austin, TX. On a rare visit back to the Old Pueblo, they stayed with Ms. Karen & me for several days recently. We had a lovely time together, as always. That was expected. What wasn’t expected was their “must go to” [...]
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Those of you who have read some of my brief histories on Southern Arizona Guide know that I sometimes refer to Tucson before the coming of the railroad in 1880 as “a dusty little Mexican village”. Even though Tucson legally became an American town with the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, most of the 600 residents [...]
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We are big fans of the Tucson Museum of Art and have seen just about every new TMA exhibit since moving here a decade ago. For that reason, we took notice when a recent email newsletter announced that the Art Museum will open its new Palice Gallery of Latin American Art Sunday May 5th from [...]
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If I still had school age children or grandchildren, I would be instantly attracted to the Tucson Museum of Art’s summer art classes for kids. When our grandchildren were still young and being home schooled, my contribution to their worldly education was a weekly field trip. So I was always on the lookout for fun [...]
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Not too long ago I posted an article about our Behind The Scenes Tour of the new Warden Aquarium at the Desert Museum. In that piece I included a photograph of two young gentlemen, perhaps 5 and 7 years of age, with their hands in the Touch Tank learning about sea life up close and [...]
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Another Sunday drive. This time Neighbor Roy, Ms. Karen, and I were off to Oracle State Park via Redington Pass east of Tucson. Access to Redington Pass is easy. Just go east on Tanque Verde. Eventually, the pavement ends and the worst road in Southern Arizona begins. Even the high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles [...]
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This may seem a stretch, but there are connections between the Sky Bar on 4th Avenue in Tucson and the Lowell Observatory above Flagstaff, even though they are separated by almost 300 miles. First, both have telescopes through which you & I can view the heavens. Second, one is about to host a fundraiser to [...]
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April 2013 The ancient Roman poet we call Virgil (70 BC – 19 BC) taught us an important lesson when he wrote the epic Aeneid. “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” I was reminded of that proverb recently. I had just been seated by the hostess at Opa! Greek Cuisine & Fun on N. Campbell when the “gift” was place on my table. It consisted of a rather large plate of sliced pita bread and two dips: one hummus and the other cucumber. Generally I don’t much care for hummus and I had all the cucumbers I’ll ever want when we were in Egypt. I inquired of the hostess as to why I was being served this “appetizer” since I had not ordered it. “Oh,” said she, “it’s complimentary. Try it. You’ll like it.” What was I to do? Since I was dining at Opa! to write a dining review, I … Continue reading
Southern Arizona gardens can be incredibly diverse as well as astoundingly beautiful. Our home in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains has many gardens & patios. We can easily tell the seasons by which plants are in bloom. Here are some from early April 2013. Amazon.com Widgets … Continue reading
Many folks in Tucson don’t consider a day trip or overnight road trip to Patagonia and Patagonia Lake State Park because they think it’s too far.
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Take one of the many Tombstone jeep tours offered by Into The West Jeep Tours and Mark and his crew will transport you back in time to the Old West of Cochise, Geronimo, Johnny Ringo, Wyatt Earp, and Doc Holliday.
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Bisbee’s historic district is one of the finest examples of early 20th century American cities anywhere. Just walking around will pull you back in time more than a hundred years.
For reasons I cannot explain, Bisbee has some of the very best restaurants in Southern Arizona. Fortuitously, Bisbee also has a couple of fine old hotels. The Hotel San Ramón is one.
I have been searching for a steakhouse that serves a better ribeye than I can BBQ at home. I almost always purchase my ribeyes from Costco. They are ALWAYS better than any of the big-name grocery stores. If you know what you’re looking for, you can pick up a generous package of prime-cut ribeye’s for the cost of U.S.D.A. choice.
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Chef Massimo Tennino describes his Tavolino as “an inviting restaurant that feels like an Italian neighborhood trattoria. Tavolino specializes in simple, elegant food, including fresh salads, homemade pastas, succulent roast and grilled meats, rotisserie chicken and game, and luscious desserts. Tavolino brings Italy to life in Tucson.” Thus far, I have no argument with his self-description, but I will have to return a few more times and try some other dishes.
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We had seen so many beautiful images of Aravaipa Canyon like this one that we wanted to experience this wilderness preserve for ourselves. So, in early February 2013 I went on the BLM website and purchased permits: 4 to get us into the West Entrance on a Sunday in late February and 3 permits for the next Sunday at the East Entrance.
The permits are only $5 for each person. The BLM severely restricts the number of people who can use the Canyon at any one time. Something like 50 total. Also on a limited basis you can ride your horse through here, but you can’t bring your dog.
February 2013 Our search for the best hamburger continues. Last year we chose Zinburger #1 & Red Robin at the Tucson Mall #2. This year I’m going to expand that list because almost everyone loves a great burger. Moreover, there seems to be a considerable increase in competition for this category. Recently, and entirely by happenstance, I dined at the new The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen. I was looking for a particular book at Barnes & Nobles in the Foothills Mall. As I came out with my prize, Jefferson: The Art of Power by John Meacham (highly recommended), and walked to my car, I realized that there is a new restaurant across the parking lot. As I recalled, this used to be a Greek restaurant. As I approached the front entry, it was abundantly clear that this place was no longer Greek. A couple of huge wooden Yeti statues greeted me. I soon learned that … Continue reading
On a perfect Saturday in February, our friends from New York, Susan & Charlea, went with Ms. Karen, Molly Dog, & me to Catalina State Park in Oro Valley. After paying the $7 entry fee, we found a pleasant picnic area and fortified ourselves before hiking the archeological site on the ridge across the road.
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Santa Cruz County is still sparsely populated and remains an excellent destination for bird and wildlife photographers, hikers, ghost town hunters, kayakers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
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(My friend, Randi Ballassai, works at the Arizona Experience Store, my favorite resource for all things Arizona. They have created a contest for full-time AZ teachers. As I am a big fan of teachers, I want to pass this along. If you have a favorite AZ teacher, please share this with him or her.) Unrolled [...]
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Since 1925, Southern Arizonans have enjoyed the annual La Fiesta de Vaqueros aka: the Tucson Rodeo. This is a very successful event and well attended. The competitors are professionals and put on a great show. The Rodeo is kid-friendly and highly recommended.
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If you’re looking for a different yet pleasant dining experience, Chef Alisah’s Restaurant is highly recommended. We will be adding Chef Alisah’s to our 2012 List of the Best Restaurants In Southern Arizona as we update for 2013.
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