What’s New in TucsonAugust 200651 More Stars Shine in Tucson – Tucson will sparkle in September with the arrival of 51 Mrs. America delegates for the 30th Mrs. America Event at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and Spa.Superstar John O’Hurley, will host the 2006 nationally televised TV special.The “Mrs. America Organization” has evolved to become a year-round lifestyle brand – a celebration of Americana, and indeed, a microcosm of the 65-million married women of America. These accomplished, attractive, contemporary leaders from all 50 states and the District of Columbia are attorneys, business executives, educators, and much more. Contact the Tucson CVB Director of PR to learn about interview or live telecast opportunities at this elegant event at kschmitz@visitTucson.org.To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Mrs. America headquarters at 310-829-9902.After August 23, tickets will be available for sale at Loews Ventana Canyon, 520-299-2020.Craving Local Cuisine? – Travelers craving local cuisine can sample Southern Arizona’s many flavors during the “Tucson Culinary Festival” at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, October 6-8, 2006.Festival menus will feature regional ingredients combined in new dishes created by Tucson’s most-talented chefs. Experience specialties whipped up by a renowned New Orleans cook and exquisite wine pairings.It’s all inspired by the Tucson Originals, Tucson’s leading independent restaurant organization.Advance tickets are available for $65 - $140 per person.A portion of the proceeds benefits the Tucson Community Food Bank and New Beginnings for Women and Children. For details, call 1-520-488-8601, or visit www.TucsonCulinaryFestival.com.Butterfly Magic – Hundreds of exotic butterflies will return to the Tucson Botanical Gardens during Arizona’s only indoor, live tropical butterfly exhibit. A kaleidoscope of butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colors will be displayed October 10, 2006 through February 28, 2007. Species from all over the world, such as the brilliant Blue Morphos and cleverly camouflaged Owl butterflies, will flutter throughout a special-exhibit greenhouse – a hot, humid, and lush environment designed to mimic places like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Thailand. In a special “emergence room” equipped with a viewing window, visitors can watch mature butterflies emerge from their “chrysalides” (cocoons). The gardens’ outdoor, native-butterfly garden has been a permanent fixture for years, attracting regional butterflies with native-desert plants. For more information, visit www.tucsonbotanical.org or phone (520) 326-9686.Desert Serenity – For a home-away-from-home in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, try one of Tucson’s unique bed and breakfasts. Whether you’re seeking solitude on the pristine outskirts of town, or culture and nightlife in the city center, there is a Tucson bed-and-breakfast for everyone. Many of Tucson’s historic midtown neighborhoods are home to quaint bed-and-breakfast gems; a few are within walking or bicycling distance of the University of Arizona, restaurants, and bus stops. Further from the city visitors will find elegant, adobe haciendas on saguaro-filled acres, many with private courtyards for gazing at the sunset, stars, and desert critters. For a list of bed-and-breakfasts in Tucson and Southern Arizona, visit www.listbb.com.Solutions for Cycling Adventure Seekers – Tucson is one of the country’s best bicycling cities, boasting miles of paved and rugged bike lanes and trails. Bikes can be rented for as low as $25 a day at Bargain Basement Bikes, 428 N. Fremont, near the University of Arizona. This family-run store carries a great selection of road, mountain, and cruiser bikes, as well as tandem and BMX bikes. The experienced staff can repair your bike, or set you up with new accessories or apparel.If you’re undecided about a route, local cyclists will help you with a bicycling map of the area. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9-5, and Saturday, 10-5. For more information, call 520-624-2331. Shopping Around Main Gate Square – Located near the University of Arizona and downtown Tucson, this urban shopping and dining destination has 52 unique merchants, outdoor plazas, and over twenty restaurants, many with outdoor seating areas, serving a wide variety of food. Retailers sell the latest fashion, gifts, and sports apparel, while live music is available most days at the area's nightspots, and special events include farmers' markets, block parties, and concerts featuring rock, jazz, or pop musicians. An historic trolley operates weekends, connecting the University of Arizona Main Gate and the Fourth Avenue Shopping District. Two garages offer easy access to plenty of parking. For more information, 520-622-8613 or log on to www.maingatesquare.com.Lights. Camera. Action!– Since 1910, filmmakers have found Tucson and the surrounding Southern Arizona landscape the ideal setting for countless feature and commercial film productions, and with good reason. With perpetual sunshine, infinite landscape variety, and a mixture of historic and modern communities, this locale can become virtually anyplace in the world. For a sampling of locations, view the photos at the Tucson Film Office website, www.FilmTucson.com. For help finding the right place to shoot, contact the film office at 520-770-2151, or toll free at 877-311-2489.
