What’s New in Tucson / December 2006
Cowboys, Gemstones & Golf Games – In early February, while much of the country hibernates, Tucson is busy hosting three of its biggest, annual tourism events. The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, January 27-February 11, is a citywide marketplace of shows—gems, minerals, beads, fossils, and jewelry—that attracts buyers and sellers from around the world. The Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboys) is February 17-25 at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds, with traditional, professional rodeo events as well as the ever-popular 82nd annual Tucson Rodeo Parade. On February 19-25, Tucson welcomes the World Golf Championships’ Accenture Match Play Championship. During this internationally televised tournament, the sport’s top 64 golfers will compete for an $8 million purse at the award-winning The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain.
Spring Training is in the Air – In mid-February, three major-league baseball teams begin gathering in Tucson for spring training. Tucson Electric Park is home of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox and the 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, and Hi Corbett Field houses the Colorado Rockies. At the two stadiums, an average 45 games are played during March. Tickets for D’Backs and White Sox games go on sale January 13 (1-866-672-1343); Rockies tickets go on sale January 6 (1-800-388-7625). Because many games sell out, Tucson hotels and resorts fill up fast. Information on Tucson accommodations and vacation packages is available online at www.VisitTucson.org and through Tucson Visitor Information (1-800-638-8350). For help getting here, www.AirTucson.com has links to airlines flying into Tucson International Airport.
From Stagecoach to E-Mail – Despite e-mail and other electronic communication, stamp collecting remains one of the world’s most popular hobbies. The Arizona Federation of Stamp Clubs can prove it. Thousands will visit the annual “ARIPEX”—that’s the “Arizona Philatelic Exhibition”—stamp show at the Tucson Convention Center, January 19-21, 2007. There will be exhibits on Tucson’s role in early stagecoach mail service and displays of premier stamps and covers (envelopes or packages with stamps on them). Collectors and dealers from around the world will be buying, selling, and trading stamps, postcards, and other collectibles. Kids can explore the Youth Center’s computers, stamps, games and more. For more information, visit www.aripexonline.com.
Sushi in the Desert – Tucson’s increasingly sophisticated cuisine scene harbors at least two dozen Sushi and Japanese restaurants. At several—from Sushi-Cho to Sushi-Ten—patrons don’t mind waiting in line for edible works of art. The buffet at Sushi Garden (520-326-4700), in midtown, has been voted "Best Sushi" by Tucson Lifestyle magazine. The sushi bar at the stylish east-side bistro, Sakura Teppan Steak/Sushi (520-298-7777) offers a full spectrum of choices for "some of the best in town" according to Tucson Weekly. At foothill’s area RA Sushi (520-615-3970) the sushi is elegantly prepared and served with trendy, hip ambience. On the west side, popular national chain, Benihana (520-297-5555) serves up fresh sushi, prepared with festive Japanese flare.
Foods from the Vine – Breakfast will never be the same. Tucson gourmet food company, Heavenly Spreadables, is putting wines in jams and jellies. Foodies can now spread “Apple Chardonnay” jelly on a croissant, swirl “Strawberry White Zinfandel” over toast, and layer “Blackberry Cabernet” jam on a bagel. The “Tequila Lime with Habanero” jelly will jumpstart any dish. All flavors are made with fresh fruit, pure cane sugar, natural fruit pectin, and the finest wines and spirits. And because the alcohol content is eliminated during cooking, everyone can enjoy the flavors. All products are made without preservatives, lasting 4-6 months when refrigerated. An 8-ounce jar costs $5.50; shipping is available. For more information, visit www.HeavenlySpreadables.com, or call (520) 323-7035.
Hotbed of Hot Tubs – Relax away modern-day tensions in a natural mineral bath near Safford, Arizona. The city is in an active geothermal area, 83 miles northeast of Tucson, boasting several hot springs accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles. The small, rustic resort, Essence of Tranquility (928-428-9312) has five hot (96-106 degrees) artesian mineral springs as well as teepee and tent camping. Roper Lake State Park campground (928-428-6760) has a small, rock-lined soaking pool created by park rangers and filled with therapeutic spring water. Kachina Hot Springs (928-428-7212) features Roman-style tubs with piped-in 108-degree water, and massage and reflexology spa treatments. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area (928-348-4400) has outdoor hot tubs of restorative hot mineral water supplied by an artesian well. Further details are online under “Things to Do” and “Day Trips” at www.VisitTucson.org.
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