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What's New in Tucson
December 2007
New Wine-and-Burger Joint: There's nothing better than a big and juicy burger paired with a Zinfandel or Merlot-unless it's a burger and a creamy, hand-dipped double-chocolate milkshake. You'll find both at Tucson's new Zinburger. Created by Tucson restaurateur Sam Fox and his team of burger fanatics, Zinburger is a gourmet burger-joint for grownups. The menu is designed to complement a glass of wine or a mug of micro brew: there are five rich burgers ($9-$16), one topped with Gruyere cheese and Zinfandel-braised onions; three inventive sides ($5), such as zucchini fries; and hearty salads ($8-$10), including the BLT, with avocado, maple-smoked bacon, and ranch dressing. Opening December 17 at Joesler Village, 1865 E. River Road. Phone: (520) 299-7799.
Tucson is Maynard Dixon Country: Thanks to artists like Maynard Dixon, it's possible to glimpse what Tucson looked like in its cow town days. Recognized as the essential landscape painter of American West, Dixon (1875-1946) lived in Tucson, was influenced by Sonoran Desert scenery, and died at his winter home here. Replicas of three 1907 Dixon murals were hung at Downtown Tucson's Historic Depot this month; the originals are at the Arizona History Museum, Tucson. Dixon's easel and a wide collection of his art and photographs are on permanent display at Medicine Man Gallery, Tucson. The Tucson Museum of Art will host a Maynard Dixon exhibit, October 2008 through February 2009. The artist's work can be viewed at the Tucson Maynard Dixon Museum website, www.MaynardDixon.org.
Explore Tucson's Arts Scene: The Wall Street Journal called Tucson a "mini Mecca for the arts." If you're wondering how this Sonoran Desert city earned the distinction, stop by the Family Arts Festival in Downtown Tucson, January 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the eighth consecutive year, this free event will showcase Tucson's rich artistic scene. Continuous live performances by more than 60 local and international groups on six stages will cover classical, folk, mariachi and rock music, including the intensely popular Battle of the Bands; ballet, modern and ethnic dance; and live theater. A maze of booths will house interactive activities, visual art exhibits and lots of food. For details, visit www.FamilyArtsFestival.org.
Improving Tucson's First Resort: The Westward Look Resort is getting back to its roots. A two-phase renovation is underway, with the first phase expected to be finished in April 2008. The renovation will re-create the hotel's early Southwestern grandeur while adding modern luxuries. The historical property has grown from a hacienda-style family home-built just after Arizona became a state in 1912-to an 80-acre resort with 244 suite-sized rooms, two award-winning restaurants, a chef's garden, a spa, eight tennis courts, desert hiking trails, horseback-riding stables and multiple pools. The renovation is headed by Design Line Interiors, San Diego. American Property Management Company acquired the hotel in January 2007.
Gem Show Rooms Going Fast: Tucson is getting ready for the biggest gem and mineral show on Earth. If you are planning to visit Tucson February 2-17 for the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase or for any other reason-it's wise to book rooms now. The two-week show is Tucson's largest tourism event, bringing in about 50,000 out-of-town visitors and $100 million in economic impact. For more information on the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase, visit www.visitTucson.org/gemshow.
Legend Began at Tucson Rodeo: An exhibit of 50 prints by legendary rodeo photographer, Louise Serpa will go on display at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, February 9. This retrospective covers a 40-year professional career that began in 1963 after Serpa became the first woman photographer permitted to work inside a Tucson rodeo arena. She started out selling 5x7s to cowboys for 75 cents each, and became famous for capturing the mid-air action, excitement and spirit of "the most dangerous sport in the world." Today, Serpa lives in Tucson and shows her work by appointment. Many of her photographs can be seen on her website, www.LouiseSerpa.com and at the Tucson Rodeo website, www.TucsonRodeo.com.
Under Arizona Skies: What can you see when you look into the night sky: A planet, a constellation, a galaxy, or maybe a nebula where stars are being born? A fascinating show at the University of Arizona's Flandrau Planetarium explores the wonders that can be seen "Under Arizona Skies." Show times and other details are at www.Flandrau.org. Guests of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort can get a close-up look at Tucson's night sky as part of the hotel's "Ultimate Celestial Stay," which includes both outdoor stargazing through a high-powered telescope set up on the hotel property and guided night hikes into the surrounding desert. For details, phone 1-800-234-5117.
A Great Place to Play: Tucson is on the worldwide map as a golf destination, with the 2007 arrival of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship at The Gallery Golf Club. For those who aren't yet ready for this highly competitive Match Play, Tucson and Southern Arizona is home to a variety of exceptional golf courses that cater to all skill levels. Most courses offer some combination of golf, accommodations, meals, spa services and recreation. White Stallion Ranch's "Golf and Ride" package includes horseback riding; Westward Look's "Sonoran Golf and Spa Duet" is an example of a classic Tucson package available at most area resorts. More packages are listed under "Golf" at the Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau website, www.visitTucson.org.
Coasting Back to the Future: Cities across the country are taking a new look at an old idea: the city streetcar. Vintage, electric trolley systems-like Tucson's Old Pueblo Trolley-provide an authentic streetcar experience that mixes public transportation with visitor entertainment. People love the old streetcars, with their wooden seats, clanging bells and windows that open. Tucson's one-mile route connects the Fourth Avenue shopping-and-entertainment district with University of Arizona Main Gate Square, passing beautifully restored historic homes along the way. Besides being lots of fun, the Old Pueblo Trolley is a demonstration light-rail project. The future includes expansion of its rails and overhead wires into the downtown business district. For schedules, fares and information about group charters, see the website at www.oldpueblotrolley.org.
Four Seasons of Fun: Four seasons worth of fun events is listed on the Major Events calendar on the website of the Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.VisitTucson.org/events.
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