When we had first heard about the Nickelodeon Weekend at the JW Marriott Starr Pass we knew it would be perfect for our family. A resort setting with fun-filled, kid-friendly themed activities seemed a great way to spend a weekend. 

The JW Marriott Starr Pass is nestled in the foothills of Tucson's western mountain range. The drive towards the resort entrance provides a full view of the resort. As we walked into the lobby, we were greeted with a stunning view of the Tucson skyline. Our first indication of the Nickelodeon Getaway, were the colorfully dressed Nickelodeon hostesses standing next to a TV showing a Nickelodeon feature. They cheerfully let us know of the many options that would round out our weekend. 

We checked-in to a clean and comfortable room. Close to supper time, we changed into our swimsuits and headed downstairs to start the weekend. On the patio, we listened to the resorts' nightly tequila toast. We enjoyed dinner at the outlet, Plunge! This is where we spotted one of Arizona's signature birds, the Road Runner.

After dinner, we walked to the resorts Starr Canyon River for the Slime Time experience and Dive-In Movie. When we returned to our room, we found Sponge Bob pillows on the bed and small drawstring packs for the boys. It was a great way to finish off the day that had already been filled with wonder and fun.

The next morning, Vince got in a sunrise run. The front desk had suggested a four-mile route that would take him out and back to the resort. He worked up an appetite for the Character Breakfast. SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer made an appearance at breakfast. It was a high-energy event with offerings that included French toast sticks and made-to-order omelets. There were also well organized photo opportunities with the characters.

After a good lathering of sunscreen, we spent the rest of the day at Starr Canyon River. The boys participated in Nick Live Poolside shows and colored postcards at the craft table. It was a super start to summer! 

Recently, I had a scant few hours to show a colleague of mine "the heart" of Tucson. She's Canadian and had never been to Arizona, much less Tucson. We were her last stop before leaving the state. She had seen the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Scottsdale and everything in between. Now it was Tucson's turn. So, in just a few hours, we went to the Saguaro National Park West visitors center and watched the "Desert Speaks" video. We then drove a few minutes deeper into the park and took the quick but rewarding hike to the Signal Hill petroglyphs (10,000 year old rock drawings). From there we zoomed to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and caught a glimpse of the Javelina, Ocelots, Gila Monsters, and black bears (oh my!). We both ooh-ed and ahhh-ed as we drove over Gate's Pass and into Downtown Tucson for lunch. After lunch, we did something I've really always wanted to do. It was adventurous, it was risky to suggest, but Kathy was absolutely up for it. We took a Segway tour!

I know, I've done my share of giggling when a Segway tour group, all driving in a little line of the two-wheeled machines, donning their helmets and fully concentrating on the path ahead crosses my path. Ever since I convinced a security guard to let me give his Segway a spin, I've wanted to do a road test. Here was my opportunity. Kathy and I met Denise Russell, owner and tour guide at Roll With It! Segway Guided Tours on Fourth Avenue. After a brief but thorough instructional and safety session; helmets on and a headset to hear our wonderful guide, we were off like a herd of turtles. Denise has the Segways set so that they can't go too fast, all for our own safety of course. At first I was disappointed at this fact, thinking I was going to be Mario Andretti on two wheels. But, once we got out into the public byways, my tune changed a little. I was concentrating so hard on how my weight was distributed and how to keep the thing going straight, avoiding potholes, not swerving into traffic, not running into Kathy; Oh, and looking at all the really cool stuff around me. I forgot my need for speed! After about 10 minutes, I was really comfortable, though, and was having a blast. We went through the historic Pie Allen Neighborhood (which I'd never seen after living here for 12 years!) and over the iconic Rattlesnake Bridge (which rattles to welcome you when you pass under the tail). After stopping for a picture in the mouth of our beloved rattlesnake structure, we headed back to Fourth Avenue on yet another scenic route. We went right down the sidewalk of Fourth Avenue (something like Tucson's Height Ashbery district). I thought for sure we'd get some of the looks and giggle for our stylish helmets and duckling style formation. But nope! Everybody was asking questions about the Segways! Is that hard? Is it fun? Where can I get one? It was hilarious. Kathy and I both vowed to come back and do a longer tour another day. It really was super-fun and a truly great way to tour the wonderfully historic neighborhoods of downtown Tucson. It beats walking them - hands down! You cover more ground and are much less exhausted when you're done!

By the time it was said and done, Kathy and I had covered a lot of ground and seen a lot of things during her short visit to Tucson. One of the fondest memories that we both hold, is posing for a picture in the mouth of a giant rattlesnake on our newest two-wheeled rides! We highly recommend taking a Segway tour. Sign up for yours today!

My family and I hiked to Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon on Saturday April 24. Wow! The canyon was beautiful. Wild flowers blooming and water running everywhere. We hiked in 1.6 miles to the Falls and then rested and had a picnic at the base of the Falls. It's amazing that we have this right in our own backyard. What a great day we all had!

 

 

 

 

Keep an eye out... the first Tucson Will Surprise You blog is coming Tuesday, May 25th!

With our reservations made and our gift certificate courtesy of Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, we set out to revisit the Flying V and sample their new (just yesterday!) menu.

Arriving near sunset, we were seated in the front corner at a window facing the waterfall and pond just south of the resort entrance.

As long time Tucson residents we are acclimated to warmer temperatures, so we chose to sit inside rather than on the lovely patio overlooking the pond. The patio was a popular choice for some diners, who appeared to be enjoying the mild spring air on the deck outside. On our first visit there in 1998 we too sat out on the patio and enjoyed the setting sun, the wild birds and the sound of the falling water. This time, as the sun set the evening cooled, and we were happy we had made the indoor choice.

Our waiter brought us menus and explained that all of the dishes on the card were brand new today, so we were encouraged to comment on the quality and taste of our food. My wife, Carol, ordered a chopped Caesar Salad, grilled beef tenderloin with potato croquettes, followed by coffee with a hot chocolate soufflé. I chose a chilled tomato and piquillo pepper soup, baked ahi with red onion escabeche and coffee with crème brulee. The reverse side of the menu contained a generous wine and beverage list, including non alcoholic cocktails.

We were treated to baked cornbread with peppers and lavash with butter and a sweet spread, and our perfectly attentive servers brought water and a glass of house merlot for Carol while we waited for our salad and appetizer. The salad was crisp and fresh, and the soup was mildly peppery as advertised. Both were generous servings, and very tasty. When Aaron brought the entrees we dug in with enthusiasm, which was not feigned I would add, as the dishes were both well presented and delicious. The vinegary veggies included in mine were excellent and well prepared, as were Carol's. She sampled my fish and I her beef tenderloin. There was no fish left on my plate, nor beef on hers. The fish was fresh, flaky and mild. The beef was well seasoned, moist and tender.

As we ate and watched the sun go down through roll up sun screens, the screens were retracted and the full glory of the sunset over the Tucson Mountains was revealed, straight west from our window seat. Our wait staff did not hover, but was appropriately attentive, keeping water glasses filled and asking after our every need. Aaron brought us our coffee and dessert, and we finished our evening watching the darkness surround the patio and the outdoor lighting come up, hiding the view beyond our window. We regretted having to leave, and spent a few minutes outside in the clear night air, enjoying the sparkle of the Tucson cityscape. We felt this to be one of the most enjoyable evenings in our many times dining out in Tucson, and still think of the Flying V as one of our favorite and most memorable places.