Metropolitan Tucson CVB Blog

Pie for the Masses at No Anchovies!

Graeme Hunt — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:06:07 -0700

Pizza aficionados and novices alike are in for an experience at No Anchovies - just pull up a barstool, bench or lawn chair and try pizza as an art form, sans anchovies.

Midtown Tucson is home to nearly 37,000 graduate and undergrad students at the University of Arizona's 378-acre campus. The school educates, houses and entertains the student body, but many venture slightly off-campus to enjoy some of the most unique cuisine in town, and Tucson's grown-ups should consider taking a cue from the flip-flop-clad college crowd.

In Main Gate Square - just west of campus - No Anchovies! Gourmet Pizza serves up giant slices of one-of-a-kind pizza. While traditional toppings like pepperoni and sausage are popular menu items, this small, eclectic campus eatery is best known for its "specialty" pies.

Customers can try everything from the tabano - which comes with thick slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, chunks of fresh tomato and large, fragrant basil leaves - to the popular hot wing pizza, with chunks of chicken marinated in wing sauce, with mozzarella, blue cheese and ranch drizzled on top.

The potato pizza is adorned with provolone cheese, thick red potato slices, bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion; while the chicken teriyaki pie is topped with mozzarella, teriyaki-marinated chicken breast, bell peppers, green onions, sesame seeds and thick, sweet teriyaki sauce.

Other favorites include chicken parm - No Anchovies!' ode to breaded parmesan chicken in pizza form - barbecue chicken, spinach tomato feta, spinach delight (with spinach, tomato, onion, artichoke, black olives, extra virgin olive oil, and roasted bell peppers and onion), Hawaiian, and many more.

For those not in the mood for peculiar pizza, No Anchovies! also serves up fresh, generously sized salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and appetizers. The restaurant also boasts a full bar, offering daily drink specials and featuring locally brewed Nimbus beer on tap, plus more than 50 bottled varieties.

Browse the menu online at www.noanchoviespizza.com, or drop by for a meal in person: 870 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719. (520) 623-3333

Tucson Shopping

Graeme Hunt — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:53:14 -0700

My favorite thing to do in Tucson is definitely to go shopping! I really enjoy spending time with my friends when they come to visit, especially going to one of the shopping malls and having a nice dinner at a restaurant. Vivace is one of my favorites, which has a delicious crab-filled chicken breast. For me, shopping is a great way to relax and change my daily routine, but there is always something going on in Tucson: festivals, dance presentations, conferences, symposiums, and so much more. So, no matter if I want have fun, relax, or learn new things, Tucson offers me a wide variety of stuff to do.

A Day at the Tucson Meet Yourself Festival

Graeme Hunt — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:59:57 -0700

The fall weather in Tucson is so incredible that my fiancé and I are always looking for fun things to do outdoors. We were already close to Downtown, so we decided to head down to Jácome Plaza to see what the Tucson Meet Yourself Festival was all about.

I was surprised to learn the festival was celebrating it's 36th anniversary and was disappointed we didn't have more time to peruse all the booths and watch all the performances. The festival wasn't just about it's amazing cultural food selections, but also included so many demonstrations, performances, shows, and even a local farmer's market, that it could be an all-day event for the whole family.

After watching some great banjo players at the Courthouse Stage we walked across Church Street, passing the bouncing low riders as they set up for their car show, and settled in to watch the Columbian Folklore dancers on the Youth Stage. When they were finished, we browsed some of the local club booths and the farmer's market located at the downtown library's plaza.

Our stomachs telling us it was time to eat, we headed back to the Ethnic food area with a plan. Being one-quarter Danish myself, I was excited to see the Tucson Danish Club had a booth so they were my first stop. Remembering how my mom made aebleskivers (basically spherical pancakes stuffed with fruit) I wanted to see how the Danish booth's compared. These didn't have fruit in the middle, but rather some rasberry jelly on the side. Still, not only was I pleasantly surprised with them, but I also got to chat with some Danes and signed up for their club's newsletter. Next, we found the Thai booth and shared a plate of chicken curry with potatoes and onions on a bed of white rice, and it was scrumptuous. Our bellies expanding but not yet full, we shared a tasty chicken sandwich (gyro) from the Persian Club and for dessert, we sipped on a bubble tea from the Vietnamese Alliance of Tucson Booth.

We were stuffed beyond capacity but managed to waddle over to watch a performance on the Martial Arts Lawn before heading back to our car. With all there is to see and do at the Tucson Meet Yourself Festival, I can see why it is a two-day event. And it's cheap! Next year, we're planning on going both Saturday and Sunday to sample more of the great food and watch more of the interesting cultural performances. Heck, maybe next year I'll be in the Danish booth handing out aebleskivers myself!

Mmmmm... Harvest Time!

Graeme Hunt — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:05:57 -0700

I recently had the distinct pleasure of joining two travel writer friends of mine for dinner at one of Tucson's newest culinary hotspots, Harvest, located in Oro Valley. Let me preface the experience by saying that even before they opened the doors, Harvest was bound to be a success. It's owned by the same gentlemen who own Hacienda del Sol and Zona 78. These guys know their food and wine, as does the co-owner, executive chef and other family members that oversee day to day operations.

So, Harvest is a family affair. Love it! The restaurant's hook is that the menu features "carefully selected local, domestic and fresh ingredients." Love that too. So far so good! I couldn't wait to give it a go.

One of my dinner partners was a food critic and restaurant reviewer, and the other was a very well published travel writer/blogger. These girls know their food, and they're a tough audience to please. But Harvest had us all pleased as punch and rubbing our bellies in delight and astonishment at how much we ate. We just couldn't stop, as everything was so good! All that we ordered we ate family style so nobody would miss out on any flavorful experience. So in the end, we three tasted:

Handmade Gnocchi - harvest sausage, wild mushrooms, sunchokes, parmigiano-reggiano
Harvest Empanadas - double check ranch organic beef, black mission fig, green olive and chimichurri sauce
Classic Caesar salads - romaine hearts, oven dried tomatoes and white anchovy vinaigrette
Cinnamon brined country pork ribs - roasted sweet potato, haricots verts, caramelized onions, grilled corn, cinnamon chili butter
Lobster Mac'n Cheese - cellentani pasta, lobster fume, broccolini, tomato confit, leaf basil
Harvest Brownie - coffee ice cream, cherry compote, caramel sauce

I told you we had a lot of food! I don't kid around when it comes to my culinary adventures. Even as a writer, I have a hard time putting this experience into words. It was amazing; a treat for the senses; and definitely a dinning experience I won't soon forget. Though we sampled just a few items, I'm absolutely positive everything else on the menu is just as delicious and fresh as what we tried.

I try not to pick favorites of anything. But, if I had to do so, I'd say that the handmade gnocchi was definitely my favorite item. In fact, I blush to admit that I've been back since this dinner with a friend, seeking specifically, that gnocchi!

If you're in Oro Valley, or heck, even if you're not, please make a point of heading to Harvest for lunch or dinner. They're open seven days a week. Harvest absolutely hits the mark on every level: Food, atmosphere AND service. It's especially perfect for those of us who do everything we can to support local farmers, ranchers, and non-chain restaurants.

Wildflower Restaurant Has Blossomed Anew

Graeme Hunt — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:48:09 -0700

Always a favorite restaurant of mine, Wildflower turned over a new leaf with a chic new look in one of the fastest remodels in Northwest Tucson. I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with some colleagues during its re-opening to the public and I was very impressed with the experience.

To look around, you would be hard-pressed to believe that it is the same restaurant. The patio seating is a refreshing lime green against marble white and wrought iron fixtures. Inside, the space has been transformed to open up the indoor seating area into one large palace-style dining room with vibrant blues and greens splashed across the room lined with white walls, classy mirrors, and a French-styled kitchen façade. Even the bathrooms look like something out of a magazine!

The inviting atmosphere isn't the only draw. We were introduced to several new and exciting dishes on the menu that were equally delightful to the senses. The asparagus bruschetta appetizer was extremely popular, and it wasn't long before we polished it off. I was also pleased to see that the crispy calamari salad was still on the menu as it is a standing favorite of mine. The restaurant staff was very accommodating in our desire to share our entrées with each other, and they delivered pre-split plates with a sampling of the fish and chips, shrimp scampi, and cheeseburger sliders (with bacon!). Everything was very flavorful, and we showed our inner foodie sides as we compared each entrée. As per usual, I couldn't resist photographing the food.
A born sweet-tooth, I naturally have a separate stomach for dessert. Our waitress gave us a detailed explanation of the seasonal options. She endorsed the pumpkin bread pudding which we found delish, surprisingly due to the secret ingredient of French toast! It reminded me of an exotic pumpkin pie type of dessert complete with a toasted marshmallow, which got my taste buds excited for the autumn season and the promise of cooler weather soon.

It wasn't until we piled into the car and headed back to work that I realized how much the new look and flavors of Wildflower transformed the mood into one of relaxation and merriment. With so many new dishes to try, I will certainly be back for seconds.

Relaxing at Tohono Chul Park

Graeme Hunt — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:09:40 -0700

Last Friday, some colleagues and I went to Tohono Chul Park for a breakfast and tour of the park. I had the eggs benedict, which was delicious, but everybody's orders looked equally enticing. Watching hummingbirds and butterflies flit around the butterfly garden while enjoying breakfast was a perfect way to start the day. After breakfast the group then headed off into the park, which was beautiful. The variety of flowers, trees, cacti, etc. was simply astounding. Tohono Chul is truly a desert oasis in the middle of the city (49 acres of oasis that most people don't even realize is there!)

This visit made a regular out of me. I'll be returning every time the seasons change so I can see what is happening out there. We took a break from walking through the park and sat down to learn about reptiles from "Snake Boy." (On Fridays there is a reptile presentation.) His presentation was enjoyable for an audience of all ages. "Snake Boy" and his crew pulled out a slew of snakes, a Gila monster, and a turtle for us to observe as they taught us about how they survive in the Sonoran desert. With our knowledge of our reptilian neighbors expanded, we then took a quick trip through the plant propagation area and saw everything they had to offer and a variety of different garden styles. I highly recommend that anyone thinking about a landscaping project spend some time at the park gathering inspiration.

Whether looking for a fantastic breakfast, ideas for your desert garden, or just a quiet oasis to stroll and hang out in lush flora of the Sonoran Desert, Tohono Chul is a great choice.

Dinner and Theater in Downtown Tucson

Graeme Hunt — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:52:56 -0700

My fiancée, Trish, and I are lovers of theater and dry, English humor so when we found out that Monty Python's Spamalot was coming to Tucson's Music Hall, we jumped at the chance to see it.

We both work downtown and thought it would be great to have drinks and dinner before the show. We spent a good amount of time just trying to figure out where to eat downtown, as the ever-growing list of restaurants were all very tempting. We finally settled on Ascolese's Italian Restaurant, located next to La Placita and within a very short walking distance to the theater. We hadn't made reservations, but the staff was friendly and accommodating and sat us in a quiet corner of the bar area. The service was good, and the huge entrees came out surprisingly fast! Trish enjoyed cheese tortellini in a vodka sauce and topped with sausage, while I went with penne pasta in marinara sauce, also topped with sausage. We were so stuffed after our entrees that we couldn't even think of dessert, though the choices were mouth-watering.

After dinner and a cocktail, we still had some time before the show, so we meandered around and finally settled on benches by the large fountain in front of the Music Hall. It was opening night of Spamalot so there was a large, enthusiastic crowd gathered, all enjoying the mild evening as well as drinks being served outside.

After watching a gorgeous Tucson sunset, the doors opened and we got swept up in opening-night excitement, finding our seats quickly and waiting for the show to start. Finally, the lights dimmed and the crowd quieted as the first actors stepped onstage. There is something magical about theater, and we were immediately pulled away from our daily routines and tossed happily into another world. In true Monty Python style, Spamalot was witty, funny, and even a bit raunchy. As the lights came back on, the audience gave the talented actors a standing ovation, and I for one wished the show had not ended.

Blinking back into reality, Trish and I filed out of the theater and walked back to our car, with our sides aching and smiles on our faces. It was really a wonderful evening downtown, and we will certainly do it again!

Everyone Can Enjoy the Tucson Museum of Art

Graeme Hunt — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:02:15 -0700

Today I ate lunch on the fly and spent my "lunch hour" at the Tucson Museum of Art. I work downtown so it's just a short walk over historic surface street overpasses and through some city squares to TMA.

Once in the cool lobby, I flashed my Tucson Attractions passport and received half-off the admission price and paid only $4! You can get your very own passport here.

The latest exhibit at TMA is The Arizona Biennial ‘09. I had been a periodic visitor to TMA until I saw the last exhibition, Trouble in Paradise. Well, actually, I went and saw it three times. I really liked it and got into the permanent collection through these visits.

Now, I have vowed to return, at least, to see every new exhibition. The Biennial holds a particular spark of interest for me because a good friend of mine, Herb Stratford has a piece in it.

The description of the Arizona Biennial '09 is "Highlighting the trends of contemporary art in Arizona." Well, I'm not a big contemporary art fan, but I gave it a go. The Juror, Tim Rodgers, Ph.D. Chief Curator at New Mexico Museum of Art makes an opening statement about the opposition featured in the show; dark/light, funny/serious, sensitive/ironic.

The exhibition was really an adventure for me. I saw things I loved and things I didn't love so much. Most importantly, I saw things that made me think, made me smile, and made me return for a second glance. Pieces included depictions of "Famous Facial Hair" to "Cloned Cell Study". Most surprising to me were my two favorites. A piece using only shade variations of scarlet red called "Full Scale Red" by a Tucson artist named Carrie Seid and a giant digital print of morning cereal called "Trix." Seid's piece actually seems to have life. It's amazing how someone can lay down variations of one color that make the painting appear to follow you. Don't laugh at my second favorite. It was stunning! It made me feel young, hungry, and buoyant at the same time.

I'm not an art expert, but I know what I like and I enjoy the Tucson Museum of Art. The temporary exhibits are always interesting and the permanent collection is always great to visit over and over. In particular, I love the giant "Bridge to Nowhere" piece downstairs. I learned that this painting was actually featured in a movie called Life Stories that was directed by Robert Di Nero! Hands down, though, I will return time and time again to the Louise Serpa photographs in the Art of the American West section in the Goodman Pavilion.

I never thought I'd be a regular to an art museum, but here I am, a convert. If you haven't had the chance to, please stop into the Tucson Museum of Art. There is plenty of parking and it's in a very cool area downtown. There are amazing restaurants all around it. The first Sunday of every month is FREE admission. AND, you'll become a fan; a passionate fan at that! I did!

Relive the Wild West in Old Tucson

Graeme Hunt — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:41:55 -0700

Howdy! If you haven't been to Old Tucson Studios lately, it's time you paid them a visit. A friend and I recently spent a day there and enjoyed an exciting trip back in time to the Old West. First, we saddled up and went on a trail ride. Our guide, Jason, was a real cowboy and gave us some good tips and information about riding along the desert trails. The views of the Tucson Mountains are so beautiful. We rode for close to one hour. The fresh air and exercise made us hungry, so we headed to Big Jakes Bar-B-Q at Old Tucson Studios where we had a great and hearty lunch. You have to try their hickory-smoked brisket. Wow! We got lots of laughs watching the Old West stunt show and a cowboy shoot-out in the street. Both were very funny. Yahoo! Other stops we made at Old Tucson included the Court House and the Stage Coach ride. We had some frosty lemonade at the Grand Place Hotel & Saloon as we watched their can-can show, and, of course, we went window-shopping. The shops are filled with Western and American Indian jewelry, leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs like mugs, key chains, and cactus candies. If you're looking for a cowboy or cowgirl hat, Old Tucson has a big selection. A great day and adventure! Thank you, Old Tucson Studios.

A Patagonia Gem: Velvet Elvis Pizza Company

Graeme Hunt — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:47:36 -0700

On a holiday weekend last summer, my husband and I headed south for the annual Sonoita Rodeo, and made a side trip into Patagonia for lunch. Sixty miles south of Tucson, in the tiny town of Patagonia, the Velvet Elvis Pizza Company crafts delicious, unusual pizzas from fresh, house-made ingredients. The pie is fantastic, and the kicker - most of the menu options are healthy (or, not so unwholesome as your typical slice)!

Both the pizza and the red sauce recipes at Velvet Elvis are 70 years old, and originated in an Italian pizzeria in Brooklyn. But since 1998, chef and owner Cecilia San Miguel has made Patagonia the home of Elvis' tasty pies.

Velvet Elvis is a small adobe building just inside Patagonia city limits, decorated in earthtones, with a small garden patio out front. We ate inside, where the walls are colorful tributes to the Lady of Guadalupe, and diners seat themselves at large tables that sometimes require dining with another group - a great way to get to know your fellow diners!

In addition to serving pizza, Velvet Elvis also specializes in raw juices, fresh organic salads and vegetarian soups. We were definitely there for the pizza, but we started with a couple of glasses of Limonada Rosa - limeade made with freshly squeezed limes and hibiscus. It was brightly colored and tart, and incredibly tasty on a hot day.

The "Designer Pizza" menu was deep and really unique, with pies like "El Mariachi Blanco," topped with green chili and jalapeno cream sauce, capers, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, garlic and sundried tomatoes. The "Inca Quinoa Pizza" - which requires 24 hours notice to order, is a deep-dish work of art, with a quinoa-flour crust, fresh vegetables and cheese.

However, we settled on the "Pancho Villa" pizza - a concoction of Elvis' famous red sauce, house-made beef chorizo, fresh tomatoes, yellow onion, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and asiago and mozzarella chesses. A word of warning for the weak of tongue - this is one spicy pizza! The fresh jalapenos are eye-wateringly spice and there's a few in every bite, but for those who like it hot, this pizza will leave you craving more. (You'll definitely need a refill or two on your limonada to put out the fire in your mouth, though!)

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano recently named Velvet Elvis Pizza Company an "Arizona Treasure," and I couldn't agree more. The next time you're headed to wine country, start out with a slice or two from Velvet Elvis.

Hiking on Scenic Mt. Lemmon

Graeme Hunt — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:34:15 -0700

Last year I discovered what a great escape Mt. Lemmon is when the summer heat makes Tucson less than ideal for outdoor exercise. At approximately 9,000 feet, the hiking trails near the top of the mountain wander through evergreen forests, with grassy areas, wildflowers, and even wild raspberry bushes lining the paths. Best of all, it's cool enough to enjoy the sunshine, even in the middle of July.

Although the Meadow Trail at the top is one of my favorites, this past weekend I decided to challenge myself on the Butterfly Trail. As you start the hike, the route opens up to scenic vistas of the valley below before descending into a shady valley. (I should note here, that the descent and subsequent ascent on the way back are what makes this trail physically challenging.)

On the way down the mountain, the hike was easy enough for me to enjoy the sites of cheerful yellow columbines cascading down a gully and patches of tall swirling meadow grass. The pine-scented air was refreshing and energizing, and both my dog and I enjoyed the adventure. As we neared the point where the Butterfly Trail joins the Crystal Springs Trail Trail, I was shocked to find myself in a field of emerald green ferns. It was a scene that I only would have imagined in the Northwestern part of the country.

When we reached the intersection with the Crystal Springs Trail, only about 1.5 miles from the starting point, I decided to turn around. The hike down was steep enough that I was a little worried about how well I would do on the way out. As it turned out, my dog was less excited about the hike out than I. Every few feet, she would stop in front of me, lie down on the trail, or crawl under the shady ferns and grass along the way. After many rest stops, we finally made our way back to the top. Tired and sweaty, but feeling very virtuous and healthy, we headed home.

BMX Ride

Erin Lair — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:50:52 -0700

The American Bicycle Association BMX Southwest Nationals competition took place at the Tucson Convention Center this past weekend. Tucson hosted an amazing number of talented racers and I was lucky enough to get the chance to ride with them during Friday's practice rounds. The dirt track was impressive - tight turns, big jumps, step-ups, and the bone jarring "rhythm section" (a series of back to back jumps). They decked me out in a Tucson BMX jersey and a very snug helmet. It was a thrill to ride out just behind a group of racers during their practice session and the adrenaline was pumping as I hit the first jump. I definitely felt my youth coming back to me. As I approached the final turn I could hear my co-workers cheering me on and for a second I thought about waving but ultimately decided that keeping the bike upright would be preferable. Managing to avoid any untimely "dismounts," I really enjoyed my time on the track. Unfortunately the ride was over before I knew it and I was left thinking about what could have been had I gotten into BMX racing a long time ago. This event is definitely worth checking out when it returns next summer, and rumor has it that there are a couple of local tracks to practice on in the meantime!

Mud Puddle Party

Erin Lair — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:37:37 -0700

One of our favorite late-summer activities is splashing in the mud at Tucson's annual Mud Monster Mud Puddle Party at Reid Park. Slipping, sliding, and wallowing in mud pools with thousands of fun-seekers brings out the freewheeling kid in everyone. There's something revitalizing about being slathered in the cool muck: mud wraps are used to purify the skin at some of Tucson's finest spas! As for family-friendly fun in the mud, Reid Park is the place to be in August.

This year, my husband and I and our two preteen-aged kids arrived at the park by 7:30 a.m. in time to register before the 8 a.m. start. We headed straight for the obstacle courses, which are sectioned into areas for kids, teens, and adults. Toddlers and younger kids can slosh around in shallow, muddy, sand pits, with adult supervision.

Racing round the obstacle courses is a blast. My eight-year-old son won first place in a foot race with another boy by sliding across the finish line. He was covered with mud from head to toe, and grinning from ear to ear. Next, while my husband took photos, my 11-year-old daughter and I took our turns maneuvering the courses. For her, sliding along a 10-foot plastic mat, sinking into puddles, and diving through inflated plastic tubes was a breeze. For me, a mom who can barely handle the mess of dying Easter eggs, it was a ... challenge. I couldn't get used to the mud/sand that clung to my every pore; yet I continued, laughing with my daughter all the way! We tripped our way through two giant, rubber tires hanging from a tree. We scaled a five-foot, slippery, mud-caked wall, using a rope to haul us up and an onslaught of rushing muddy water to help us slide down. We belly-crawled under low bars and over a military-type net suspended atop a mud puddle. What a workout! At the end of the course, the Tucson Fire Department rinsed off the crowd with fire hoses.

Until the fun ended at noon, we enjoyed a festival with live entertainment and affordable food from vendors. We're already planning a "kids versus parents" race for next year. Hope to see you there. Until then, here's mud in your eye!

Cool Weekend in Bisbee

Erin Lair — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:25:30 -0700

It had been five years or so since my husband and I had visited Bisbee, so when our friends Jody and Greg suggested a weekend jaunt, we were ready. We figured there wouldn't be much to do there but that didn't dissuade us from jumping at the chance. The thought of escaping the heat, if only for a day or two, trumped any concern over time on our hands.

We were already looking for lunch when we approached the Sonoita crossroads. Greg's exhaustive internet search had turned up a restaurant that was inexplicably - yet undeniably - closed. With a sigh we stopped for suggestions at Dos Cabezas Winery. We got one - Grasslands Café - and more. We left carrying a case of local nectar and four stemmed glasses that promised discounts at several wineries down the road.

By the time we rolled into Bisbee it was late afternoon and the weather a pleasant 85. We checked into El Dorado Suites, an historic hotel overlooking Brewery Gulch and the "oldest continually operated bar" in Bisbee. It's a wonderful spot for families or couples traveling together: our suite featured two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, bath and balcony. "Awesome," we all cooed as we unpacked and prepared for a walk around town.

Turns out, the second Saturday evening of each month is "Bisbee after Dark," the local gallery "walk." As we headed up the street, I realized Bisbee had changed a bit in the last few years: there were shops and galleries and stores and restaurants ... and they were open! There was food and drink and musicians accompanying our evening stroll. This was a revelation ...and it was fun!

Thank goodness we had the presence of mind to make a reservation for dinner. Cafe Roka is one of Arizona's top 100 restaurants and it fills up fast. We finished up our gallery tour just in time to eat, and eat we did. We were seated and attended to immediately, even though the restaurant's three levels were all a-hopping. I had the artichoke and mushroom lasagna with three sauces. It came with appetizer, salad and sorbet, for $16.50 - memorable for its taste, price and the historic ambience. My dinner companions' dinner choices brought comparable amenities and aaahs.

We head back to the hotel and fall into bed. We need to be up and at ‘em by 9 to take the tour of the old Bisbee Mine. First it's breakfast at Copper Queen Hotel and then into our slickers for what turns out to be a private tour of the now-defunct mine. Early Sunday morning is the time to beat the crowds, we comment as we disembark, jostling the hordes awaiting the 10:30 tour. Our timing -- or is it luck? -- has been "spot on" all weekend.

As we head back to Tucson, we're already making our plans to return. There's the historic home tour and the 1,000 Stairclimb and the garden tour and the vintage wine tasting and the yoga festival and, and ... So much for time on our hands.

Tucson Toros

Erin Lair — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:26:35 -0700

These days I find myself thinking less about what I want to do in my spare or leisure time and more about what I can afford to do. I look for events and activities that offer great value and I shun name brands for store brands (and make them last longer). I'm not alone. I've found a new "store" brand in Tucson this summer, the return of the Tucson Toros! It's professional baseball without the attitude, ego or expense that has come to dominate the sports landscape. This latest incarnation of our beloved Toros competes in the Golden Baseball League throughout the western US. The games are played at Hi Corbett Field, right in the center of town. There is no affiliation to a major league club (or a minor league one for that matter). These guys play because they love the game, the coaches coach because they love the game; I go to see them because I love the game. For a $5.00 general admission ticket, you're guaranteed a great view of all the action. The expected ballpark snacks and treats are plentiful and affordable (especially on Thursdays!). Each home game features an interactive series of events for fans and the atmosphere is exciting, friendly, fun, safe and genuine ... it's three hours of bliss for the avid or casual fan. Every Friday home game features an awesome fireworks show that seems to last forever. Check it out at www.tucsontoros.com. Did I mention the parking is free?