Historic 4th Avenue and A Change in the Weather

Corona de Tucson

December 13, 2021

There doesn't seem to be much to write about for this post.  But here goes...early last week, we made the trip "to the city" to take care of a few things.  At the top of the list was gifts for the two youngest grandkids.  

Mildred and Dildred has been our go to place for finding all kinds of unique and fun gifts for any age from infant to teenage.  They wrap and ship so its a one stop shop... perfect!  It is locally owned, not a big-box store, with lots of selections that encourage imaginations and learning.  That's the Kindergarten/First Grade  teacher in me that still lingers after all these years !  

I had my heart set on sending our youngest granddaughter a doll.  Edith just turned 1 so it had to be a special doll...one that is soft and cuddly. Happy to check that off the list as the gifts have been delivered and are under the tree. 
   
 We don't usually do the "mall thing", but Joe needed to try on long pants.  Ordering them usually means returning them and that is such a bother.  So, we found ourselves at Tucson Mall.  It was practically empty !  And just a little depressing...

so unlike years past with he hustle and bustle of folks.  At least the Christmas music was playing.

We did spot one famous person.  What a surprise to learn after all these years that Santa likes Panda Express !

No more cookies for you!

This past Friday, we met Randy and his daughter Stacie on 4th Avenue.  

It's not just any 4th Avenue, it is Historic 4th Avenue in Tucson...home to the 51 year old tradition known as The Street Fair.  The district known as Old Pueblo hosts the fair and proceeds are used to support the avenue's infrastructure and invest in local neighborhoods.  Local artists and musicians as well as those from all over the world come to show and sell their goods.  

These natural wood (no stain) chopping boards were gorgeous.  The pieces come apart offering different sizes and configurations for cutting and dipping. Most were the lazy-susan style.  

All kinds of bird feeders, but these small hummingbird feeders caught my eye.

These solar lights age beautifully...if you like the patina look which I do.  All different shapes and heights...we stood here longer than at any other booth discussing, but in the end decided not to buy.   

Traffic is barricaded for The Street Fair and covered canopies line the middle of the street for several blocks.  The Avenue began in 1916 as a commercial district.  It has seen many changes thru the years.  As big shopping centers began to dominate,  the buildings were practically left empty in the 60s.  By the mid 70s,  small businesses and restaurants began emerging. Today, characterized "by a myriad of unique small businesses", 4th Avenue is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its history and architecture and includes 50 contributing properties that date between 1903 and 1967.  The highlight for the day for me was lunch.  Randy's daughter Stacie (whose husband is Kevin and our realtor) has lived in Tucson for most of her adult life. She suggested Caruso's Italian.  Caruso's is the oldest Italian Restaurant in Tucson...it started in the 1930s and has remained in the family at the same location since that time.  The original family owner who began the restaurant passed away at age 100 in February '21.  He was the one responsible for the interior layout, the patio, and most of the food prep.  The heart of the restaurant was and still is the "big copper pot" visible from the main dining room.  It has contained all of the Caruso sauce served since the first days in Tucson.  

The food was wonderful and the service was very friendly and beyond satisfactory.  

Boutiques and antiques, along with  book, candle, jewelry, and novelty stores line the streets.  One interesting store was Pop-Cycle where piggy banks, jewelry and other fun things are created from scrap metals. 
The Avenue also offers a very wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.   

 At the oasis, we are enjoying Christmas.  It is such a special time of year with all the lights, smells and music.  I realized the other day, I can see our Christmas tree from every room in the house except our bedroom, master bath and guest bath.  

Last week I made a new to me goodie.  Joe likes peppermints and I like chocolate so I found a recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Patties.  They are yummy and very "rich" as my mom would say. 

Friday we woke up to a chilly, rainy day.  This isn't our usual view out the patio door. The pups were in shock and didn't want to go out, but I thought it was a nice change...

...and perfect for white chili.  It's my favorite chili with lots of grated cheese, jalapeños and corn chips.  It is even better the next day !  I love left-overs !  Rainy days in Tucson are special and don't usually last long.

That wraps up another week.  They sure go by fast.  

As much as I love to go places and do things, I have decided that the best part of going anywhere these days is coming home.  Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS !