Monday, July 22, 2024

Old Tucson

Corona de Tucson

July 21, 2024 

We have enjoyed monsoon storms three days this week...

Old Tucson was originally built in 1939 by Columbia Pictures on a PIMA COUNTY owned site as a replica of 1860s' era Tucson.  The first movie filmed there was Arizona in 1840 which starred William Holden and Jean Arthur.  


Workers built more than 50 buildings for that first movie set in 40 days and many of them are still standing.  


Although we have driven by this piece of history many times thru the years, Joe and I had never stopped there.  So. when Jamie and Andra invited us to go with them to Saguaro Sunset Night Market at Old Tucson on Saturday evening, we jumped at the chance to join them for a double date!  

Sunsets in the desert are gorgeous! 

We were lucky as a storm completely surrounded the area with winds, thunder and lightening and rains. We watched the weather in all directions and only a few drops of rain fell the entire time we were there.  The late afternoon glow was stunning !


It was such a fun time...we walked, we talked, laughed a lot, ate messy pulled pork b-b-q sandwiches and slaw, learned some history, watched the blacksmith, took lots of photos, and enjoyed the beautiful sunset and each other !







 

The kiddos spent the night Saturday.  



The rest of the week was here and there...Joe had a dentist appointment for a new cap, he also had an eye appointment with the cornea specialist, and I had a much needed haircut on Friday.  I love going to get my hair cut.  The salon is on the north side of town and other than haircuts, we rarely ever get there.  So, on Friday, we did a little shopping and had a really nice lunch at Wildflower.  Wildflower is described as a modern American restaurant inspired by flavors from all over the world.  


The menu changes with the seasons serving both classic and fresh flavors.  Joe enjoyed fish (flown in fresh daily) and chips with slaw, fries and yummy tartar sauce.  I had a warm salad...lobster and artichoke hearts with grilled asparagus, roasted tomatoes, crispy potatoes, baby greens and truffle vinaigrette. It was divine ! And we shared desert...Bars of Sin.  It's a praline chocolate cookie, cappuccino mouse, and vanilla gelato.  


Our meal was beautifully served, Mica (our server) was wonderful, and we both thoroughly enjoyed our lunch experience.  Their patio is nicely filled with wonderful  green plants, but we didn't eat outside as it was already too warm.  We are looking forward to a fall visit with cooler weather.   

Back at the oasis, we had afternoon storms.  Lots of rain and lots of wind and thunder and lightening too.  No complaints here...I am so thankful for every drop we get.  



Mornings walks...fresh air and lots of color...  







We see this Vermillion Flycatcher just about every morning...






I made banana nut bread...


Morning coffee and birds...








And our sweet Sallybear...


That's a wrap on our week...a really nice week !  


Until next time,

Our chauffeurs...

   
Early morning walk...


Sunset walk... 


The last photo I took from the parking lot at Old Tucson...

HAPPY TRAILS!

8 comments:

  1. Love your Old Tucson photos--that glow, the lace curtains--beautiful! And your lunch at Wildflower sounds divine--not sure it would be the Cowboy's cup of tea! :) So, so glad you guys are getting rain! Enjoy your week!

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    1. Good morning Janna…thank you. It was fun meandering thru Old Tucson and the sunset was so pretty. Wildflower does serve burgers, steak, and pork as well as the fish. We had a beautiful light show last night, but not a drop of rain…we were lucky last week! Enjoy your week too!

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  2. Old Tucson was a movie set ??? I just thought it would be the real deal, like our Old Town or Tombstone.
    Your lunch and very sinful Bars of Sin ... luscious
    Is that tree is watching for you? Interesting scars
    Enjoy the summer monsoons, it's fun seeing the rain drops on your flowers

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    1. Hi Jeff…thank you! Yes, Old Tucson was and still is a movie set. It was closed for several years during and after Covid, but has new ownership and has reopened. They do lots of events there including shows in the saloon, a western “experience” including gun fights etc., and special events at Halloween and Christmas. I really enjoyed walking the streets at sunset! I’m loving the storms!

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  3. Two new things for our "list", thanks to you. Old Tucson and a meal at Wildflower!

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    1. Hi Sue…yippee! Wildflower was a very nice surprise and yummy! It’s located in a strip mall, but not the typical strip mall restaurant
      experience. I’m sure you have driven by it many times…well worth a stop for lunch! Teaspoon, a great breakfast spot, is also located in the same strip mall.

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  4. The sunlight in those pictures of Old Tucson was gorgeous! I love your pictures of the birds and the nature around you. I'm glad you had a good week and all that wonderful rain! Love you!

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    1. Hi Jill…thank you! We have had a yard full of immature birds. We love seeing them visit! The skies have been especially colorful with all the moisture…we love that too! And we love you bunches!

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