Tag Archives: Arizona

Magpies Gourmet Pizza – Tucson, Arizona

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Is It or Isn’t It

“Voted Tucson’s best pizza for 20 years in a row,” proclaims Magpies Gourmet Pizza. Some reviews cry foul, no way is Magpies best. Wanting a change of pace this evening we decide to see what we think.

We chose “The Magpie” made with a ricotta tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Magpie’s own sausage, pepperoni and fresh mushrooms. The 10″ small was the right size for us to share along with a side-order sized Greek salad – which was crisp and fresh.

We went to the Magpie’s on Oracle north of Ina Road. It appeared most of their business is delivery or takeout. Television noise filled the eat-in area; we decided on one of three outdoor tables. The evening temperature was perfect and pink sunset entertained as we waited. We were told it would take about 20 minutes – this stretched to 30 or 35.

Bob says he’d grade the pizza a B, better than average; I thought it was good but no where close to exceptional. I guess the verdict is still out, is it or isn’t it the best pizza in Tucson?

Singing Wind Bookshop – Benson, Arizona

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Ring the Bell for Books

If you love books of any genre, listen up.

Directions:

  • singing-wind-mailboxFrom Interstate 10 in Benson, Arizona
  • Take Exit 304
  • Drive north 2.25 miles on Ocotillo Road
  • After the cattleguard turn right onto the dirt road – a Singing Wind Road sign and the distinctive mailbox marks the spot.
  • Pass through the green gate
  • Drive 1/2 mile to the ranch house
  • Wonder if you’re in the right place
  • Exit car
  • Read well-worn sign and ring the ranch bellsinging-wind-bell
  • Proceed to the front door
  • Ignore the barking dog – sounds fierce, actually the official greeter
  • Open door
  • Meet Winifred Bundy
  • Listen – and pay attention – to her detailed tour of the shelves
  • Browse and buy

I’m fairly certain our visit to Singing Wind Bookshop is the most unique book buying experience of my life. Following the sandy lane pass rusting ranch equipment we’re not at all sure we’re in the right place. Stopping in front of the ranch house we’re still leery. A barely readable sign says ring the bell and a note on the door says enter, the barking dog makes me not so sure. Bob’s hanging back in the car, having none of this.

winifred-bundyFinally getting up enough nerve to open the door I come face-to-face with Winifred Bundy. The first words out of her mouth are, “Let me give you a tour.” By tour she means a very detail explanation of how topics are arranged on the floor-to-ceiling shelves in three rooms. If you don’t pay attention you’ll miss her quips and puns. There may be a test later.

We’re on the second wall when three more customers arrive and introductions are made. I stick my head out the door and tell Bob he needs to come in – this is not to be missed. We start the tour again from the beginning. That’s okay with me because my eyes had already glazed over by the time we got to mythology. I’m not at all surprise when I later learn she has two master degrees in Library Science.

“Up above the door is finance, sometimes I think they should be in fiction,” Winifred deadpans. Turning a corner the commentary continues, “Here we have male fiction – not the US mail. There will be more puns.” Her tour is spiced with author tidbits and critiques, “Western Jewish history – very important.”

A staff member arrives to finish the tour, Win explains she has to get to Tucson for a funeral.

cowboy-reader3While one can find selections from art to zoology, books of the Southwest and Western Americana are specialties. The selection amazes. If you’ve listened to Win’s tour you’ll know where to browse for that special title you’ve been seeking. All books were new when they were put on the shelf – that may have been a long time ago. Meaning you might find some real bargains in older books. Singing Wind offers limited availability in some out-of-print materials. They’re willing to search for special requests and will take mail orders over the phone.

childrens-room1The children’s room with antique rocking chairs makes me wish there had been a place like this in my childhood.

Collectors and casual readers keep arriving. I can imagine spending most of a day among the books. The staff member says, “We have picnic tables out back, you can bring a sack lunch and spend the day.”

Singing Wind will celebrate its 35th anniversary in May 2009. Winifred Bundy has created a magical book place and is always ready to guide an interested reader through the world of the written word.

When You Go: Singing Wind Bookshop is open daily 9am – 5pm, including Sundays and most holidays. Cash and checks accepted for payment, no charge cards. To find Singing Wind just follow the directions.

Arizona Sunset – Cochise County

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monday-sunset

A brilliant sunset greeted our arrival in Arizona this evening. We stayed at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area watching thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese settle in for the evening until the sun was nearly behind the mountains. A kaleidoscope of sunset hues kept us sighing with appreciation on our westward drive toward Tombstone. Welcome to  Arizona.

Travels – New Mexico / Arizona

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Leavin’ On a Road Trip

Bob and I are heading out on a 2+ week road trip to Arizona. I know some people dread being couped up in a car for even 100 miles but a road trip is my favorite way to travel. My best childhood travel memories were the times we would get in the car on Friday night, back out of the Illinois driveway, take turns driving through the night and be in Colorado by noon the next day. We knew where to get a burger in eastern Kansas at three in the morning or buy a smoked ham in Marysville. After sixteen hours we’d see the Rockies piercing the horizon.

I hope to keep readers posted as we travel through New Mexico and explore the Arizona desert. Come back daily for a new adventure. We plan to visit:

  • Las Vegas (New Mexico) National Wildlife Refuge
  • Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
  • Las Cruces, New Mexicodbg-agave
  • Chiracahua National Monument
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Sabino Canyon
  • Tohono Chul Park
  • Tucson
  • Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy
  • San Pedro House
  • Arizona Folklore Center
  • Tubac Presidio State Park
  • Tubac Golf Resort
  • Tumacacori National History Park
  • San Xavier del Bac Mission
  • Chihuly Nature of Glass Exhibit at the Desert Botanic Garden
  • Boyce Arboretumdesert-ride
  • Scottsdale
  • Taliesin West
  • Cosanti – Paolo Soleri’s Windbells
  • Phoenix
  • Heard Museum Indian Fair/Market
  • Arcosanti
  • Sedona
  • And dozens more!

Please join us on the journey and discover places to put on your next Southwestern itinerary.

*Deals* – Arizona Discounts – Phoenix

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See Arizona & Save – Phoenix

 ShowUp Now in Phoenix and Save – The ShowUp Now Pass allows one admission to each of 13 participating museums and attractions. Passes are valid for 9 consecutive days from the first time you use it – expires at the end of the 9th day. Each person needs their own pass.

The currently available “Total-Access Pass” provides admission to the following attractions:taliesin-west

  • Arizona Museum for Youth – [$5.50]
  • Arizona Museum of Natural History – [$10]
  • Bead Museum – [$5]
  • Deer Valley Rock Art Center -[$7]
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West – Panorama Tour Only – [$27]
  • Heard Museum – [$10]heard-museum
  • Mesa Contemporary Arts – [$3.50]
  • Phoenix Art Museum – [$10]
  • Phoenix Museum of History – [$6]
  • Phoenix Zoo – [$16]
  • Pueblo Grande Museum – [$5]
  • Rosson House – [$4]
  • Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art – [$7]

The “Total-Access Pass” cost $34/adult and $16/child. Purchase and print your pass online. ShowUp is a source for tickets to a wide variety of performing arts events, attractions and festivals in the Greater Phoenix area.

Notes from Nancy: I’ve never used the ShowUp Now Pass, it’s certainly not as comprehensive as the Tucson Attractions Passport. It’s heavy on art and museum venues. If that is what you plan to do it could be a cost saver. I’ve included the admission fee (at the time of this posting)for one adult in brackets so that you can make your own decision. If, for instance, you plan to visit the Heard, Phoenix Art Museum, the Phoenix Zoo and take the Panorama Tour at Taliesin West you would save nearly double your expense. Please remember that the pass is valid for the Panorama Tour only at Taliesin West – a good introduction but the shortest and least detailed of the tours offered.

*Deals* – Arizona Discounts – Tucson

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See Arizona and Save – Tucson

Planning to escape winter’s snow, sleet and shivers for sunny desert destinations? Make the trip more affordable with the 2008-09 Tucson Attractions Passport.

The Passport gives holders 2-for-1 offers at popular attractions in Tucson and Southern Arizona plus discounts at malls, gift shops and parks. The Passport sells for only $15 and is valid until September 15, 2009.desert-sunset

*Sample of 2-for-1 Offers in Tucson

  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Reid Park Zoo
  • Tucson Botanical Gardens
  • Old Tucson Studios
  • Tucson Children’s Museumtohono-chul-archway
  • Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
  • Tohono Chul Park
  • Pima Air & Space Museum

*Sample of 2-for-1 Offers in Southern Arizona

  • Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
  • Kartchner Caverns State Park – Rotunda/Throne Tour Only
  • Biosphere 2
  • Kitt Peak National Observatorypima-air-museum9
  • Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
  • Titan Missle Museum
  • Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
  • The Amerind Foundation

*50% Off Day-Use Fee

    old-tucson-studios3

  • Roper Lake State Park
  • Oracle State Park
  • Picacho Peak State Park
  • Catalina State Park

*Sample of Discounts

  • DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
  • Foothills Mall
  • La Encantadatucson-art-museum2
  • Main Gate Square
  • Park Place
  • Tucson Mall
  • Arizona State Museum
  • Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
  • The University of Arizona Museum of Art

*Plus More Offers

    Each offer may be used only once per Passport. It’s recommend to buy one Passport for every two people in your party. There is no limit to the number of Passports you can buy. Tucson Attractions Passports can be purchased online, at the Tucson Visitor Center or many of the participating attractions.

    Notes from Nancy: We’ve purchased and used the Tucson Attractions Passport on previous trips and found them easy to use, readily accepted and enjoyed tremendous savings as we toured Tucson and Southern Arizona. One adult entrance to Biosphere 2, Pima Air & Space Museum or Old Tucson Studios cost more than the price of the Passport. The more you see the more you save. I highly recommend.

Update: We purchased and used theTucson Attractions Passport again this year and Saved!

*Deals* – Grand Canyon Nt. Park – Arizona

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Spring Breakaway at Grand Canyon National Park

canyon-with-snowy-rim

A Spring Breakaway Package at two South Rim lodges has been announced by Xanterra, the operator of lodges, resturants and activities in Grand Canyon National Park.

For $139 per night, guests receive accommodations in a Maswik Lodge North room or a Yavapai Lodge East room, one breakfast for two and a Harvey Car motorcoach tour to Hermits Rest or a Sunrise tour for two. The package is available Feb. 9 – March 5, 2009 at Maswik Lodge and March 6 – 26, 2009 at Yavapai Lodge. Room rates for overnight accommodations only are normally priced $153 -$170 per night. Rates do not include taxes.

In addition the package also includes a coupon for 10 percent off purchases between $50 and $150 and 20 percent off purchases of more than $150 in Xanterra gift shops. A welcome stimulus to souvenir shoppers.

Visitors can book their Spring Breakaway online by entering the promotional code SPRING or by calling toll-free 1-888-297-2757 or 1-303-297-2757 from outside the United States.

Note from Nancy: Spring is our favorite time to visit Grand Canyon National Park. One may encounter snow on the rim but hike just a few hundred feet below the rim and you’ll want to be in shirt sleeves. It can be quite warm at the bottom even in March. Easter sunrise over the canyon inspires. Plan your “Breakaway” now.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument – Arizona

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Magical History Tour

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

canyon-de-chelly-2The Thunderbird Lodge in Canyon de Chelly National Monument announces  the “Magical History Tour” available March 1 through October 31, 2009. The two-night package offers a way for visitors to learn about this magical canyon’s 2,000 years of human existence and to take in the canyon’s incredible landscape.

The “Magical History Tour” two nights lodging at the historic Thunderbird Lodge, continental breakfast for two each morning, a canyon tour for two, a copy of a DVD called “Canyon de Chelly: American History, Heritage and Tradition” and a 10 percent discount in the gift shop. Choose either a full-day or half-day tour. The package cost including the full-day tour is $415, cost with the half-day tour is $363. Rates are for two people based on double occupancy.

thunderbird-truckTours are led by knowledgeable Navajo guides driving six-wheel drive vehicles. Half-day tours take visitors into the lower halves of Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto, the two canyons which comprise Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

The full-day tour travels a 60-mile route through Canyon del Muerto to Mummy Cave and through Canyon de Chelly to Spider Rock. The tours stop frequently so guides can provide details of the canyon’s fascinating history and point out prehistoric dwelling sites as well as petroglyphs and pictographs etched and painted onto rocks throughout the park.

One of the most sobering stops on the full-day tour is at the Massacre Cave Overlook. The cave received its name after more than 105 Navajos were killed at the site in an all-day battle to defend their land from encroaching Spanish settlers.

Located on the Navajo Reservation in northeastern Arizona, Canyon de Chelly is jointly operated by the Navajo Nation and the National Park Service. The monument is home to about 80 Navajo families who continue to live and farm in the canyon.  With the exception of only one hiking trail, Visitors to the monument are permitted into the canyon only in the company of an authorized Navajo guide with the exception of one hiking trail. 

thunderbird-lodge-sign1Thunderbird Lodge provides group tours and is the only lodging facility within Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The lodge is located on the site of a trading post built around the turn of the 20th century. 

When You Go: Thunderbird Lodge is open year-round. The “Magical History Tour” is available March 1 through October 31, 2009.