While we’re still getting to know Tucson and have more eatery exploring to do, here are some local spots we find ourselves recommending when people visit…
Serving fresh, flavorful food based on 6 regional cuisines of Mexico, Seis has become a regular stop for us!
We especially like: tacos (poc chuc, cochinita pibil, and/or barbacoa), burritos with adobo steak, a side of calabacitas, “cochata” (which is their horchata with a shot of cold brew coffee), or watermelon cucumber aguas frescas on a hot day.
Location:
Mercado San Agustin (130 S. Avenida Del Convento) is one of our favorite hang out spots. There’s only outdoor seating (with shade and misters) or take-out.
The new location in Joesler Village shopping center (River Rd/Campbell) has happy hour specials and both indoor and patio seating.
The food truck, which is where the restaurant got its start, is now used for catering.
Where we go to indulge in (or introduce others to) local specialty, Sonoran dogs – bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with pinto beans, cheese, onions, and tomato, and served in a top-split roll. One time, Phillip and I and a couple friends took a day trip to Tucson specifically to eat Sonoran hot dogs at El Guero Canelo.
We especially like the Sonoran dogs, of course. The tacos are good, as well.
Locations:
2480 N Oracle Rd is where we usually go. The large, warehouse-like space is always hopping!
There are also a couple locations in South Tucson, an east location at 22nd St/Craycroft, and one in west Phoenix. (There weren’t any Phoenix locations yet when we took our road trip.)
Vintage market (opened in 1926) turned mostly into a restaurant and coffee bar. It would also be a great place to pick up a la carte items for a picnic!
We especially like their lunch selection and lovely dessert case. Recently, I had a delicious grain bowl there. We were big fans of their weekend breakfast buffet, but I think they’ve discontinued it.
Location: Sam Hughes neighborhood. 2513 E 6th St, Tucson
I had heard several people rave about this place, and it did not disappoint. The menu changes twice daily, based on what’s fresh and in season. Your server brings over a chalkboard that lists the current offerings and explains each item to you personally. We chose to share the Poca Cosa, which means the chef puts together a surprise sampler of several dishes for you. It was fabulous.
While there is definitely an old school feel to this place, the food was a cut above most restaurants in this Arizona Mexican food genre. On the suggestion of our tuxedoed waiter, I ordered the enchiladas de la casa, which were delicious.
Locations:
We went to one in Oro Valley.
There are also locations in northeast, northwest, and central Tucson.
Located inside Hotel Congress with a floor paved with pennies, Cup Cafe is a place where you can have an exceptional sit-down dinner or grab a coffee to go on your way out in the morning. We went during Agave Heritage Week, when the menu included dishes with agave ingredients.
We made an unexpected road trip stop here. I loved the back patio and the mac and cheese. Phillip was less into it, but we need to give it another try.
We had lunch here during the most recent Arizona International Film Festival. I got chicken salad sliders with white barbecue sauce, which was good for a bite or two, but too much for a whole sandwich. Phillip ordered a bratwurst or something off the sausage menu, and, next time, I’ll do the same.
Planes would land and pull right up to the airport level of the store. It all had that stylized, white-on-white aesthetic like something from their t.v. ads.
Ad images via Target.
They also offered petsitting. So you could drop your dog off for boarding and then go upstairs to board a plane.
Which is what we had planned to do in the dream. However, when we looked past the trendy waiting room furniture, we saw that the “kennels” were barely bigger than the dogs. They looked more like mesh organizer cubbies that belonged on sale in late August with the rest of the dorm room essentials.
Product images via Target.
We could not leave Quijote in such cramped quarters. I started scrambling to find somewhere else for him to stay and trying to figure out how we could take him to another place and still get back to Target in time to catch our flight…
Have I mentioned that I had this dream as we were getting ready to fly to Chicago and leave Quijote overnight for the first time? And that I knew we’d have to take him to the real-life boarding place first thing in the morning (and I’m not great at mornings) and then rush to the airport?
Yeah, I was anxious about how it would go.
Quijote helpfully napping on top of clothing I’m trying to pack.
In reality, however, Quijote stayed at his regular doggie daycare spot and did really well. Phillip and I made it to Chicago.
And, so far, Target is not in the airline business.
I guess travel anxiety can take your mind some wild places.
The Happenings List is my handpicked list of events for people who love art, craft, and culture. I can’t go to everything (no matter how much I’d like to), so I’d love your feedback on any Happenings you’ve participated in!
What would you go to if you could go to any event on this list?
Sep 20
Everywhere
Free citizen art project that encourages people reflect on the beauty and importance of the sky. Participate by taking a photo that’s just the sky as you see it that day and post it to the SkyDay Project website or tweet it using #skydayproject.
Now – Sep 29: Quilts in the Gardens. Nature-themed quilts on display and for sale in the gift shop. The event is in partnership with Quilts for a Cause, an organization that sells handmade quilts and quilt patterns to support breast and gynecological cancer research.
Now – Sep 30: Dog Days. Dogs are allowed in the Gardens! Dog admission $3 + human admission.
Sep 21, 9am-2pm: Plant Geek Festival + Sale. Over a dozen of Tucson’s growers and nurseries, local food vendors, and live music. Free admission.
Opera about the life of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Arizona Opera will present the World Premiere of the “Taliesin West Version” of Shining Brow.
Sep 27-29: Phoenix performances.
Oct 5-6: Tucson performances.
Curators at Taliesin West have installed an exhibit in the Arizona Opera Center in Phoenix detailing Wright’s most significant work in Arizona.
Sep 28, Oct 12 + 26, Nov 9 + 30, Dec 7 + 14 Heritage Marketplace, Downtown Gilbert
70 vendors with items either handmade, baked, brewed, or designed by them personally. As well as local food, coffee, and hands-on activities for kids. Free admission.
Eagle sculpture at Fort Yuma Quechan tribal administration building
Quechan Tribe Stomping Grounds (460 Quechan Road) near Yuma Oct 10-13
Weekend of games, competitions, booths, and traditional Quechan performances. Events include 5k and 1 mile Walk/Run, bird singing and dancing, a parade honoring murdered indigenous women, and tournaments in softball, boxing and senior chair volleyball.
Oct 18-20 Railroad Avenue Park, Willcox
Festival with 15 Arizona wineries, along with live music, and fine arts, artisan foods, and vintage vendors. 6 tasting tickets + commemorative wine glass: $20 advance / $25 at the door. Free admission for designated drivers and other non-drinkers.
Oct 18, 6-9pm: Railroad Park Fundraiser at Railroad Park. Ticket price includes dinner catered by Big Tex (pig roast, smoked brisket, hot buttered corn on the cob, etc.), wine tasting with a commemorative glass + 8 tastings, and live music. Tickets $35
Oct 20: Cellar Selection Sunday. Special tasting of reserve and library wines from Willcox Wine Country Partners’ cellars. Tickets $45
Nov 1-3 Tucson Convention Center, Downtown Tucson
Community-based pop culture convention with a mission statement of “Pop Culture For All!” Full weekend passes $35 through Sep 29 (early bird pricing).
Nov 2-3 Downtown Tucson
Two-mile long procession to both celebrate and mourn of the lives of our loved ones and ancestors. Leading up to the procession are art exhibits, performances, and other Dia de los Muertos events. Free. (Donations accepted.)
Nov 7-14 The Loft Cinema, Tucson
Eight-day showcase of independent, foreign and classic cinema. Film fans can experience hand-selected festival favorites from Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, etc. and meet internationally-renowned artists from the world of independent cinema. Festival pass (for admission to all film screenings) $150.
Now – Sep 30 Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino (Pasadena)
Watch the process of conservation work on the iconic painting The Blue Boy (ca. 1770) by Thomas Gainsborough each Thursday and Friday, 10am – noon + 2-4pm and 2-4pm on the first Sunday of the month. This is the last segment of the yearlong Project Blue Boy.
Oct 19-26 San Francisco School of Needlework + Design, San Francisco
Individualized retreat to focus on further developing and enhancing your embroidery skills and knowledge with guidance from School of Needlework + Design instructors. Registration $1200
Oct 25-26 The Oasis at Furnace Creek, Death Valley
Two evenings of stargazing under the largest International Dark Sky Site in the United States. After sunset, there will be Astronomy in the Park and a Laser-guided tour of the Night Sky. On Saturday, there will also be Solar Observing during the day.
Lodging: Reservations can be made at The Oasis Resort or at Furnace Creek Campground (http://www.recreation.gov). Other nearby National Park Service Campgrounds will be open with campsites available on a first come, first served basis.
To participate as an Astronomer on the Observing Field, you must have a telescope and be willing to work with the public during public viewing hours.
Registration is only required for astronomers bringing telescopes to the Observing Field. The general public does not need to register.
Sep 21-22 Ouray County 4H Events Center (on Hwy 550), Ridgway
Fundraising event for Weehawken Creative Arts, a non-profit arts education center in Ouray County. The festival features fiber vendors, food, workshops, classes, and demonstrations.
Sep 27-28, 9am-5pm: York Street Fall Plant + Bulb Sale. Hundreds of bulbs, perennials and Grown at the Gardens plants for sale and expert advice from our horticulturists. Free admission to the sale and to the Gardens both days.
Oct. 11-13, 9am – 5pm: Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms. Tickets $8.
Oct 21-25, 5:30-9:30pm: Glow at the Gardens. Display of larger-than-life sculptures made with real pumpkins harvested from local farms. Tickets $21
Nov 2, 9am – 3pm: Día de los Muertos Celebration. Observance of Día de los Muertos with indoor screenings of Disney’s Pixar film “Coco.” Included with admission to the Gardens.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, + Fridays through September, 5:30-9pm ENO Wine Room, Chicago (inside the InterContinental Chicago Hotel)
Live music series of singer-songwriters performing in a restaurant with 180-degree views of the Magnificent Mile, seasonal wines by the bottle and glass, chocolates and cheese.
Now – Jan 12, 2020 The Art Institute of Chicago
The transformative impact of six visionary artists and designers who lived or worked in Mexico between the 1940s and 1970s. The work of Clara Porset, Lola Álvarez Bravo, Anni Albers, Ruth Asawa, Cynthia Sargent, and Sheila Hicks has never been shown together before. Included with museum admission.
Sep 6 – Oct 13
The Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst
A special immersive exhibit about three children whose lives teach us about overcoming obstacles to make a positive difference in the world: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White.
September 12 + 27, 6-10pm Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
After Hours events for adults (21+). Admission includes all aquarium exhibits, touch experiences, and entertainment. Food, beverages, and 4-D Experiences are available for purchase. $25 admission.
Sep 19 – Jan 5, 2020 Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
The largest architecture and design exhibition in North America. The theme of the 2019 edition is #AndOtherSuchStories.
Doane at Dusk: Monthly telescope viewings and discussions with Adler Astronomers after museum hours. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. No tickets are needed. Upcoming dates: Sep 27, 7:30pm / Nov 22, 7pm / Dec 20, 7pm
Adler After Dark: Themed evening event for adults (21+) offering full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, access to Doane Observatory, and live entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6:00–10:00 pm. $20 advance / $25 at the door.
Oct 6, 2–3:30pm
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Celebrating work by composers and artists who lived and created in Mexico in the mid-twentieth century, this immersive afternoon showcases the marriage between modern thinking and indigenous tradition. Mexican composer Manual Ponce’s Petite suite dans le style ancien and String Trio are featured alongside Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 2 in A Major. Presented with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $35
Sep 27-28 Cathedral Gorge State Park, near Panaca
All astronomers and visitors are welcome to join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society at one of our Cathedral Gorge Campout and Star Parties. Camping and Day Use fees are covered for current LVAS members. Non-members are responsible for their own park entry and camping fees. Register online.
September 13, 14, 15 Lyndhurst mansion grounds, Tarrytown
Festival of fine craft and food with 300 modern American artists on the grounds of the Neo-Gothic Lyndhurst mansion. Artwork for sale will include fine art painting, printmaking, drawing and photography, as well as fashion and accessories, and functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, fiber, wood and mixed media. There will also be gourmet foods, concessions, and tastings from local distilleries, wineries and cider houses. Admission (cash or check only): adults $12 / kids, age 6-11 $4
Demos of wheel thrown pottery and silk scarf painting.
Oct 17-30
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Fiber festival with a fleece show and sale, a wide variety of workshops, livestock displays, shepherd talks, competitions, and used equipment auctions. Some workshop fees include show admission. Day passes $9 advance / $12 at the gate
Sep 27 (12-7pm), Sep 28 (10am-7pm), Sep 29 (10am-6pm) 20th – 31st Street, VIrginia Beach Oceanfront
Show featuring over 250 artisans displaying handmade work including paintings, sculptures, photography, and glasswork.
Sep 22-29 Venues across Washington, D.C.
Festival that uses film screenings and panel discussions as a platform for uplifting the untold stories of the Civil Rights era to inspire renewed passion for activism.
Oct 31 – Nov 2 Meath and Louth counties
A new festival celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with music, film, storytelling, and light installations.
La Tavola Marche inn and cooking school in Piobicco, Italy.
+Italy
35. La Tavola Marche Classes
Piobicco, Le Marche
Oct 15-20:Made in Le Marche: D.O.C. Wine Tour, Artisan Meat and Cheese Market Trip, Craft Beer Tasting + 3 Cooking Classes. Includes 5 nights’ accommodations, welcome dinner, 3 half-day cooking classes with meals, wine + handmade apron gift, 1-day wine tour with lunch and transportation, Pizza Night Dinner, Apecchio market tour and tasting, breakfast daily. €1025/person (Price based on double occupancy.)
EN: This is the place where we stayed, hiked, and took a cooking class in the countryside. I highly recommend it!
Sep 28 – Oct 6 Shetland Islands
Annual nine-day festival of of Shetland’s textile heritage with classes, knitting, spinning, dyeing, weaving, tours, exhibitions, open studios, teas, talks and tours.
Oct 1-31
across London
Festival celebrating London’s diverse range of restaurants with restaurant-hopping tours, tasting menus, master classes, chef-hosted events, and gastronomic weekends.
Event descriptions are based on information provided by the organizers. I fact check as much as I can and edit them for length and clarity. Of course, things can change and typos can happen, so be safe out there!
See captions for photo credits / sources. Uncredited photos are by Phillip or Stephanie Liebold.
This post came from finding ways to squeeze in a little Chicago sightseeing when I was headed to a conference that would be split between the massive McCormick Place convention center and hotels a few miles away, along the Chicago River.
Now that I’m getting ready for another quick trip to Chicago, I’ve updated information and added to it.
Let me know what you like to do in the Windy City!
–Steph
I had been to Chicago O’Hare. But the airport doesn’t count. I had driven by Chicago on the interstate. That doesn’t really count either. The first time I was really in the city of Chicago, it was for a conference. Which just barely counts.
Part of the massive McCormick Place convention center in Chicago.
A conference can be like its own self-contained universe. You can eat, sleep, socialize, work, learn, and be entertained for days without ever leaving its confines. Or ever talking to someone who isn’t wearing a lanyard. Whether you’re there for knowledge or networking, you want to get as much as you can out of the conference itself. But it’s also nice to see some of the area outside the convention center.
As I prepared for the 2013 BlogHer Annual Conference, I also looked into what was near the downtown convention centers and hotels where I would be starting from and how I could see a small slice of Chicago if I found a spare hour or two.
Floor Clock II by Vito Acconci in Ogden Park Plaza.
Make the Most of Museum Visits
Quick trips to museums can be particularly tricky!
They’re often only open 9-to-5-type hours, so it can be hard to fit into a full itinerary.
Admission is typically for a full day – worth it, but it can feel a bit pricey if you’re pressed for time and can’t stay long.
While I couldn’t exactly find any special I’m-here-for-a-conference-and-only-have-an-hour discounts, here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your museum visits…
Reciprocal memberships: Do you have a membership to a science center or museum where you live? Find out whether it’s part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program (like The Field Museum) or offers other reciprocal privileges (like the Art Institute) that grant you free general admission. Remember to bring along your membership card and photo ID!
Check for special events during the dates you’re in town. You may be able to take advantage of extended hours and/or discounts. However, the monthly or weekly Free Admission Days you’ll often see listed are specifically for Illinois residents.
Find out what you can see for free. A full Soldier Field tour may not fit your schedule, but you can explore the Colonnade level of the stadium at your own pace. If the stars haven’t aligned for a visit to Adler Planetarium, you can scope out the Doane Observatory anytime the doors are open.
Burnham Park runs along Lake Michigan. Locals hang out, picnic, and enjoy lake views.
It’s just outside of McCormick Place, but it still took me 15 minutes to wind my way through the convention center’s labyrinth of expo halls and walkways out to daylight. It’s that massive of a complex!
Lakefront Trail – Take a walk or run — if you haven’t already gotten enough exercise hoofing it over there. These bike and pedestrian trails go the length of Burnham Park — and beyond it!
Divvy Bike Share – You can purchase a Single Ride pass at Divvy Kiosks. $3 for 30 minutes.
To get your wildlife fix, visit this 6-acre grassland preserve created as a habitat for migrating birds.
Many locals don’t seem to know this place exists, including the McCormick information desk staff – even though the bird sanctuary is just south of the conference center and literally built on top of one of their parking garages.
For best results, get directions out to the Lakefront, and then follow the signage and/or Google Maps to get the rest of the way there.
Planetarium that seeks to connect people through the wonder of space science. Museum entry $19.
Doane Observatory: Large telescope outside of the planetarium with an open-door policy. Open daily 10am – 1pm or whenever conditions permit.
Doane at Dusk: Monthly telescope viewings and discussions with Adler Astronomers after museum hours. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. Upcoming dates: 9/27 at 7:30pm, 11/22 at 7pm, 12/20 at 7pm
Adler After Dark: Evening event for adults (21+) every third Thursday of the month from 6-10pm. Includes full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, access to Doane Observatory, live entertainment, and new themes every month. $20 advance / $25 at the door
Aquarium with a wide variety of aquatic creatures that also does Great Lakes conservation projects. Regular daytime admission is $40.
After Hours: Normally closing by 5 or 6pm, Shedd sometimes has extended-hours events for adults (21+). Upcoming 2019 dates: September 12 + 27 from 6-10pm. $25 admission.
Stadium built in 1924 with capacity to seat over 100,000 people. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, was the site of the first International Special Olympics Games in 1968, and is the current home of the Chicago Bears.
Public tours are available on weekdays, subject to event schedules. You can book an advance ticket online or walk up (if space is available). Tickets $15.
Groups of 10 or more can book a private tour at least 2 weeks in advance.
Free: The Colonnade level of the stadium, with the original columns from 1924, is open to the public 6am-11pm on non-event days Spring through Fall. They are lit up each night with multi-colored LED lights.
Surrounding Soldier Field is a 17-acre park with features such as the Children’s Garden and Memorial Water Wall.
Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.
Chicago River Area (Near North Side)
For conference-goers staying on the Near North Side of downtown, there are a lot more options in walking distance.
1st Floor: public restrooms, pedway access elevator, information desks and Welcome Center (for Millennium Park, Harris Theater, Lurie Garden, Maggie Daley Park, and The Art Institute of Chicago).
3rd Floor (Washington Street Side): Tiffany Dome, the largest dome made out of Tiffany glass in the world.
Public wifi network “Chi-Fi.”
Chicago River
Walk along it, take a river cruise, or just sit and watch boats go by.
A commenter suggested taking an architectural boat tour. A couple I found…
Iconic Chicago park just outside the Art Institute. Free.
Hours: 6am–11pm.
Take a photo under Cloud Gate, the large silver sculpture also known as “The Bean.”
Walk through Lurie Garden. Free 5-25 minute tours are offered on a first, come/first serve basis May to September on Thursdays and Fridays (11am – 1:15pm) + Sundays (11am – 2:15pm).
Downtown Chicago buildings, as seen on the ride from the airport.
West Side
Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) with its famous Sky Deck is about a mile inland. If you just have to go up but are short on time, they offer a Fast Pass with an elevator express lane for double triple the regular admission price. (Regular $25 / Fast Pass $75.)
For public radio fans, WBEZ’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me sells nonrefundable tickets ($30) to Chase Auditorium tapings 6 weeks in advance. Otherwise, you’ll have to take your chances the day of the show with the Wait Wait waiting list.
Monochrome II sculpture by Nancy Rubins. (This was at Navy Pier, but I’m not sure if it’s still there.)
Finally, you may not be able to do everything you’d like. But keep your eyes and ears open, and you might be able to catch a few glimpses of life in the city!
Shedd Gardens: outside of the aquarium are a dozen different gardens designed for the area’s climate and native habitats to be both beautiful and sustainable.
I’ve been thinking about Shahrazad the storyteller.
In the frame story of The Thousand and One Nights, a sultan has been forcing a new person to marry him every night and killing her in the morning. To stop the deadly cycle, Shahrazad (also spelled “Scheherazade”) volunteers to be his next bride.
That night, she begins weaving a tale so compelling that the sultan decides to wait on killing her in order to hear the rest. Night after night, she keeps telling stories. Wild, fantastic stories. Stories within stories. Stories with plot twists and cliffhanger endings. Stories that keep the sultan on the edge of his seat for so long that he never does get around to killing her.
She saved herself through her stories. With only her words and her wit, she also saved the rest of the kingdom in the process.
Of all the characters between the pages of The Thousand and One Nights, the actual hero is Shahrazad.
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