Big Boy No. 4014 is a 78-year old Union Pacific locomotive that’s currently touring the Southwestern U.S.
It was part of a series of 25 extra-large steam engines built between 1941 and 1944, and it’s one of the only two still in operation.
This particular Big Boy was sitting in a museum in Pomona, California when, in 2013, Union Pacific decided to buy it back, restore it, and get it running in time for the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad earlier this year.
When we heard it was making a stop in Tucson, we decided to stop by there as well.
I think they may have underestimated the number of train enthusiasts in Southern Arizona. We certainly did.
The normally quiet roads surrounding the depot were choked with lines of cars waiting to get in – and then out.
It was cool seeing the train, even though we weren’t able to get in to see the displays inside. One of the rail cars has been turned into kind of a mini museum. The line to get in stretched about half the length of the train, and we were out of time.
I wondered about the stories of the people who had made the trip there. Had they traveled far? Did they have a connection to the Big Boys? Or a passion for all steam locomotives? Or, like us, did they just happen to live in Tucson and think it would be an interesting thing to see?
Whatever their reasons, Big Boy No. 4014 certainly has plenty of fans, and I hope it rolls into town again.
Photo of Big Boy No. 4014 – without the crowds – via Union Pacific.
Enjoy this handpicked list of good stuff going on around the globe! Since we’re approaching the end of the year, this Happenings List is especially packed with holiday craft fairs and concerts, good causes and causes for celebration.
What festivities are you looking forward to this season?
Oct 30 – Nov 2, 11am-5pm
Tlaquepaque Arts + Craft Village, Sedona
26-foot long community mural in the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, which honors friends and family who have passed on. Everyone is encouraged to paint their own tributes and remembrances. Paints and brushes are provided.
Nov 1, 9am- 1pm + Nov 2, 9am- 1pm Smitholator Cookie Shop, Mesa
4-hour class on the fundamentals of baking and decorating sugar cookies with royal icing. (Ages 18+. Teens ages 12-17 may register and participate only if accompanied by a registered adult.) You will go home with sugar cookie and royal icing recipes and 6 seasonal themed cookies you’ve decorated. 6 attendees max. Fee $148
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: adult (ages 14+) $45 / child (ages 9-13) $10
Nov 2, 10am – 3pm Tempe Plaza Library, Tempe
Annual event to celebrate reading, writing, and a love for books. The festival brings together local authors, publishers, booksellers, panel discussions, youth story times and more!
6. Desert Botanical Garden events
Nov 2-3, 10am – 5pm:Día de los Muertos Celebration. Two-day festival with music, dance, storytelling, Mercado with local and international artists and vendors, and kids’ crafts and face painting. At the end of each day, everyone can participate in a procession through the Garden, concluding with a traditional burning of troubles. Included with admission.
Nov 8-10, 10am – 5pm: Chiles + Chocolate Festival. Showcase for handcrafted Arizona chile and chocolate products with live music and dance performances. Included with admission.
Nov 14, 7-10pm:Garden Mixtape. New event series with local acts and danceable tunes. Tickets $30.
Shemer Art Center, Phoenix Nov 2-3, 10am–4pm
Two-day holiday shopping event to benefit Shemer Art Center, a not-for-profit art education and community center. One-of-a-kind works and demonstrations from 40 Arizona artists, as well as live music, food and beverage vendors, a silent auction, and a sculpture garden tour. Free festival admission / $5 Kids Zone.
Nov 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 workshops. Free. (Donations accepted.)
Nov 7-9 Tucson Expo Center, Tucson
Expo with sewing, quilting, needlework, and craft supply vendors (both local and national), as well as workshops and presentations. Free admission and parking.
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.
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.
Nov 17, 12-3pm Kierland Commons, Scottsdale
Food truck battle to see who makes the best slider with a silent auction and music by Lane Change. The event raises money for the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF). $35 admission includes samples of all sliders and 3 non-alcoholic drink tickets.
Nov 22 – 24, Nov 29 – Dec 1
Cave Creek, Arizona
Self-guided tour of open artist studios in the Cave Creek and Scottsdale area with demonstrations and art for sale. Free admission.
Nov 29 – Dec 21 Downtown Mesa
Mesa’s holiday celebration with the City’s official Christmas tree, outdoor ice skating rink, Christmas Market with handcrafted gifts, visits from Santa, and food trucks.
Nov 29, 5-10pm Kick-off and Tree Lighting.
Free parking in all open lots and on-street parking areas in Downtown Mesa.
Dec 7, 14, + 21 from 7-8:30pm: Canal Concert Series at Soleri Bridge Plaza. Free holiday concerts by local talent, such as the Phoenix Girls Choir, Campanillas del Sol Handbell Ensemble, and The Scottsdale Chorus.
Dec 7, 3-7pm: Sugar Plum Avenue on 5th Avenue. Fairytale village with aerial performances, carriage rides, candy land bounce houses, and a tea party in the street.
Dec 12, 6:30-9pm:Gold Palette Artwalk in the Old Town Arts District. Meet local artists in their own studios and at local galleries, while enjoying strolling carolers and refreshments.
Dec 6-8 Rosson House, Phoenix
See the 1895 Victorian Rosson House, decorated for the holidays. Then have Afternoon Tea in The Bungalow at Heritage Square – includes tea, tea sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream served on vintage china.
Dec 6, 6-10pm Medlock Plaza parking lot (behind Frances), Phoenix
Award-winning independent craft fair with local handmade original work, as well as live music and food vendors. Free.
Dec 7, 5-9pm Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park, Globe
Ruins decorated with more than 3000 glowing luminaries, food and craft vendors, and cultural entertainment by the Yellow Bird Dance Group and Robert Wilson (Apache Flutist). Free admission.
Donations of non-perishable food will be accepted for the Gila Community Food Bank.
Dec 12 + 19, 5-10pm Phoenix Public Market, Phoenix
Inspired by Christmas markets in Germany and Seinfeld’s secular parody holiday (“a Festivus for the rest of us”), Phoenix’s Phoestivus aims to be an all-inclusive December celebration. Free admission.
Holiday market featuring local food and handcrafted gifts from over 200 vendors.
The event also includes a Phoestivus Pole, Pheats of Strength, the Airing of Grievances, Phoestivus Ale (brewed by Phoenix Ale Brewery), a hipster Santa, and baby goats dressed as reindeer.
Dec 31, 6:30pm Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Special performance featuring Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics, and Broadway and contemporary favorites. Includes a complimentary glass of champagne. Tickets $25-$93
Nov 3, 3:30-7pm
Marbella Country Club, San Juan Capistrano
Fundraiser for kitten rescue in Southern California (The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue). There will be hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, photo booth, wine and cocktail tasting, cash bar, and holiday boutique. You can even adopt a kitten at the event! All ages welcome. Advance tickets: adults $50 / kids $35
Nov 3, 10am – 5pm Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Long Beach
Learn about the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos through art workshops, live performances, gallery tours, an interactive community altar, face painting, storytelling, an art exhibition (De Generación a Generación: A Subconscious Lineage), and food and craft vendors. All ages. Free admission. Parking $10.
Oct 24, 7-9pm:Día de ls Muertos Exhibition reception in the MOLAA Lobby. Meet the artists and get personal insight on the altars and artwork on display!
Oct 30, 3:30-5:30pm:Community Workshop: Virtual Altar Project in the MOLAA Lobby. Drop-in workshop constructing a Día de los Muertos altar with Los Angeles based artist Rosalie López. Bring a photo of a loved one. Ages 10+.
Nov 1, 3:30-5:30pm:Community Workshop and Performance in the MOLAA Lobby. Hands-on art making activities followed by a Folklorico performance. All art supplies will be provided.
Mission San Juan Capistrano, downtown San Juan Capistrano
Dec 8 – Jan 6, 2020
Holiday celebration with 30 days of festive programming and a nightly tree lighting. Tickets $10
Nov 1, 9am: Tickets go on sale.
Nov 18 – Jan 6, 9am-5pm: Serra’s Pantry Food Drive. Drop off a donation of food or hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, etc.), to the Mission Gate House or upon entry for Capistrano Lights.
Dec 7: Capistrano Lights Opening Night. Tickets $13
There will be no Capistrano Lights Program on December 24, 25, or 31.
Dec 19, 2019 – May 3, 2020 Museum of Craft and Design, San Francisco
An exhibition exploring housing that is adaptable and sustainable to withstand climate change. It will showcase visionary architects and artists who have created artistically interpretive solutions and prototypes for emergency shelters.
Nov 2, 9am – 3pm Denver Botanic Gardens
Observance of Día de los Muertos with indoor screenings of Disney’s Pixar film Coco. Included with admission to the Gardens.
Dec 6, 6:30pm Foothills Art Center, Golden
Community caroling walk from Foothills Art Center to the Golden Visitors Center. Hot beverages and cookies will be served at the top and bottom of the hill. Free to join the walk. Candles and glow sticks available for purchase for $1 each.
Dec 7-8, 11am-5pm The Cable Center, Denver
Celebration of art and cats that raises funds for non-profits. There will be art, music, presentations by vets and other speakers, kitty yoga, workshops, comedy, a cat cafe and lounge, and a new Snowcats After Dark festival. One-day general admission tickets: humans $20 / cats $10.
Nov 17 Jacksonville
Self-guided tour of artist studios and personal work spaces in 8 buildings with over 70 artists in the CoRK District (Corner of Rosselle + King) participating. See artist demonstrations and purchase original artwork.
Dec 4-8
Ocean Drive and 12th Street, South Beach, Miami
International, curated art fair that focuses on balance and integrity across all disciplines of contemporary art.
Now – Nov 16 Lyndon House Arts Center, Athens
Celebration of Athens-area artists who earn wages working in the service industry when not producing in their studios. Artists in the exhibit include Lucy Calhoun, Toby Cole, Chris Collins, Kayla Cox, Jess Dunlap, Alexei Gural, Anna LeBar, Maximos Salzman, Elinor Saragoussi, Jessica Smith, Vernon Thornsberry, and Robyn Waserman.
Three-course communal dinner along with 3 different wine pairings chosen by the resident sommelier. Learn the origin, history, and flavor profile of each one. To make a reservation, call the Restaurant Coordinator at 706.467.7059.
Nov 13 at 6pm: dinner featuring Flowers Vineyard and Winery.
Dec 11 at 6pm: dinner featuring Champagne Laurent-Perrier.
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.
Now – Jan 5, 2020 Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
The largest architecture and design exhibition in North America. The theme of the 2019 edition is #AndOtherSuchStories.
Oct 25 – Dec 1 Heaven Gallery, Chicago
Exhibition of objects that attempt to bridge the space between the world as it is and as we desire it to be and that allow for alternative ways of interpreting our environment.
Nov 12, 2019 – Mar 1, 2020 The Commons (2nd floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art), Chicago
Chicago-based, socially-focused design studio blkHaUS studios brings together Chicago community members and local museums to assess patterns of collecting and take part in dialogues around collecting, archives, and museum practice. At the end of the project, the artists share their findings with representatives from the MCA and other local museums to provide tools for museums to better reflect their communities.
Nov 21 + Dec 19:Adler After Dark. Themed evening event for adults (21+) offering full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, and live entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6–10pm. $20 advance / $25 at the door.
Nov 22, 7pm + Dec 20, 7pm: 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.
Nov 22 + 23 Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Two days of free, family-friendly activities lead up to our famous tree-lighting parade to kick off the holiday season – plus special offers from businesses around The Magnificent Mile!
Nov 23: Tree lighting parade on North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.
Outside Chicago: If you can’t be at the festival, check if it’ll be on t.v. where you are. It typically airs in 90% of the U.S.
Makimasa Imai, ceramic, Crane shaped container via Society of Arts and Crafts
Now – Nov 10 Society of Arts + Crafts’ Seaport gallery, Boston
To commemorate the 60-year Sister City pairing of Boston and Kyoto, Japan, more than two dozen artists from Kyoto’s revered Kogei crafts collective Kogei-Kyoto bring exquisite items to the Society of Arts + Crafts’ Seaport gallery. Featuring both traditional pieces, and innovative new works made with traditional methods, this wide-ranging exhibition marks the first Kogei group show in the US. Pieces from multiple mediums including ceramics, lacquer, woodworking, and fabric dyeing will be on view in this stunning exhibition. Free admission.
44. Griffin Museum of Photography Events
Nov 3, 4-6pm:Yoga, The Secret of Life: Yoga Class with Beryl Bender Birch and Book Talk with Francesco Mastalia. $10 – $50
Nov 17, 1-3pm:Allowed to Grow Old: Unity Farm Sanctuary Tour and Book Reading with Isa Leshko. Join photographer Isa Leshko at Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, MA for a reading of stories from Isa’s newly released book, Allowed to Grow Old, and a tour of a very special farm sanctuary. $10 – $40
Nov 15, 7-9pm The New Art Center, Newton
Enjoy a relaxed evening creating art in a maker space guided by a local artist. All materials provided. Tuition includes one drink with beer and wine available for purchase. Registration required. Event is for ages 21+. $40.
Nov 30 + Dec 1, 10am-5pm Old Town Hall, Salem
Organized by the Salem Arts Association, this festive artists’ market in downtown Salem will feature artwork, artisan products, and live music.
Dec 7 + 8, 11am-7pm Industry City Factory Floor, Brooklyn
Two-day celebration of DIY culture, featuring over 150 purveyors of handmade goods, including a wide array of eclectic handmade and vintage vendors from all over the United States, as well as amazing DJs, delicious food, creative cocktails, fantastic prizes, and DIY activities for all ages.
Dec 16, 6:30-8:30pm Brooklyn Museum
Tasting event celebrating the best and most creative potato pancakes to raise funds for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching cooking in underserved communities. Tickets $75
Nov 9-10, 10am-5pm Charlottesville
Central Virginia artisans open their studios to the public for self-guided tours for one weekend every November. For this 25th anniversary, 25 studios will show the work of 46 Virginia artisans. Crafts on display and for sale include pottery, furniture, weaving, fabric design, jewelry, stained glass, wood turning, and quilting. There will also be artisan demonstrations, opportunities to learn about the working processes in each studio, hands-on experiences, and locally-sourced refreshments. Free.
Nov 22-24 Main Street Station, Richmond
Museum-quality show that aims to showcase the finest in contemporary craft. See work in the categories of ceramics, precious metals, glass, wood and recycled materials, contemporary design, innovative use of traditional craft materials, and fiber from over 150 artists from across the country. The event will take place at Main Street Station’s newly renovated train shed. $10 general admission / $90 weekend pass
Nov 22-23 Wirrina Cove Holiday Park, Wirrina Cove, SA
Festival for hearing, playing, and sharing acoustic music from the Bluegrass, “Old Timey,” and other related traditions, including workshops and performances by world-class musicians. Weekend passes: Adults $85 / Youth (ages 13–17) $30
Nov 8-10 Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK
Thousands of skillfully hand-crafted works by new and returning local artists. Saskatchewan-made food products available for purchase. Adult (ages 12+) admission $5.
Nov 16-17 The Pipe Shop Venue, North Vancouver, BC
Market showcasing independent businesses and seeking to connect the community and grow the local economy.
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.
Hoveringham Village Centre, Hoveringham
One-day workshops in Jane Lightfoot’s home studio or nearby locations. Includes instruction and a homemade lunch. Workshop fee: £58 + materials.
Nov 15, 9:45am-4pm: Heirloom Christmas decorations.
Dec 12, 9:45am-4pm: Christmas Table Runner.
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 Liebold or Stephanie Liebold.
Escalators may not be what comes to mind when you think of mass transit. However, the Mid-Levels Escalator in Hong Kong moves over 70,000 pedestrians each day from one part of the city to another.
Shelley Street in Hong Kong. CCL photo by Maucaine.
Turns out, it’s the world’s longest covered escalator system. In fact, it’s so large and so widely used that shops, bars, and other businesses have sprung up alongside it to take advantage of the built-in foot traffic.
CCL photo by Rome Picasso 2018 MDUHSYE.
The 800m- (1/2 mile-) series of outdoor escalators and moving walkways connects the Central District’s skyscrapers with the residential area up the hill, known as Mid-Levels.
Lyndhurst Terrace Central-Mid-Levels escalators interior. CCL photo by Tpechncoam.
Just like reversible lanes on a roadway, the direction changes to accommodate the daily commute – one-way escalators moving downhill for the morning rush hours and then uphill the rest of the day.
Hong Kong – Central-Mid-Levels escalators. CCL photo by Deror avi.
It opened in 1993 and is currently undergoing renovations a section at a time.
Sai Ying Pun Centre Street. CCL photo by Rome Picasso 2018 MDUHSYE.
Like a funicular (without any sort of tram car), it’s another clever way to get up a hill!
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.
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