Tucson- farmers market, tanque verde ranch, cup cafe/hotel congress, art Ranch

The high was low 50s here and 76 in Chicago (can you say: global warming?) but no matter. We had fun exploring. First stop a farmers market in nearby Udall Park. Not a lot of produce but always interesting to see what’s for sale. The longest line was for raw milk (can you say: rfk jr. ?) Other offerings: elk antler chews for dogs, African shea butter (the African salesman gave me a hand massage while applying a sample), Ukrainian pastries, Mexican hot sauces.

We wandered around the old Tanque Verde Ranch, a resort on an old ranch in the foothills dotted with saguaros, full of western character- – low adobe ranch-style buildings with atmospheric old rooms with wood floors and wood beams ceilings, stones and tiles, a cool dining room that serves famed blueberry pancakes, a tiny nature museum with live rattlesnakes, spectacular views of the mountains, an old western bar— all open to visitors including spa services. And near the trailhead for a popular hike at the east end of Speedway.

Onto lunch at the Cup cafe in the honky Tonk Hotel Congress downtown. Great food and vibes in funky old western hotel famous for its rock n’ roll bar with live music.

We drove about an hour north to the Triangle L Art Ranch in the unincorporated town of Oracle, a remote and windy desert landscape with snow-capped mountains off in the distance. We pulled into a dirt road that led to a faded old ranch (the opposite of tanque verde) with a few buildings and sure enough, art installations dotting the “magic path.”) one other couple arrived and left quickly. It was cold.

We braved the wind and cold (40s) and wandered on the winding desert path, admiring the mix of sculpture and nature. A gallery and gift shop were padlocked but we called a number listed on the front and a very nice artist promptly drive in and open up the spaces. The crafts were quite good (I bought a few gifts.) it’s regularly open on Saturdays.

well worth the visit, although maybe on a warmer day. The place hosts an annual “glow” event in October where the art installations are lit up at night. (There’s also a less official glow in April).

In oracle, one of those strange windwhipped western outposts, we found a cluttered antique/junk shop worth a quick visit.