fifteen minutes from Tucson at the base of the Tucson Mountains lays a well-preserved slice of Americana: Old Tucson Studios. An old frontier town that transports visitors back to a time when gunfighters ruled the proverbial roost, this multi-acre site has been the scene of some of Hollywood’s most famous western-genre movies, many of them filmed by legends such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and more. In fact, many illustrious television and movie stars have walked Old Tucson’s real estate thanks to more than 70 years of film and television history.
As you walk the same dusty byways, be sure to watch one of the regular cowboy gunfights, including how-do-they-do-that stunts such as falling off rooftops. When you’re ready to rest for a spell, mosey indoors and enjoy one of the saloon-style musical revues or family-friendly comedies. If the weather’s nice, you might want to take a miniature train ride into the beautiful desert surrounding the park.
Also on site is the Old Tucson Story Museum, home to the amazing history of Old Tucson Studios. Inside, visitors can see original costumes worn by the stars of “old time” television series including Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza. When the hungries hit, no problem – Big Jake serves up plenty of barbecue at the Grand Palace Saloon.
Located at 201 South Kinney Road, Old Tucson Studios is open daily, weather permitting. Selected Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year are designated Limited Operations/Tour Only Days.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tucson Area Real Estate is Ideal for Wine
The city of Tucson, including the outlying foothills, is highly sought after by many individuals, couples and families of all ages for countless reasons. Along with outstanding values on Tucson real estate, there is also plenty to see and do. What do we mean?
Well, in addition to great schools, a wealth of cultural opportunities, gorgeous golf courses, year-round perfect weather and more, there are also a number of fabulous wineries all within a pleasant day-trip of Tucson, Marana, the Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills. Specifically, experts say the climate and soil conditions in the southern Arizona towns of Elgin, Sonoita and the Willcox area are ideal for growing grapes thanks to high elevations, warm days and cool nights. If you visit or purchase a home or real estate in the area, why not see for yourself?
Two vineyards you might want to check out are Callaghan Vineyards and Rancho Rossa Vineyards, both of which are located in or near Sonoita. Designated as one of Arizona’s “Treasures” by then-Governor Janet Napolitano in 2006, Callaghan Vineyards was founded in 1990 and has been honored by having its wine served at the White House three separate times. Meanwhile, Rancho Rossa Vineyards is home to one of the largest family-owned wineries in the area, with the vineyard’s first vines being planted in 2002 and the first wines made in 2004. Located six miles southeast of Sonoita, Rancho Rossa specializes in ultra-premium dry varietal bottling and is currently producing about 1,200 cases of wine each year from the vineyard’s 22 acres.
For more information on other vineyards in the Tucson area, visit www.visittucson.org.
Well, in addition to great schools, a wealth of cultural opportunities, gorgeous golf courses, year-round perfect weather and more, there are also a number of fabulous wineries all within a pleasant day-trip of Tucson, Marana, the Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills. Specifically, experts say the climate and soil conditions in the southern Arizona towns of Elgin, Sonoita and the Willcox area are ideal for growing grapes thanks to high elevations, warm days and cool nights. If you visit or purchase a home or real estate in the area, why not see for yourself?
Two vineyards you might want to check out are Callaghan Vineyards and Rancho Rossa Vineyards, both of which are located in or near Sonoita. Designated as one of Arizona’s “Treasures” by then-Governor Janet Napolitano in 2006, Callaghan Vineyards was founded in 1990 and has been honored by having its wine served at the White House three separate times. Meanwhile, Rancho Rossa Vineyards is home to one of the largest family-owned wineries in the area, with the vineyard’s first vines being planted in 2002 and the first wines made in 2004. Located six miles southeast of Sonoita, Rancho Rossa specializes in ultra-premium dry varietal bottling and is currently producing about 1,200 cases of wine each year from the vineyard’s 22 acres.
For more information on other vineyards in the Tucson area, visit www.visittucson.org.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
World-Renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one...and lucky Tucson homeowners and their guests can enjoy the plethora of exhibits that realistically re-create the natural landscape of the magnificent Sonoran Desert Region.
Boasting eye-to-eye exhibits that showcase such desert-dwellers as Gila monsters, prairie dogs, mountain lions and more, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is also home to more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. In addition, there are nearly two miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful Tucson desert real estate.
Along with being a wonderful place for visitors of all ages, the Museum is well-regarded in the scientific community as an institution committed to researching and protecting the land, plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert region. In fact, the mission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum states that it desires to “inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation and understanding of the Sonoran Desert.”
Founded in 1952 by Arthur Pack and William Carr, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a private, nonprofit organization funded entirely by admissions, memberships, contributions and grants. The Museum is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the American Association of Museums.
Located at 2021 North Kinney Road in Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is open every day of the year, with the hours changing by the season. The Museum is listed as wheelchair accessible.
Boasting eye-to-eye exhibits that showcase such desert-dwellers as Gila monsters, prairie dogs, mountain lions and more, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is also home to more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. In addition, there are nearly two miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful Tucson desert real estate.
Along with being a wonderful place for visitors of all ages, the Museum is well-regarded in the scientific community as an institution committed to researching and protecting the land, plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert region. In fact, the mission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum states that it desires to “inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation and understanding of the Sonoran Desert.”
Founded in 1952 by Arthur Pack and William Carr, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a private, nonprofit organization funded entirely by admissions, memberships, contributions and grants. The Museum is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the American Association of Museums.
Located at 2021 North Kinney Road in Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is open every day of the year, with the hours changing by the season. The Museum is listed as wheelchair accessible.
Tucson is Home to the Great Saguaro Cactus
Saguaro National Park is a magnificent desert preserve that protects some of the most impressive forests of these majestic cacti – and it’s located right on the edge of modern-day Tucson, Arizona. The Park is just one of many reasons so many individuals, couples and families of all ages love purchasing a home or real estate in Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley area – they get to enjoy life in this stunning desert environment.
Saguaros (pronounced “Sa - WAH – ro”) are only found in the Sonoran Desert, and in fact, a silhouette of this towering plant is a universal symbol of the American West. Lucky Tucsonians and their guests have plenty of opportunities to savor a spectacular scene of thousands of these statuesque desert-dwellers as they clamber across the rugged landscape, in particular in the two districts of the sprawling Saguaro National Park.
Along with breathtaking drive-by scenery, the Park offers more than 165 miles of hiking trails, and by “hiking,” we mean that a hike at Saguaro National Park can be an easy stroll on a short interpretive nature trail or a day-long wilderness trek for the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Both districts of Saguaro National Park boast a variety of trails, with more information to be found on their website.
A bit about saguaros, courtesy of the National Park Service: Saguaros are extremely slow-growing, with local studies showing a growth rate of only one to 1.5 inches in the first eight years of life. At Saguaro National Park, branches normally begin to appear when a saguaro reaches 50 to 70 years of age, while in areas of lower precipitation; it may take up to 100 years before arms appear. An adult saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age and may weigh six tons or more and be as tall as 50 feet. The average life span of a saguaro is in the range of 150 - 175 years of age; however, biologists believe that some plants may live over 200 years.
Saguaros (pronounced “Sa - WAH – ro”) are only found in the Sonoran Desert, and in fact, a silhouette of this towering plant is a universal symbol of the American West. Lucky Tucsonians and their guests have plenty of opportunities to savor a spectacular scene of thousands of these statuesque desert-dwellers as they clamber across the rugged landscape, in particular in the two districts of the sprawling Saguaro National Park.
Along with breathtaking drive-by scenery, the Park offers more than 165 miles of hiking trails, and by “hiking,” we mean that a hike at Saguaro National Park can be an easy stroll on a short interpretive nature trail or a day-long wilderness trek for the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Both districts of Saguaro National Park boast a variety of trails, with more information to be found on their website.
A bit about saguaros, courtesy of the National Park Service: Saguaros are extremely slow-growing, with local studies showing a growth rate of only one to 1.5 inches in the first eight years of life. At Saguaro National Park, branches normally begin to appear when a saguaro reaches 50 to 70 years of age, while in areas of lower precipitation; it may take up to 100 years before arms appear. An adult saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age and may weigh six tons or more and be as tall as 50 feet. The average life span of a saguaro is in the range of 150 - 175 years of age; however, biologists believe that some plants may live over 200 years.
Tucson – A Magnificent Place to Call Home
Established in 1775 by Spanish soldiers, there’s no doubt that Tucson sizzles with more than her share of man-made beauty, from championship golf courses and amenity-rich guest ranches to a top-of-the-mountain snow ski resort and high-class restaurants and first-class resorts. Tucson also is a huge market for luxury homes including sensational estates tucked into winding foothills, dramatic homes nestled in natural desert settings and spectacular mansions that easily rival those found in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley when it comes to elegance, style and savoir faire. Meanwhile, for those so inclined, gorgeous golf course communities as well as sprawling horse properties dot sections of the Tucson real estate landscape.
Surrounded by a quintet of breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, the Tucson Mountains, the Tortolita Mountains and the Santa Rita Mountains, Tucson sits at an elevation of nearly 2,400 feet above sea level and is bordered by state parks, national forests and the awe-inspiring splendor of Saguaro National Park. Golfers will enjoy a perpetual smile a mile wide thanks to an abundance of championship courses in and around the city.
Arts, culture and tons of outdoor fun are all important to Tucson’s laidback ambience, which embodies a liberal blend of southwestern sophistication combined with plenty of spunk and spirit. To wit, the city is home to a ballet company, opera, theater and symphony, and seasonal gem shows are regularly held, as are culinary festivals, street fairs and hot air balloon rallies.
But what really sets Tucson apart is the magnificence of Mother Nature that envelopes the city like a loving embrace. Awash with midnight-black night skies, incredible mountain vistas, cliff-side canyons and forests of statuesque saguaros, this dramatic desert city is truly an amazing place to live, work and play – and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to become part of her circle of friends.
Surrounded by a quintet of breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Rincon Mountains, the Tucson Mountains, the Tortolita Mountains and the Santa Rita Mountains, Tucson sits at an elevation of nearly 2,400 feet above sea level and is bordered by state parks, national forests and the awe-inspiring splendor of Saguaro National Park. Golfers will enjoy a perpetual smile a mile wide thanks to an abundance of championship courses in and around the city.
Arts, culture and tons of outdoor fun are all important to Tucson’s laidback ambience, which embodies a liberal blend of southwestern sophistication combined with plenty of spunk and spirit. To wit, the city is home to a ballet company, opera, theater and symphony, and seasonal gem shows are regularly held, as are culinary festivals, street fairs and hot air balloon rallies.
But what really sets Tucson apart is the magnificence of Mother Nature that envelopes the city like a loving embrace. Awash with midnight-black night skies, incredible mountain vistas, cliff-side canyons and forests of statuesque saguaros, this dramatic desert city is truly an amazing place to live, work and play – and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to become part of her circle of friends.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Numerous Vineyards Call Tucson Area Home
There are countless reasons that homes, land and real estate all across the city of Tucson, including the outlying foothills, are so highly sought after by many people of all ages. Along with outstanding value in Tucson real estate, there is plenty to see and do. What do we mean?
Well, in addition to great schools, a wealth of cultural opportunities, gorgeous golf courses, year-round perfect weather and more, there are also a number of fabulous wineries all within a pleasant day-trip of Tucson, Marana, the Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills. Specifically, experts say the climate and soil conditions in the southern Arizona towns of Elgin, Sonoita and the Willcox area are ideal for growing grapes thanks to high elevations, warm days and cool nights. Once you’ve purchased a home or real estate in the area, why not see for yourself?
One you might want to check out is Sonoita Vineyards. Opened in 1983, Sonoita Vineyards is located in Elgin, about an hour’s drive from Tucson. Perched at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in the region, and now grows over 40 acres of vines. They’re known for consistently creating award-winning wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon chosen by national wine critics to serve at a Presidential Inauguration Gala. Varieties grown on the vineyard’s expansive real estate include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Mission and Merlot.
For more information on other vineyards in the Tucson area, visit www.visittucson.org.
Well, in addition to great schools, a wealth of cultural opportunities, gorgeous golf courses, year-round perfect weather and more, there are also a number of fabulous wineries all within a pleasant day-trip of Tucson, Marana, the Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills. Specifically, experts say the climate and soil conditions in the southern Arizona towns of Elgin, Sonoita and the Willcox area are ideal for growing grapes thanks to high elevations, warm days and cool nights. Once you’ve purchased a home or real estate in the area, why not see for yourself?
One you might want to check out is Sonoita Vineyards. Opened in 1983, Sonoita Vineyards is located in Elgin, about an hour’s drive from Tucson. Perched at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in the region, and now grows over 40 acres of vines. They’re known for consistently creating award-winning wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon chosen by national wine critics to serve at a Presidential Inauguration Gala. Varieties grown on the vineyard’s expansive real estate include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Mission and Merlot.
For more information on other vineyards in the Tucson area, visit www.visittucson.org.
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