12/8-12/14 Winter Hiking and More

If you like hiking, this is the best season for it southern Arizona. Summer is hot and snaky and there are those pesky flash floods to worry about. Fall and spring can also be a little on the warm side but, winter is just right. The Sunday edition of the Arizona Daily Star has a great article about hiking trails for all levels, but most are geared to the more casual hiker. If you don't own a Arizona trail guide, check the sidebar for suggestions but this article is a good start. Take a hike!

Pima County Parks and Rec also has hikes this week. There's a Tucson Mountain Park birding walk on the 13th. Agua Caliente Park Historical events hosts a talk about Pima Co Sheriffs. Information is here.

Do you break into "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" at the mere mention of that country, or Evita, or Madonna or anything? Or you can't help but do your best Julie Andrews at the site of the Rocky Mountains "The hills are alive..."? This may be your event. Head to the Loft Cinema for the Massive Movie Musical Sing-a-Long on the 13th at 7pm. What fun! ....One, singular sensation, Every little step she takes. One, thrilling combination.... OK, I'll shut up but I'm keeping the gold lame top hat!

One of the reasons many people come to Tucson is to learn more about the culture of the Southwest and this time of year is full of opportunites. Like attending a Pastorela. If you've never heard of a Pastorela, it's the Mexican version of the medieval miracle play or the journey of the shepherd's to see the Christ child. This is the 13th annual presentation of A Tucson Pastorela with the opening night celebration on 12/12 at the Leo Rich Theatre downtown. Visit the Borderlands Theatre website for more dates and ticket information.

Another beautiful tradion is Las Posadas which reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. Carrillo School has presented a posada since 1936. Schoolchildren walk through Barrio Historico neighborhood reenacting the Christmas story. Music and food sales benefit school programs. The procession is December 12th this year. Call 520-225-1200 for more information. If you haven't enjoyed luminaria yet, Tucson Botanical Gardens will host Luminaria Nights Dec 12-14. The Botanical Gardens are another treasure hidden away in mid-town. Butterfly Magic at the Gardens continues through March 31.

Still looking for just the right gift? Maybe you'll find it at the Mercado San Agustin located in a huge tent, for one-stop holiday shopping and entertainment featuring performers and merchants from all over Tucson.

And if you STILL haven't found that certain gift there's still the 4th Avenue Winter Street Fair, the mother of all street fairs (at least in Arizona). I would advise you go on Friday! I love 4th Ave but the crowds during this event are huge so either go Fri or get there early!

The Tucson Artist Colony is having their grand opening this weekend! Perhaps someone you know would love art lessons for Christmas.

Organic, slow food, 100 mile diet-any of those ring your chimes? If so, check out the Local Harvest Marketplace this weekend. The event will be December 14 10 AM - 5 PM on E. Speedway. More informations and directions here.