Tubac Nominated a Top-10 Small Town for Art by USA Today

Tubac Nominated a Top-10 Small Town for Art by USA Today
Tubac Nominated a Top-10 Small Town for Art by USA Today

I have always been very fond of the adorable historic village of Tubac. Finally, the rest of the world seems to be catching up! In fact, Tubac has been nominated by the esteemed editors at USA Today as a favorite small town for art. The art colony joins other luminaries like Carmel-by-the-Sea in California or Marfa in Texas. Keep reading to learn why Tubac is a favorite for art lovers and how you can vote for this prestigious award!

Tubac is for Art Lovers

Historically, the town is the site of the original Spanish colonial garrison in Arizona. The land originally belonged to the Tohono O’odham tribe and the name is a derivation of he original native name, Cuwak. The town changed hands numerous times until Union troops, upon advancing towards Tucson, caused the Confederate troops stationed there to retreat.

The town of today came about between the 1930’s and the 1960’s. Painter Dale Nichols opened the first art school (in 1948) and began restoring the dilapidated buildings. The school enlisted numerous high-profile artists. In 1964, the students and other residents founded the Tubac Festival of the Arts, thus charting the future for the small desert village.

USA Today 10 Best
USA Today 10 Best

Vote Today for Tubac to be a Top-10 Small Town for Art

USA Today 10Best is well-regarded for their wonderfully insightful lists. If you are planning your educational trip, check out their list of the 10 Best Free Museums. Additionally, if you are looking for a bite to eat check out  their 10 Best Meal Delivery Services. There is something for everyone at 10Best. The greatest part of the lists is the user-interaction. This allows you to weigh in on any of their popular lists and affect the placement of your favorites.

If you have read this far, I encourage you to take a trip to Tubac today. Experience the sights, sounds, and culture offered by the wonderful art colony. Once you have been struck by the magic, please visit 10Best Vote for Tubac. As the title says, vote for Tubac to be one of the 10 Best Small Town Art Scenes in the country. We can help bring even more visitors and share this artistic treasure found just outside Tucson.

Tucson Ranked in Top 10 Cities Best Positioned for Pandemic Recovery

According to Forbes magazine, Tucson is one of the top 10 cities in the best position for a post pandemic recovery. Using data collected from Moody’s Analytics they predict the top 10 and the 10 worst cities. “Note that they are sorted alphabetically in order to avoid assigning false precision to our calculations,” Kamins tells Forbes Women.

Tucson is a Top City That Will Recover From Coronavirus
Tucson is a Top City That Will Recover From Coronavirus

Pandemic Recovery Ranking Method

Moodys examines the density of population and compares it against the number of jobs that require a higher degree. They also take into consideration the density of cases across different counties. Those 2 factors alone could indicate why Tucson makes it into the top 10. Because it’s a college town Tucson is overflowing with smart people and has an abundance of open spaces

Some of the other top contenders are Denver (CO), San Jose (CA), and Washington DC. Noticeably these places are also university towns and have beautiful natural resources. Surprisingly Austin, TX did not make this list. Austin is frequently set side by side to Tucson as another blue city in a red state.

Now that the gloating is over we will look at a few of the cities that did not make it. Some of the results may surprise you.

The Have-nots

What do Honolulu (HI), Los Angeles (CA), New York City (NY), and Tampa (FL) all have in common? Aside from being on the top 10 worst recovery cities list? High density, overcrowding tourist traps. Yup, the higher your tourism the more likely you’re in an area heavily afflicted with Coronavirus. They predict that there will be mass out-migration from these densely populous areas towards more sprawling towns. 

Covid 19 is going to loom large in the public consciousness for years to come. For the very young and impressionistic pandemic recovery may always haunt them, much like children of the Great Depression often stockpile non-perishables or hideaway cash money. 

We are certainly fortunate to be in a position where, not only are we poised to recover well, but it’s such a beautiful, and delicious, place to be till then. But, for the foreseeable future, we still have to be vigilant. We have to be willing to do our parts for the greater good. Yes, we are all sick of wearing masks, but for a better future, we must do better now.

La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto
La Estrella Bakery Recognized by Washington Post for Pan De Muerto

Congratulations to local paneria La Estrella Bakery on their national coverage by the Washington Post! Their article covers the making and baking of pan de muerto, a staple offering for Tucson’s Dia de los Muertos. Day of the dead.

La Estrella Bakery has been a Tucson touchstone since they opened 35 years ago on Halloween. “We actually opened on Oct. 31, 1985, just in time for Día de los Muertos,” Erica Franco told the WP. And we are so glad they did! Estrella is one of the top bakeries in Tucson and we are not surprised they’ve made headlines nationally.

The Ofrenda

If you’re new to the area, firstly welcome, and don’t know what Dia de los Muertos is don’t worry. We’re here to give you the basics. This holiday is celebrated primarily in Mexico and Latin America, but here in Tucson is holds a special place in our hearts. Since 1990 Tucson celebrates with an All Souls Procession. 

This holiday honors the lives of loves we have lost. Outside of the spectacle of the procession many make altars to dead loved ones. The Ofrenda. Lots of things can go on an altar, photos, mementos, and candy as examples. But many choose the pan de muerto, for which La Estrella Bakery is famous for. 

The bread takes its sweet time rising (pun intended.) Then it’s pulled and stretched into loaves or mini cakes with strips of dough meant to resemble bones on top. Once it rises again it goes into the oven to bake. Once out the delicious pastries get a generous brushing of locally sourced honey and cinnamon. You can stop there or use the sticky glaze as glue for brightly colored sugar crystals. 

If you don’t want one by now go read the Washington Post article or enjoy a PDF of the article below! Then run down to La Estrella Bakery to find out for yourself what all the buzz is about. 

La Estrella Bakery

520-741-0656

5266 S. 12th Ave

 & 100 S. Avenida Del Convento

UArizona: A Stellar Leader in Astronomy and Astrophysics

For five consecutive years, the University of Arizona (UArizona) has held the prestigious title of being ranked No. 1 in astronomy and astrophysics by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This accolade is more than just a feather in the cap for UArizona; it symbolizes the university’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery. But what does this mean for our community? It means living in a city that’s a beacon of innovation, education, and opportunity, drawing some of the brightest minds to Tucson. Let’s delve into what makes UArizona a powerhouse in these fields and why it matters to us all.

Leading the Way with Groundbreaking Research

UArizona’s dominance in astronomy and astrophysics is underpinned by significant financial investments. With over $123 million dedicated to these fields annually, the university’s expenditures account for a staggering 15% of all U.S. spending in this category​ (University of Arizona News)​. This funding fuels groundbreaking projects that not only advance scientific knowledge but also place Tucson at the heart of global space research.

One of the university’s crowning achievements is its role in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project. UArizona scientists developed the Near-Infrared Camera, a critical instrument for the JWST, which will provide unparalleled views of distant galaxies, potentially transforming our understanding of the universe​ (University of Arizona News)​. This is just one example of the high-impact research conducted at UArizona, demonstrating why it consistently ranks at the top.

In addition to its No. 1 ranking in astronomy and astrophysics, UArizona excels across various scientific domains. The university is ranked No. 6 in NASA-funded activities and No. 7 in physical sciences​ (University of Arizona News)​. These rankings highlight the breadth of UArizona’s research capabilities and its pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing scientific questions of our time.

A Community Enriched by Diversity and Innovation

UArizona’s accolades extend beyond research expenditures and rankings. The university is celebrated for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly its high enrollment of Hispanic students, earning it the designation of a Hispanic-Serving Institution​ (University of Arizona News)​. This inclusive approach enriches the academic and research environment, fostering a community where diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity.

Discover More About Tucson and Its Treasures

The achievements of UArizona in astronomy and astrophysics are a source of pride for Tucson and a testament to the city’s role as a hub of scientific excellence. But there’s so much more to discover in Tucson. From vibrant dining scenes and unique cocktail bars to comfortable hotels for your stay, Tucson offers a wealth of experiences for residents and visitors alike.

If you’re considering making Tucson your home, we invite you to explore our accolades section on SeeTucsonHomes.com. There, you’ll find all the information you need, including our free relocation package, to make an informed decision about moving to this incredible city. Tucson is not just a place; it’s a community brimming with opportunities and excitement, waiting for you to join.

For more information about UArizona’s space program and other accolades, visit UArizona Research, Innovation & Impact and stay connected with the latest updates on Tucson’s vibrant offerings.