Color Story: Gems + Jewel Tones (part 2)

l had so much jewel-toned goodness to share with you in part 1 of this color story that it overflowed into this whole separate post!

So you can continue to revel in jewel-toned art, nature, artisan goods, destinations, and DIYs.

Hummingbird with iridescent head feathers in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Hummingbird Aviary.

Also, I’ve put all the Etsy items from both posts into a Jewel Tones collection, so you can find them more easily. (I’m an Etsy affiliate, so you can click through one of the links on this page, buy something awesome, and you’ll be supporting the site at the same time!)

 

Painting of trees and shadows.

Gem intarsia box - center top: opal, sugilite, lapis-lazuli, and turquoise over four malachite stalactites; additional malachite, azurite-malachite, opal, and gold-in-quartz with 18kt gold hinge.

gem watercolor blank greeting cards

cheesecake with blueberry glaze

Still life painting of plums

1. Amethyst-colored feathers cover the heads of male Costa’s hummingbirds, like this striking fella, who was perched in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Hummingbird Aviary. / photo by @reenagiolaphoto (avid photographer of birds + her Australian shepherds) via Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2. “Crystal Trees” oil painting by Erin Hanson. Its palette was inspired by lush springtime in the Texas hill country. / prints + textured replicas are available to ship worldwide

3. “The Sacred Garden Box” made by gem intarsia artist Nicolai Medvedev from opal, sugilite, lapis-lazuli, turquoise, and malachite. / H/T Western Spirit (“Scottsdale’s museum of the West”), which had an exhibition of his work in 2023. / Photo by Harold + Erica Van Pelt

4. A pack of 24 watercolor birthstone greeting cards (blank inside) by The Ritzy Rose.

5. Fabulous Cheesecake with Blueberry Glaze, a dessert re-discovered on a clipping from a 1975 issue of Southern Living magazine tucked into in a family recipe box. / via Food.com

6. Still life with plums, part of the Endless Summer series of 9 paintings by French illustrator Léa Maupetit. / Endless Summer has been exhibited in the artist’s home city of Paris at Klin d’oeil Boutique + Galerie and as far away as 1905 Re-creative Space in Shenyang, China!

 

Since 2018, Love Is Project has been partnered with Mercado Global to bring gorgeous Atitlán bracelets from Guatemala to wrists all over the world. / Three years ago, three sisters, Carolina, Claudia and Wendy began working with Love Is Project weaving LOVE bracelets. They were able to build an extra floor in their home from their earnings to accommodate their mother.

candle in a tin / Enchanted soy candle by A Bearden Project via Bee Hive.

Phoenix Chile festival

bouquet

7. LOVE bracelets, part of a project providing artisans worldwide with fair wages. / Pictured are Carolina, Claudia, and Wendy, three sisters from a village near Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, who earned enough money weaving these bracelets to build an extra floor onto their home! / via Love Is Project

8. “Enchanted” soy candle in a tin made by A Bearden Project. / sold via The Bee Hive, a boutique collective of independent makers in Atlanta

9. Phoenix Chile Pepper Festival attendees mingling as the sun goes down. / We went to the festival in 2016. Unfortunately, I don’t think they hold it anymore.

10. “Woodland romance” bouquet made from foliage with a mix of textures and tied with cascading ribbons. The flowers and other decor were inspired by the woodsy outdoor setting of a wedding reception. / flowers by Lace and Lilies + photo by Lori Kennedy Photography via The Perfect Palette

 

"We Are Star Stuff" by Frank Gonzales

Northern Lights in Norway (Aurora Borealis. Photo credit: Hans Petter Sørensen and FarOutFocus/Visit Norway. Via AFAR Media.)

Globe Glass Terrarium for Succulents Air Plants.

Since 2018, Love Is Project has been partnered with Mercado Global to bring gorgeous Atitlán bracelets from Guatemala to wrists all over the world. / Three years ago, three sisters, Carolina, Claudia and Wendy began working with Love Is Project weaving LOVE bracelets. They were able to build an extra floor in their home from their earnings to accommodate their mother.

Peacock Watercolor Print by Dean Crouser.

11. We Are Star Stuff acrylic painting by Arizona artist Frank Gonzales, whose art is also featured on a large scale in the terrazzo floor of the 24th Street Sky Tram station at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

12. The Northern Lights in Norway! / The photo comes from one of the Sustainable Susie comic books, where the titular character shares responsible travel tips for seeing the aurora borealis and exploring fjords. The books were created by the nonprofit United States Tour Operators Association. / Photo credit: Hans Petter Sørensen + FarOutFocus/Visit Norway via AFAR Media

13. Teal and blue blown-glass terrarium for succulents, air plants, or fairy gardens. / by Garden Outside the Box / mostly blue version

14. Large malachite gemstone in the University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum, Tucson. / I took the photo when I visited the museum last fall. It’s one of Tucson’s top spots to see crystals, gems, and minerals all year round!

15. Rainbow Peacock Watercolor Print by Dean Crouser.

 

Beeswax Wrap

Boozy Jam Gems by Moxie + Sassafras

hand-knit socks

At Sky Bar in Tucson, a video that looks like space plays on the big screen

16. Guide for making beeswax food wraps, bee-less vegan food wraps, and snack bags, as reusable alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and baggies. / by Mountain Rose Herbs

17. Boozy Gem Jams by Moxie and Sassafras, a Tucson maker of small-batch macarons, alcohol-infused jams, and other treats with unexpected flavors.

18. Super colorful socks knit by the ever talented + creative Kelli Donley Williams!

19. At Sky Bar in Tucson, a video that looks like space plays on the big screen, while we wait for them to wheel out the telescope. They have nightly stargazing on the patio with volunteer astronomers to guide you and answer questions!

 

FLUORITE LAURENT

Dark Chocolate Mendiants

20. Fluorite and smoked quartz at the Galerie de Géologie et de Minéralogie in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris. It was found on Mount Blanc by crystal prospector Christophe Péray, who had lost his longtime collaborator Laurent Chatel on the same mountain range the year before. In his memory, Christophe named this specimen “Laurent.” / Photo by F. Farges via Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle

21. Dark Chocolate Detox Bites topped with dried fruit that looks just like the red fluorite in Laurent (from #20)! / The sweets are meant to be a healthier version of a traditional French Christmas candy, called mendiants (medallions). / by The View From Great Island

Dark Chocolate Mendiants

Color Story: Gems + Jewel Tones (part 1)

watercolor paper gems

Beyond just decoration, color is elemental.

Think of mineral pigments. The way a body of water takes on shades of what it carries – a cloudy blue glacial stream, a teal bay concealing a forest of kelp, a river that turns mud-brown with sediment. The hue of flames shifting from fuel and temperature changes. Or the impact of heat and chemical makeup on the color of lava, of aurora, of stars.

telescope image of nebula and stars - Webb Telescope image of Pillars of Creation composite image produced by NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).

The rich, saturated colors of rubies, emeralds, sapphires, amethysts, and other gemstones are actually from trace elements within them. It’s those so-called imperfections that create the gorgeous palette we call jewel tones.

With Tucson’s gem show season beginning today, it seemed like the perfect time to explore jewel-toned things to make, places to visit, handmade items to shop, and nature to marvel at.

In fact, I found so many gems to share with you that there will be a Part 2!

 

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, OR: The Museum’s main gallery, located on the lower level, contains one of the world’s finest collections of crystals.

Interstellar Collection: Handmade modern polymer clay space earrings by LittleRabbitJewelry.

dragon creature in a mural by Jessica Gonzales

Natural Fluorite Gemstone Tower - Crystal Obelisk

1. Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, as seen through Webb Telescope filters. / public domain composite image via NASA and Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) / in case you’re wondering: “How Are Webb’s Full-Color Images Made?” + “Where Colors in Telescope Images Come From

2.  Mineral from “one of the world’s finest collections of crystals” in the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon.

3. Interstellar Collection clay earrings handmade in Tucson by Little Rabbit Jewelry.

4. My photo of the fantastical Gila monster/Quetzalcoatl dragon mural that Jessica Gonzales created for Amazing Discoveries game store in Tucson.

5. Fluorite Obelisk made from natural crystal by Liz Creation Studio.

 

butterfly mosaic

people throwing beads during Mardi Gras in New Orleans via MardiGrasNewOrleans.com

Caramelized Balsamic Goat Cheese Pasta via Half-Baked Harvest.

cooked beets for pasta dish

6. Monarch butterfly mosaic made on sustainable birchwood by Lantern Press Artwork.

7. Tossing Mardi Gras beads from a balcony in New Orleans. / via MardiGrasNewOrleans.com / History of throwing trinkets to Mardi Gras crowds.

8+9. Balsamic goat cheese pasta with roasted beets. / via Half-Baked Harvest

 

Decorative, gem-shaped theater ceiling with chandelier in the center. / Looking up at the ceiling and chandelier of the Byrd Theatre, Richmond, VA. Photo by Florence Womack.

fruit ice cubes in tumblers / Fruit and Tonics via A Beautiful Mess.

Indian Sari Silk Cushion Covers via TheCraftmanship

Printable watercolor paper gems (free!) via We Are Scout

10. Looking up at the cut-gem shape of the ceiling of the Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Virginia. / photo by Florence Womack

11. Fruit and Tonics: Recipe for giant, fruit-infused ice cubes that will give your drink more flavor as they melt instead of watering it down! / Add to gin and tonics, plain sparkling water, lemonade, or a pitcher of sangria. / via A Beautiful Mess

12. Sari Silk Cushion Cover made from vintage fabric in Jaipur, India by TheCraftmanship.

13. Free printable for making watercolor paper gems. / via We Are Scout

 

Desert Forager prickly pear drink

Traditional Palestinian Costume book

Lanterns

bottle wind chimes

BIRDLOVER. Silk Hand Embroidered Women Huipil Blouse with Bird Design by MayanArtisans.

14. Prickly pear juice handcrafted by Desert Forager’s John Slattery. / At Tucson Meet Yourself, he was hustling to ring up beverage orders on one side of his booth while selling and signing his book, Southwest Foraging, on the other! / Return the jar your drink is served in for a discounted refill.

15. Traditional Palestinian Costume: Origins and Evolution by Hanan Karaman Munayyer, a beautiful book I borrowed recently.

16. Lanterns to celebrate Buddha’s birthday (Vesak Day) in Seoul, South Korea. / via Huffington Post

17. Hand-cut glass bottle wind chimes made by Bottles Uncorked. / You can order a set of all 10 colors or choose a single bottle.

18. BIRDLOVER Guatemalan Huipil Blouse, handwoven and embroidered by Doña Juana, a Mayan weaver in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. It was a 6-month long project! / via Mayan Artisans on Etsy

detail of hand-embroidered Guatemalan blouse


Photos link to their sources. This post contains Etsy affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on purchases – at no extra cost to you! Win-win!

People’s Peculiar Park Opinions

Tree-lined pathway through a park.

“I can’t believe this is actually a place to review, but, alas, here it is!”

—J.B.

There are reviews online for just about any space you can be in. Not only for the ones you’d expect, like restaurants or hotels, but also for places like parking garages — and parks. Sometimes they’re helpful, sometimes the reviewer just needs to vent, and sometimes they get a bit absurd.

The weird ones are the best.

large inflatable snowman that looks like it's smiling and waving

Case in point: Amberwood Park in Chandler.

I don’t remember how I stumbled on its Google listing, but I was surprised that over 140 people felt strongly enough to weigh in on this little park – if you can even call it that.

Sign for Amberwood Park

A Park by Any Other Name

“Calling Amberwood Park a ‘park’ may be something of a misnomer. Amberwoood Park is more of a good sized green belt with a small playground for kids on the north side of the park.”

—4-star review by M.R.

That sounds exactly like a park to me.

And deep down, even M.R. (I’ll just refer to reviewers by their initials) knows it too.

park

Philosophical questions about the nature of parkdom aside, I needed to see for myself what all the fuss was about. So last time Phillip, Quijote, and I were leaving the Phoenix area to head back to Tucson, we made a strategic stop in Chandler.

dog running through the park

A Walk in Amberwood Park

“Just a park for the kids and the dogs and the drones, etc.”

–4-star review by T.L.Q.

I can now confirm firsthand that Amberwood is indeed a park.

In addition to the playground, it has lots of open space to run around, park benches, a basketball hoop, a meandering path, and a sand volleyball court. In case you still had doubts, the Chandler Parks Department signs are a dead giveaway.

A sign that says "welcome to Chandler parks," followed by park rules and regulations.

We did see kids and dogs there, but no drones. (Maybe they have a separate off-leash drone park somewhere else-?)

Of course, like any place, Amberwood Park has its detractors.

park

Gone to the Dogs

“Dirty place. Wouldn’t take a classy lady there.”

—1-star review by J.R.

Everyone knows that if you want to impress a classy lady, you take her to a city park. A clean one.

“The play area is covered in wood chips, which is better than sand, but makes me feel like a gerbil.”

—3-star review by J.W.

Which sounds less like it’s about Amberwood Park and more like it’s about J.W.

sand volleyball court

Then there’s this complaint…

“Skateboarders have taken over the children’s playground. You’ll occasionally get the smell of weed wafting in your direction.”

—1-star review by A.C.

Which was followed immediately by this much more chill description of the park…

“Huge and pretty level with decent grass.”

—5-star review from K.M.

Interpret that how you will.

picnic table and playground in a park

For the record, the evening we were there, the playground was populated by small children and a large dog. No stoned skaters. Nor wafting weed smells. It seemed more likely that St. Bernards would take over than skater kids.

neighborhood next to a park

The Neighbors Are Nice

“Every holiday season my family and I come down this road at least once. It’s short but sweet and the neighbors are nice.”

—5-star review by J.B. (continued from the first quote)

When I read this one, I was trying to figure out how big of a park this is to have a road running through it. Then I realized they weren’t talking about the park.

street with lots of holiday lights

Amberwood is just one street over from Upland Drive, one of those neighborhoods where all the houses have over-the-top holiday decorations. It actually has its own spot on the map, listed as Upland Families Christmas Lights. But some of its reviews were left on the park’s listing instead.

yard filled with lights and decorations

“Loved how everyone shared their Christmas joy and allowed us to visit and see the beautiful Christmas lights and how creative everyone is! It was a pretty amazing experience. Thank you to everyone who decided and took the amazing time to decorate their beautiful home.”

–O.F.

According to O.F., this was an “amazing experience,” but not a 5-star one.

decorated house

She continues…

“We give four stars only because we wish more of the neighbors had lights around their house. And for everyone to leave the Christmas lights on until 10.”

—4-star review by O.F.

That is some very specific feedback.

yard with many light-covered decorations

I’m unclear why reviewers feel the need to critique a  neighborhood’s holiday spirit. But I guess every Whoville has at least one Grinch. And anyplace people go, online reviews will follow.

All I can do is say that I hope you’re having a happy holiday season, and may all your neighbors leave their Christmas lights on until 10!

walking a dog at the edge of a park



These are real reviews I edited for clarity.

 

“Frybread Face:” a Film about Family, Flocks + Defining Yourself

Benny on the bus. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Imagine that you’re 12.

It’s the beginning of summer 1990, and you’re growing up in San Diego. You’ve got a Walkman, a neon green fanny pack, and annual passes to SeaWorld.

Then your mom effectively cancels all your summer plans when she tells you she’ll be sending you to stay at your grandma’s house on a sheep ranch in rural Arizona instead. [Record scratch.]

That’s the beginning of Benny’s story in the film Frybread Face and Me.

 

A hogan and mobile home in the desert. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Welcome to the Rez

Benny, portrayed by Keir Tallman, is a sweet, Fleetwood-Mac-loving preteen, who marches to the beat of his own drum.

His Aunt Lucy drops him off at the home of his grandmother (played by Sarah Natani, who is a Navajo master weaver in real life, as well as in the movie).

Sarah Natani weaving. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

It’s the first time in years he’s been on the reservation, and it is a bit of culture shock for the city kid. Although he’s Navajo (Diné), he doesn’t speak the language and has grown up away from the traditions that weave their way into the life of many of his relatives.

Benny with his grandma. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Grandma Lorraine only speaks Navajo. When it is just the two of them, her words are not subtitled. So unless you speak Navajo, you are as in the dark as Benny is.

His Uncle Marvin, who also lives on the ranch, speaks English but doesn’t have a kind word to say to Benny.

Benny with his relatives. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Although Grandma Lorraine’s house is so remote that it doesn’t have running water or electricity, it is actually the hub that connects his extended family. It’s where they always return – especially in times of transition or difficulty.

 

Benny and his cousin. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

The City Cousin and the Country Cousin

Things begin to turn around for Benny with the arrival of his 10-year-old cousin (played by Charley Hogan), who everyone calls “Frybread Face.” Not only is she able to translate the Navajo language and culture for him, she can give him the scoop on their relatives, as well. The two cousins bond while working together to take care of sheep, fix fences, and find time to just have fun and be kids.

Frybread Face and Benny. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Throughout the film, Benny is trying to understand who he is and how he fits into his culture and his family. He also learns that the adults don’t have it all figured out either.

 

"You need to learn to weave." From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Native American Heritage Continues

The film is beautiful with plenty of moments to both make you smile and to tug at your heart strings.

It was written and directed by Billy Luther, who is Navajo, Hopi, and Laguna Pueblo. While he has made documentaries (including the award-winning Miss Navajo) and television shows, this is his first feature film! It was filmed on location in New Mexico with shots that capture the wide open spaces and stark beauty of the high desert.

Frybread Face and Me is being released on Netflix and in select theaters today (November 24, 2023) in honor of Native American Heritage Day.

Frybread Face and Me film poster.


Film preview and photos courtesy of ARRAY.

Sonoran Restaurant Week Pairings

We’re right smack dab in the middle of Sonoran Restaurant Week, when around 100 (!) restaurants in Tucson and surrounding cities offer special prix fixe menus for $25, $35, or $45 (plus tax and tip). The price often includes several courses that would regularly cost more.

breakfast food
Breakfast at Maynard’s.

The idea is to encourage diners to try restaurants they haven’t been to, as well as revisiting old favorites. You many need to ask for the Sonoran Restaurant Week menu if you’re at a participating place and don’t see one. Find participating restaurants and menus on TucsonFoodie.com.

View of Tucson
View of the city from inside the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson.

I’ve paired 7 of these Tucson restaurants with something fun to do (relatively) nearby that complements them.

state park picnic tables
Phillip and Quijote scope out a picnic area at Catalina State Park.

Tucson Tamale (on Oracle) + Catalina State park

Pick up Tucson Tamale’s picnic-ready Sonoran Week Fiesta Box from their Oracle Road location and head to Catalina State Park – only 10-15 minutes away! Throw in some water bottles and you’re ready to go!

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $35 (feeds 4)

Park Fee: $7 per vehicle

On the Menu

Tucson Tamale:

Sonoran Week Fiesta Box includes…

  • 8 tamales (they have meat, vegetarian, and vegan options)
  • 2 sides (choose from salads, rice dishes, beans, Mexican slaw, etc.)
  • salsa and chips
  • 4 cookies
  • serving ware

Catalina:

Hours

Tucson Tamale: Monday – Saturday 10am-7pm / Sunday 11am-5pm

Catalina: 5am- 10pm daily / Visitor center and park store 8am-5pm

Locations

Tucson Tamale: 7286 N. Oracle Rd.

Catalina: 11570 N. Oracle Rd.

 

Art assemblages from found objects.
A few pieces from the outdoor portion of the Sonoran Quipu exhibition.

Coronet Restaurant + Museum Of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA)

After perusing contemporary art in the former fire station turned airy art gallery that is Tucson’s MOCA, you can stroll on over to the Coronet for dinner. While the Coronet’s decor is classic and the building itself was built in the 1860s, the menu features contemporary faire.

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $45

Museum Admission: $7

On the menu

Coronet: Southwest greens with roasted root vegetables, wild boar bucatini, chocolate truffle.

MOCA: Sonoran Quipu, an assortment of locally-found materials tied together in a site-specific installation, is on exhibit in the Great Hall until October 1.

Hours

Coronet: Thursday – Monday 5–9pm

MOCA: Thursday – Saturday 11am-6pm / Sunday: 11am-4pm

Locations

Coronet: 198 W. Cushing St.

MOCA: 265 S. Church Ave.

 

plants at botanic gardens
Vegetable garden planters at Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Feast + Tucson Botanical Gardens

Feast is located just south of the Garden District. Full of vegetables, fruit, and herbs, their restaurant week menu should pair perfectly with a day in the garden!

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $45

Garden Admission: $15, advance purchase recommended (or free with a Culture Pass)

On the menu

Feast: Choose from several options for each of 3 courses.

  • 1st course choices (abbreviated): cauliflower en mole, chestnut risotto, or truffled meatballs.
  • 2nd: heirloom tomatoes, roast chicken, hanger steak, or udon noodles with pork.
  • 3rd: orange-anise cake, plum parfait, or pandan sweet rice cake.

Tucson Botanical: Art exhibitions at the Gardens this week include All at Once, Enchanted Garden, La Calavera Catrina, and Power to the Flower.

Hours

Feast: Tuesday – Saturday 11am-8pm

Tucson Botanical: daily 8:30am–4:30pm

Locations

Feast: 3719 E. Speedway Blvd.

Tucson Botanical: 2150 N. Alvernon Way

 

Proper Shops celebratory backdrop

Playground Bar and Lounge + Proper Shops

Just across the street from each other at Congress and 5th Avenue, Playground Bar + Lounge is also a restaurant and Proper Shops is a collective of local merchants and artists that also has a bar inside!

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $25 per person

On the menu

Playground: Choose from 3 starters and 3 entrees.

Proper:

  • Current merchants include Reap + Sow eco-boutique, Willows Bazaar clothing, Tucson Gallery, and several others!
  • Sept. 15, 6-8pm: Meet local artist Andrea Rodriguez in the Tucson Gallery.

Hours

Playground (restaurant hours): Fri 4-10pm / Sat 12-10pm / Sun 10am-8pm

Proper: Thr 3-8pm / Fri 3-9pm / Sat 11am-9pm / Sun 11am-5pm

Locations

Playground: 278 E. Congress St.

Proper: 300 E. Congress St.

 

Tuxon Hotel
Via Tuxon Hotel

Tuxon Hotel Pool Bar + Tuxon Hotel Pool

You don’t have to be staying at the Tuxon to relax poolside there. Anyone can enjoy food and drinks at the Tuxon’s poolside bar. You can even purchase a pool pass and jump in!

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $25

Pool Passes:

  • Day Pass $45
  • Cabana Rental (4 day passes, shaded cabana with daybed seating, complimentary bottled water) $75 Mon-Thr / $150 Fri-Sun

On the Menu

Sonoran cheese crisp, enchiladas, barrio beans, mezcal mule.

Hours

Bar: Lunch 11am-3pm / Happy Hour 3-6pm daily

Pool: daily 1-10pm

Location

960 S. Freeway

 

Flora's

Flora’s Market Run + The Loft Cinema

Flora’s restaurant week menu might be the best deal I’ve seen so far! Once you finish dessert, it’s just a 4-minute drive to The Loft. Sounds like an ideal dinner-and-a-movie date to me!

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $45 (for two people to share)

Cinema Tickets: $10.50 (regular adult admission)

On the Menu

Flora’s: Southwest salad, elote pizza, chai choco taco sundae

Loft: Special screenings this week include…

  • Sep. 13, 7:30pm: The French Dispatch (The Films of Wes Anderson: Part Two) – regular admission
  • Sep. 14, 11am: Rebel Without a Cause (Hollywood Classics Series) – regular admission
  • Sep. 14, 7:30pm: The Big Lebowski 25th Anniversary Movie Party! – $12
  • Sep. 16, 2pm: ¡Agua es Vida! A Celebration of Water in the Desert (Short Film Showcase) – regular admission

Hours

Flora’s: Mon-Thr 7am-8pm / Fri-Sat 7am-9pm / Sun 7am-6pm

Loft: See screening times.

Location

Flora’s: 2513 E. 6th St.

Loft: 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.

 

flower gardens
Entrance to Tohono Chul.

Wildflower American Cuisine + Tohono Chul

How you can check out Tohono Chul desert gardens and gallery, but avoid being out in the hottest part of the day:

  1. start early
  2. explore the gardens first
  3. as it heats up, move inside to the galleries
  4. browse the shops on your way out
  5. cool off with a late lunch at Wildflower.

Or, if you’re still at Tohono Chul at closing time, you can head to Wildflower for dinner.

Restaurant Prix Fixe: $45 per person.

Garden + Gallery Admission: $15 (or free with a Culture Pass)

On the menu

Wildflower: 3-course meal (starter, entree, dessert) + glass of wine

Tohono Chul:

  • Walk in the Gardens tour daily at 10am.
  • The exhibit in the Main Gallery is Día de los Muertos (now through November 5).

Hours

Wildflower: daily 11am-9pm

Tohono Chul: daily 8am-5pm

Locations

Wildflower: 7037 N. Oracle Rd.

Tohono Chul: 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

 

coffee and a pastry
Coffee at Flora’s Market Run.