I'm always amazed at the number of people who say there isn't anything to do in Tucson. For us, it seems like there is so much going on that we have to pick and choose carefully to make sure to fit in what we want. Let's take next weekend for example:
On Thursday we are planning on seeing Gentlemen Prefer Blondes at Cinema La Placita. Friday, we'll see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof down at UofA Marroney theater. Saturday, of course, it's Mars Day at the Fox Theatre where we'll see Angry Red Planet and Earth versus the Flying Saucers. In between the movies, we probably head over to the Center for Creative Photography for the Lee Freidlander: American Monuments exhibit. Followed by Sunday with Shakespeare in the Park at the Demeester center.
So how can you join in the fun, and how much will it set you back?
As I've written here before, Cinema La Placita is technically free including all the popcorn you can eat, they do request a $3-$5 donation to help keep the series going. Now, I know that you think that it only costs a couple of bucks to rent a DVD so someone must be making out. Nothing is further from the truth. First, to show a movie in a public setting requires paying the licensing fee to the studios. Second, there's security personel. Third, there's the cost of equipment. And then there's even the cost of the popcorn. All told, it runs over $500 for a single night. Once you realize that, I'm sure you'll chip in $5.
The play, put on by the School of Theatre Arts will run you $28. It's easily the most expensive of everything I listed, but consider that for 2 hours, you'll have probably 30-40 people working on stage and behind the scenes with the sole goal of entertaining you. And there is really nothing quite like a live performance.
Mars day at the Fox has free events, but the movies will set you back $8 per. Agian, it might seem that you could see the same movies just by getting a DVD from Casa Video, but it won't be the same. With your $8 you get to see these film in the best movie house in Tucson. And the $8 will help keep the Fox going.
The Center for Creative Photography is another of those things that is technically free, but asks for donations. I'd pitch in $5 a person.
Finally, for Shakespeare in the Park, you get the chance to see one of the works of the greatest playwright (for those that don't think the can understand Shakespeare, it is far easier to watch the plays than to read them). Cost: free, although I suspect they'll pass around the hat to help keep the tradition going, so let's call it $5.
Grand total: $5 + $28 +$16 +$5 +$5 = $59 for 4 days of entertainment with a total of 6 venues. Not bad.
So, next time you think there is nothing to do, think again.
2 comments:
Going to see movies all the time is boring. Tucson = movies, eating out, shopping, drugs/alcohol
You're right, two of the six items were movies, so let's see if we can come up with some non-movie ideas:
1) Visit ASDM. People travel from all over the world to visit ASDM, if you live in Tucson, it's a 30 minute drive. Here you can learn some zoology, botany, mineralogy, archeology, practice photography, visit the art gallery, or just wander the grounds
2) Hike in the mountains near Tucson. You have seen the ancient grinding holes on the granite escarpment along the Pima Canyon trail, and the saguaro with the crested arm on the Finger Rock trail?
3) Visit the Tucson Museum of Art. Right now they have a wonderful exhibit. Or visit some of the local art galleries. There are dozens.
4) Find some of the cool murals in Tucson. I've never lived in a place that has more murals.
5) Perhaps you are interested in architecture? Check out the book "A Guide to Tucson Architecture" from the library. Find some of the great examples shown in the book.
6) Visit the Flandrau science center on campus.
7) Tucson is one of the best places for stargazing. Learn some of the constellations and how to spot them. I recommend the book "The Stars," by H.A. Rey (he also wrote Curious George, but don't make the mistake of thinking "The Stars" is just a kids book).
8) Learn, or practice, rock climbing at Rocks and Ropes.
9) Think you know all about Tucson? Try stopping in one of the Arizona Historical Museums. I recommend the main one on 2nd street by the campus. For a local historical museum, it is truly impressive.
10) Perhaps museums aren't what you are looking for. Check out the catalog of courses offered by Pima Community College. They offer a huge number of courses, they are bound to have something that interests you. Or take something completely different.
11) Birdwatching? Some of the best birdwatching locations in the country are within a 2 hour drive of Tucson.
12) Another type of birdwatching? Check out the boneyard at Davis-Monthan. They do give tours, you know.
13) Have you done the Presidio trail? (Hint: it's not a hiking trail in the mountains)
14) Have you taken the tour of Kitt peak? Or of Mount Graham? Or of the Mirror lab on campus?
15) Have you visited The Valley of the Moon? It's pretty funky, but the idea and story behind it are great!
Well, that's 15 that I thought of in 15 minutes time. I'm sure you can do even better.
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