I have never been shy about boasting my love of Tucson, AZ. This city has many great qualities, and I love raising my children in this ultra friendly community. That said, Tucson’s downtown has always been a pathetic thorn in its side, in my humble opinion. While many downtowns across the country are cultural and bustling with activity, Tucson’s downtown has always seemed tired and deserted. Yes, there are a few cool shops and a handful of nice restaurants and even some good entertainment, but it still can’t outshine the fact that Tucson’s downtown has always been a real dud for this city.
Well, last night, on a whim, my family and I decided to go have dinner at a restaurant that we loved and had only been to once several months ago in downtown Tucson. The Hub is fantastic with amazing, food, atmosphere and incredible home-made and very unusual ice cream. When we finished our dinner, we decided to walk around for a little bit, and that is when I realized that Tucson’s downtown is changing. There were several new restaurants and coffee houses and bars lining the main drag each one hip and upscale and looking very un-downtown Tucson.
We walked across the street to an old college hangout, the Hotel Congress. The hotel looked the same, but the hotel’s restaurant, The Cup Cafe, is like a different restaurant entirely with a large outdoor eating area and courtyard. There was even a stage set up for outdoor music.
In 1999, Tucson voted to have tax money put aside for Rio Nuevo, a downtown revitalization project. One element that is still under construction is a cable car that will run the length of the downtown. It seems like the construction has been taking forever, but after spending some time last night in the heart of my city, I am feeling like our downtown is really about to change. I love seeing real progress, and I am writing this blog today to urge my friends to go check it out.
So, of course, my song of the day had to be Petula Clark singing “Downtown. ” Click HERE to go to Youtube to see Petula Clark performing the song in 1967 on the Dean Martin show. The production of this song is so late 60′s cheesy and charming at the same time. Enjoy and please go spend some time in Tucson’s downtown, because it needs your support!
