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Hello Dear Readers,
In this issue, we are excited to share with you some summertime fun!
And there are so many places to go, adventure in all directions. In fact, having so many options can make it hard to decide. The tyranny of choice! In an attempt to help, we took a survey here at HQ. Here's the list of favorite summer destinations that are a reasonable distance from Tucson:
#1. Greer, AZ
#2. Durango, CO
#3. Anywhere along the Sonoran coast
#4. Santa Cruz, CA
#5. La Jolla, CA
This list is skewed toward places where dogs can chase balls. All three dogs here at HQ were part of the survey group, so it's surely pup approved.
In this issue, we toss out some other ideas.
For a quick break from the heat, explore Kartchner Caverns where it is always 70 degrees with 99% humidity. If you'd rather, visit one of the many telescopes atop local sky islands. Not only do astronomers keep their equipment very cold, but these scientists work on top of our highest peaks where it is naturally much cooler.
In this issue, we take a look at a road trip to Silver City in southwest New Mexico. It's up in the pines and there are lots of ponds, rivers, and lakes.
Anyway, thanks for reading this issue. We are thrilled to be putting this publication together for you and sharing your stories. Have a story you'd like us to highlight? Please share your ideas for upcoming issues. We'd love to hear them. Thank you!
JEFF HERR, PUBLISHER @CATALINAFOOTHILLSLIFESTYLEJuly 2023
PUBLISHER
Jeff Herr | jeff.herr@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Ewing | megan.ewing@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anna Maynard | anna.maynard@citylifestyle.com
Megan Ewing, Jeff Herr, Sybil Velarde
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shannon Dudley, Julie Enos, Jeaninne Kaufer
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
La Posada, southern Arizona’s award-winning Life Plan Community, is bringing its commitment to excellence to Oro Valley. Finely appointed, maintenance-free apartment homes. Stunning mountain views. An oasis of first-class amenities to enjoy with friends, old and new. All at an incomparable, wellness-centered community in the heart of nature.
Connect with our retirement counselors at an upcoming informative lunch to hear about the latest construction updates, delicious restaurant-style dining experiences and the long-term security of our Life Lease and more.
Please join us for an upcoming luncheon and informative presentation on a date and location that is convenient for you:
Thursday, July 6
Friday, August 4
Tuesday, September 12
SADDLEBROOKE 2 BALLROOM
Friday, July 21
Friday, August 18
Thursday, September 14
RSVP today by calling 520-531-3480. Seating is limited. Lunch will be served.
1: Did you know that Tucson is America’s City of Century Plants? 2: Spirits soared! And poured! 3: It was a studious group (at times) learning all the different things. 4: This year was one of the best-attended agave festivals in 15 years running. 5: The annual Agave Heritage Festival enjoyed another great year downtown. 6: How about some tequila or mezcal or pulque or bacanora or raicilla or sotol? 7: Deep learning at the “Understanding Agave Spirits” class. Photography by Jeaninne Kaufer
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Tag your Instagram photos with @catalinafoothillslifestyle
Commitment is an understatement when it comes to building relationships with clients. With more than 20 years experience in the Tucson market, I pride myself on providing my clients with the utmost knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness.
When working with Buyers & Sellers I will always be honest and forthright about the market, home values, and what it will take to make that excellent first impression. It is my duty to make sure I am representing my client’s best interest. My negotiating skills and ability to build trusted relationships is what facilitates a successful close. It would be my pleasure to be of assistance to you! U
The best places and things to do in our area.
MT. LEMMON SKY CENTER: The Mount Lemmon Sky Center offers tours of its nine telescopes. You can sign up for five-hour viewing sessions. And even overnight experiences. Reservations required. 9800 E Ski Run Rd, Mt. Lemmon, Arizona 85619
KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK: Kartchner Caverns State Park is nine miles south of Benson. There are 2.4 miles of passages. It is always 70 degrees with 99% humidity. 2980 AZ Highway 90, Benson, AZ 85602, Benson, Arizona 85602
COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK: Colossal Cave Mountain Park east of Vail offers guided cave tours (1/2 mile and 363 steps), horseback rides, good food and drink, and campsites. 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail, Arizona 85641
KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY (NOIRLAB HQ): Kitt Peak National Observatory (56 miles southwest of Tucson) offers an exclusive overnight astronomy experience ($1,000 for two people including cabin and three meals!). Headquarters and administrative offices are at 950 N Cherry Ave., Tucson, Arizona 85719
MOUNT GRAHAM INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATORY (EAC DISCOVERY PARK
CAMPUS HQ): Mount Graham International Observatory offers public tours. Reservations required. Tours start in Safford and include the bus ride to the 10,500' summit and lunch. 1651 Discovery Park Blvd, Safford, Arizona 85546
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When Tyler, Courtney, and Zach’s Italian mother started dating their non-Italian father, she worried that her Nonna, her Italian grandmother, would not approve of their relationship. In an effort to win Nonna’s approval, she told her Nonna that his last name was Fenton elli . Have you heard of such a strong, authentic, Italian name? Neither had her Nonna.
Nonna went along with it until eventually she came clean. It turns out that the name wasn’t what mattered, but it was the love that was most important. Their grandmother gave the relationship her blessing, and they are celebrating 40 years and counting.
Fentonelli’s Pizzeria & Bar is a celebration of family. They serve authentic Italian dishes they grew up eating and the kinds of foods best enjoyed with the ones you love!
The ambiance and food take you back to Italy. Patrons can feel the love put into their dishes. Their chopped salad is outstanding, piled high with romaine, salami, pepperoncini, provolone, artichoke hearts and olives,
and then coated in dressing that you could drink from a cup and straw. Is it the best in Tucson? Probably.
For devotees, their chicken parmesan sandwich is a must during lunch. Or, if you’d rather, enjoy a slice of delicious pizza for $5 including a zesty buffalo-chicken adventure.
The dinner menu starts with parmesan-truffle crinkle fries and tomato-braised beef meatballs with garlic bread. A whole pizza to consider is Tyler’s Pie with cream sauce, pickled chiles, red onion, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and oregano on a savory crust. In the mood for pasta? Pick your noodles and they’ll pile them high with Sunday Gravy.
Interested in a cocktail? The team at Fentonelli’s takes special pride in their old fashions (using three unique recipes). There are some fantastic desserts on tap including Nutella budino with fresh whipped cream. With outstanding service, delicious dishes, carefully crafted cocktails, and the one-of-a-kind décor, Fentonelli’s takes the dining experience to a whole new level.
With outstanding service, delicious dishes, carefully crafted cocktails, and the one-of-a-kind décor, Fentonelli’s takes the dining experience to a whole new level.
Silver City is a charming town in southwestern New Mexico known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant art scene. It’s also at least 10 degrees cooler there, making this the perfect getaway trip. Here's a detailed plan for your visit from Tucson this summer, or really any time of year!
The drive east from Tucson to Silver City takes about three and a half hours. You can take the I-10 East toward Deming, then take exit 82 towards NM-90 south and follow the signs to Silver City.
For those of you considering a trek out to the epic Gila Cliff Dwellings, be sure to note that the distance might look smaller on a map than it really is. The 44-mile highway can take two hours to navigate with traffic. Despite the additional mileage, it’s a scenic setting and definitely worth the time it takes to get there.
The area has a rich and interesting history. Check out some key historical facts about the city:
• Silver City was founded in 1870, shortly after the discovery of silver in the nearby mountains.
• The city quickly became a hub for mining and commerce, and by the late 1800s, it was one of the largest cities in New Mexico.
• In 1893, the Panic of 1893 caused a nationwide economic depression, which had a significant impact on the mining industry in Silver City. Many mines closed and the population of the city declined.
• In the early 1900s, the city began to diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture and ranching in addition to mining.
• Today, Silver City is known for its vibrant arts community, outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic downtown.
There are several great places to stay in and around Silver City, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are a few options:
• Murray Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown Silver City, the Murray Hotel is a historic boutique hotel that offers comfortable rooms and easy access to local attractions.
• Bear Mountain Lodge: For a more secluded experience, consider staying at the highend Bear Mountain Lodge. They have a lovely cafe (Azul) that serves breakfast and the occasional weekend meal. Be sure to check out the hours upon arrival.
• Silver City RV Park: If you're traveling in an RV, the Silver City RV Park offers full hookups, laundry facilities and a convenient location near downtown Silver City.
There's plenty to see and do in Silver City, whether you're interested in outdoor activities, art and culture, or history. Browse some ideas below:
• Gila National Forest: With over three million acres of wilderness, the Gila National Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
• Silver City Museum: Learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage at the Silver City Museum, which features exhibits on mining, ranching, and the arts.
• Art Galleries: Silver City is home to a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Be sure to check out the Seedboat Gallery, Light Art Space, and Leyba & Ingalls Arts.
• Farmers Market: If you're in town on a Saturday during the warmer months, stop by the Silver City Farmers Market to sample fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts from local vendors.
• The Makers Market runs on Saturdays all year downtown with artists, makers, and growers from all over the region.
• Ghost Towns: There are several ghost towns near Silver City, including Shakespeare and Pinos Altos, that offer a glimpse into the region's mining history.
There are plenty of great trails for hiking and biking in and around Silver City. Here are a few of the best options:
"You can't park there"With talent from all around, Silver City has a sensational arts sceen.
• Boston Hill Trail System: Located in downtown Silver City, this trail system offers several miles of hiking and biking trails with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
• Continental Divide Trail: Silver City is the first official Gateway Community to the famous Continental Divide Trail, which stretches over 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico. There are several great access points to the trail in and around Silver City, including Emory Pass (more than an hour’s drive from Silver City) and the Gila Wilderness.
• Gila National Forest: The Gila National Forest is a vast wilderness area surrounding Silver City, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. The Little Walnut Trail, Signal Peak Trail, and Gomez Peak Trail are all popular options.
• Dragonfly Trail: This trail is a favorite among mountain bikers, with challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is located about 10 miles east of Silver City.
• Big Ditch Park: This park, located in downtown Silver City, offers a rough trail for casual walking along the Big Ditch, a historic irrigation canal.
There are several great fishing options in the Silver City area. Here are a few must-see spots:
• Lake Roberts: Located about 30 miles north of Silver City, Lake Roberts is a popular spot for fishing rainbow trout, bass, and catfish.
• Gila River: The Gila River is known for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities, with abundant populations of brown and rainbow trout.
• Bill Evans Lake: About an hour southwest of Silver City, Bill Evans Lake offers fishing for trout, catfish, and bass, as well as camping and boating.
BEST RESTAURANTS:
Silver City has a great food scene, with plenty of options for every taste and budget. Here are a few of the best restaurants to try:
• Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery is known for its craft beer and cocktails. Hungry? The brewery also serves up tasty pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.
• Jalisco Café is your one-stop shop for authentic Mexican cuisine. Sample from dishes such as chile rellenos, carne asada or tamales.
• The Corner Kitchen is an awesome elevated comfort food restaurant in downtown Silver City.
• The Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House is an awesome experience in Pinos Altos.
• And a new addition: Whisky Creek Zocalo, offering food, beverages, and a venue to host events.
WEATHER IN THE FALL MONTHS:
Fall is a great time to visit Silver City, as the temperatures start to cool down. In September, the average high temperature is around 82°F (28°C), with lows around 49°F (9°C). October brings cooler temperatures, with highs around 72°F (22°C) and lows around 38°F (3°C). November is the coolest month of fall, with highs around 61°F (16°C) and lows around 26°F (-3°C). Be sure to bring layers and a jacket for the cooler temperatures in the evening.
A visit to Silver City from Tucson offers a great mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you're interested in hiking, art or just soaking up the local atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Grilling and summer nights go hand in hand, don’t you think? Check out some of our favorite recipes to enjoy all season long.
• 4 chicken breast fillets
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped oregano
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• A pinch of red chili flakes
• Salt
Salt and pepper the chicken. Cook on a hot grill until done (internal temperature of 165 degrees).
In a blender container, combine all ingredients and puree with a little water if necessary.
Serve the chicken with the Chimichurri on the side.
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage links, cut into 3” pieces
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Thread meat, peppers, and onions onto wooden skewers (soak in water first). Brush with olive oil and cook on a hot grill until cooked through, about 7 minutes per side.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pineapple cut into spears or thick slices
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Lay the pineapple spears or slices on a pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread on top of the pineapple using a cooking brush.
Grill for about 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush the excess sauce from the pan back on top of the pineapple before serving.
CONTINUED >
For Smoky Dressing:
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup organic canola
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves
For Avocado-Oregano Relish:
• 2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 tablespoons organic canola oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For Grilled Skirt Steak:
• 2 pounds skirt steak, cut crosswise (against the grain) into 3 equal pieces
• 1 tablespoon organic canola oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
For Smoky Dressing: Combine the red wine, garlic, chipotle chiles, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the motor running, slowly drizzle the oil and blend until emulsified. Add the cilantro, stir, and serve.
For Avocado-Oregano Relish: Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl.
For Grilled Skrit Steak: Fire up your grill to high heat. Brush the steak with the oil and season both sides with the oil. Grill, turning once, for 6-8 minutes, until charred and cooked medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for five minutes.
Cut the meat against the grain into 1/2 inchthick slices. Drizzle with the dressing and top with avocado relish.
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A safe and calm environment for therapy
According to Erica Saunders at Tucson Counseling Associates it’s an exciting time for mental wellness.
Two decades of experience have inspired Saunders to take a holistic approach to her practice. She wanted to give her patients treatment options aside from medication and became passionate about the growing research surrounding the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.
“Medication has its value for a lot of people, but it’s not for everyone,” she said. Many psychedelic substances are illegal. However, one is legal, easily accessible, and holds promising results as an alternative treatment: ketamine.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) has been on the rise as an alternative treatment for patients suffering from depression, especially following the mental health crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. TCA began providing this treatment in 2021 and has had a steady stream of patients seeking the treatment since its opening. All of the ketamine-assisted psychotherapists at TCA are trained in best practices from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.
According to Saunders, the goal of KAP is to, “capitalize on the neuroplasticity and neurogenesis of the ketamine molecule.”
This effect is especially seen in patients with PTSD, she said. From a neurological perspective, she said that an individual’s brain can become wired around a traumatic event, keeping them in “survival mode” as a result.
“People aren’t broken, they’ve adapted,” Saunders said.
According to the TCA website, low doses of ketamine are minimally psychoactive but do place individuals into a dissociative state. This state gives patients a feeling of distance from themselves, which she says leads to more objectivity in processing trauma and greater feelings of self-compassion. This allows people to process their trauma in a way that won’t be inherently retraumatizing while also promoting feelings of safety within themselves.
The TCA recommends six weeks of KAP sessions based on best outcomes backed by research. After an initial consultation, blood work, a psychological evaluation, and an initial preparatory session, patients are given their first dose alongside their therapist and a nurse practitioner. Each session lasts three hours, with patients coming back after 24-48 hours after the ketamine dose for a talk therapy session.
ARTICLE BY ANNA MAYNARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY TUCSON COUNSELING ASSOCIATESInstead of a clinical setting, the TCA focuses on delivering an experience centered around comfort and safety. Sessions are held in a historic home in downtown Tucson, creating a peaceful setting for those undergoing treatment.
The non-ordinary state of consciousness ketamine creates helps patients literally “rewire” their brains to break the cycle of trauma. During a ketamine session, the brain is in a state of neuroplasticity, where neural connections are more flexible to change. The 24-48 hour window after the ketamine session is when the brain moves into neurogenesis, where new neural connections are made and sustained.
“Really helping people reconnect with their trust of self is inherently trauma healing,” she said.
Ketamine therapy is becoming more and more common as more information is learned about its benefits, Saunders said. Although she says that there is still a stigma around the usage of psychedelic substances, extensive research has been done to confirm the safety of ketamine’s sedation effects.
ERICA SAUNDERSTCA provides educational materials for those who are looking to understand exactly what the treatment entails. Saunders encourages anyone who is interested in KAP to visit their website at tucsoncounselingassociates.com, or call their office at (520)-214-0818.
“REALLY HELPING PEOPLE RECONNECT WITH THEIR TRUST OF SELF IS INHERENTLY TRAUMA HEALING.”
Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.
Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!
TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART | 10:00 AM
The sacred story of Popol Vuh describes a Maya vision of the origins of the world and the actions and exploits of two heroic twin brothers who descend to the underworld to conquer Death. The story is considered one of the most important recorded stories of the Indigenous Americas. Runs through January 28.
KINO SPORTS COMPLEX NORTH STADIUM | 7:00 PM
FC Tucson, Tucson's professional soccer club, plays against Arizona Arsenal at Kino North Stadium. There will be an Independence Day celebration with post-match fireworks.
JAME D KRIEGH PARK | 5:00 PM
The event runs until 9:00 pm. Attendees can also enjoy food trucks, jumping castles, face painting, a beer garden, kids' crafts, a photo booth, lawn games and much more! Oro Valley Aquatic Center will be open until 8 p.m.
MEDIGOVICH FIELD IN TOMBSTONE | 6:00 PM
Tombstone hosts a small-town July 4th celebration with evening festivities and food vendors. The fireworks begin at dusk.
JULY 6TH
6420 N. CAMPBELL AVE. | 4:00 PM
Enjoy original paintings, sculptures, jewelry, furniture and more at the intersection of E. Skyline Drive and N. Campbell Avenue (southwest and northeast corners of Campbell and Sunrise). Participating Galleries: FoR Fine Art, Jane Hamilton Fine Art, Sanders Galleries, Settlers West, Sunset Interiors & Design, Wilde Meyer Gallery. Ends at 7:00 p.m.
JULY 8TH
PIMA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
5:00 PM
Enjoy evening hours at the museum with reduced prices, kids' activities and scavenger hunts. This includes an aviation-photography class and kids drawing and sketching lessons.
JULY 8TH
APPLE ANNIE'S (6405 W. WILLIAMS ROAD) IN WILLCOX
8:00 AM
Discover sweet corn picked at the peak of the season. Many other vegetables will be available for you to pick. Enjoy hot roasted sweet corn with butter! It is a treat you won't want to miss. Closes at 5:00 PM.
JULY 14TH
CASINO DEL SOL CASINO AVA
AMPHITHEATER | 8:00 PM
Ramón Covarrubias Garza, known by his stage name Ramón Ayala, is a Mexican singer, composer and songwriter of norteño music.
Los Tucanes De Tijuana are a Mexican norteño band led by Mario Quintero Lara. The band was founded in Tijuana, Baja California in 1987.
JULY 22ND
DESERT DIAMOND CASINO |
7:00 PM
Grand Funk Railroad is a high-energy five-piece group that includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums) and Mel Schacher (bass). Enjoy hits including "We're an American Band" and other favorites. The concert begins at 8:00 PM.
JULY 22ND
EMPIRE RANCH ON HIGHWAY
83 (18 MILES SOUTH OF I-10)
8:00 AM
Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy at the historic Empire Ranch set among the giant cottonwoods on the way to Sonoita. It’s a free, fun family event. There will be food trucks, and tours of the historic ranch with plenty of equestrian activities to witness. Ends at noon.
JULY 27TH
FOX TUCSON THEATRE | 7:30 PM
In 1988, Cowboy Junkies proved that there was an audience waiting for something quiet, beautiful and reflective. The Trinity Session stood out in the midst of the flash and bombast that came to define the late 80s. The now classic recording combined folk, blues and rock in a way that had never been heard before.
AUGUST 8TH
DESERT DIAMOND CASINO
7:00 PM
Nicolas Reyes has been the leader and co-founder of the Gipsy Kings for more than 30 years. In the past three decades, they have dominated the World Music charts and sold more than 14 million albums worldwide. Concert begins at 8:00 PM.