Summer in Tucson evokes the words of the titular jazz standard “”Summertime.”” This song, once my voicemail greeting, describes the melancholy and lovely things about the hot season. Arizona summers roast even the most seasoned of sunbathers to a leathery texture, but Tucson’s pace and summer flavor don’t burn me one bit.
Plenty of pools provide respite from the raging temperature, and air-conditioned movie theaters show the summer blockbusters. I’m not an action fan, but The Loft Cinema’s lineup for the new few months ain’t shabby. Downtown’s La Placita shows old films like “”The Wild One”” and “”Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”” for free, popcorn included, every Thursday night. Sneaking in booze adds to the experience considerably (or so I’ve heard, ahem.)
Unless you work in a restaurant and business has slowed to a trickle, the lack of students on campus and around can be downright pleasant. Not only can I ride my bicycle on University Boulevard free of multiple near-death car encounters (which I attribute to students late for class), but I can sit in the Student Union Memorial Center and let my eyes gaze on the peaceful emptiness (not booty shorts emblazoned with “”So-Cal””).
I love the UA, but I’m sure we can agree some students are less than considerate of … lots of things, including professors, bike-only lanes and other students. If you happen to be reading this during New Student
Things actually do happen in this sleepy
summer city – you just have to look carefully for them.
Orientation, please refer to my prior columns online detailing my intense love for the delightful hidden attractions of downtown Tucson. Or pick up a “”Tucson Weekly”” or a “”Downtown Tucsonan.””
Things actually do happen in this sleepy summer city – you just have to look carefully for them. In brief: eat at the Cup CafǸ in historic Hotel Congress and check the summer music lineup for the Rialto, Solar Culture and Club Congress. You won’t be disappointed. “”Bear Down,”” and all that other stuff.
If you’re feeling more melancholy than mellow, take a road trip to New Mexico, real Mexico, California or … the always-bumping town of Bisbee. Nothing says summer like CD mixes entitled “”Booya Boredom; Summer ’07.”” Or drinking margaritas, or mojitos or locally brewed beer at Nimbus Brewery.
So wear your sunscreen, soak up some UV rays, watch a summer flick or go ice-blocking. If this is your first Tucson summer, take heart that, come fall, everyone will be back. Until then, melancholy or satisfied, summer in the city will always provide for those who love a lazy summer. Happy swimming, kids!
