Birthday Vacation

1950s Red Bandanna Print Swirl Wrap Dress

1940s Lucite 'A' Pin

1940s Red Celluloid and Rhinestone Earrings

Red Hibiscus

Rocket Originals "Esther" Wedges

For my birthday, my Sweetie took me on a little vacation to Tucson and Bisbee. We've both been in need of a little getaway, and as we love exploring our home state, we decided to head down south again!

We stayed in Tucson first, spending the night at the Hotel Congress. The rooms at the hotel have maintained their wonderful vintage feel with wrought iron bed frames, tiny but original tiled bathrooms, and no televisions. They even continue to use the original switchboard telephone system! We had dinner that night at a delightful Italian restaurant, Caruso's, that had been recommended to us by our friend Syd. Our dinner was wonderful, and we plan on eating here the next time we visit! That evening we strolled around town, did a little shopping, and enjoyed the sights and balmy weather.

Preparing to kick butt at air hockey. And by kick butt, I mean lose all the games to my Sweetie!

Able Grable Ready Hedy Dress

Red Celluloid Button Necklace

Red Bakelite Earrings

Red Linen 40s Heels

Red Hibiscus

The next day, we enjoyed breakfast at the Cup Cafe downstairs, and then wandered around town a little more. We checked out the old train station and took a few photos before heading out of town. On our way to Bisbee, we decided to take a more scenic route and ended up stopping at Kartchner Caverns. As luck would have it, we were able to make the last tour of the day--though we did have to do a little running to make it there in time! We had never been to this cave before--it's discovery was fairly recent (the late 70s), and it's remained nearly pristine and living due to careful preservation efforts. Definitely one of nature's gems!

How does this switchboard work?

1940s-50s White Barkcloth Dress with Red Ranch Brand Print

Red Cinch Belt

1940s Red Plastic and Rhinestone Earrings

1940s Red Celluloid Cowboy Hat and Gun Pin

Rocket Originals Esther Wedges

We checked into our favorite trailer at The Shady Dell, the Royal Mansion, as the sun was setting. After a bit of freshening up (damp cave weather isn't very kind to 1940s hair) headed out for another nice dinner, this time at the Copper Queen Hotel. After we ate, we strolled around the town, enjoying the cool night air and having fun people watching. Later on, we took another midnight graveyard tour--no ghosts again, though we did see a bat!

Dressed for Dinner
1940s White Barkcloth Dress with Green and Rust Palm Tree Print
Narrow Belt
1940s Tropical Brooch
1940s-50s Silver and Green Plastic Mask Earrings
1950s Wicker Purse
1940s Rust Leather and Cream Mesh Heels

Posing in front of an interesting artist's residence. It was surprisingly chilly enough for a coat!

The next morning we reluctantly started the trip back home, but not before meeting a fun-loving group of German filmmakers, who had stopped into the Shady Dell to get some shots and interviews with the wonderful park owners, Jennifer and Justin. We were included in this little jaunt, which was quite fun in a whirlwind sort of way! Of course, as this bustle was going on while we were packing up the car, we managed to leave a couple of items in the trailer's closet!

Meeting Harbie

Red Tablecloth Check Peasant Blouse Made from a 1940s Pattern

1950s Jeans

Skinny Red Belt

1950s Daisy Necklace and Earrings

Rocket Originals Esther Wedges

1940s Style Sunglasses

After a delicious breakfast in town, we started the scenic drive back to Phoenix. Along the way we decided to pop over and check out Picacho Peak in Tucson. The park was deserted and the sun was slowly setting, but we thought it would be fun to take one of the easy hikes and look for wildlife. We didn't see too much of the latter, aside from an adorable baby chipmunk and several hawks (and lots of bugs. Lots of 'em!), but the scenery was peaceful and our trail led to a nice overlook.

I call this the Sears Catalog Pose

You'll note my completely inappropriate footwear--yes, I went hiking in a pair of wedges. Now, mind you, under normal circumstances I do wear the correct foot attire for this sort of activity (much as I hate it, I don't really want to go tumbling down a mountain.) However, our little hike was very impromptu, and I managed to survive this time :-)

After that we made it home and collapsed into bed, feeling a bit like children on the last day of summer, knowing that we must return to work the next day!