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Hi Tucson, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: Iconic peak’s volcanic story, a zoo’s conservation safari park, and a symphony with Pink Martini + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Tucson protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Iconic peak’s volcanic story: Tucson drivers know Picacho Peak State Park, rising from the desert along I-10. Hunter Trail’s steep climb uses cables, and spring can bring poppies and purple lupine when conditions cooperate — get the geology and trail details.

Spotlight on acclaimed writers: The Tucson Festival of Books will return to the University of Arizona Mall March 14-15, featuring SBS authors Mimi Nichter and Lydia Otero, with signings at UA Campus Store area — check out the full lineup.

Ambitious habitat expansion plan: Phoenix Zoo plans a conservation safari park in Sahuarita, 20 miles south of Tucson, with potential residents including giraffes and rhinos. The first 20-acre phase would rely on fundraising — see what’s being planned.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

All the crowd favorites:

• Ride retired rodeo horses in Saguaro
• Walk the red carpet at Loft Cinema
• Paint a wine glass, cuddle cats
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 This week’s top finds

Vintage treasure hunt alert: Tucson’s How Sweet It Was Vintage serves up sharp, curated finds along with a weekly Instagram Live “Shop Girls” drop. When your closet craves personality, expect statement dresses, easy-to-wear basics, and the occasional “wait, this exists?” gem… all selected with a keen eye.

Leave room in the trunk: Midtown Mercantile Merchants spans two floors of vintage and antiques, with rotating booths, Southwestern finds, mid-mod furniture, and quirky pieces that make a room. It’s easy to wander for 10 minutes and stay an hour… then wonder what followed you home.

Craving saucy wings? Flaps and Racks nails crispy bone-in or boneless wings with house sauces and rubs for every mood, plus Korean-style ribs and pork belly as not-so-secret ringers. Suddenly, a weeknight craving becomes something to look forward to.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🔥 Intro to Glassblowing @ Tucson Torchworks | Tuesday (3/10) at 7:00 PM – Trade night on the couch for an intro glassblowing class in Tucson, no experience needed, all tools included, $100 per person. It’s hotter than an August patio, but on purpose. Melt, shape, and leave with your creations, a humble brag, and maybe a new hobby.

🌈 Rainbow Rollers @ Skate Country | Wednesday (3/11) at 7:00 PM – Lace up at Skate Country on east 22nd and roll cute for SAAF, the local nonprofit that actually moves the needle. It’s $5 to get in, $5 to rent if your wheels are MIA, and it’s family-friendly, all are welcome, zero attitude, maximum nostalgia.

🛍 Christ Presbyterian Church Flea Market @ Christ Presbyterian Church | Thursday (3/12) at 8:00 AM – Christ Presbyterian’s flea is back, one of Tucson’s biggest, so dust off your bargaining skills and your reusable bags. Expect treasures, oddities, and useful stuff, from mid-century lamps to garden tools, all priced for locals, not tourists. Bring cash, sunscreen, and your favorite deal-hunting friend.

🐰 March Kids Club: Easter Egg Hop @ Park Place Mall | Friday (3/13) at 5:00 PM – If the kids have spring fever, Park Place’s Easter Egg Hop will burn energy and refill the candy jar. Start at Center Court for a scavenger hunt passport, collect eggs, then trade it for a gift bag, bragging rights, and peace. Spots go fast, register.

🍸 Tucson Symphony Orchestra and more @ Linda Ronstadt Music Hall | Saturday (3/14) – TSO is teaming up with Pink Martini for a night where Storm Large, Thomas Lauderdale, and a full orchestra, with Evan Roider at the helm, turn the concert hall into a cocktail lounge. Date-night gold, a trip to Paris, Havana, and Tokyo, no TSA required.

⛳ Not Your Average Golf Tournament @ Forty Niner Country Club | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Remember when golf meant whispering and waiting? St. Michael’s flips the script with its 15th year of family-friendly fun, inviting golfers, non-golfers, kids, and alumni to a custom hat bar, an air-powered golf ball launcher, games, raffles, prizes, and plenty of pre-St. Patrick’s Day cheer.

📚 Tucson Festival of Books @ University of Arizona Mall | Saturday (3/14) at 1:00 PM – The UA Mall becomes a sea of readers, strollers, and sun hats, otherwise known as the Tucson Festival of Books. Swing by the Beads of Courage booth to make something meaningful, enjoy neighborly chatter, and snag feel-good keepsakes, all free, all ages, all heart.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Tucson report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 84°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 5%

Sunny, with a high near 84. East southeast wind 8 to 12 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 5am. Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South southeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 69%

A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 2 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

Most popular house this week

La Villa Serena borders Saguaro National Park in Chaos Canyon and spans nearly 6 acres. This 3BD, 4BA, 4,425 SF contemporary arcs dramatically, blending stone, concrete, and steel with custom iron windows. Resort-style spaces include a large pool, covered patio with misters and fireplace, Zen garden, outdoor shower, private trails, and mountain and city-light views.

Take a peek inside →