After taking 2021 off due to COVID concerns, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, grande dame of the city's gem and mineral shows, returns to the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., this Thursday, Feb. 10, to Sunday, Feb. 13.
The event, now in its 67th year, should be illuminating, having opted for the theme, "The Show That Glows." Its headlining exhibitions will be an apatite supergroup and a Fluorescent Mineral Pavilion, with more than 80 displays of trippy, brightly colored rocks to enjoy, in honor of the Fluorescent Mineral Society's 50th anniversary in 2021.
More than 250 dealers from around the world will be on hand to fill your shopping bags from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $13; children 14 and younger get in for free.
Visit for more information.
People are also reading…
10 new Tucson restaurants to try this gem show season
The Delta
A cocktail titled 鈥淜iller Parties Almost Killed Me鈥 is served in a ceramic peacock and set aflame at The Delta.
, 135 S. 6th Ave., was recently opened downtown by the same team behind the Southern-inspired restaurant, .
In addition to signature cocktails like the "Mississippi Lane" and "Phoebe Down South," The Delta's grill menu features giant fried chicharrones, savory popcorn dishes, pork belly skewers, seafood and dessert.聽
Flora's Market Run
Flora鈥檚 Market Run moved into the former Rincon Market spot on Sixth Street at Tucson Boulevard last year.
, 2513 E. Sixth St., is part grocery store, part restaurant and features a sushi bar, produce from local Tucson farmers, a cafe and a deli that will provide you the perfect cuts of meat to make an Instagram-worthy聽charcuterie board.聽
El Mezquite Grill and Taqueria
The confit of pata de pato, or duck confit, $24, is paired with potatoes, plantains and bacon.聽
, 280 S. Church Ave., and its聽gourmet Mexican, Spanish and French dishes聽can be found聽downtown at the new DoubleTree Hilton next door to聽the Tucson Convention Center.
Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe
Buendia鈥檚 poblano pepper is stuffed with a fresh green corn tamale.
Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe opened two months ago at聽2530 N. First Ave., where the now-closed Asian Sofrito used to operate.
feature a range of burritos, huevos rancheros, nopales, tacos, soup, seafood, and vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
Meyer Avenue Cafe
View this post on Instagram
opened Sept. 20, 2021 on the same property as the offers reimagined brunch staples, pastries, and an array of coffee and other beverages.聽
The attached Mercantile,聽353 S. Meyer Ave.,聽offers homemade goods and gifts, including beer and wine selections.聽
Little Love Burger
The聽BarBQtie at Little Love Burger includes swiss and cheddar, bacon, tomato, arugula, pickled onion and barbecue sauce.
Downtown Tucson welcomed 聽last fall at聽312 E. Congress St.
The restaurant, brought to us by the minds behind Playground Bar & Lounge and Hub, opened in October in the former Diablo Burger location.
In addition to burgers, the menu here offers hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and a full breakfast menu.
Buena Vida
This luchador-themed spot at 919 N. Stone Ave. had its grand opening last August, complete with a car show and live wrestling.
's menu offers a variety of tortas, loaded "Lucha Fries," Sonoran dogs, and salads with a Mexican cuisine-inspired twist. They have indoor and patio seating and offer carry out as well.聽
Transplant Pizza
Transplant, a Detroit-inspired pizzeria has opened next door to Craft, A Modern Drinkery taproom on East Speedway.
This pizzeria "born in Tucson, inspired by Detroit" at 4603 E. Speedway Blvd. comes from the minds of William and Travis Miller, the brothers behind Tucson's Serial Grillers.聽
The duo opened the doors of 聽last summer next to Craft, A Modern Drinkery, a taproom which they also run.聽
Perch茅 No Italian Bistro
Krissy and Bruno Girardi reopened the space that once housed Caff茅 Milano as Perch茅 No, which means 鈥渨hy not?鈥 in Italian. The Girardis say they fell in love with Tucson while on a cross-country road trip.
Meaning "why not?" in Italian, opened last fall in the former 颁补蹿蹿茅听Milano space downtown at聽46 W. Congress St.
Some of the new Italian bistro's menu items include pesto ravioli, lamb lollipops, spaghetti puttanesca, and calamari fries.聽
Thunder Bacon Burger Co.
The Thunder Classic burger is two patties topped with bacon, American cheese, thunder sauce, lettuce and a pickle.
This burger joint at 621 N. Fourth Ave. is the newest venture of聽Lindon "Lindy" Reilly, who founded Lindy's On 4th.聽
Several of聽's burgers feature the flavors of the Southwest, specifically roasted green chiles and chorizo, and of course, they all have bacon.聽
Intimate dining: Tucson eats to get you in the mood this Valentine's Day
