Early morning drives to the airport, sleeping on the plane with a short hop and final designation….Tucson! It the ground running first thing in the morning yesterday after arrival, it’s good to be back, but there are some things that need still need some work and this review covers day 1 and 2 of this week’s adventure.
First up, a big KUDOS for the I-10 construction completion!!! It’s really great to drive all around on the new roads, on/off ramps, it really makes it easy to get around. However, the one thing that missing, the Free Gem Ride system that was only a part of the I-10 construction is gone. Though a few shows are offering free show shuttle between their and neighboring shows, you will need to consider renting a car from now on, in addition to everything else. And as far as parking goes, better get to shows early to get a spot; if not and you park on the street, Tucson PD is handing out those tickets as there is no parking on the streets where posted.
Here is our look at the first few days of our Tucson adventure; this year scheduling conflicts moved the trip to the 2nd week of the Gem & Mineral Shows, we’ll see just what’s different or not between coming the 1st week verses the 2nd week.
Disappointments:
JOGS – Just not what it used to be and again this year they are allowing the public in with “Guest” badges; everyone still has to register though to get in. The show was not completely full and had a great deal of finished jewelry; a few good vendors, but prices were high everything and selection was a minimum.
Holidome – Marketed as the “Show not to miss in Tucson”, I would beg to differ. If you are after finished high-end jewelry, faceted precious gemstones, gifts/clothing or anything of that nature, along with very high-end vendors then this is the venue for you. Prices seemed a bit high from last year and the returning vendors that we do shop with didn’t have the quality, selection or pricing as with previous years.
Middle of the Road:
Pueblo Gem & Minerals – Just a ‘so-so’ show with a full line of vendors for everything minerals, rocks, raw, and fossils and beads.
African Art Village – Not really, what I was looking for, but a first this year and probably won’t be on next year’s list either.
Tucson Showplace – Just a very ‘so-so’ show, mostly lapidary, raw materials, just not what was looking for.
Hits:
Gem Mall – This has to be by far the best show we’ve attended this week. An excellent selection of vendors, quality goods and prices are about the same or just above last year. The best news, not open to the public and plenty of free parking and will definitely be back on the list to attend next year.
Various Street Vendors – Starting with Days Inn (Globe-X show) to Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show were good and not bad. Many vendors willing to ‘deal’ but be ready to pay cash to get those deals and show your Sales Tax ID for any wholesale pricing where required by the majority of vendors at these shows.
The Tucson Adventure continues, as we review the different shows giving our own opinion and viewpoint.
First up, a big KUDOS for the I-10 construction completion!!! It’s really great to drive all around on the new roads, on/off ramps, it really makes it easy to get around. However, the one thing that missing, the Free Gem Ride system that was only a part of the I-10 construction is gone. Though a few shows are offering free show shuttle between their and neighboring shows, you will need to consider renting a car from now on, in addition to everything else. And as far as parking goes, better get to shows early to get a spot; if not and you park on the street, Tucson PD is handing out those tickets as there is no parking on the streets where posted.
Here is our look at the first few days of our Tucson adventure; this year scheduling conflicts moved the trip to the 2nd week of the Gem & Mineral Shows, we’ll see just what’s different or not between coming the 1st week verses the 2nd week.
Disappointments:
JOGS – Just not what it used to be and again this year they are allowing the public in with “Guest” badges; everyone still has to register though to get in. The show was not completely full and had a great deal of finished jewelry; a few good vendors, but prices were high everything and selection was a minimum.
Holidome – Marketed as the “Show not to miss in Tucson”, I would beg to differ. If you are after finished high-end jewelry, faceted precious gemstones, gifts/clothing or anything of that nature, along with very high-end vendors then this is the venue for you. Prices seemed a bit high from last year and the returning vendors that we do shop with didn’t have the quality, selection or pricing as with previous years.
Middle of the Road:
Pueblo Gem & Minerals – Just a ‘so-so’ show with a full line of vendors for everything minerals, rocks, raw, and fossils and beads.
African Art Village – Not really, what I was looking for, but a first this year and probably won’t be on next year’s list either.
Tucson Showplace – Just a very ‘so-so’ show, mostly lapidary, raw materials, just not what was looking for.
Hits:
Gem Mall – This has to be by far the best show we’ve attended this week. An excellent selection of vendors, quality goods and prices are about the same or just above last year. The best news, not open to the public and plenty of free parking and will definitely be back on the list to attend next year.
Various Street Vendors – Starting with Days Inn (Globe-X show) to Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show were good and not bad. Many vendors willing to ‘deal’ but be ready to pay cash to get those deals and show your Sales Tax ID for any wholesale pricing where required by the majority of vendors at these shows.
The Tucson Adventure continues, as we review the different shows giving our own opinion and viewpoint.
