Tucson - American Southwest - page 393

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Dark Star Leather If you're in the market for a distinctive leather jacket, belt, or
purse, be sure to stop by this little locally owned shop in Plaza Palomino. Exotic leathers
are used in the one-of-a-kind designs. You can sometimes find great deals on sale items.
At Plaza Palomino, 2940 N. Swan Rd. & 520/881-4700. www.darkstarleather.com.
Maya Palace This shop features ethnic-inspired but sophisticated women's clothing
in natural fabrics. The friendly staff helps customers of all ages put together a Southwest-
ern chic look, from casual to dressy. Shops can also be found at El Mercado, 6332 E.
Broadway Blvd. ( & 520/748-0817 ), and at Casas Adobes Plaza, 7057 N. Oracle Rd.
( & 520/575-8028 ). At Plaza Palomino, 2960 N. Swan Rd. & 520/325-6411. www.mayapalace
tucson.com.
Rochelle K Fine Women's Apparel With everything from the latest in the little
black dress to drapey silks and casual linens, Rochelle K attracts a well-heeled clientele.
You'll also find beautiful accessories and jewelry here. At Casas Adobes Plaza, 7039 N. Oracle
Rd. & 520/797-2279. www.rochellek.com.
GIFTS & SOUVENIRS
DAH Rock Shop If you can't make it to Tucson for the annual gem and mineral
shows, don't despair. At this cluttered shop, you can pick through shelves crammed with
all manner of rare minerals and exotic stones. 3401 N. Dodge Blvd. & 520/323-0781. www.
dahrockshop.com.
Native Seeds/SEARCH Gardeners, cooks, and just about anyone in search of
an unusual gift will likely be fascinated by this tiny shop, which is operated by a non-
profit organization dedicated to preserving the biodiversity offered by native Southwest
seeds. The shelves are full of heirloom beans, corn, chiles, and other seeds from a wide
variety of native desert plants. There are also gourds and inexpensive Tarahumara Indian
baskets, bottled sauces and salsas made from native plants, and books about native agri-
culture. 526 N. Fourth Ave. & 520/622-5561. www.nativeseeds.org.
Picánte Designs The plethora of Hispanic-themed icons and accessories here
include milagros, Day of the Dead skeletons, Mexican crosses, jewelry, greeting cards, and
folk art from around the world. This is a great place to shop for distinctive south-of-the-
border kitschy gifts. 2932 E. Broadway. & 520/320-5699.
Tohono Chul Museum Shops The two shops here are packed with Mexican folk
art, nature-themed toys, household items, T-shirts, and books. These shops are an abso-
lute must after a visit to surrounding Tohono Chul Park, which is landscaped with desert
plants. Add a meal at the park's tearoom, and you've got a good afternoon's outing. For
a description of the park, see p. 378. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte (1 block west of the corner of
Ina and Oracle rds. in Tohono Chul Park). & 520/742-6455. www.tohonochulpark.org.
JEWELRY
In addition to the stores mentioned below, see the listing for the Obsidian Gallery under
“Crafts,” above.
Beth Friedman Collection This shop sells a well-chosen collection of jewelry by
Native American craftspeople and international designers. It also carries some extrava-
gant cowgirl get-ups in velvet and lace, as well as contemporary women's fashions. At
Joesler Village, 1865 E. River Rd., Ste. 121. & 520/577-6858. www.bethfriedmanonline.com.

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