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A Tucson Treasure Opens Its Doors To Guests for the First Time in Nearly 40 Years:  In conjunction with the “Tucson Will Surprise you” Campaign, the former estate of cosmetics mogul Merle Norman treats guests to an affordable intimate resort experience.

Tucson, Arizona May 17^th, 2010 - - El Rancho Merlita Ranch House Bed and Breakfast Inn opened in March 2010. The Inn is offering a Summer Surprise Package with reduced rates from May 21^st – September 6^th, 2010.  Rancho Merlita is located off of Wrightstown Road between Pantano and Camino Seco on the near eastside of Tucson surrounded by extensive desert gardens. KMSB Fox 11 featured the Bed and Breakfast on its Tucson’s Treasures show.  Host Gina Trunzo said, “It is so peaceful and serene out here.  It does make you want to slow down and calm down.”  The Tucson Museum of Art League chose the Ranch House as the 2009 Designer Showhouse.  A record level of nearly 4,000 people visited El Rancho Merlita during the Show House to rave reviews.

Dark skies lead to bright views:Tucsonan uses powerful telescope to view and photograph celestial bodies.

Tucson, Arizona May 17^th, 2010 – El Rancho Merlita Ranch House Bed and Breakfast Inn announces an expert led Stargazing Night  on   Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Bed and Breakfast. Jim Militello of Galacto’s Astronomy is a member of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.He brings ten years of experience and a 14.5” Starmaster Telescope to El Rancho Merlita for a summer evening of stargazing.   Saturn will be the highlight of the evening.  Jim describes it as, “spectacular,” as the planet and its rings are bright and clear.  Other highlights will be Mars, Venus, star clusters, galaxies, nebulas, and an array of red, yellow and blue stars, sometimes orbiting around each other.  Jim uses a digital camera on his telescope and special software to create stunning images of the moon and other planets, which are available for viewing on his website.

Designer Show House 2008/09

This is a benefit for the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, which is hosted by the Tucson Museum of Art League. Dozens of local, professional interior designers and landscapers will be selected to decorate the entire home and surrounding property. They will recreate the landscape, hardscape, furnishings, fixtures, wall coverings, and paint, showcasing new trends as well as their own design talents. Over 8,000 people can be expected to attend the event within its five week duration. For more information visit tucsonmuseumofart.org.

Awards

Diana Osborne (DKO Studio)/Jan O'Brien (Arizona Designs) - Outstanding Kitchen Design

2006/07 Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Design Contest: This contest is the most respected within the kitchen design industry and is judged by a panel of professional designers representing the various disciplines under kitchen design. The contestants must submit their kitchen design featuring Sub-zero/Wolf appliances. This contest is not only nation-wide, but worldwide.