The Historic Yuma Theatre, originally built in 1911, was a vaudeville theater before it was converted to a movie house. Now restored, it serves as the centerpiece of the Yuma Art Center (254 S. Main St., 373-5202) and hosts a variety of shows. Don't miss the Art Deco murals in the theater and cast plaster bas-relief in the lobby, which date from a Depression-era renovation.

The Art Center also offers classes for children, youth and adults, and provides space and support for a number of arts organizations. Yuma Fine Arts Association (329-6607), curates the main galleries and operates a gift shop featuring work by local artists. North End Artists Co-op members demonstrate their work 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays at the United Building (on sale through the Art Center other days, hours), and the Village Art Gallery (341-0039) is also now showing work by local artists in an adjoining space.

For more hand-crafted items, don't miss "pottery row," where Tompkins Pottery (782-1934) and Colorado River Pottery (343-0413) face each other across a quiet block of Second Street.

From there, grab a quick bite at Das Bratwurst Haus (329-4777) or around the corner at Esther's Good Eats (783-7000) on Madison, then check out local history - and a beautiful garden and aviaries with live birds - at the Sanguinetti House Museum (782-1841).

E.F. Sanguinetti's gardens are also the site of The Garden Cafe (783-1491), and its Rio Colorado Coffee Company, where you can buy their signature "Yuma Spice Tea" to enjoy hot or cold.

You can also spice up your life with a visit to Ms. Betty's Boutique (329-4409) where the merchandise - and the owner - are always hot regardless of the weather. Great gifts are also in store at Prickly Pear (343-0390), along with fabulous home decorating items. At Basket Creations and More (341-9966), customize a special basket with a variety of merchandise and gourmet Medjool dates - or enjoy a frosty date shake while you browse.

Two special spots for wine lovers include Old Town Wine Cellar (373-0405), with a array of vintages from all over the world - try a taste of Mike's own selections from 5-7 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. At Yuma's Main Squeeze (247-9338), they're making wine from grapes sourced from around the world - have a party and create a batch to celebrate a special occasion or make your own special gifts.