Amado, Arivaca, Ruby
The Girls by an Old West Saloon in Arivaca
These white cows are affectionately known as “The Girls” in Arivaca, Arizona. Headed down the main street they appear to be headed for La Gitana Cantina, bragged on as being the oldest continually run saloon in the state, circa 1880. This scene is typical of the view you may see while visiting Arivaca. Quaint and slightly off center. The natives are friendly. Enjoy!
Get your Southern Arizona Audubon Fields Trips here!
As every birder probably knows local Audubon Society pages are a great resource and reference for Birding and ecology. Check out the following page for Birding Trips. Audubon Field Trips Other events and Educational courses sponsored by Audubon can be found here. Audubon Events … Read On
Ruby Arizona: Our Best Ghost Town
Ruby Arizona is about 12 miles from Arivaca. About half way there, the road goes from pavement to dirt. But it’s well-maintained and a standard sedan can easily travel on it (unless of course the area gets a hard rain). Again, do not rely on your GPS. ******************** Ruby was a mining [...]
Read OnThe Village of Arivaca, The Ghost Town Of Ruby, & Sweet Peas Cafe’!
The road from Amado to Arivaca winds through rolling, mesquite-covered hills. It’s obviously very popular with cyclists, motor and otherwise.
Just before we arrived in town, we came to the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge where, by appointment, we met and interviewed Richard Conway, a local geologist and Mary Scott, a seasoned birdwatcher and wildlife photographer.
Cow Palace – Amado
As you’re headed down the I-19 from Tucson to Tumacacori, you will see a sign for the little town of Amado. Most prominently, you will see two rustic looking restaurants across the street from each other.
One, the Cow Palace, has a large cow on the roof. The other, the Longhorn Grill, sports a gigantic cow skull for an entrance.
Amado Territory Inn – Near Tubac
We’ve eaten at the Amado Inn restaurant (very good), walked their pleasant grounds, and wandered into their artist studios. I had a brief conversation with the new owner, Wayne, and seen the inside of their inn. I have not stayed here, but this looks like a fine place to overnight and dine in the I-19 corridor when you are visiting the missions and exploring Tubac Village, Titan Missile Museum, or Madera Canyon. More info to come after I experience an overnight. Visit the website 3001 E. Frontage Road, Amado, AZ 85645 … Read On
Tubac and Tumacacori
The National Park’s Junior Ranger program
The Junior Ranger program exists throughout the National Park Service. Last weekend we took Anna and Isabella to Tumacácori National Park. Isabella (7) enjoyed finding the different pictures along the way. She received a badge and a certificate at the end. There are other Junior Ranger programs at other National Parks, including Saguaro National Park. Visit the National Park Website for more information. … Read On
Elvira’s Restaurant – Tubac, AZ
Elvira’s is a restaurant name with which I am familiar. Since 1927, Elvira’s was located just across the border in Nogales, Sonora. And was justly famous for excellent Mexican cuisine and fine dining.
Read OnMission Tumacácori – Annual Events
Each October the park hosts a commemorative Mass inside the Tumacácori mission church in conjunction with Tubac Presidio State Historic Park’s annual Anza Day celebration.
Read OnTumacácori: Mission; Ruins; River Walk
Mission tours leave from the Visitor Center garden and last approximately 45 minutes. Guided tours of two other missions normally closed to the public can be reserved.
Read OnTubac Deli & Coffee Company
One of the better places to eat in Tubac is the Tubac Deli & Coffee Company near the entrance to the Village. Coffee & Danish in the AM. Good sandwiches and salads in the PM. Or just stop in for a cold drink on a hot day. 6 Plaza Road Tubac, AZ 85646 (520) 398-3330 … Read On
Shelby’s Bistro
Shelby’s Bistro is a very good place to eat while visiting Tubac. It’s hidden away behind some shops and galleries and over a bridge on the south side of the Village, but once you’ve found it you’re in for a triple treat.
Read OnAmado Territory Inn – Near Tubac
We’ve eaten at the Amado Inn restaurant (very good), walked their pleasant grounds, and wandered into their artist studios. I had a brief conversation with the new owner, Wayne, and seen the inside of their inn. I have not stayed here, but this looks like a fine place to overnight and dine in the I-19 corridor when you are visiting the missions and exploring Tubac Village, Titan Missile Museum, or Madera Canyon. More info to come after I experience an overnight. Visit the website 3001 E. Frontage Road, Amado, AZ 85645 … Read On
Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
Relax, play golf where Tin Cup was filmed. This resort has its ups and downs but it is still classic and well worth the stay. Visit the Website 1 Avenue do Otero, Tubac, AZ 85646 … Read On
Wisdom’s Cafe’
Located on the frontage road just north of Mission Tumacácori, Wisdom’s cafe has been a family affair since 1944. Wisdom’s is justly famous for its fine Mexican food and margaritas.
Read OnMadera Canyon
Madera Canyon is a recommended side trip when you are in the I-19 corridor visiting the Missions, the Titan Missile Museum, or Tubac Village.The elevation ranges from 5,000-5,500 feet. The area is a birdwatchers paradise with over 250 species identified. This is part of the Coronado National Forest. It’s about 25 miles south of Tucson and 11 miles east of Green Valley. There are campgrounds and picnic areas and the extensive Santa Rita Mountain trail system is easily accessed from here. Detailed trail information and maps are available at each of the trailheads. Pets must be on a leash. At the lower end of the Canyon is a handicap-accessible nature trail. At the top are much more difficult hiking trails leading to 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson. There is no restaurant in Madera Canyon, so at least bring a picnic lunch and some snacks. Of the several picnic area in the Canyon, the one at the end of the paved road seemed to us to be the most appealing, particularly in the warmer months. As one of the premier birding areas in the United States, you can, with time & patience, see fifteen species of hummingbirds, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, … Read On
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Tubac is Arizona’s oldest European community. The 1885 furnished schoolhouse, Otero Hall, and Rojas House are all on the National Register of Historic Places. The Park features a small, but fine museum, an underground display of the Presidio ruins, Arizona’s first printing press, a picnic area, school house, church, and the Juan Bautista de Anza Trailhead.
Read OnStables Grill at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
April, 2011 Several of our friends rated Stables at the Tubac Golf Resort very good. So, last spring, when we were showing family the Missions, we stopped there to try it out. We four each ordered a different dish so we could compare. I summoned the manager, introduced myself and told him about the visitors guide we were developing. He explained that the owners of the Resort had just a few days earlier fired whoever was operating Stables, and the Resort was now in charge of the restaurant. Our food came and we all remarked on the delightful view overlooking the golf course with a small herd of lady cows and one massive bull wandering a fairway. Quite the hazard! Anyway, when the meal was finished I asked my guests how they liked their dish. Two of the three said they thought theirs was a little bland. So was mine. Oh well… Perhaps I will stop in again and see if ‘new management’ has got their act together. Website 1 Otero Road, Tubac, AZ 85646 … Read On
Wine Country – Elgin, Sonoita, Patagonia
Coronado Vineyards Near Willcox Az
Coronado Vineyards is just off the I-10 (exit 344) a few miles east of Willcox. To our delight, they had a great wine-tasting offer. Six different wines to sample plus the wine glass for only $7.00. Now, if the wines are any good, this could be a bonanza.
Read OnSouthern Arizona Wines – Sonoita / Elgin
Southern Arizona has two main areas for growing wine grapes: Willcox about an hour’s drive east of Tucson and Sonoita/Elgin less than an hour’s drive to the southeast. But when people talk about Southern Arizona’s Wine Country, they’re mainly referring to Sonoita and Elgin.
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