It’s that time of year again in Southern Arizona. The shopping season has begun. Soon the tourists and guests will be coming back to the area and looking for something to do. The specialty stores come out of hibernation with a newly stocked shelves and await the holiday season. What better way to shop than to meander the streets of Tubac looking for just the right piece of art, jewelry or furniture or knick knack to adorn you and your abode.
When Jim and I first arrived in Southern Arizona some 13+ years ago, we were told that Tubac was the Sedona South of Arizona. Well, not for its picturesque Red Rock Canyon obviously, but it is close to Madera Canyon and boasts a burgeoning Arts colony. A couple of times a year the artists have an open house studio. There is also a small but lovely Tubac Center of the Arts as you enter town at 7 Plaza Road on the right or south side of the street.
First, let me orient you to Tubac, Az. Plaza Road is the main entrance to Tubac off the Frontage Road. From I-10 take exit 40 and head south on the East Frontage road past the Tubac Golf Resort. Â Or go past Tubac and take exit 34 and head north on the East Frontage road. As you enter, Tubac Rd. forks off to the right.
There are numerous other streets in this small community which carry an assortment of galleries, gifts yard art and doodads. . There is too much to see in one day. You can return often and never see it all. We bought our outdoor metal and tile tables here. they deliver.
At the end of Tubac Road is the Presidio de Tubac State Historic Park, the first Presidio to be established in Arizona. Worth a visit especially for Anza Days in October.
Editor’s Note: Ivan Drechsler, proprietor of the Tubac Country Inn, provides these suggestions for some specialty shopping in Tubac.
Tubac Arts and Gifts – Fine Arts and Gifts from local and not so local artists. This shop is about unique arts and handmade gifts. If you are looking for something special, this is the place.
31 Tubac Rd.
575-640-6569
Tumacookery – A Kitchen Shop with an excellent selection of things you never knew you couldn’t do without in the kitchen. Also they have an excellent cooking school with a teaching kitchen. www.tumacookery.com
2221 I-19 Frontage Rd. La Entrada de Tubac, (Just behind the Tubac Deli from Plaza Road)
520-398-9497
Jane’s Attic – An original consignment store with an excellent selection of home furnishings and clothing. Just an eclectic collection, fun to browse and shop. Two locations.
8 Will Rogers Lane,
520-398-9301
K. Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden – Home to world-class art and sculpture plus interesting curios.  Fun to walk through the sculpture garden after lunch at Shelby’s. www.newbygallery.com
15 Tubac Road
520-398-9662
Art Gallery H – A contemporary collection of the gallery’s owners Karl and Audrey’s jewelry and art, plus a selected group of renowned artist’s works.
www.artgalleryH.com
8 Plaza Rd.
520-820-7000
Lone Mountain Turquoise – The best in quality and selection of Native American made jewelry and art.
www.lonemountainturquoiseco.com
11 Tubac Rd. 520-398-2802
James Culver’s Working Leather Studio – shares the building with Sole Shoes. The blend of stylish footwear and James’ one of a kind belts, handbags, and other custom leather products will keep you wondering as to what to get first.
www.jamesculver.com
16 Tubac Rd.
520-398-1841
Tubac Old World Imports (The Rug Store) – A must see collection of rugs from around the world and the Wilsons have long been a fixture in Tubac, with both father (The artist) and now son making the one of a kind selections. If you need an area accent rug, this is the place.
tubacrugs.com
7 Plaza Rd.
520-398-2369
The Country Shop – owned and operated by the long-time residents of Tubac, The Mungers have distributed their pottery and knickknack collections for years! Great gift items and an excellent selection of Mexican pottery to adorn and spruce up your yard or indoor rooms. Good prices.
Will Rogers Lane 520-398-2121
La Cucaracha de Tubac – Save yourself a trip to Mexico by shopping these direct imports of Mexican furnishing, tiles, glassware, art and hardware. A fun and eclectic selection.
18 Tubac Rd.
520-398-3165
There are so many other unique shops and stores in Tubac, unique metal art, paintings, clothing, yard art, pottery, mesquite furniture, jewelry and more. Tubac is a great place to shop if you are looking for something unique. We will be adding more shops as we get acquainted with them.
