Just how good is the Tubac Country Inn?
When Ms. Karen & I travel, we prefer to stay at local bed & breakfast inns rather than chain hotels. If the inn is historical, all the better. If it’s within walking distance to points of interest and has a patio or balcony with a pleasant view, we feel exceptionally blessed. If in addition to all of the aforementioned, the innkeepers are knowledgeable and friendly, the food is good, and the bed is comfortable, we feel like we have arrived in Paradise.
Why Visit Tubac?
Such a place is the Tubac Country Inn. Well, the actual inn itself is not a historical building. But this beautiful little inn is surrounded by a history and cultural heritage unmatched anywhere in Arizona. Tubac is Arizona’s oldest European community and home to the oldest Spanish presidio in Arizona. Tubac is also the site of Arizona’s first state park.
Pima Indians have lived and farmed in this place along the Santa Cruz River for hundreds of years before Europeans arrived. Jesuit missionaries established missions nearby. This is the site of Indian rebellions and relentless Apache attacks.
Anza Expedition
It was from Tubac in 1775 that Juan Batista de Anza led 240 Spaniards on a 1200-mile trek to settle Alta California. All of the original settlers of the City of San Francisco came from Tubac. Each fall, Tubac Presidio celebrates Anza Days, a three-day festival honoring this historic Anza Expedition.
Without moving an inch, Tubac has been located in New Spain; the Republic of Mexico; the Territory of New Mexico; the Territory of Arizona; and finally, the State of Arizona. It was even briefly occupied by Confederate soldiers.
Art Colony & Unique Galleries
Starting in the 1930’s, Tubac became known as an artist colony. Today, Tubac is a delightful collection of over 100 art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Some of the art in our home came from Tubac galleries. So did all of our patio tables. We have three patios, so that’s a lot of outdoor furniture.
When we are looking for unique pieces, Tubac is our go-to place of choice. For example, the four highly stylized Kachina dolls that grace our fireplace mantle came from Tubac. Most of our cocktail glasses came for another Tubac shop that we frequent. And my Edward Curtis 1905 portrait of Geronimo hangs on the living room wall above the TV cabinet. It was taken the day after the old shaman led Theodore Roosevelt’s huge inaugural parade.
Annual Festivals
In addition to Anza Days, each November the Tubac Fall Art & Crafts Festival draws thousands of visitor and each February, the Tubac Festival of the Arts attracts even more.
Location
The Tubac Chamber of Commerce calls Tubac “The Place Where Art & History Meet”. And we agree. Moreover, the Tubac Country Inn is in easy walking distance to all of this and only a short drive to even more.
I mention all of this because, typically, travelers decide on worthwhile destinations long before they choose a place to overnight. Tubac is definitely worth a couple of days exploring and Tubac Country Inn is our #1 lodging choice.
The Rooms & Garden
The Inn is immaculately clean. It has five rooms, 3 downstairs, 2 up. Each room is furnished in rich Southwest décor. A long porch in front of the downstairs guest rooms overlooks the desert landscaping. No doubt that is where you would find Ms. Karen and me at the end of a long day exploring the town and surroundings. Or perhaps on a winter evening you might find us sitting around the fire pit in the garden.
Breakfast
The rooms themselves have all the amenities we could ask for, including a kitchenette, wi-fi, and satellite TV. Each morning at 7:30, the innkeepers place a breakfast basket of yogurt, cheese, fresh fruit, orange juice and fresh baked goodies just outside of each guest’s door.
Recommended Tubac Restaurants
In easy walking distance from Tubac Country Inn are two of our favorite restaurants, Shelby’s Bistro and Elvira’s, a trendy Mexican dining establishment founded in 1927 in Nogales, Sonora. Lunch on Shelby’s patio is one of life’s great pleasures.
About a mile south of Tubac on the frontage road is Wisdom’s Café, another favorite. Wisdom’s has been serving authentic Mexican dishes since the 1940’s. This is where I take my Santa Cruz River Valley Tour groups after visiting Mission Tumacácori National Historical Park, just 3 miles south of Tubac. If you ask Mr. Wisdom, he will be happy to share with you the history of this place, including the room he was born in. Good Margaritas too. Just don’t ask for a prickly pear margarita!
We also like Tubac Deli & Coffee Company. If you like sandwiches made from Boar’s Head meats and cheeses served on fresh baked bread, you will enjoy Tubac Deli. The Deli is also a good place to get a cup of fresh roasted coffee.
There are other Tubac restaurants, but we have not yet reviewed them. However, innkeepers April and Ivan can help with your selection.
Hiking
Hikers and birders can walk along the tree-lined river on a section of the National Park Service Anza Trail. One of our favorite hikes is the Anza Trail from Tubac to Tumacácori and back. Four miles of trail crosses the Santa Cruz River several times encompassing 300 years of history with it. Several dozen species of birds that inhabit this area are seldom seen elsewhere.
The Innkeepers
The innkeepers, April & Ivan Drechsler, are among the best that we have experienced in our many travels. They have owned Tubac Country Inn since 2005, and clearly know how to make their guests’ experience exceptional. They will be happy to help you plan your Tubac adventure.
We think Tubac Country Inn is one of the best in Southern Arizona.
Tubac Country Inn
13 Burruel St, Tubac, AZ 85646
520-398-3178
