The Spirit of Arizona Blog Series:   Tubac, Arizona

One of my favorite memories of yearly trips to Green Valley, Arizona to visit my parents was the trek to Tubac.   My mom, my sons and I would always make the time for a day in Tubac where I would always find one special art piece in order to take a bit of the Southwest back with me to my home in California.  

The charming spirit of this quaint town, surrounded by scenic high desert vistas, was always the highlight of my trip but never once did I imagine that I would one day call Tubac home.   And today, I still feel that same kinship with the unique artists' colony whose whose streets are lined with art galleries and one of a kind stores.  

Established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio (fort), today working artists' studios surround the grounds which once served as the home for a Spanish military garrison.  Its origins are not forgotten as evidenced by the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park located in the village's Old Town. 

The town's motto of "Where Art and History Meet" can be experienced through the more than 100 businesses that populate the meandering streets of the village, giving it a walk-able and friendly feel.   If you are an art lover like me you'll want to be sure to make the Tubac Center of the Arts a favorite for frequent visits.  It offers a full array of programming including a Summers Arts Program for Children and an array of workshops on all aspects of the arts, as well as seasonal exhibits that are not to be missed.