Tubac, An Artist Colony

Acting on our aunt Jo's recommendation for lunch in Tubac, AZ, Cousin Dora and I made the 40-trip to the town that some have called "the Sedona of Southern Arizona."

It didn't take long after leaving the truck to understand how this town of 1,200 has come to be known internationally as Arizona's only true artist colony.

Some shops display the works of many artists in the yards and entryways to their businesses.

Metal sculptures of cacti, flowers, and animals filled the yard.

I was particularly taken by the metal and tile furniture. Whether it was in very colorful tiles or

in more moderate tones, these furniture pieces would be perfect in the right outdoor landscaping.

These two bugs happily swinging away also seemed to enjoy the furniture.

Tubac has a 250-year-old Spanish history, but as we walked around the randomly-positioned shops and restaurants of uniform construction, we thought this part of town didn't look a day over 25.

With over eighty galleries and shops that feature hand-crafted items, sculpture, paintings, and clothing, Tubac has items for everyone's style and budget.

And we were going to have lunch at one of the town's many restaurants.

As the town webpage observes: "Tubac is a gentle breath of fresh air in an otherwise hurried world."