TUMACACORI  MISSION:  Founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1691, this beautiful structure was constructed by the Franciscans in early 1800.  The recent purchase of additional land will complete the total experience.  The Luminaria Christmas experience is a joy.

The city of NOGALES, SONORA: The city on the border is a fascinating place to shop, dine and savor the culture of our neighbor.  AN easy 25 minute drive from Tubac, Nogales has protected parking lots just a short walk from the border.  Nogales was once one city, but was split in two by the Gadsden Purchase in 1853.  Today it is a crossing point for produce with over 500 trucks a day from lower Mexico to stores across the U.S. and a leader in Maciladores manufacturing by American companies.

KARTCHNER CAVERNS: This spectacular cave is only an hour's drive from Tubac.  Held as a secret for 20 years by it's discoverers, this living cave gives close-up views of towering columns, shimmering soda straws and walls of flowstone.  A brand new visitor center completes the experience. 

PATAGONIA: This small town lost among the hills and far from freeways is a welcome respite after a day's hiking in the Nature Conservancy or fishing at Patagonia State Park.  An interesting coffee house and some really unique restaurants are worth the trip by themselves.  This is a good place to stop after your tours of the southern Arizona wineries.

WINERY TOUR:  In the small town of Elgin, 30 minutes from Patagonia, the soil is just right for grapes.  Fun times can be had at the wineries of Callahan, Sonoita Vineyards and the Village of Elgin.  How about great legs, good color, fine nose and a bit of tannin?

RUBY GHOST TOWN: Here's a great day trip.  Take hwy 19 south to Ruby Road and drive into the soon-to-be Santa Rita Wilderness past Pena Blanca Lake State Park to the rustic ghost town of Ruby.  A well maintained dirt road enhances the experience.  A tour of the old mining town is fun and educational.  After visiting Ruby you can continue on to Arivaca for some traditional afternoon saloon action.  THis is a good day's "adventure" from the seat of your car.

TITAN MISSLE MUSEUM:  Just down highway 19 in the town of Green Valley is the only remaining titan missile battery site in the U.S.  During the cold war with Russia in the 60's, our country built scores of these sites that that we could launch hundreds of nuclear warheads at the Soviet Union.  Today the guided 1 hour tour lets you experience what live was like for the air force personnel in the bunkers.  Well worth the trip.

SMITHSONIAN'S WHIPPLE OBSERVATORY: High atop Mount Hopkins sits this world-renowned telescope.  A 15 minute ride from Tubac to the visitors center, which is open nearly every day, rewards you with great exhibits and pictures, and bus tours of the telescope at the top are available from spring to fall.  THe view at the top is pure Cinerama.  Plan your day around this trip.