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Jason Winfield of Lone Mountain Turquoise - Tour of Tubac
Jason Winfield grew up just 20 miles south of New Mexico, near a Native American reservation, where his family operated a trading post, turquoise mine, and gallery. The business was primarily focused on wholesale operations until that all changed after a fateful visit to see his grandmother in Arizona.
“She retired in Green Valley, and on
a visit to see her, we went to Tubac. My dad remarked how much the town resembled Santa Fe’s old plazas from his childhood,” said Jason. “My brother and I picked up on that, and wanting to open up to the public, we began scouting real estate. Lone Mountain Turquoise Co. opened in October 2013.”
Jason and his wife Barbara fell in love with Tubac, calling it a wonderful place to live and raise children. For the Winfields, it’s the best of both worlds to call home: a rural lifestyle with all the conveniences they could want. When asked what visitors should do while in Tubac, Jason and his family have several favorites.
Jason's Tour of Tubac
Top of his list is Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. The park holds relics from the time of the Spaniards and is home to one of the oldest schoolhouses in the state and the first printing press in Arizona. For outdoor enthusiasts, Jason recommends walking parts of the Anza Trail, which runs along the Santa Cruz River.
"It’s literally an oasis," he says. "You’ve got birds and wildlife, lush foliage—it’s not what you’d expect given that any mile in any direction of the Anza Trail is desert.”
Visitors can’t overlook Tubac itself. Known for its concentration of shops and galleries, he says you can walk into 20 different shops and see 20 other things you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Whether it's artwork, jewelry, or clothing, the town offers a diverse shopping experience. Even as a local, they all still enjoy wandering through the shops and discovering new treasures.
Jason's Taste of Tubac
As for dining, Jason notes you can't go wrong with any meal in Tubac, but he knows of a few standouts, the first being the Italian Peasant. This Italian restaurant offers all your Italian favorites, from a New York-style pizza to a lasagna, so what he says next will be a surprise.
"This is going to be the weirdest thing to say, but they have the best burger I’ve had in years," Jason said.
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Elvira's
Elvira’s is another noted eatery for its adventurous Sonoran cuisine and ambiance. He says you can tell how great the food is by looking at the parking lot on the weekend. It’s often full of vehicles with plates from Sonora, Mexico, which tells you just how authentic and wonderful the food is. Sonoramia Restaurante is also known for home-cooked Sonoran Mexican
food and is open for breakfast and lunch. And for consistently good food with incredible views, Jason points to the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa."You can look out over the golf course, once stables, and see mountains and even cattle walking on the course. It’s a whole experience," he said.
Heading out of Tubac
For those looking to experience more off-the-beaten-path attractions, Jason says don’t miss the Mission San José de Tumacácori. This amazing historical site is a must-see for history buffs and casual visitors alike. While in Tumacácori, you must stop at the country's oldest mesquite sawmill. Tumacácori Mesquite Sawmill is a working mill where you can see the whole process, from harvesting to creating beautiful finished products.
Of course, no visit to Tubac is complete without stopping into Lone Mountain Turquoise Co. to see handmade Native American jewelry crafted by artisans whose families have worked with his for generations. You might be surprised to hear he’s got pieces starting at $12.
"It’s nice to be a part of something so special, where every piece is handmade, and it all has a story," he said. “Tubac is one of the nicest spots in the world. After your visit, make sure to tell your friends.”
Lone Mountain Turquoise Co.
11 Tubac Rd, Tubac
520-398-2802
lonemountainturquoiseco.com