A Taste of Home: Gifts That Celebrate Community & Comfort
As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the things that make Tubac so special. It’s not just the stunning desert landscape or the rich history—it’s the people, the flavors, and the small comforts that create a sense of home and community. To celebrate this feeling, I’ve curated a gift for a handful of our best customers that highlights what I love most about Tubac and the incredible local businesses that have become part of my daily life.
This gift isn’t just about the items—it’s about the stories, the connections, and the shared experience of calling this unique place home.
Artisan Bread: Pain Au Levain
Barrio Bread’s Pain Au Levain has become a staple in my home. Its rich flavor, chewy crust, and digestibility—thanks to its natural fermentation process—make it a true comfort. I start most mornings with a slice of toast from this bread, and it always reminds me to slow down and savor the start of my day.
Arizona Blend Oil & Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar
From Tubac Oil n’ Vinegars, this oil and vinegar combo is something I always keep stocked in my kitchen. I love pairing them on a small plate, sprinkling with Maldon Sea Salt flakes and using the pairing as a simple dip for freshly baked bread from Barrio Breads. It’s one of those small indulgences that feels special, yet so easy to enjoy.
Farm-Fresh Perfection: Free-Roaming Eggs
Eggs from Cocinero Ranch - on the west side of Tubac - capture the essence of Tubac living—fresh, local, and full of charm. Their eggs are as fresh as it gets, perfect for any meal. If you ever pick up your own eggs, you’ll know the joy of pausing once inside the gate to let their free-roaming hens wander safely across your path. It’s such a simple but grounding moment.
A Warm Welcome: Coffee Gift Card
Love Brews, Tubac’s newest and best coffee shop, has quickly become a favorite spot of mine. Located in the plaza behind the Tubac Market (which you can’t miss when driving along Frontage Road to enter the village), it’s a cozy and welcoming addition to our community. Whether you’re sipping a seasonal sweet treat like Under the Mistletoe through one of their darling heart-shaped straws, enjoying a classic pour-over, or indulging in their delicious pastries and rotating food specials, every visit feels like a warm welcome.
Find Your Center: Yoga Class Gift Certificate
Breath Body Soul, owned and operated by Sue Berger, is Tubac’s newest yoga studio and a place of calm and connection for me. Conveniently located near Shelby's Bistro, the studio reflects Sue’s genuine kindness and nonjudgmental teaching style. A true light in the yoga community, Sue previously ran a successful studio in Seattle before bringing her warmth and expertise to Tubac. I personally love her gentle yoga classes on Mondays and Wednesdays—they’re the perfect balance of relaxation and mindfulness. I’m confident you’ll find as much joy in her and her classes as I do.
Sweet Indulgence: Macarons by Chef Sarah
Chef Sarah’s (She Eats) macarons are such a treat, and every bite is a testament to her incredible talent for pairing flavors. Her food is something I turn to often, whether it’s a catered event or a quiet evening meal at home from her weekly food prep and dinner to-go offerings. If you joined us for our season opening, you would remember her exquisite charcuterie board—she has a way of creating beauty in everything she touches.
Classic Comfort: Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies, baked by Diane of Olivr’s Cookie Jar, are the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug. We met Diane and her Great Pyrenees, Oliver, at the local dog park soon after we moved to town. Oliver is a comforting and grounding presence at the dog park, just as her cookies are a staple at our events. They’re always the first to disappear, and it’s no surprise why—they’re made with care, just like everything Diane does.
Each of these items has become a part of my life in Tubac—a life that feels rich with peace, comfort, and a sense of belonging. I hope they inspire you to discover and celebrate the people and small businesses that make your community feel like home and I hope you add them to your to-do list next time you find your way to southern arizona!
Appendix: Featured Businesses
Barrio Bread: 18 S. Eastbourne Ave., Tucson, AZ 85716 | barriobread.com | (520) 327-1292
Tubac Oil n’ Vinegars: 2221 E. Frontage Rd., Building A, Tubac, AZ 85646 | desertgourmetfoods.com | (520) 398-9883
Cocinero Ranch: cocineroranch.com
Love Brews: 18 Tubac Rd., Tubac, AZ 85646 | lovebrewsaz.com | (520) 398-3530
Breath Body Soul: 16 Tubac Rd., Tubac, AZ 85646 | Facebook
She Eats by Chef Sarah: Facebook
Olivr’s Cookie Jar: Contact Diane at (863) 414-0586
