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Showing posts from April, 2015

Merchant Square Antique Marketplace

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Picture is from their website. The Merchant Square Antique Marketplace is located in Chandler, AZ.  Inside the 58,000 square foot facility you will find over 200 wholesalers with items in either 130 booths or one of the 104 glass cabinets.  They have an array of things such as furniture, lighting, jewelry, vintage/antique items, and much more.  They also have over 18,000 square feet of outdoor space too with lots more stuff.  We were informed that in the near future, they will have a restaurant for shoppers to relax and grab something to eat or drink, before or after shopping at the marketplace. Check out their website to check out more of what they are all about:   http://www.merchantsquareantiques.com/

The Mojave Maiden

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I know you have heard the saying, “it’s a small world”, and have been in a situation where those four little words have proven to be true.  This just happened to me on my trip to Tubac at the end of March.  My sister-in-law, Debra, and I were staying at the Poston House Inn enjoying our breakfast.  We started talking to an elderly couple and their daughter who also decided to take a trip to Tubac the same weekend.  We began the conversation by talking with them about turquoise because we were all wearing at least one piece.  The man knew every little thing about the mineral from the type to where they were mined.  The entire time while chatting with them, I kept thinking that their daughter looked so familiar.  I found out later why. I was telling them about my Arizona travel book and offered them a copy.  When I brought it back, and after seeing my name, their daughter asked if I worked at SRP many years ago.  Bazinga!  Over 30 years ago, I worked for SRP (Salt River Project)

Mexican Piloncillo

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This was given to me by Mary at the Poston House Inn in Tubac, AZ. What is Mexican Piloncillo?  Basically it is raw, unrefined, non-processed sugar that is pressed into a cone shape.  The name Piloncillo means "little pylon" because of its shape.  It has a brown sugar with molasses flavor to it, but does not contain any molasses.  You can find them in 2 ounce or 8 ounce cones and use it in any recipe that calls for brown sugar.  You can buy each cone in either light or dark.  There are many types of Mexican recipes where Piloncillo is used. You can find them online. I love the way Mary displayed her collection of Piloncillo.  At first I thought they were candles and was wondering why they didn't have wicks.  She told me that they were raw sugar cones.

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

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Between the years 1687 to 1711, the Jesuit, Eusebio Francisco Kino, founded missions in and around the Tubac area in Arizona.  His thought was to manipulate the local Native Americans into becoming Christians.  Tumacacori, which it 4 miles south of Tubac, was constructed in 1691, and the tiny settlement of Piman was used as a mission hacienda.  By the 1730’s, Spanish migrants inhabited the area, farming and cattle ranching.  In 1751 a gory rebellion devastated the town of Tubac, and a year later in June, the Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac was initiated.  Around 50 armed men were assigned to protect the presidio, and those living in the area. “Juan Bautista de Anza II, second commander of the presidio, led two overland expeditions to the Pacific, resulting in the founding of San Francisco, in 1776. Several hundred colonists from the provinces of Sinaloa and Sonora, along with sixty from Tubac, made the trip. Over 1,000 head of cattle, horses and mules were also gathered

Hozhoni: The Gathering Place

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This picture was retrieved from their Facebook page. The Hozhoni in Tubac, AZ, is known as the Gathering Place.  What exactly can you find in this establishment?  A variety of things from a coffee bar, ice cream parlor, bookstore, and reading room.  It is "an indie bookstore/spiritual center/art gallery serving Savagery coffee, Screamery ice cream & simply sensational home-baked goods" as stated on their Facebook page.  They even host a variety of events as well.  I gave them one of my travel books, a card, and purchased a delicious iced coffee.  It is a great place to hang out while in Tubac. Check out their website and Facebook page: http://hozhoni-tubac.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hozhoni-The-Gathering-Place

Historic Old Tubac

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What is found in historic old Tubac?  I walked along the street and took pictures for all too see.

Sole Leather and Shoe Studio

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The Sole Studio showcases the talents of  designer James Culver.  His "working leather studio" can be found in Tubac, AZ and has an online shop as well.  You will find an array of handbags, belts, wallets and shoes.  All the buckles are handmade with each handbag and belt designed with many creative patterns.  You will also find lots of boots, and other types of footwear.  They even have various types of gifts, jewelry, and other miscellaneous goodies. Check out their website for more information and items for sale:   http://www.jamesculver.com/  and  http://www.soleshoes.net/ These are the Taos turquoise leather sandals I bought.  They are protected by Aegis microbe shield which controls odor, staining and deterioration.  Check it their website: www.aegismicrobeshield.com

Lone Mountain Turquoise Company

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Owned by the Winfield Family for three generations, this store is a Winfield Gallery triumph. The Lone Mountain Turquoise Company is a collection of over 3,000 artist works, featuring a colonnade of premium turquoise jewelry, rugs, pottery, paintings, baskets and sculptures.  Other Native American works of art are also highlighted. Read about the Winfield family, how they began their business, and see their gallery of gorgeous items at their website:  http://www.lonemountainturquoiseco.com/ Inside the gallery. The fire red opal ring with black stone inlay I bought for myself.