Spirit Tree Inn B&B

Spirit Tree B & B is an outstanding and memorable lodging located in Patagonia, AZ, with easy access to the Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Lake Patagonia, Karschner Caverns, the Santa Rita Mountains, Tubac, and local wineries. There are 4 rooms in the main lodge, but I stayed in a 1930-era adobe homestead that was private and quiet. The breakfasts are healthy and delicious. Mary Jane and Tom are excellent hosts. I met folks from Canada and Wales, so word is getting out about this gem.

Solo birding trip and needed Elf Owl so I stayed here and I was able to see one in the early evening shortly after sundown. I was a also able to see a Violet-crowned Hummingbird at the Paton Center earlier that day so this was a successful stop but this B&B was shocking in terms of the building my room was in. Very old and moldy smelling room with tea colored water (smelled like iron). The kitchen was packed with lots of half empty bottles of wine and spirits on the counter top. I wanted to use the microwave but the power was off so I pulled it out to find the cord only to find profuse amount of mouse poop behind it. Pretty disgusting. The breakfast was pitiful. What kind of breakfast without eggs??

This is a birders paradise. We saw many wonderful birds right on the patio outside the front door thanks to plentiful feeders and water. The Spirit Tree is truly magical. Tom cooks gourmet breakfast and the coffee and teas would please a connoisseur. Mary Jane is delightfully friendly to help the guests feel comfortable and at home. Getting to know the inn keepers and the other guests is fun and interesting.

I feel compelled to post about the very magical homestead (BnB) my bestie found for our journey to Patagonia… because it was simply a magical place for us! The Spirit Tree Inn is named after this amazing and World-famous cottonwood which stands over 100 ft tall and is over 200 years old! It has been measured and recorded by professional arborists and admired by all. Hence, it is the ”Spirit Tree!” See the picture of said friend at the bottom of that massive tree! And when the wind roars through the top, it sounds like a freight train rolling through! The property itself hosts many dwellings and was a working ranch at one time. The house is 132 years old. All of the antique furnishings and room amenities casts one’s mind back in time… just close your eyes… Our hosts MaryJane and Tom were our sweet local guides. They made it feel as if we were walking in to ”home.” The front entrance to the Hispanic-influenced house had an array of feeders and landscape decor. There were chimineas and other Fire and Water features to attract both humans and birds! But be certain to close the gate lest the local javelinas should get in! I still have not had time to go through my Nikon bird pictures of to give a count of how many species we saw on that porch… but many for certain. See video! There was a sweet burrow and some friendly kitties on the property, as well as some elf pairs (sadly I could not find them, given our stay was only one night). Both my gal pal and I highly recommend this place should you ever travel to Patagonia… But be aware, only stay here if you are truly interested in endless “zen” moments outside the realm of technology (no room tv and limited WiFi). This is not the Hilton, it is an old ranch run by two older folks by themselves. You will find good old-fashioned hospitality, great food, strong coffee, birds and Nature, all in abundance! We shall see you again, Spirit Tree, real soon!

Spirit Tree Inn is truly a special place. I stayed there to go birding in the Patagonia area. The historic value of the inn and the welcoming owners were an added plus that made the stay special. The owners prepared a breakfast specially prepared with fresh local ingredients. The home and ranch property was fascinating. The visit was well worth it.

This amazing Bed and Breakfast is situated on a historical ranch on 50 acres of prime bird habitat for the bird migrations. We went in May and saw so many types of birds. The owner, Tom, was on site making is own tasty breakfast concoctions. They were unique and flavorful. Probably the memory will last forever, they were that amazing! Thank you Tom! The property has rooms inside the main house and casitas behind. We stayed in the one bedroom casita with 2 beds and a kitchen. The kitchen had dishes and pans for cooking. The beds were very comfy. The rooms all have antiques handpicked by Tom who is also a collector. He showed us many of his antiques and shared their histories. The outside patio is gorgeous and done in rock. It overlooks the main lawn and giant tree which has many nesting birds. There are horses and donkeys and wild javelins on site. There is a beautiful old amish barn that Tom had brought from the east and assembled on the property. There is a creek that flows in rainy season and rock outcroppings. Any outdoor lover would have a wonderful time here. Families would love it, bikers, hikers and history lovers too. The property is within easy driving distance of many bird sanctuaries, trails, caves and parks. It should be a bird sanctuary itself because of all the species and available food and habitat! The visit here far exceeded my expectations and I will be back many times to enjoy the hospitality and nature. It is a special place.