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By John Hernandez
San Manuel Miner
El Rancho Robles was the site of a Meet Oracle Businesses event on Saturday, Aug. 10.
The idea for the event came from Blake Campbell, owner of the historic El Rancho Robles, and Seth Wilson from Biosphere II. Blake had gone to Biosphere II and asked some of the Biosphere II employees if there was anywhere to rent a room in Oracle. They all told him, “No, you have to go to Tucson.” Considering there are numerous bed & breakfasts set in historic ranches in the area, Blake and Seth thought it would be a good idea to have the Biosphere employees learn more about Oracle and the surrounding areas.
“There is so much potential, so many cool places in the area,” Seth said. The Biosphere draws over 100,000 visitors each year that are being diverted back to Tucson for things to do and places to stay.
Blake and Seth got a few Oracle business owners together and set up an open house atmosphere to show case El Rancho Robles and local businesses to people that work at the Biosphere II and for people in the area. There was food, wine, music and Evaline Auerbach gave a talk about Oracle history. It is hoped that Oracle businesses can partner with Biosphere II and they can promote each other.
Some of the businesses at the event included Nonna Maria’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, Tri-Community Visitor’s Center, Rammed Earth Solar Homes, Inc., Oracle Women’s Network (O.W.N.), and the home of “Glow” Triangle L. Ranch.
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