Welcome! Grab a seat and get comfy for the inaugural issue of Trail Mix, the newest (and I might be biased, but I'll even venture to say most interesting) email with the best things happening in Vail, Benson, and Sonoita. It's here you'll find stories, history, the great outdoors, invites to events, business news, product drops, and who knows what else! Every week will be something new. Here's issue #1! ☀️🌵⚡️
🎉 BUT FIRST: PRIZES! 🎉
4-Person Indoor Glamping Setup
$50 Gift Card to Saguaro Square
$50 Gift Card to Four Arrows Garden
Prize winners have been emailed separately! Check your inbox to see if you won!
TOGETHER WITH
DENTOPIA DENTAL
It might seem strange to start a FUN newsletter for families with a note from a dentist, but hear me out.
Visits to the dentist aren't exactly fun. Even less fun is the anxiety that builds up every time you or your kids need to be seen. Our family has just discovered the new team at Dentopia Dental and has been blown away by the gentle care, cozy vibe, offers of coffee right when you walk in, and the fun treasure box at the end, which rewards kids for keeping their chompers clean. No rush. No tension. Just peace...at a dentist!
If you're munching on trail mix this week, take that as your cue to schedule your appointment with Dentopia Dental. They'll help you work out the insurance details with full transparency. All you have to do is get the appointment!
Owned and managed by a Vail family! Reach out today to schedule your appointment.
Field Report
WHERE’S THE WATER?
It's time to drop some pins, assemble the crew, and plan to head out to where the water's starting to flow thanks to the monsoon rains.
Looking for tadpoles? Gotchya covered. Want a bit of a drive so you can soak up the quiet while the kids nap on the way home? Yeah, I got that too. Have fun and enjoy every step.
Cienega Creek Natural Preserve (Vail): Let's start in our hometown area. This backyard hike on the Arizona Trail has tadpoles, water flowing most of the year, and even some gorgeous tree cover once you reach the creek.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (Northeast Tucson): I grew up hiking here and remember the post-monsoon rain hikes where we got to down a PB&J by the river, then play alongside the water. When I got older, I ventured up to Seven Falls. No matter which water trail you choose, this place is a must for families.
Patagonia Lake State Park (Patagonia/Sonoita area): Looking for beach vibes without the drive to California or Mexico? Pack a picnic lunch, juicy watermelon, a shade shelter, and lots of water, then head South to Patagonia Lake State Park. If you're into fishing, bring your poles. There's that available too.
Parker Canyon Lake (Sonoita/Sierra Vista): Looking for another lake? Parker Canyon isn't far either. Hike the 5-mile trail around the lake, fish, or just cozy up to the water's edge.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (Benson/Sierra Vista): If you're into wildlife, this is your hike. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is known for being an essential migratory bird flyaway spot, probably because of the water (birds are smart that way). These wide paths give you great views of the water, mountains, and even some wildlife at times.
Important considerations hiking our salty terrain:
Seasonality is Key: The amount of water can vary dramatically depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. We’re in monsoon season with more rain in the forecast, so water flows are at their best right now! Still, always check current conditions and don’t sue me if there isn’t water when you head out.
Flash Flood Awareness: Desert washes and canyons are prone to sudden flash floods during heavy rains. Always check the weather forecast before heading out. If you see dark clouds, hear thunder, or notice rising water levels, immediately seek higher ground.
Personal Water Supply: Even when hiking to water, always carry more than enough of your own drinking water. Do not consume untreated water from natural sources, as it may contain harmful bacteria. Yikes.
Sun Protection: Just step outside and you’ll know how intense our sun is. Lather up and dress accordingly.
Leave No Trace: Snack wrappers on the trail are just…gross. Help preserve these sensitive environments by packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting wildlife.
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Great news from Vail Coffee Stop! It's not going away and instead will be transferred to a new set of loving owners. Stay close for the announcement of what's next!
Looking for an extracurricular that teaches your kids practical life skills and foundational biblical truths all in one? Registration is open for Foundations, a once-a-week class for kids K-5 run by Vail Christian Church. Register here before classes begin on 8/6!
Planning a Disney vacation? Get support from a local Vail resident who has traveled to Disney more times than she can count on both hands and feet. Email Gigi Annunziato from Gigi's Mad Hatter Adventures or join her free Facebook group for ongoing travel tips.
Book Block Party! Put this event on your radar for the Fall. It's a free literacy event for kids and the whole family PLUS there will be a large book exchange for kids and parents. Car show. Storytime. Food trucks. Giveaways. Kids activities. And more memories made than you can imagine.
A new restaurant is coming! Toro Bravo just hung their sign and is getting ready for a Grand Opening. Think we'll get an invite? ;)
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project, a job opening, or just want to give a shout out to one of your neighbors? Trail Mix has you covered.
PET OF THE WEEK
Meet BELLA! (ID# A873759)
Age: 4 years
Bella has the cutest freckles and the happiest personality! This sweet, smiley pup is full of love for everyone she meets and thinks she's a lap dog, despite weighing 65 pounds. Bella has done very well with other dogs while at PACC and would love to have a new doggy friend in her future home.
Fee: Bella is available for adoption at no cost. She is microchipped and up-to-date on vaccines and will be spayed upon adoption.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm - 7pm. Wednesday 1:30pm - 7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm
HOME ON THE RANGE
I'm a sucker for tree-lined driveways and wide-open spaces. Check out this home in Sonoita with all of the acreage, trees, and farm life you could want. Bonus: There's a tack room, pond on property, and barn. Dreamy!
Calling all realtors, contractors, nursery owners with hot tips about how to keep javelina from eating our porch plants: You can sponsor this section and offer up your expertise.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
July 24
Just Between Friends Consignment Sale: Shop for gently-used clothes, toys, shoes, books, baby gear, and so much more!
Cool Car Cruise-In at Freddy's in Rita Ranch
July 25
Just Between Friends Consignment Sale: Shop for gently-used clothes, toys, shoes, books, baby gear, and so much more!
Kid's Night In: Drop your kids off in their PJs with a comfy pillow at Pantano Church while you enjoy a night out.
July 26
National Day of the Cowboy: A family-friendly event with live demonstrations, music, poetry, vendors, and more at the historic Ranch House at Empire Ranch
Peach Mania: Grab those fruit-picking poles and snag ripe peaches off the Apple Annie's Orchard trees!
Just Between Friends Consignment Sale LAST DAY: Shop for gently-used clothes, toys, shoes, books, baby gear, and so much more!
Rincon Valley Farmer's Market: Fresh food, fresh creations from local entrepreneurs, and even a playground for the kids. Now in summer hours from 8am - 12pm
Sonoita & Elgin Farmers Market: Homemade goods, crafts, antiques, jewelry, soaps, you name it. This classic style farmer's market happens each Saturday from 9am to noon.
Taste the Desert (Cool Summer Nights): Sample foods from local chefs while exploring the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum
Night Ops: Photography and Art Night with extended hours to the Pima Air and Space Museum
Roasted Rattler: Modifieds Double Main Events, Pro Stocks, Hornets, Hobby Stocks, Bandeleros and Mini Socks at the Tucson Speedway
July 29
Bookmans River Summer Kids Events: Music is for Everyone with Jon: An interactive event to explore rhythm, sound, and creativity
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
SNACK BREAK
The Almost Everything Trail Mix
By the Simple Veganista
3/4 cup unsalted peanuts
3/4 cup unsalted almonds
1/3 cup unsalted pepitas
1/2 cup banana chips
1/2 cup chopped dried papaya
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (unless you're bringing this one on the Arizona trail, in which case, ditch the chocolate chips)
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 5:33 AM
Sunset: 7:28 PM
Air Quality: Good
Moon Phase: New
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman