Welcome to issue #28 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Groundhog Day is behind us, and let’s be real: in Vail, six more weeks of winter just means we might actually get to use our fireplace three more times before the 100-degree days return. Whether you’re gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday or panicking about preparing for Valentine’s Day, I’ve got something fun for you to keep you ahead of the game.
~ Kimberly
Field Report
Your Local Guide to Vail-Entines
Whether you’re looking to impress a date, treat the kids to something other than chicken nuggets, or just find a good excuse to drink world-class wine in your own backyard, we’ve curated the ultimate local cheat sheet. From underground caverns to over-the-top steaks, here is how to win Valentine’s Day, local-style.
1. The Vineyard Vibes Date
Charron Vineyards Sweetheart Special: Just a stone's throw from home, Charron is dropping their much-anticipated Empire Sauvignon Blanc on Feb 14th. If you want to look like a hero on a budget, grab their Sweetheart Special: 2 tastings, 2 souvenir glasses, charcuterie, crackers, and 2 wine-infused cupcakes for just $50. It’s a ridiculous deal. Plus, you’ll get those "I’m on vacation" views without leaving the 85641 zip code. Details here.
The Comedy Show at Sonoita Vineyards: If your love language is "not having to talk to each other because a professional is being funny," head south to Sonoita. They’re hosting a comedy show on Saturday, Feb 14th. For $100, you get two tickets, a bottle of estate wine, and local artisan chocolates from Untamed Confections. Grab tickets here.
The Wine Run 5k: If your idea of romance involves a high heart rate and dusty sneakers, hit the Wine Run 5k in Elgin on Saturday morning. You get a medal that doubles as a wine stopper—the kind of practical desert magic we live for. Sign up here.
2. The Sunset & Stars Adventure
Valentine’s Star Party: The desert sky is Vail's best accessory. Pack a heavy blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa and head to the Arizona Trail trailhead at Marsh Station Rd. It’s far enough from the Tucson glow to see the Milky Way, but close enough to be home by 9:00 PM.
Gabe Zimmerman Memorial Trail: For a meaningful family hike, head to this Vail staple. It’s manageable for kids and offers that quintessential "Vail" view of the trains and the mountains.
Colossal Cave Starlight & Lantern Tours: If you want to see the cave the way the bandits did (minus the smoking fires and the pending arrest warrants), check out their evening tours. Seeing the formations by lantern light is arguably the coolest date night in Vail. It’s quiet, it’s eerie, and it’s the perfect excuse to stand a little closer to your "person." Check the cave schedule.
3. The Decadent Dinner Spots
Argenziano’s: It’s local, it’s Italian, and it feels like home. Perfect for a family dinner where nobody has to do the dishes.
The Barnyard: If you want a dinner that feels like a Pinterest board come to life, head to The Barnyard. With its rustic-chic atmosphere and modern farmhouse menu, it’s the ultimate spot for a Vail date night. Grab a table near the fire pits, order the ceviche, and enjoy the fact that you didn’t have to drive to Central Tucson for a craft cocktail.
Saguaro Corners: Located right on the edge of the Saguaro National Park East, this spot defines high-desert cool. They usually have live music and a patio that offers front-row seats to those neon-purple Arizona sunsets. It’s low-key, the beer list is massive, and the comfort food is actually comforting. Perfect for a post-hike Valentine’s reward.
4. For the Whole Family (No Babysitter? No Problem!)
Celebrate with Mr. and Mrs. Claus: Santa and his lovely bride are coming to Purple Heart Park on Friday, February 13, to keep the spirit of kindness going and celebrate with free activities for the kids! Look for more details in next week’s newsletter.
Desert Geocaching: Vail is a literal goldmine for geocaching. If you’ve never done it, download the Geocaching app and head out to the trails near the Cienega Creek Preserve or the Arizona Trail trailheads. It’s the perfect way to bribe the kids into a "romantic sunset hike"—tell them they’re looking for hidden treasure left by modern-day outlaws.
The Sweet Treat Tour: Skip the fancy dinner and do a local dessert crawl instead. Grab a specialty drink at Vail Coffee Stop or Caffeine Dealer, then head over to the Rincon Valley Farmers Market on Saturday morning to snag some local honey or artisanal baked goods.
Adopt-a-Plant at Four Arrows Garden: If you haven’t been to Four Arrows lately, Valentine’s weekend is the perfect excuse. You can wander the greenery, pick out a new desert-hardy love fern for the patio, and let the kids plant for free at their designated succulent station. They get to get their hands dirty and take home a tiny green friend, while you get to browse in peace. It’s a win-win for everyone’s sanity. Check their hours here.
Late Night Date Night at PACC: If you’re looking for a different kind of "soulmate," head to the Pima Animal Care Center on Saturday, 2/14. They are hosting an extended hours adoption event (10 am–6 pm). All animals (cats and kittens included) are free to adopt, and they’re even sending home gift bags with new pet parents.
PET OF THE WEEK
Austin - A890263
Neutered male, lynx point Domestic Shorthair
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Weight: approximately 8.3 lbs.
Age: about 1 year old and 9 months old.
Austin is a stunningly beautiful boy who has been at PACC for several weeks, recovering from a URI and a case of calici. He is the friendliest kitty who loves a good scritch and a snuggle. It is way past time for this handsome young fellow to find his forever home. He can leave today with you.
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Willer's Woodwinds offers lessons on flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, and recorder to all ages and levels. Lessons are taught by experienced educator and performer Dr. Brenda Buys.
Now Open Fridays!
The Vail Depot is officially opening its doors on Fridays, starting February 6th! To celebrate the new hours, they’re throwing a "Half-Off" party. This Friday only, all bottoms for kids and adults are 50% OFF. Whether you need to replace the jeans your kid just ripped, or you’re looking for some fresh desert-hiking gear, mark your calendars and get there early.
New to Vail? Learn to Grow at Four Arrows Garden
New to desert living? This free monthly class at Four Arrows Garden will help you settle in, and learn a few desert secrets so you can grow with confidence (and maybe make a few new friends along the way). This class is designed for brand-new desert gardeners and is offered once a month with the same foundational material each time. Think of it as Desert Plants 101—the stuff you really need to know.
HOME ON THE RANGE
Welcome to an updated Home on the Range section. It’s here where we drink our coffee together on the porch as we talk about what it’s like to live in the desert.
Realtors! If you have a home you’d like to highlight, secure your spot here.
Need an Airbnb for Visiting Family?
This is the time of year when family loves to visit us and our gorgeous 70-degree weather! If you’re looking for a local Airbnb for family to stay and soak up the beautiful Arizona desert, check out this rental. Your guests will wake up just steps from the iconic trails of Sabino Canyon and enjoy one of the best locations for hiking, biking, and desert exploration. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is perfectly suited for families, groups, and outdoor lovers who want comfort, space, and unbeatable access to nature right outside the front door.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
February 5
Desert Life Storytime | Vail Christian Church | 9 AM - 10 AM
Tucson Gem Show: JOGS International Exhibits | Tucson Expo Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
Just Between Friends Spring Sale | Former Big Lots on Harrison | 10 AM - 8 PM
It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
February 6
Stay and Play | Christ Lutheran Vail | 9 AM - 10 AM
Just Between Friends Spring Sale | Former Big Lots on Harrison | 10 AM - 8 PM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Tucson Gem Show: JOGS International Exhibits | Tucson Expo Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
Gem and Jam Festival 2026 | Pima County Fairgrounds | Noon to Midnight
February 7
Second Saturdays Between the Tracks (happening THIS Saturday because of Vail Pride Day on February 14) | Vail Coffee Stop | 8 AM - 1 PM
Free Class: New to Vail? Let’s Grow! | Four Arrows Garden | 10 AM - 11 AM
Just Between Friends Spring Sale | Former Big Lots on Harrison | 10 AM - 8 PM
Rodeo Round Up | Park Place | Noon - 2 PM
Gem and Jam Festival 2026 | Pima County Fairgrounds
Tucson Gem Show: JOGS International Exhibits | Tucson Expo Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
February 8: Super Bowl Sunday
Tucson Gem Show: JOGS International Exhibits | Tucson Expo Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
Gem and Jam Festival 2026 | Pima County Fairgrounds
February 9
Valentine’s Line Dancing + Live DJ | Forty Niner | 6 PM - 8 PM
February 10
Tucson Gem Show: JOGS International Exhibits | Tucson Expo Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
Family Storytime | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Read to a Dog | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
LEGO Club | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Community Meeting: South East Area Council | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 5 PM - 6:45 PM
Tween PC Gaming Madness | Kirk-Bear Canyon Library | 5 PM - 6 PM
February 11
Toddler Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
STEAM Club | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
SNACK BREAK
Valentine’s Day Chex Mix
3 cups Chex , rice or corn
2 cups Cheerios
2 cups pretzel sticks , broken in half
1 cup Valentine M&M's , more if desired
10 ounces white chocolate , I used Ghirardelli wafers
heart sprinkles , optional
Combine the Chex, Cheerios, pretzels and M&M's in a large bowl. Stir until combined.
Place the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and then melt in 30-second increments (stirring in between). Do not overcook or it will burn.
Pour the melted chocolate over the chex mix and stir until well coated. Add more m&m's right after stirring if desired.
Then pour the chex onto a piece of parchment paper and allow to set until hardened (at least 15 minutes).
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 7:13 AM
Sunset: 6:00 PM
Air Quality: Fair (25 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman