Welcome to issue #40 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter that’s normally about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona, but is it time to switch things up? Perhaps… Read on.
I saw a rumor recently that Tiffany’s might be closing its doors at La Encantada, and it put everything into perspective: If a global giant with endless resources is struggling to make the math work, our local entrepreneurs in Vail are fighting an even steeper hill.
The financial landscape is shifting, and while it’s easy to pull back and play it safe, our neighborhood is defined by the people who don't. It’s the coffee shop owner who knows your order by heart, the artist pouring their soul into a craft, and the local shopkeeper who is more neighbor than vendor. (Some might also say, the local newsletter creator who crafts these articles and delivers them straight to your inbox free of charge… wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
These are the people who make our corner of the desert actually feel like home.
Moving forward, Trail Mix is shifting gears. I’m ditching the bulletin board feel to focus on the heart of this town. This newsletter is becoming a love letter to our makers, our risk-takers, and our local creators. Sure, events will still be a big part of that, because most local events are put on by these wonderful humans. I’ll be leaving the heavy news-y stories to outlets like my friends at the Vail Voice. While they cover the "what," I’ll spend time on the "who"—the people behind the businesses and organizations that make Vail worth living in.
I’ve got some big things planned, but I want to make sure I’m starting where you are.
Quick Question: What makes you open this email?
- The How It's Made Stories: Meet the founders and makers behind my favorite local spots.
- The Hidden Vail Guide: Show me the services and local gems I didn't even know were in our backyard.
- The Community Pulse: Keep the mix of local events and local stories—just give it more heart and less of a bulletin board feel.
- The Outdoors Guides: Help me fall in love with the desert life
Have a thought? Hit reply and tell me. I read everything—the big ideas, the small suggestions, and especially the stories of local shops you think the world (or at least, Vail) needs to hear about.
Big Love,
~ Kimberly
Field Report
The 2026 Summer Sanity Guide
Summer is coming, and registration windows are already cracking open. Here is a quick-reference list of local spots, studios, and programs that keep our kids engaged and our community thriving.
🎭 Creative & Performing Arts
Gotta Dance! (Matilda the Musical Camp): A three-week immersive musical theater intensive. Learn more at gottadancetucson.com
Drama Kids: Focuses on building confidence through acting, improv, and creative play. Learn more at dramakids.com/tucson-az
Integra Dance: Offers specialized dance intensives and summer programming. Learn more at integradance.com
🚜 Nature, Animals & Active Play
TRAK Summer Camps: Equine-assisted learning, nature discovery, and outdoor play. Learn more at traktucson.org/programs
YMCA (Ott Family): The classic, reliable summer day camp experience with pool time and sports. Learn more at tucsonymca.org
Rita Ranch Martial Arts: Focuses on discipline, fitness, and summer skill-building. Learn more at ritaranchmartialarts.com
⛪ Community & Faith-Based
Vail Christian Church (VCC): Preschool to elementary camps focused on songs, science, and social fun. Learn more at vailchristian.com
Living Branch Church (LBC): Inclusive programming with a focus on support and community connection. Learn more at livingbranch.com
🏫 Local Staples
Vail School District (VUSD) Community Programs: The logistical backbone for Vail families, offering consistent care and enrichment. Learn more at vailschooldistrict.org
Desert Dreamers Farm School: Hands-on agricultural education (check their site for latest seasonal updates). Learn more at desertdreamersfarmschool.com
Mighty Minds: Specialized support and early-childhood programming. Learn more at mightyminds.com
PET OF THE WEEK
Max: A662947
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: Neutered male, white American Staffordshire Terrier mix.
Weight: I weigh approximately 79.70 lbs.
Weight: Approximately 80 lbs.
Age: About 11 years old
Max may be 11 years old, but you’d never guess it. This sweet guy still has the energy and spirit of a puppy. He’s friendly, affectionate, and loves being around people. Max also happens to be deaf, but don’t let that fool you, he’s incredibly smart and already learning hand signals.
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Rustic Roots Farmers Market
Have you visited the Rustic Roots Farmers Market in the Tractor Supply parking lot?
Welcome New Business Harrison Road Antiques
Harrison Road Antiques opens its doors May 1st.
A new destination for curated vintage, rare treasures, and one-of-a-kind finds in Tucson.
The best pieces won’t last the weekend. Plan to come early!
Charron Vineyards Celebrates Teachers
Charron Vineyards wants to celebrate educators with discounts on all tastings, glasses, and bottles of wine starting Saturday, May 2nd, through May 8th! This weekend they will also have local, live music all three days!
Friday - Chris Arpad will be here on the steel drums from 4:30 - 6:30 (please note the later time)
Saturday - Paul McAllen will play from 2:00 - 4:00
Sunday - Jeff & Jill Music take the stage from 2:00 - 4:00
May Day Festival at The Meading Room
Celebrate spring in the high desert grasslands of Arizona.
Join us for a day of flower crowns, maypole dancing, and Maibowle (May wine), alongside small-batch mead, cider, and wine made right here in Sonoita. Wander the lavender fields, take in the views, and settle in for live music, good food, and the best time.
Browse a thoughtfully curated market of local makers—jewelry, pottery, art, vintage, and more. Food by Haus of Brats and other local vendors like Lotte's Bread & Butter.
C&M Circus is coming to Benson, AZ TODAY, April 23rd. Two shows will be performed under a real Circus Big Top. Tickets can only be purchased at the box office and will be $17 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 and seniors 65 & up. No charge for children under the age of 2.
HOME ON THE RANGE
Welcome to the 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. If you have a home, Airbnb, or desert living tip you’d like to highlight, secure your spot here.
This Month: The Sunset Habit
There’s a magic that happens in these mountains around 7:00 PM in late April. The Santa Ritas turn that bruised-purple shade, the air feels cool, and for about fifteen minutes, everything just… slows down.
I want to challenge you (and myself) to reclaim the sunset. Walk out to your porch, or pull over on your way home, and just be there for it. It’s the ultimate, free desert luxury. It’s what we bought into when we chose this zip code.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
April 30
American Legion Health Fair | American Legion MuCullough-Wagner POST 109 | 10 AM - 4 PM
It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday Night Bingo | Forty Niners Club | 7 PM
May 1
Harrison Road Antiques Grand Opening | 2430 S. Harrison Road Suite 100 | 9 AM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Story School by Make Way for Books | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Live Music: Steel Drums by Chris Arpad | Charron Vineyards | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
May 2
Book Sale Hosted by the Friends of the W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 7:30 AM - Noon
Rustic Roots Farmers Market | Tractor Supply Parking Lot | 8 AM - Noon
Free Class: Introduction to Desert Landscape and Plants | Four Arrows Garden | 10 AM - 11 AM
Live Music: Paul McAllen | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
Brew at the Zoo | Reid Park Zoo | 6 PM - 9 PM
May 3
Live Music: Jeff & Jill Music | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
May 5
Family Storytime | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
May 6
Mommy and Me Mother’s Day Party | Vail Coffee Stop | 8 AM - 11 AM
SNACK BREAK
Easy, Healthy Homemade Trail Mix
3 cups rice cereal squares (such as Chex)
2 cups square white cheese crackers
1 1/2 cups mini pretzel twists
1 cup salted roasted pistachios
1 stick salted butter
2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Preheat the oven to 275˚. Combine the cereal, crackers, pretzels and pistachios in a large bowl; toss well. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the rosemary, garlic powder, pepper, sugar and salt until well combined. Pour about half of the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to distribute the seasonings.
Spread the snack mix on an unlined rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the remaining butter mixture on top and toss again to evenly coat. Bake until mostly dry and lightly browned, about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Stir in the dried cranberries and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 5:37 AM
Sunset: 7:02 PM
Air Quality: Fair (33 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman