Welcome to issue #30 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Good morning, Vail! If you’ve spent any time at a stoplight this week, you’ve likely noticed two things: the poppies are starting to pop, and the yellow excavators are officially the most common species in the Rincon Valley. Put on your hard hat; let’s dive in.
~ Kimberly
In Partnership With Vail Christian Church:
Whether you’re looking to overhaul your bank account or help your kids build a solid faith foundation, Vail Christian Church has you covered this spring with two major class launches on March 25th.
💸Financial Peace University: Stop wondering where your money went and start telling it where to go. This 8-week course is a deep dive into saving for emergencies, crushing debt, and investing for the future.
🔬 Foundations (K - 5th Grade): While you’re in FPU, your kids can join Foundations, an 8-week program that blends biblical truths with practical life skills. Expect everything from science experiments and art projects to meaningful discussions.
Click the class links or email Erin Hardy at [email protected] for more information.
Field Report
Sprouts, Costco, and the Old Mine
Let’s be honest: between the orange cones on Valencia and the never-ending construction on Old Spanish Trail, driving through Vail right now feels like navigating an obstacle course. Most of us didn't move here because we wanted more traffic lights or longer lines, but since the growth is here, we might as well look at the bright side—the actual choices we'll have once the dust settles. Here’s a little bit about what’s on the horizon.
The Houghton Hub: Sprouts, Costco, and More
While there isn't much construction to see just yet, the buzz surrounding the corner of Houghton and Old Vail Road is real as we all wait to see which long-rumored neighbors finally move in. Here’s what we know:
Sprouts Farmers Market: Construction is humming at Old Vail Crossings. The site is located just west of the Walmart, and workers are currently preparing the pad for 23,000 square feet of fresh produce and bulk bins.
The Costco Countdown: It’s no longer a "maybe." Pre-application filings are live for 9688 E. Old Vail Rd. While the heavy machinery won't arrive until January 2027, the planning phase is underway.
Old Vail Commerce: Right behind the Sprouts site, Buzz Oates is developing 95 acres of mixed-use space. Keep your eyes on the "pad sites" along Old Vail Road. These are being shopped for sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Old Spanish Trail: The Mine Makeover
The old Black Angus Mine (at Valencia and OST) is looking to finally shed its landmark status.
The Angus Neighborhood Center: Diamond Ventures seeks to transform this 62-acre site into a pedestrian-friendly commercial hub featuring boutique services and neighborhood-scale retail, designed to blend into the foothills.
Rocking K Expansion: If you live out toward the Rincons, you’ve seen the new phases of Rocking K going up. The Alamar and Preserve neighborhoods are adding hundreds of homes this year, which is why we’re seeing those Valencia Road widening projects (Kolb to Houghton) pushing toward a Summer 2026 completion.
Construction Zone Pulse Check
Since we’re all essentially sharing a long, dusty waiting room these days, let’s see where the neighborhood's heart is.
Which of these upcoming arrivals is actually worth the traffic headache to you?
- 🛒 The Sprouts Save: I’ll sit in any amount of traffic if it means fresh produce and bulk coffee without a 20-minute drive.
- 🍽️ The "Real Dinner" Dream: I am holding out for a sit-down restaurant at Old Vail Commerce so I can finally have a Friday night date in my own zip code.
- ⛽ The Costco Long-Game: I don’t care if it’s 2027; I’m already dreaming of the cheap gas and the $1.50 hot dog.
- 🏜️ The "Keep It Quiet" Vote: I’d trade all the rotisserie chickens in the world to have the quiet desert and the five-minute commute back.
PET OF THE WEEK
Gatsby - A876756
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: neutered male, black and white mix.
Weight: approximately 58.50 lbs.
Age: about 5 years old.
Bio: Gatsby has been at the shelter for 200+ DAYS without a real break. He’d love a foster home to get out of his kennel for even just two weeks.
He is friendly, affectionate, curious, and downright SILLY. He loves walks, sniffing ALL the smells, and giving surprise kisses. Gatsby would like to meet any potential furry roommates before heading to a new home to ensure a good fit.
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Eat Steak and Support Students? Say Less.
Looking for a reason to eat out tonight? Head down to The Steak Out in Sonoita! For every dinner purchased (and enjoyed!) between 5 PM and 9 PM, The Steak Out will donate 20% to the Patagonia Parent-Teacher Booster Club, supporting students and teachers in Patagonia, Arizona.
Market on the Move This Weekend
ReSources Vail Food Bank is hosting Market On the Move (MOM) this Saturday, 8 AM - 10 AM. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity for our community. Get about 60 lbs of fresh produce + pantry items for just $10.
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.
If you have a home, Airbnb, or desert living tip you’d like to highlight, secure your spot here.
Mountain Views in Sonoita
Looking to escape the construction? Check out this home in Sonoita. This stunning authentic mud adobe hacienda blends rustic Southwest charm with high-end luxury, featuring architectural highlights like saguaro ribbed ceilings, hand-hewn viga beams, and a chef’s kitchen equipped with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances.
The property is as functional as it is beautiful, boasting a massive 42x52 custom block shop with an RV bay, a recently updated private well, and sweeping mountain views. It’s a rare find that offers both historic character and modern peace of mind with a transferrable roof warranty and a robust tension slab foundation.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
February 19
Story Time with Valentine Friends | Vail Christian Church | 9 AM - 10 AM
Quilt Fiesta | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 5 PM
It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
February 20
Quilt Fiesta | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 5 PM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Stargazing | Saguaro National Park on 12661 E. Broadway Blvd at the Desert Research Learning Center | 7 PM - 9 PM
February 21
Market on the Move | ReSources Vail Food Bank | 8 AM - 10 AM
Quilt Fiesta | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 4 PM
Aloe Sip and Shop Garden Party | Four Arrows Garden Center | 9 AM
Asian Lunar New Year Festival | Tucson Chinese Cultural Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM
Live Music: The Cherry Springers | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
February 22
Free Play.Learn.Grow School and Camp Expo | Second Sky | 10 AM - 1 PM
Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM
Live Music: John and Jeanne Ronstadt | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
February 24
Vail Yarn | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 11 AM - 1 PM
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
SNACK BREAK
Blueberry Muffin Trail Mix
1 cup honey roasted peanuts, (130 grams)
3/4 cup yogurt covered raisins, (155 grams)
3/4 cup dried blueberries, (129 grams)
1/2 cup lightly salted roasted cashews, (70 grams)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips, (89 grams)
1/3 cup almond slivers, (40 grams)
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 6:59 AM
Sunset: 6:13 PM
Air Quality: Fair (20 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman