🌵 Worth the Drive: Pick-Your-Own Fun at Apple Annie’s

Sponsored by

Welcome to issue #54 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter that’s about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.

Before I jump into this week’s feature, I have a quick note for you: I’m opening up Trail Mix to my readers!

My goal with this newsletter is to celebrate the stories, people, and places that make Vail special. If you have a timely story idea, a unique community perspective, or a contributor post you'd like to share with your neighbors, I’d love to hear it. Have something relevant to pitch? Simply hit reply to this email and drop me a line!

Now, let's talk about taking a quick morning escape...

~ Kimberly
Publisher of Trail Mix

Bridging Seasons at Apple Annie’s

We might still be right in the thick of monsoon season (as is evidenced by this morning’s rain shower), so autumn probably feels a million miles away. But just down I-10 in Willcox, the seasonal handoff is already quietly getting underway.

The drive east from Vail is an easy, straight shot. Once you roll past the hills toward Benson and catch those sweeping views of the Dragoon Mountains against a stormy summer sky, you’ll hit Willcox, home of the local favorite weekend trip, Apple Annie’s.

📸: Apple Annie’s Facebook Page

Apple Annie’s makes the 75-mile trip 100% worth it.

Right now, the farm is sitting in a sweet window between late-summer fruit and early autumn energy. If you head over in the coming weeks, you get to catch the best of both worlds.

Summer’s Last Hurrah Meets Fall’s Early Arrival

Instead of choosing between seasons, you get to harvest both in one trip.

At the You-Pick Orchard (Hardy Rd)

While full-sized peaches go fast, the trees are currently loaded with sweet pears, crisp apples, and a fun farm bonus: Peach Nuggets! These pint-sized peaches got a little pinched during early spring growth, leaving them about the size of an apricot. They might be tiny, but they’re packed with full peach sweetness and perfect for snacking.

At the Produce & Pumpkin Farm (Williams Rd)

Sunflowers & Summer Fields: Take a stroll through their vibrant sunflower fields for a great late-summer photo op.
Green Chile Season: This location is where the green chiles are bursting in the fields—ready for you to pick yourself or grab pre-picked.
Gearing Up for Fall: The giant pumpkin patch is currently growing and getting ready for autumn! While pumpkin picking hasn't officially opened yet, you can see the vines taking over the fields as fall draws near. (Note: This produce farm location is just a quick 2-minute drive down the road from the orchard!).

Spice Things Up: Green Chile Roasting (This Weekend & Aug 22–23!)

If you need an extra reason to head east right now, this is it: Apple Annie's is hosting their Green Chile Roast this weekend and again on August 22–23.

You can pick your own meaty green chilies right out of the field or grab a pre-picked bag. Even better: if you buy a 50-lb burlap sack, they’ll roast them for you for free right on the spot. The smoky aroma alone is worth the drive. Be sure to sample your way through mild, medium, and hot to find your spice level, or hit the Orchard Grill on Saturday or Sunday (11:30 AM–2:00 PM) to get fresh roasted green chilies piled high on a farm burger.

40 Years. One Amazing Maze.

Looking a little further ahead, 2026 marks Apple Annie’s 40th Anniversary, and they’re celebrating four decades of family farm traditions with their biggest corn maze design yet!

Opening September 19 and running daily through October 31, this year’s themed 20-acre maze honors 40 years of fresh-picked memories. It’s the ultimate way to get lost in late-fall fun with the family.

The Real Reward

Whether you're picking fruit, snapping sunflower pics, or stocking up on roasted chilies, no trip to the farm is complete without stopping by the bakery:

Cider Donuts: Warm, spiced, and heavily dusted in sugar. Get a dozen—you’ll definitely eat a couple in the parking lot and have zero regrets.
Fresh Bakery Pies: Grab a peach or apple pie to take home—or combine the two for the ultimate end-of-summer treat.

❝

Local Pro Tip: Leave Vail early in the morning. You’ll beat the summer heat, dodge the weekend crowds, fill your trunk with fresh produce and roasted chilies, and be back on your couch in time for a afternoon nap.

Location: Willcox, AZ (approx. 75 miles east of Vail off I-10)

Details & Crop Updates: Pick-your-own availability changes daily, so check what’s ripe before you head out at appleannies.com or their Facebook page.

A Note from This Week’s Sponsor:

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Taste the Fresh Difference

I’m thinking of bringing back our events to the newsletter instead of on the calendar. What do you prefer?

August 14

Live Music: Rocking K Market. Hear Steve K play from 6 PM - 8 PM

August 15

Corona Classic Cars and Coffee at 7 AM in the Corona de Tucson Ace Hardware parking lot with XLR8 Coffee.
WE SURVIVED THE HEATWAVE FESTIVAL!!! at Rustic Roots Farmer’s Market on 9848 E Old Vail Rd from 8 AM to Noon
Green Chile Roast at Apple Annie’s from 8 AM to 4 PM.
6405 W. Williams Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643
Nature Night at Charron Vineyards. Enjoy the new release of the Colossal Merlot 2025 with lots of fun events happening throughout the evening.

4:00 -6:00 pm - Live Music with Jeff & Jill Driscoll

4:00 -7:30 pm - Vineyard Sunset Picnic Dinner with Country and Co Food Truck

6:05 pm - Book Reading of Children's Book "Tickle Time!" by Author - Jill Driscoll (books will be available for sale, and Jill is happy to sign them for you)

6:30 pm - 7:15 pm - Talk by Michael “Chappy” Chappell on behalf of the Arizona Trail Association. Chappy is a U.S. Navy veteran and Director of Veteran Engagement & Trail Stewardship for the Arizona Trail Association, where he leads the VETS Program—connecting veterans, service members, families, and supporters through trail stewardship, outdoor recreation, and continued service.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Blacklight bug hunt - we will set up a black light and sheet in the vineyard and see what bugs visit us this evening.

9:00 pm - Tasting Room closes (2 hours later than usual for this night only!

August 16

Green Chile Roast at Apple Annie’s from 8 AM to 4 PM.
6405 W. Williams Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643

SEE YOU OUT THERE

Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman