Welcome to issue #3 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter with a desert focus on the delightfully unexpected people, places, history, and happenings for families in Southern Arizona.

Hi Hot Stuff!

It's been a scorcher out there this week 🥵, but in here it's all cool vibes and fresh ways to chill. 😎 Grab yourself an iced coffee and let's dive in...

​COPPER STAR INSURANCE​​

Before we delve into the sweet stuff, let's discuss protecting something far sweeter — your family.

The good people at Copper Star Insurance have lived in Vail since birth and understand the importance of keeping life feeling easy-breezy out here. That carefree feeling starts with knowing your home, property, and life are all protected juuuust in case anything happens.

If you're looking for a way to save some money before the holidays or are toying with switching insurance providers, reach out to our local independent insurance broker, Copper Star Insurance. Being independent means they're not bound to one provider and can help you find the best plan for your family. ​Request your free quote here​.

Get a Quote >>

'Tis the season for ICE CREAM. If there's ever been an excuse to siphon down a few scoops of your favorite dairy treat, it's this week's weather report. And what better way to do that than by supporting local!

Here are some of Southern Arizona's most beloved places to grab a sweet scoop.

• ​The Screamery: The Screamery has the classic flavors, sure, but have you heard about their partnership with a local lavender farm to create some truly unique ice cream? You'll love their small-batch, made-from-scratch, all-natural ingredients flavors.
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• ​Bobazona: You might know Bobazona for its boba tea, but did you also know they have a sweet selection of gelato too? Double the treat types, double the refreshment!​
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• ​Frost: If gelato or sorbet is what you're after, head to Frost for some truly unique types of ice cream. Fig or toasted coconut creme brulee followed by an aperol spritz, anyone? ​
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• ​Little Anthony's Diner: This 50s-style diner is adjacent to one of Tucson's staples — the Gaslight Theatre. Go in for a milkshake the size of your head and decorated to the top with sprinkles, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries.
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• ​Corner Scoop: This is one of our family's favorite places to stop on the way home from a dip in Patagonia Lake. Blue Bell ice cream on a hot day in gorgeous Sonoita, Arizona? Yes, please!
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• ​Old Benson Ice Cream Stop: Dole Whip, anyone? They've got a variety of flavors that rotate through. Head to Benson for an old-fashioned ice cream shop with modern flavors, available in both traditional scoop form and soft serve.

Grab your RV and join The Border Hookups in Sonoita, AZ for live acoustic music, a wine tour (coach bus transportation and special rates provided for you), costume dance party, DJ night, food trucks, community, and more! Don't miss out on this epic festival that promises to be an experience to remember. Grab your friends and get ready to Romp it up with The Border Hookups! ** Already 50% Sold Out **

It's already hot, so why not make things even hotter with a trip to Apple Annie's for the Green Chile Roast this weekend? Sample all three flavors of heat and pick your favorites straight from the field (or grab them pre-picked) then watch them roast the chiles fresh!

• Cars and Candy happens soon! Free family-friendly informal car show at Candy World where you and your kids can check out all types of cars! Head to Candy World in Rita Ranch on August 16 from 6 PM to 8 PM. No tickets or RSVP required.
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• Registration is open for HUG now through August 15! Calling all homeschooling families. Registration is open for Homeschool Underground, a co-op for homeschool families in Southern Arizona with kids of all ages. This year will have thematic units, archery, regular weekly meetups, dances and events, graduation, and so much more. Join here before doors close August 15.
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• Ice Cream Fundraiser for Creation School: Adding to our ice cream theme is a special fundraiser happening today, August 7, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Dairy Queen in Vail on Colossal Cave Road. Say you're there for the Creation School fundraiser when you order your favorite upside-down or dipped treat.
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• Okay, Mate! Who's planning a cruise for Labor Day or Fall break? Chat with your local travel planner, Gigi Annunziato to score 70% off a second sailor and free balcony upgrade PLUS up to $300 in onboard credit on Virgin Voyages. Email gigi@madhatteradv.com to get started.
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• Heads up! The South railroad crossing at Colossal Cave will be closed for 24 hours starting at 5 a.m. Sunday, August 9 until 5 a.m. Monday, August 10.
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• Saguaro Square is Hiring! Support small, local businesses with a job at Saguaro Square! Part time. Must be available weekends. Apply here.
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• Vote for Four Arrows Garden! Support a local business by voting for Four Arrows Garden to win the "Best Garden Center" in the Reader's Choice Awards. Text 1734 to 520-214-8683 every day through August 10!
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Want to spread the good word about your business, a project, a job opening, or just want to shout out one of your neighbors? Trail Mix has you covered.

Hang an Advertisement on the Corkboard >

Meet TINY TROUT (ID# A867484)

Age: 9 months

Tiny Trout was terrified when he first came to PACC way back in April, but he's getting braver every day! This little guy really opens up around other dogs and would like a confident, friendly doggy buddy to share his home with. Tiny Trout is just a puppy and has already spent four months of his life in the shelter. He’s dreaming of a family who will let him settle in with predictable routines, patience and lots of love.

Fee: Tiny Trout is free to adopt. He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines.

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

UPcycling (but on trend)

There's something so enjoyable about scoring an old piece of furniture, giving it a fresh coat of paint, and finding the perfect spot for it in your home! Sweet Pickins milk paint makes that job so much easier and longer lasting.

However, something that might surprise you is that authentic milk paint comes in powder form, utilizing powdered milk. 🤯 But not all milk paint is created equal. Families especially love the Sweet Pickins Milk Paint brand because it's non-toxic and totally VOC-free!

Wondering what shade to paint that old piece of furniture in your living room next? The Sweet Pickins Milk Paint color of the month for August is “Mercantile”, the perfect neutral gray, the classic lighter shade of gray, a favorite and a staple.

Stop by the only Sweet Pickins Milk Paint distributor in Cochise County — Rocking Horse Antique Mall — to get this color at a discount in August.

📍RockingHorse Antique Mall
Booth #9
3837 AZ-92
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

August 7

• Deep Blue Sea Story Time | Vail Christian Church | 9 AM - 10 AM
• Peach Picking and Farm Fresh Veggies | Apple Annie's | 8 AM - 5 PM
• Crafting Resilience Hand Sewing Class | W. Anne Gibson Esmond Station Library | 5 PM

August 8

• Free Drink Friday | Vail Coffee Stop | 5 AM - 11 AM
• ​Charron Vineyards Harvest 2025 | Charron Vineyards | 5:30 AM - 10:30 AM
• Peach Picking and Farm Fresh Veggies | Apple Annie's | 8 AM - 5 PM
• Live Music with Steve K Flying Solo | Roadies | 6 PM - 9 PM

August 9

• ​Charron Vineyards Harvest 2025 | Charron Vineyards | 5:30 AM - 10:30 AM
• ​Second Saturday Vendor Fair | Vail Coffee Stop | 7 AM - 12 PM
• ​Green Chile Roast | Apple Annie's | 8 AM - 4 PM
• ​Luau at the Brothel | Copper Brothel | 4 PM - 8 PM

August 10

• ​Charron Vineyards Harvest 2025 | Charron Vineyards | 5:30 AM - 10:30 AM
• ​Green Chile Roast | Apple Annie's | Apple Annie's | 8 AM - 4 PM

Want to add your upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar?

Submit Your Tip, Event, or Story Idea >>

Each week, I'll share a picture taken around the area by someone else and posted to Instagram. Tag @arizonatrailmix for a chance to have yours featured!

Check out these beautiful green views you will see driving into Charron Vineyards for their Harvest this weekend!

​EVERYTHING RANCH CHEESE aND PRETZEL SNACK MIX​
​By Half Baked Harvest

• 3 cups salted mini pretzels
• 3 cups Cheez-Its
• 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 6 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 2 tbsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp dried chives
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp onion powder

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

Combine butter, Worcestershire, seasme seeds, poppy seeds, dried parsley, dried chives, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Toss with mini pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Rice Chex cereal.

Place on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, tossing a few times while baking.

This is a family favorite in our house!

Sunrise: 5:42 AM

Sunset: 7:15 PM

Air Quality: Fair

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

See you out there!

~ Kimberly
​Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman

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Ready to shout your business name from the Vail, Benson, and Sonoita rooftops? Have a fun event to share and want to attach your flyer to the Mix? Have a home you want to show off in the Home on the Range section? Selling something big like an RV or piece of land? Want to share your Airbnb? This is the spot to do it!

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