Get on the list for the weekly newsletter that tells you the best of what's happening around Vail, Benson, and Sonoita each week — all delivered straight to your phone. New editions land on Thursdays at 7 am. 🗞️ Subscribe FREE! ⤵️
Share
🌵 El Tour Weekend is Here
Published about 2 hours ago • 5 min read
Welcome to issue #18 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Thanksgiving is one week away! And in honor of the holiday, we're switching up our editorial calendar. Next week's Trail Mix newsletter will arrive on Tuesday complete with a local gift guide!
(And if you know of any local businesses that must be included in this gift guide, forward them this email so they can submit their business and get in the Mix).
Caffeine dealer
The Trail Mix Fall Passport offers are expiring at the end of this month! That means, you have just a few more days to swing by the Caffeine Dealer in Corona de Tucson and save on your favorite Fall or Holiday flavors— and WOW do they have a lot of flavors to choose from. Dirty chai latte or peppermint mocha, anyone?
El Tour de Tucson is heading our way
If you've driven down one of the roads on Valencia, Old Spanish Trail, Colossla Cave, and Sahuarita Road, you've likely seen the Special Events signs placed on the roadside. That's because El Tour de Tucson, one of America's premier cycling events, is happening this Saturday — and you'll want to plan accordingly.
El Tour de Tucson attracts nearly 10,000 riders annually to Tucson, Arizona. This 42-year-old tradition is fundamentally a charity ride, having raised an incredible $130 million for non-profits since 1983. Voted the "Best Road Cycling Event in America" by USA TODAY, El Tour offers challenging courses of 102, 62, and 32 miles for cyclists of all abilities.
Despite national headlines and local benefits, many residents dread this weekend because of the many road closures in this area. While the full tour starts and finishes in downtown Tucson, a crucial and lengthy segment of the route (particularly the 102-mile and 62-mile courses) runs directly through the Greater Vail Area. This necessitates extensive, temporary road closures and traffic delays in the mid-morning as thousands of cyclists pass through, including:
Valencia Road: Used by riders traveling east towards Houghton Road as they enter the area.
Mary Ann Cleveland Way: A central section of the route, as riders pass directly through the Vail community.
Colossal Cave Road and Old Spanish Trail (OST): The course incorporates sections of OST and passes near Colossal Cave, where it often features aid stations and scenic riding.
The coordinated closure of these roads is managed by law enforcement to prioritize rider safety, and they may pigeonhole you into your neighborhood while riders pass throughout Saturday morning. Check official route maps and closure times before the event to plan travel to work, the airport, or sporting events (although many sporting events have been postponed or delayed on the day due to this race).
And, if your family is feeling cabin fever by being stuck at home, you're welcome to head to the course to safely cheer on the cyclists participating in this monumental regional demonstration of health and philanthropy.
Vail Community Movie Night
Bring your pillows, blankets, and a non-perishable food item to donate to the ReSources Food Bank at a special community movie night! Doors open at 4:00 PM and the movie will start at 6:00 PM at Cienega High School this Saturday!
small business saturday market
Plan to support small businesses between the tracks on Small Business Saturday!
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.
Marco (#A881900) Neutered male, white and black Weight: Approximately 101.2 lbs. Age: Approximately 4 years old Marco is a big old beefcake with tons of fans- volunteers at the shelter and members of the public alike are completely OBSESSED with our resident hunky chunky boy! Marco often goes on day trips, where the staff have learned that he is housebroken, enjoys car rides, playing with toys, and napping. He was described as a complete love bug and a chill and happy guy. He has shared his kennel with other pups and has been social and easygoing when meeting other dogs in playgroup.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12 pm - 7 pm. Wednesday 1:30 pm - 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
In a large pot, whisk together maple syrup, rosemary, water, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. (We tend to do this over a campfire, but you can do it over a stove!)
Once it starts to simmer, add the walnuts and pecan halves, stir well to coat the nuts and seeds.
Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until any liquid is dried up and everything is glazed.
Remove from heat and spread the glazed nuts on a large baking sheet or piece of parchment paper, separating any clusters.
Once fully cool, combine with the cranberries, pumpkin seeds, Pepitas, and sunflower seeds.
Transfer to an airtight container for storage, or portion out into smaller containers. We’ll usually measure ½ cup amounts into snack size Ziplock baggies.
Sunrise: 6:56 AM
Sunset: 5:20 PM
The sun is rising 6 minutes later and setting 3 minutes earlier than last week.
Have friends in Southern Arizona who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome reward when they subscribe.
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!
Discover the people, places, history, and happenings in the Greater Vail Area.
Get on the list for the weekly newsletter that tells you the best of what's happening around Vail, Benson, and Sonoita each week — all delivered straight to your phone. New editions land on Thursdays at 7 am. 🗞️ Subscribe FREE! ⤵️
Welcome to issue #17 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona. It's finally looking like Fall weather is upon us. Soak up the last of the 80s today because cooler temps are coming. I hope you enjoy this packed edition of Trail Mix. See you out there, my friends! Raising four arrows Bring Fall scents into your home with a candle from Raising Four Arrows. Order online and use the code from your Trail Mix Passport to save! 🏍️...
Welcome to issue #16 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona. Good morning, sunshine! It's the last month to save with your Trail Mix passport and submit your BINGO card for a chance to win prizes from local businesses! Next month, I'm working on another fun promotion for you. If you're a local business owner (or know one), hit reply and I'll give you the details on how you can be in on the fun. I'll see you out there. Vail...
Welcome to issue #15 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona. Come on in. As always, I have a bunch in here for you to enjoy. Be sure to answer the poll at the bottom of the email too! I'll see ya out there. Winston Brothers BBQ What's for breakfast this weekend? If you're looking for rich flavors and savory treats, head over to Winston Brothers BBQ between the tracks for breakfast starting at 8 am. Bring your Trail Mix...
