Looking for a chance to get out of town and check out a new part of Arizona? If you want to enjoy a quiet area with an unexpected number of things to keep you entertained, then you might enjoy checking out the tiny town Willcox. Located over an hour east of Tucson via Interstate 10, this community has stayed true to its farming roots over the decades and you’ll find to be surprisingly rich in culture and activities.
- Let’s start with one of Willcox’s most popular attraction: the Rex Allen Museum.
Jasperdo/Flickr A singing cowboy of Hollywood’s western genre, Rex Allen grew up on a ranch near Willcox and has been a source of pride for the little town since he gained fame in 1948. At the museum you’ll find memorabilia that depicts his success in film, TV, and radio, as well as a Cowboy Hall of Fame. Admission is just $2 for visitors over age 10. Details: rexallenmuseum.org
- A short walk away, you can also check out the Friends of Marty Robbins Museum.
The Friends of Marty Robbins Museum/Facebook A country music singer whose career spanned nearly 40 years, Marty Robbins was born in Glendale and lived in Phoenix before getting his first radio feature in the 1940s. The museum, like the Rex Allen Museum, is filled with memorabilia from his long career. Admission is just $1 per person. Details: Facebook page
- Spend an afternoon at one of the wine tasting rooms, like Keeling Schaefer Vineyards.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards/Facebook Willcox is one of Arizona’s prime wine-producing regions and you’ll find some delicious, award-winning wines. Other favorite tasting spots are Flying Leap Vineyards and Coronado Vineyards. Details: Details: arizonawine.org
- Attend a Wines of Willcox event for drinks, food, and music.
Coronado Vineyards/Facebook Celebrating Willcox’s emerging wine country, Wines of Willcox has two premier events in May and October. If you love wine, be sure to plan out your trip around one of these weekend-long events! Details: Details: willcoxwines.com
- Pick your own fruits at Apple Annie’s Orchard!
Apple Annies Orchard/Facebook Prepare to take home your own bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables by visiting Apple Annie’s Orchard. The produce available depends on the season and you pay per pound. There is also a country store filled with jar goods, baked goods, and gifts. Details: appleannies.com
- If you want to catch a movie or enjoy some of the local art, check out the Willcox Historic Theater.
Don Barrett/Flickr The theater dates to 1937 and has seen a major turnaround over the last few years. It underwent renovations and now serves as an arts and cultural center for the community. Details: willcoxtheater.com
- Enjoy a quiet day birding at the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area.
Bill Gracey/Flickr One of the best places to spot wildlife in the area is the Willcox Playa, which is 595 acres of land home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Details: Arizona Game and Fish
- If your idea of fun involves golfing, then you’ll enjoy an afternoon on the green at Twin Lakes Golf Course.
City of Willcox Twin Lakes Golf Course/Facebook Located south of the railroad tracks, the Twin Lakes Golf Course is the perfect area to enjoy a round or two of golf in a peaceful environment. Details: City of Willcox
- Grab a bite to eat in one of the most unique settings at Big Tex Bar-B-Que.
Janell D./Yelp The 1929 train dining car has turned into a barbecue restaurant serving mouthwatering ribs, burgers, and other tasty meals. Because of the train car’s history, it’s a particularly special place for train enthusiasts to visit. Details: Facebook Page
- And, if you want to get out of town, there are plenty of other places located nearby.
Junaidrao/Flickr Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Site, the Hot Wells Dunes, The Thing, and Ghost Town Trail offer a variety of additional activities to keep you entertained!
Want to check out another fantastic little town with fun sights? Read about Seligman along Route 66 in The Small Town Along Route 66 In Arizona With A Story That Will Fascinate You.
Jasperdo/Flickr
A singing cowboy of Hollywood’s western genre, Rex Allen grew up on a ranch near Willcox and has been a source of pride for the little town since he gained fame in 1948. At the museum you’ll find memorabilia that depicts his success in film, TV, and radio, as well as a Cowboy Hall of Fame. Admission is just $2 for visitors over age 10. Details: rexallenmuseum.org
The Friends of Marty Robbins Museum/Facebook
A country music singer whose career spanned nearly 40 years, Marty Robbins was born in Glendale and lived in Phoenix before getting his first radio feature in the 1940s. The museum, like the Rex Allen Museum, is filled with memorabilia from his long career. Admission is just $1 per person. Details: Facebook page
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards/Facebook
Willcox is one of Arizona’s prime wine-producing regions and you’ll find some delicious, award-winning wines. Other favorite tasting spots are Flying Leap Vineyards and Coronado Vineyards. Details: Details: arizonawine.org
Coronado Vineyards/Facebook
Celebrating Willcox’s emerging wine country, Wines of Willcox has two premier events in May and October. If you love wine, be sure to plan out your trip around one of these weekend-long events! Details: Details: willcoxwines.com
Apple Annies Orchard/Facebook
Prepare to take home your own bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables by visiting Apple Annie’s Orchard. The produce available depends on the season and you pay per pound. There is also a country store filled with jar goods, baked goods, and gifts. Details: appleannies.com
Don Barrett/Flickr
The theater dates to 1937 and has seen a major turnaround over the last few years. It underwent renovations and now serves as an arts and cultural center for the community. Details: willcoxtheater.com
Bill Gracey/Flickr
One of the best places to spot wildlife in the area is the Willcox Playa, which is 595 acres of land home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Details: Arizona Game and Fish
City of Willcox Twin Lakes Golf Course/Facebook
Located south of the railroad tracks, the Twin Lakes Golf Course is the perfect area to enjoy a round or two of golf in a peaceful environment. Details: City of Willcox
Janell D./Yelp
The 1929 train dining car has turned into a barbecue restaurant serving mouthwatering ribs, burgers, and other tasty meals. Because of the train car’s history, it’s a particularly special place for train enthusiasts to visit. Details: Facebook Page
Junaidrao/Flickr
Chiricahua National Monument, Fort Bowie National Historical Site, the Hot Wells Dunes, The Thing, and Ghost Town Trail offer a variety of additional activities to keep you entertained!
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