Echoes of the Southwest

Humm, Disney World in Arizona.  Not sure what to think of that.  I would love to have a place like Disney World a short drive from my home, but our summers are so frickin' hot.  I suppose if they have many air conditioned buildings with rides, water rides, and misting machines all over the park, it might work.  The plans are to build the park in Casa Grande which is south of Phoenix.  Maybe they can build it near the Domes and incorporate that place into the design.  They compare the plans to Walt Disney World in Florida and say the location has the same feel that Orlando had 50 years ago.  Stay tune to see if this does happen.  The project is currently under review. If it does get built, that would be awesome.  Don't forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, and carry water with you at all times while enjoying the park in Arizona! The Domes

Just 12 miles south of Winkelman AZ is the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness where a sinister and malicious massacre occurred.   You would never know that this picturesque locale in the middle of small settlements, ranches, and jagged mountains would have such a dark past. Close by where the Central Arizona College Aravaipa sits is remnants of the timeworn Army fort which once prevailed.   No one would have suspected that in the wee hours of April 30, 1871 that one of the goriest events happened and only lasted about 30 minutes. What lead up to this massacre?   The story is told that two months prior a group of Apache essentially admitted defeat and became captives and held at the fort.   They were exhausted and hungry and were willing to hand over their weapons for small helpings of food.   More joined the group later on and took pleasure in not being chased; surviving on rations of food, but this didn’t last long. Only weeks before the massacre, the p...

Flying Leap Vineyards Wine Tasting Room & Fine Art Gallery The Flying Leap Vineyard originated in 2010 and is the most energetic of all the wineries in Arizona.   You can find their exceptional, handcrafted wines in tasting rooms in Willcox and other places located in the Sonoita Wine Tour.   Not only can you taste and buy their wines, but they also have a wonderful gallery with unique pieces of art found throughout the premises. Address:   100 N. Railroad Avenue, Willcox, AZ Phone:   (520) 384-6030 Hours:   Wednesday through Sunday, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Website:   www.flyingleapvineyards.com   Sand-Reckoner Vineyards Owned by the Hammelman family, the building can be found on the Willcox Bench.   The luxury chateau has earned national consideration and can boast that their Malvasia Bianca won top 100 wines for two years in a row. Address:   130 S. Haskell Avenue, Willcox, AZ Phone:   (303) 931-84...

Willcox AZ  is another town where wine vineyards and tasting rooms can be found.   This community generates about 74% of the wine grapes cultivated in Arizona.   Willcox is located east of Tucson and along Interstate 10.   More than 3,500 souls dub the town home.   It was established in 1880 as a station stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad and was first called “Maley”.   The name was changed in 1889 as a tribute to General Orlando B. Willcox after he dropped in on the settlement.   Willcox was the forerunner in the nation for cattle production, and agriculture which is still significant for the town to thrive.   Interstate 10 is now the leading passage to town, and used instead of the railroad.   This noteworthy community is where famous singer and songwriter, Rex Allen, was born.   He was recognized by many as “The Arizona Cowboy”.   Website:   http://www.cityofwillcox.org   ...

From their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/queencreekolivemill/ The Queen Creek Olive Mill has a shop, café, and seminars all under a 5,000 square foot building.  Inside you will find various local wines, homegrown olives, stuffed olives, spreads, oils, sauces, and much more merchandise.  There is also a café where the food is made to order and delicious.  You can sit inside or outside in the cover patio or a table among the trees.  They have tours of the grounds and end with a seminar on their various olive delights.  On certain days and nights, you will find an assortment of entertainment.  I enjoyed my visit to the Olive Mill in Queen Creek where I did not go home empty handed. Website:   http://www.queencreekolivemill.com/ Here are a couple of things I bought: