Willcox
Willcox is Arizona’s true “hometown.” Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Chiricahuas, Mount Graham, and Dos Cabezas, Willcox’s strength is palpable not only in geography, but also in the character and connection of its community. In a place known for very few sirens and even fewer cars, the calm sense of peace and serenity that greets you in Willcox emanates from the tranquility of its sunsets, the chirping of its birds, and warmth from a community that treats all those who visit with the same appreciation as they do each other.
The restoration of the Willcox Historic Theater, four museums including the Rex Allen Cowboy Museum, and the last remaining railroad depot on the Southern Line all pay homage to the community’s heritage - solidifying Willcox as a place where old values shine through in a new era.
How To Use
Use this interactive itinerary to build your trip! Each category recommends a number of stops to help you get the fullest experience during your visit. Simply hover over any photo for a brief description then click the circle to add a listing to your itinerary (click again to remove it). Once you've completed your itinerary, enter your email address and click submit to have it delivered straight to your inbox. Happy traveling!
Arts & Culture (Recommended up to 2)
Willcox prides itself on its culture, embracing its roots and the history that built the town. Whether uniting to restore historic local businesses or supporting the launch of new ones; you can truly experience a one-of-a-kind sense of unity in Willcox. Attend a seasonal wine festival and mingle with the many Willcox winemakers and lovers, or participate in an old west-inspired festival, and know that you’ll leave Willcox with a new home away from home.
From fashionistas to local ranchers, and everyone in between, you will love exploring Amarillo by Morning for a cute keepsake to bring home to your kid after enjoying a Willcox wine excursion or shopping for a piece to complete your look!
Rex Allen once represented a man that loved his community and always came home to celebrate his roots. Over the years, Willcox has successfully maintained the “Cowboy Way”, celebrating their traditions and hometown every fall with a fair, rodeo, car show, and more.
Starlet Boutique brings big fashion styles to a small town. Find a new outfit for your next tasting room visit!
Going far beyond your local movie theater, the Willcox Historic Theater is an entertainment hub that values arts, culture and bringing the community together. Stop in for a movie or check out one of their Wine and Paint nights.
Willcox is known for throwing great events for locals and visitors to enjoy. Experience authentic wild west heritage, including a ranch rodeo, chuck wagon cook off, and more family fun activities at this festival.
Held bi-annually on the third weekend of May and the third weekend of October, the free, Willcox Wine Festival welcomes community members and wine lovers to celebrate the region’s abundant wineries and vineyards by exploring downtown shops, listening to live music, and discovering local vendors.
Internationally known for its birding, Willcox locals celebrate the migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend each January - hosting dozens of vendors, educational seminars, and wildlife tours.
History, Heritage & Tradition (Recommended up to 4)
Willcox has found a unique way to set itself apart from other Arizona communities by holding on tightly to what once was and using it as inspiration to shape the city many know and love today. This community feels strongly about preserving its local legends and the region’s history and traditions.
Events: Willcox offers visitors and locals a wide variety of events to enjoy. Whether you are a wine lover, a history buff, or just looking for a taste of the Willcox community, you will definitely enjoy any community gathering you attend.
Nestled between Benson and Willcox, the Amerind Museum is a one-of-a-kind historic facility offering educational experiences about Southwestern Native American history and culture, archaeology, art, anthropology, and more.
If you are in Willcox looking for history, this quaint museum’s exhibits include a wide variety of stories from Arizona’s past. Their knowledgeable volunteers are passionate and excited to share their local history.
Fort Bowie offers a chance to explore both unique natural sites and the long and turbulent history between the Chiricahua Apaches and the US Army. Visiting the fort requires a 3-mile round trip hike from the Visitor’s Center.
Willcox is not just full of historic museums, it is also full of historic sites like The Old Pioneer Cemetery. History buffs can’t miss the chance to visit graves from the late 19th and early 20th century, like the notable cowboy Warren Earp.
This museum is a must if you are a fan of the old west lifestyle, films, and culture. Willcox was home to Arizona’s Cowboy Rex Allen. This museum is filled with memorabilia and stories about his life and the life of other cowboys.
Wine & Dine (Recommended up to 4)
Willcox is home to some of Arizona’s most passionate yet laid-back winemakers and restaurateurs. Local restaurants have offerings that will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. The Willcox Wine experience is robust and full of experiences for every type of wine lover. Whether you are hoping for a serene escape to local vineyards or hoping for a trendy and lively downtown tasting, you will find it in Willcox.
If you are looking for mouthwatering, tasty food be sure to try Big Tex BBQ’s ribs, and don’t forget to grab some local beer for your meal. Just looking at their food makes you want more and gets you excited for every bite!
You may have been to a Carlson Creek tasting room in Scottsdale, but the original location in Willcox gives visitors a true vineyard experience - exploring the wine-making process and enjoying a glass of wine.
This tasting room not only offers great wines but also a welcoming environment and a friendly and knowledgeable staff that will definitely enhance your experience. Enjoy the atmosphere, the wine, and of course a tasty appetizer.
Nothing starts your day quite like Dos Cabezas Coffee Co’s classic brews and inventive drinks like Egg Nog Lattes! You won’t want to miss out on their baked goods either, so be sure to get there early.
Nobody loves Willcox more than the owners of Double S Steakhouse - combining their love for local food with their passion for cooking to create a unique dining experience. Good luck choosing between the soup of the day, tacos, or the steak!
Golden Rule Vineyards offers a unique downtown experience in the historic Willcox Mercantile building. Or enjoy vineyard and pistachio tours, stunning picnic sites, and wine at Golden Rule’s Vineyard Tasting Room!
Always on the lookout for authentic Mexican cuisine? Isabel’s South of the Border has you covered. Whether it’s comfort food or hard-to-find dishes like Menudo and traditionally prepared seafood, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been craving here.
Don’t miss this scenic 21-acre vineyard along the Chiricahua Mountains that has been featured in the Arizona Republic and The Wall Street Journal, and produces some of Arizona’s highest-scoring wines by Wine Spectator and Tastings.com.
Offering a cozy environment and authentic food, locals rave about this neat little spot, and travelers always come back for more delicious meals, homemade tortillas and chips, and their incredible margaritas.
If you are passionate, or interested, in sustainability and off-grid production practices, Strive Vineyards is your go-to spot. This family-owned and operated winery not only serves up incredible artisan wines, but it’s also 100% solar powered!
Stop by Zarpara Vineyard where you’ll be greeted by incredible views of the Dos Cabezas Mountains and Tilly - their wine guardian/greeter dog. Sample their handcrafted wines, pack a picnic, and enjoy a visit with their owners, Rhonda and Mark.
Outdoor Sports & Recreation (Recommended up to 2)
The Willcox community is surrounded by beauty and peace, with a sense of calm that welcomes you every time you step outside. The community itself offers views of the Chiricahuas, the Dos Cabezas Mountain, Mount Graham and more. The community’s dark skies and vast opportunities to enjoy nature are things locals love most about living in Willcox. While the Chiricahua National Monument might be your first stop, do not miss the opportunity to visit Apple Annie’s Orchard or explore some of the community’s avid birdwatching spots.
Stop by this fun business with friends and family to pick your own seasonal produce and check out their Country Store where you’ll find a bakery with sweet treats, a unique gift shop, or a bite to eat during your Willcox adventure.
Over 27 million years ago a massive volcano erupted, leaving behind endless acres of otherworldly rock formations and pinnacles - creating a breathtaking site for anyone that is willing to explore it.
Identified as an Important Birding Area by the State of Arizona, Cochise Lake is a great destination within the Playa Wildlife Area for avid birders to find a peaceful escape and spot a variety of species as they migrate every winter.
A motorsports enthusiast’s dream, Inde Motorsports features an adrenalin-pumping track and a 75,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring freshly prepared gourmet meals from an in-house private chef and luxury trackside casita rentals.
This unique wildlife preserve is a wonderful mix of public and private land offering a place to hike and camp while protecting the natural ecosystem. Special amenities like natural hot spring tubs are available to The Nature Conservancy members.
Local Lodging (Recommended up to 2)
With such a robust community, it is almost impossible to not want to spend a few extra days or plan out a #RuralAZ vacation here. Willcox is the perfect stay for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and wine lovers alike; be sure to stay in one of the locally owned and operated businesses for the true Willcox experience.
Greg and Stacey Hancock have dedicated themselves to providing the perfect stay for anyone exploring Willcox. The Arizona Sunset Inn offers incredible rates, a beautiful landscape, and all the amenities needed to enhance your visit.