Willcox, Arizona is earning a well-deserved place among Arizona’s tourism communities. When Arizona visitors think about Willcox, they will not only imagine singing cowboy-actors, apple orchards and agriculture, but also quaint shops, museums, fine wines and nature festivals.
Willcox can boast about being hometown to one of Arizona’s favorite celebrities: singing movie cowboy Rex Allen. His son, Rex Allen Jr. also brought his own fame to the small, but growing southeastern Arizona city. The region around Willcox also became known for its famous apple orchards and pistachios. More recently, a new crop of wine grapes has flourished and wineries have sprung up around Willcox. The town is now a popular spot for wine tasting.
What many don’t know: Willcox is famous for birds, birding and bird watching. Wings Over Willcox (WOW) is an annual birding and nature festival with the main focus on the winter migration of sandhill cranes. Seminars, trade show and bird tours bring visitors to Willcox for the four-day festival. This year’s event is January 12-15.
While in town for the event, visitors and festival attendees will have much to do and see. The chamber website has listings for attractions as well as dining and lodging. The city’s website also contains visitor information. Here are just a few of the places we recently visited:
Downtown Willcox, along Railroad Avenue holds several of Willcox' main attractions. Willcox Commercial Store is said to be the oldest, continuously operating retail establishment in Arizona.
Also on Railroad Avenue, Rex Allen Museum is a tribute to the singing cowboy-actor and his son
Vintage Photography, Gambing Hall and Parlor is full of antiques and vintage clothing
Coronado Vineyards, a few miles northeast of Willcox, is one of several area wineries. Its retail shop has a large selection of quaint gifts, and wine, of course.
A Taste of Coronado offers Willcox visitors an option of upscale dining
Wine-tasting at Carlson Creek Winery
Window shopping along Railroad Avenue
Wine tasting room at Keeling Schaefer doubles as art gallery
Readers: what are your favorite things to do in Willcox? Any favorite restaurants? Attractions?