Vineyards: Mountain Empire vinterners are proudly carrying on a 400-year tradition originally brough to the region by Spanish missionaries. With a soil nearly identical to that found in Burgundy, France, this area has produced many award winning wines. Vineyard tours and wine tastings in Sonoita and Elgin just a minutes east of Patagonia invite all to linger, and a leisurely drive through the rgion offers views of rolling grasslands and vineyards surrounded by majestic ranges.
Birding: Southeastern Arizona isone of the premier birding regions in the US. A unique array of bio-geographical influences combine to lure a diversity of bird species into the area with over three hundred varieties known to live in or migrate through the region. A day spent at one of the region's riparian areas, such as the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area at Patagonia Lake or the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve (just a few minutes from Roadrunner Retreat), offers exceptional opportunity for viewing. Educational programs and naturalist led hikes are regularly scheduled.
Recreation: With the Coronado National Forest engulfing much of the Mountain Empire, the region is filled with well marked hiking rails including the Arizona Trail. Thearea is also crosscrossed with dirt roads, jeep trails, and single track, allowing ample opportunity for mountain biking. The area's two lake, Patagonia and Parker Canyon provide water lovers with boating, fishing and swimming adventures.
Historic Sites: Empire Ranch and Kentucky Camp, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, give visitors a taste of ranch and mining life circa 1900. Remnants of mining towns with populations that once numbered in the thousands pepper the region. Several cemeteries mark the passing of those that lived the hard life of the pioneer days. A loop drive thru the San Rafael Valley will take you by the ghost towns of Harshaw, Mowry, Washington Camp, and Duquesne and the cemetery at Harshaw.
Let the Mountain Empire be your host on your trip to southeastern Arizona. The region is centrally located for easy day trips for gallery hopping at the artist's colony of Tubac (45 minutes), shopping at the border town of Nogales, Mexico (20 minutes), wildwest adventure at Tombstone (60 minutes), a tour of the spectacular Kartchner Caverns (50 minutes) or a visit to the mining town/art community of Bisbee (90 minutes). All times estimated from Patagonia.
BLESSING OF THE VINE FESTIVAL - First weekend of April. Visit Arizona Wine Growers Association at www.arizonawines.com.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY HORSE RACES - Last weekend in April, first weekend in May at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. 520-455-5553.
SONOITA QUARTER HORSE SHOW - First weekend in June at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Nation's oldest quarterhorse show.
PATAGONIA FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION - In Patagonia's Town Park. Parade, food booths, music, fireworks, and dance. 520-394-0060 or www.PatagoniaAz.com.
SONOITA RODEO - Labor Day weekend at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Rodeo, steak fry and dancing.
MARIACHI FESTIVAL AT PATAGONIA LAKE STATE PARK - March 18. Five bands perform. Food, children's activities. 520-287-6965.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR - Late September at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Open exhibits, vendors, entertainment.
PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL - Second weekend in October in the Town Park. Arts and crafts, music, food booths, dance. 888-794-0060.
PATAGONIA'S FANCIFUL FLIGHT ART WALK - March 18 & 19. Bird inspired art and events. Downtown Patagonia. 888-794-0060
PATAGONIA HOLIDAY WALKING TOUR - Friday & Saturday after Thanksgiving. Downtown Patagonia. 888-794-0060.
| 
