CALL TODAY 480-600-3003

When people think of therapy, they often picture themselves talking to a counselor while lying on a couch in an office. While this type of talk therapy can be effective, some people prefer other methods. EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, is an option for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues. Though different from traditional modalities, many patients reshape their lives and reclaim their well-being with the help of EMDR therapist Christy Maxey. If you have difficulty expressing your thoughts and feelings verbally, EMDR therapy could be a helpful alternative.
Service Areas
Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck

Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.
Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.

If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.
Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!
Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:
- Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
- A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
- Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
- Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
- Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences
What is EMDR Therapy in Vail, AZ?

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.
Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.
Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.
If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:
- Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
- Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
- Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
- Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
- Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
- Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?


How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.
While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.
To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.
Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Vail, AZ?

EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.
If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.
To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:
- Panic Attacks and Anxiety
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
- Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
- Trauma from Abuse and Violence
- Abusive or Violent Relationships
- Rest and Sleep Problems
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Childhood Trauma and Abuse
- Anger and Sadness
- Fear of Speaking in Public
- Betrayal and Grief

The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.

Triumph Over Trauma
Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude
Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.

Reshape Your Life
During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.

Overcome Circular Thinking
If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.

Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Vail, AZ

According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:
The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:
- History and Treatment Planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation

History and Treatment Planning
During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ:
- The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
- Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
- Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being

Preparation
During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.
One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.

Assessment
In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.
You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.
During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.

Desensitization
This phase of EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.

Installation
The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.

Body Scan
Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.

Closure
Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.

Reevaluation
This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.
Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey

Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Vail, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.
Free Consultation
Latest News in Vail, AZ
Fact Check-Parents did not replace school board in Vail, Arizona
Reuters Fact Checkhttps://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-parents-arizona-idUSL1N2MR177
Correcting video duration on second paragraph, adding link on third paragraphA widely shared video showing an apparent vote to “elect” a new school district board in Vail, Arizona, and to eliminate mask mandates in schools has caused confusion on social media. The claim made online that the parents elected themselves to their local school board to overturn mask mandates is untrue. While a planned meeting to discuss face-covering guidance on April 27 was canceled in response to protesters’ disruption, the “vote&...
Correcting video duration on second paragraph, adding link on third paragraph
A widely shared video showing an apparent vote to “elect” a new school district board in Vail, Arizona, and to eliminate mask mandates in schools has caused confusion on social media. The claim made online that the parents elected themselves to their local school board to overturn mask mandates is untrue. While a planned meeting to discuss face-covering guidance on April 27 was canceled in response to protesters’ disruption, the “vote” conducted by protesters was not official and therefore not legitimate, according to a spokeswoman of the Vail unified school district.
Most iterations feature a 2:20 minute video ( here , here , here ) extracted from an hour-and-a-half Facebook live by a user who identifies themselves as StevenTyler Daniels and describes himself as a chairman at the Patriot Party of Arizona on his social media profile here .
A longer version ( here ) shows a crowd of protesters who are mostly unmasked. Some are holding “anti-masks” signs. “So, agenda, new board members, how many do we need?” a male voice can be heard asking at the beginning of the clip. “I hear they’ve all resigned,” he later says. Protesters then conducted a “vote” and selected five individuals to be the “new board members” who subsequently presented and voted in favor of a “motion” that declared that “the entire Vail school district will be free of mask policy” (see around timestamp 4:10 here).
A video by the Arizona Daily Star captures the same moment from another angle here (around timestamp 1:19).
The scene prompted social media posts that mistakenly echoed the claim that the school board members had “quit” in response to the demonstration and those protestors had validly elected a new board here , here . In a tweet here , Tim Swain, a U.S. Senate candidate from South Carolina, alleged parents “took over the school board - all according to the rules”. Screengrabs of this tweet have been shared on Facebook at least 2,100 times ( here , here , here )
At least a hundred protesters rallied at Vail Education Center on April 27, as reported by local media here and here to make the school’s district board lift the mask mandate. Officials eventually decided to cancel their planned meeting before it began, according to KVOA here .
Days earlier, Arizona Governor Doug Dacey announced it would be up to school districts to decide whether to require face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ( here ) .
Darcy Mentone, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Vail Unified School District, confirmed to Reuters that the vote shown in the video is not official and dismissed the claim that the legally-elected governing board had quit their roles.
The current board has “not resigned and can only be removed through an official recall election”, she clarified in an emailed statement. Mentone further explained that the election of board members must be done through an official and legal election process as with any other process for electing officials.
If a new board or member were to be validly recalled, a resident must apply for a “recall petition and collect signatures” of at least 25% of eligible voters, she said. If this signature requirement is met, the recall question “can be voted on in the next general election”.
School board elections are part of the general election, the Arizona School Boards Association states here . Special elections can be called during the term to fill “unanticipated vacancies”.
As for the mask mandate in Vail’s school district, it “is still in place” and can only be overturned by the legally-elected governing board, Mentone concluded. According to local outlet KVOA, district leaders planned to send parents a letter to reiterate this ( here ).
Newsweek reported on the failed school district “coup” here .
VERDICT
False. Protesters did rally against a mask mandates outside the site where an Arizona school district’s board was going to hold a meeting, but the vote they conducted on video was not official or legal, according to a spokeswoman for the school district.
This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our work to fact-check social media posts here .
Pima County supervisors vote to put Vail, Ariz., incorporation on the ballot for November election
Sarah Lapidushttps://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/08/22/pima-county-supervisors-vote-to-put-vail-ariz-incorporation-on-november-ballot/70646585007/
Vail residents will vote — for the third time — in the November General Election to decide whether the unincorporated Pima County community south of Tucson should be allowed to incorporate.The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to put the incorporation of Vail on the ballot for the Nov. 7 election. This will be the third time community members have tried to incorporate, with the most recent effort in 2013.Incorporate Vail Arizona, a group of Vail business owners and residents wh...
Vail residents will vote — for the third time — in the November General Election to decide whether the unincorporated Pima County community south of Tucson should be allowed to incorporate.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to put the incorporation of Vail on the ballot for the Nov. 7 election. This will be the third time community members have tried to incorporate, with the most recent effort in 2013.
Incorporate Vail Arizona, a group of Vail business owners and residents who want to incorporate their community, collected enough signatures to put incorporation on the ballot. They had to collect at least 1,537 signatures of qualified electors within the proposed boundaries. The petitioners collected 2,542 signatures, and 2,058 were considered valid.
Reasons for disqualification of signatures ranged from missing addresses, signature on file did not match the signature on the petition, some signatures had missing dates, or multiples of the same signatures were found, among others.
For subscribers:These are some of the best public schools in Ariz.; Vail Unified District schools among them
Residents against the incorporation addressed the board during a public comment portion of the meeting, asking the board to not approve the petition to proceed to an election. However, county staff said the board was required to add the petition because petitioners collected the required number of signatures.
“The role of the board is essentially ministerial to call the election after a review is conducted of signature, the role of the Recorder and Election Department is to conduct that review,” said Chief Civil Deputy County Attorney Samuel Brown. “Once the review is conducted, it is the board’s duty to call the election.
Supervisor Rex Scott said the board heard numerous complaints about Vail residents who thought their area should not have been included in the boundary.
County staff explained the issue would be for the courts to decide and was not in the purview of the board.
According to the county, if the election is successful and Vail is incorporated, that will result in additional revenue to the county.
Vail resident captures rarity:Trail cam confirms ocelot 'Lil' Jefe' still roams mountains of southeast Arizona
About 20,000 residents live in Vail which is just 23 miles southeast of Tucson. Those in support of incorporation said it would allow residents to have more control over the growth and development of their town and have access to state funds.
Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com.
Tucson moves forward to annex, rezone land near Vail for industrial use
Sarah Lapidushttps://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/07/25/tucson-votes-to-annex-land-near-vail-amid-incorporation-efforts/70458260007/
The Tucson City Council voted to annex 300 acres of land to be rezoned for industrial use south of the city. These parcels of land, at the entrance of Vail, caused consternation for residents and parents of a nearby school.The annexation passed on a 5 to 1 vote with Councilmember Steve Kozachik voting against the annexation of three separate parcels at the July 18 City Council meeting.In an email, Kozachik said he was concerned that the nearby residents whose neighborhoods are included in the ...
The Tucson City Council voted to annex 300 acres of land to be rezoned for industrial use south of the city. These parcels of land, at the entrance of Vail, caused consternation for residents and parents of a nearby school.
The annexation passed on a 5 to 1 vote with Councilmember Steve Kozachik voting against the annexation of three separate parcels at the July 18 City Council meeting.
In an email, Kozachik said he was concerned that the nearby residents whose neighborhoods are included in the Vail Incorporation vote were explicitly left out from the annexation, as requested by the state, and would have no say on the issue.
This is especially concerning with industrial zoning adjacent to their neighborhoods, he said. He also had concerns about the impact on water with heavy industrial uses. Kozachik said he wants the people who will be impacted to have a seat at the table.
Councilmember Nikki Lee, whose ward is closest to the annexed parcels, said she supports allowing the public outreach process to commence.
“Knowing that there is going to be a lot of opportunity to bring these concerns in and be very active part of this process … I do feel comfortable moving forward with a public process,” said Lee, whose ward borders the areas under discussion.
The three parcels are adjacent to a 2,000-acre planned development for large-scale industrial users in Ward 4 and are planned to be included in that development.
Community members worried about how future development will impact their lifestyle and children
One of the parcels, a 137-acre plot adjacent to Acacia Elementary School, drove concerned parents and school district staff, as well as community members, to speak up against annexation efforts. The annexation includes the land surrounding Acacia Elementary but excludes the school from annexation.
They voiced concerns at what annexing an area to house a large industrial complex would mean to the health and safety of the students at Acacia Elementary School.
One concerned father, David Lara, said he moved to Vail for his daughter. He wanted her to grow up having fun in nature.
“I don’t want her surrounded by a bunch of heavy industry. I don’t know what that is going to mean ... it is going to surround her school, she is going to be around it every single day,” he said.
Other people worried it would impact wildlife in the area and add traffic in a place known for its wide-open spaces and rural landscape.
Councilmember Kevin Dahl had similar concerns to Kozachik about water. He said that with these lands slated for development, the city would be better stewards of the land than if it stayed part of the county.
Dahl proposed looking at requiring industries to participate in the principle of net zero water, which he said would result in no additional use of water from the basin.
What does this annexation mean for Vail residents?
While last week's vote did not address zoning in the area, annexation had to first be established before considering zoning issues.
The law firm representing the state said members and nearby residents will be included in a neighborhood meeting during its public outreach period about future development of those parcels. There will also be a zoning examiner public hearing, where residents will be able to voice their concerns.
Nearby residents who will be notified will include Hansen Ridge residents, said Attorney Keri Silvyn with Lazarus & Silvyn, P.C., a land and zoning firm based in Phoenix and Tucson. The firm is also in discussion with the Vail School District superintendent about the district's concerns.
Mayor Regina Romero also supported the annexation process, reiterating how it would benefit Tucson with high-wage and long-term job opportunities. Romero also noted this is the beginning of the process, and there will be opportunity for feedback and input from Vail residents.
A small change?Tucson looks at easing regulations on tiny homes in city limits
Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com.
The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com.
Man involved in zip-tie incident at Arizona school convicted
12news.comhttps://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/man-zip-tie-incident-arizona-school-convicted-covid/75-5e562f57-c6c8-4e42-b089-a5776386e881
The principal of Mesquite Elementary School said three men came to her office last year and threatened to arrest her over COVID-19 protocols.TUCSON, Ariz. — Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.One of the men who made national news last year after threatening to zip-tie an e...
The principal of Mesquite Elementary School said three men came to her office last year and threatened to arrest her over COVID-19 protocols.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.
One of the men who made national news last year after threatening to zip-tie an elementary school principal in Vail over COVID-19 protocols was found guilty in court this week.
In September 2021, Kelly Walker and two other men showed up at Mesquite Elementary School to zip-tie the school's principal, Diane Vargo, after one of the men's children was told to quarantine due to potential COVID-19 exposure.
According to the VUSD officials, the decision to place the child under quarantine was made per state policy, citing that when a school in Arizona experiences a positive case of COVID-19, it is required to report the case to its county health department - in Vail's case, Pima County Health Department.
As heard in the video live-streamed on the business owner's Instagram page, the student's parent reportedly told the principal that quarantining would force his child to miss a school field trip. The principal said one of the individuals was carrying “military, large, black zip tie" during the discussion.
"They were telling me that they were going to arrest me and my assistant. And I was scared,” Vargo said last year.
Kelly was found guilty of two charges of disrupting an educational institution. He's scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 17.
RELATED: Arizona mom arrested for allegedly assaulting teacher in classroom
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Guide to 16 Restaurants in Vail & Rita Ranch
Samantha Colaiannihttps://tucsonfoodie.com/2019/05/14/vail-rita-ranch-restaurants/
There was a time in Vail when residents were ecstatic that a Dairy Queen opened near the local church and post office. Within the last ten years, however, Vail and the Rita Ranch area has expanded.Where there was once miles of raw desert now stands a vibrant community, including new and exciting Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants like Serial Grillers and ...
There was a time in Vail when residents were ecstatic that a Dairy Queen opened near the local church and post office. Within the last ten years, however, Vail and the Rita Ranch area has expanded.
Where there was once miles of raw desert now stands a vibrant community, including new and exciting Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants like Serial Grillers and Bowld.
Here’s a list of local favorite Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants to try.
Argenziano’s
16251 S. Houghton Rd.
While closer to Corona de Tucson, Argenziano’s was the first Italian restaurant all Vail citizens went to for birthdays and special occasions. They offer both pizzas both classic — like the margherita —and inventive — like the taco pizza.
The menu features Italian-American favorites, including meatballs and stuffed shells.
Arizona Pizza Company
13190 E. Colossal Cave Rd., 160
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcgkJUYFz0x/
Huge pizza slices, subs, and calzones… it’s comfort food that satisfies.
End your meal with a bite of sweetness in cannolo form and delight in the fact that they deliver to Vail residents.
Bowld
13160 E. COLOSSAL CAVE RD. STE. 100
Bowld restaurant and meal prep opened in March 2019.
The counter-service restaurant features a menu focused on a variety of bowls and “rowls,” which are items rolled in ham, breaded and fried or griddled.
Civano Coffee House
5278 S. Civano Blvd.
Tucked away in the Civano neighborhood, the Civano Coffee House is a hidden gem. Whether you’re stopping by for an espresso in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, the cozy atmosphere invites you to stay and relax.
Or, take your coffee to go and walk around the beautiful Civano Nursery.
For more information, visit civano.com.
Hacienda Del Lago
14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago
It might be surprising to learn that there is a golf course and club in Vail, but soon you’ll be looking for reasons to go play a round or two.
The Hacienda del Lago is both the clubhouse and the restaurant. Sit on the patio and enjoy the Campfire, a comforting stack of hash browns, eggs, and gravy, or stop by for a pint of beer as a celebration after hitting a hole in one — the bar is open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information, visit dellagogolf.net.
El Coronado Family Restaurant
7385 S. Houghton Rd.
El Coronado Family Restaurant has been in operation since 1983. The staff is friendly and helpful and the servings, generous.
Standard Mexican fare is served, including enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and combination plates served with beans and rice. Try the Menudo and Shredded Beef Enchilada with green sauce.
Weekly specials take place on Tuesday for Taco Tuesday and Saturdays for Margarita Specials.
For more information, visit elcoronadotucson.com/menu.
Happy Wok
9040 E. Valencia Rd.
Tucked in a strip mall and labeled as a “dine in and carry out Asian Bistro,” Happy Wok offers Chinese and Asian-fusion appetizers; soups; noodle dishes; Chow- and Lo Mein; fried rice; meat, vegetable, and shrimp plates; and Egg Foo Young.
The Chef Specials feature Hot & Spicy Shrimp & Chicken, Hunan Triple Delight, Kung Pao Combo, and Coconut Shrimp, to name a few.
Try the Hunan Triple Delight, specific to the Hunan region of China, which features chicken, beef, shrimp with broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, water chestnut, bamboo, and onion in a spicy Hunan sauce.
Luckie’s Thai Asian Cuisine
8110 S. Houghton Rd., Ste. 186
Luckie’s is the quintessential takeout spot, perfect for stopping by after doing your grocery run.
The menu includes Thai classics like papaya salad, pad Thai, and larb, and also includes other favorites like Vietnamese pho and Chinese egg foo young.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, Luckie’s will provide it both quickly and deliciously.
Montgomery’s Grill & Saloon
13190 E. Colossal Cave Rd., Ste 190
https://www.instagram.com/p/mrH9XAokHL/
A classic neighborhood bar, Montgomery’s offers staples like burgers, wings, and sandwiches, as well as a wide-ranging drink menu.
The atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly, a perfect place to stop for lunch on the way to local landmarks like Colossal Cave.
Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers
8201 S. Rita Rd.
Despite the name, Papa Locos is known for more than just their tacos and burgers—though those alone are worth a visit.
The menu is full of creative dishes, like the breakfast enchiladas filled with eggs, or the Enchi-Locos Platter, featuring fresh corn masa filled with meat and fried.
They also feature both Sonoran and LA-style hot dogs to satisfy your cravings.
Keep up with Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers on Facebook.
Rancho Rustico
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnaPZZeHjYb/
Ever had a molcajete?
Rancho Rustico specializes in the traditional Mexican dish, where sizzling hot meat and vegetables are served inside a stone bowl.
The menu also offers Tucson classics like chimichangas, and plenty of seafood to remind you of a trip to Rocky Point.
For more information, visit ranchorusticorestaurantaz.com.
Sa-Ing Thai Cuisine
9136 E Valencia Rd., Ste 100
Named one of Tucson’s most underrated restaurants by Maynards Market & Kitchen executive chef Brian Smith, Sa-Ing features a vibrant menu of classic and craveable Thai dishes.
Everything on the menu is sure to please, from curry to stir-fried noodles. Pair the spicy food with a creamy, smoky Thai tea, and you’ll be able to imagine you’re far away from the Tucson fast-approaching summer heat.
For more information, visit thaitucson.com.
Serial Grillers
7585 S. Houghton Rd.
Serial Grillers expanded southeast with its third location.
This location seats 282 people — double what the second location can hold, and triple the size of the first location on Speedway Boulevard.
Although the local chain is known for its pizza and sandwiches, it also features 65 taps that include both beer and wine.
Get the signature Bone Collector pizza with mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, boneless wings, scallions, ranch, and buffalo sauce and wash it down with a beer from their extensive selection.
Tay’s BBQ
16461 S. Houghton Rd.
Earlier this year, Tay’s Brew House expanded to include a barbecue restaurant (with a bar) on site.
The menu features Meat Plates (choice of one to three meats and two sides), Sandwiches, Kids Meals, Family Ranch Packs, or individual meat servings — brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken.
Be on the lookout for weekend drink specials and have fun outdoors with games, such as bowling and cornhole.
Viva Coffeehouse
9136 E. Valencia Rd., Ste. 160.
This specialty coffee house has a family focus and is supplied by local company, Presta Coffee Roasters.
Viva features a variety of drinks and treats in addition to activities like story time, monthly book club, and family game night.
Wings on Fire
9040 E. Valencia Rd.
This hot, new wings spot offers regular or boneless wings in a variety of flavors. There are 11 flavors, including their fiery house sauce, Buffalo Hot, Garlic Parmesan, Honey Mustard, and Chile Lime.
In addition to wings, you’ll find Appetizers, Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Shrimp, Combos, Fries and Sides, Hot Dogs, Salads, and Sandwiches on the menu.
They’re open daily with the option of take out.
Have any suggestions for additional Vail and Rita Ranch restaurants to try? Let us know below.
[This article was originally written on June 20, 2018, and most recently updated on May 14, 2019. Kate Severino contributed to this article.]
Disclaimer:
