Take A Tour Of Tempe AZ
If you are tentatively planning on traveling to Arizona, than I would not overlook the beautiful city of Tempe. If you are unable to get a chance to check out Tempe, then we will insure you, and give you an opportunity to check it out here.
Tempe is more than the famous party college town that it has come to be known for, and has grown to be business oriented, and a popular travel destination. The large public parks, convenient highway access, and the historic Tempe Town Lake have all worked towards making Tempe a desirable place for people to live an visit. With numerous annual events, festivals, and more, Tempe has something to entertain all age groups, and interests.
Check Out An Event While In Tempe
Whether your an athlete, a concert goer, a food lover, or anything else, Tempe will have an event for you. Tempe Town Lake offers the city an excellent area to host festivals big and small, where guest can relax and enjoy the open area that surrounds Tempe Town Lake.
Ironman – With running and walking trails throughout Tempe and nearby Phoenix, and with water access at the lake, Tempe has become a favorite location for many athletes for the famous Ironman triathlon. Come compete, or simply watch athletes in their prime navigate through the streets of Tempe for one of sports most challenging events. Observers can enjoy the beautiful weather of Arizona while athletes work towards completing the race, and when everything is said and done, everyone can enjoy the food and festivities on Mill Avenue.
Summer Ends Music Festival – Tempe Beach Park is home to many concerts throughout the year, but non as big as their 4 day long Summer Ends Music Festival. With lineups that have included names like Kanye West, J. Cole, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime With Rome, and many other popular artists, the Summer Ends Music Festival is one show you wont want to miss. If concerts are your thing then Tempe Beach park will surely not disappoint. With annual shows that cover almost every music genre, there is rarely a dull moment at Tempe Beach Park.
Tempe Arts Festival – Another popular event that is worth checking out while in Tempe is their famous Tempe Art Festival. Held two weekends throughout the year, once in fall and winter, the Tempe Art Festival is a wonderful opportunity to check out artists from around the globe while strolling down Mill Avenue in the wonderful Arizona weather. Stop in and grab a bite or a drink at one of the restaurants along Mill Avenue, or enjoy the food and drinks in the events designated beer garden. This is a family event that has fun and activities for the whole family, the event is also dog friendly, if your furry friend wants to join.
That’s just a taste of what events Tempe has going on during the year. For more information regarding events in Tempe check out tempe’s official site.
Go Out To Eat In Tempe
One thing that is not lacking in Tempe is places to eat. Tempe’s famous Mill Avenue and surrounding areas have seen a tremendous amount of renovations and new restaurant build in the past 2 years, and there seems to be a new restaurant every other week. This is nice for locals and tourists with all the options, but check them out while you can because there wont be enough business to support them all.
Casey Moore’s – One of the original Tempe restaurants, and one of the only ones still standing from its era, Casey Moore’s is a renovated home from the 1930’s that now operates as an oyster house and popular local bar. Tucked away in the neighborhood adjacent to Arizona State University, and with a huge secluded patio, with coy fish pond, and water features, Casey Moore’s has a majestic feel like nothing else in Tempe. Casey Moore’s is famous for being haunted as well, and maintains a unique feel and atmosphere with its historic architecture. If you could only check out one restaurant while visiting, this would be our #1 recommendation.
The Yard – One of Tempe’s newest additions, the Yard is a facility that houses multiple restaurants and retail shops that all work to support each other. The main attraction is Culinary Dropout, a successful concept that also has locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale. With an upscale look and feel, Culinary Dropout is great spot for a business lunch or a cute place for a date. The Yard itself has a huge outdoor patio with ping pong tables, corn-hole, and other fun activities for people to do while enjoying food and drinks.
House Of Tricks – If you are in the mood for finer dinning, House Of Tricks is an excellent place to grab a casual-upscale meal. Similar to Casey Moore’s, House of Tricks is a renovated home with a gorgeous patio and cute historic interior. With an extensive wine list and foods that you can’t find anywhere else, Tempe’s House Of Tricks is a little gem that you will surely want to try if visiting Tempe.
Tempe is home to many good restaurants and bars and there are more than enough options on Mill Avenue, but if your looking for something off the beaten path, check out some of our suggestions above. If your unable to check out Tempe in person than take our word for how good these places are.
Go On A Hike In Tempe
Tempe’s beautiful weather allows residents to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Beyond taking a stroll around Tempe’s beautiful Tempe Town Lake, The area has a ton of beautiful hikes and mountains to explore.
A Mountain – Tempe’s famous A Mountain sites boldly in the middle of the city and gets its name from the large Gold “A” that sits near the top. Able to be seen from miles away, A mountain is a symbol for Tempe, and has a lot of meaning to the students at Arizona State. Every year the A is ritually painted gold and given a fresh look to build support for the schools athletic programs. From time-to-time the University of Arizona (ASU’s rival school from down south) will attempt to paint the A blue (U of A’s team colors) to promote rivalry. So students will occasionally guard the A from the other school, building camaraderie in the school and making the annual rivalry games that much more exciting. The mountain is great vantage point to see the whole city and even the surrounding cities. From the top, which is an achievable hike by most, you can see the beautiful desert landscape of AZ, the skyline of every neighboring city and also get a nice workout in. If your in the mood for a challenging hike, then we wouldn’t recommend A Mountain, but if your simply looking to get out of the house, stretch your legs, and catch some good views than A Mountain is perfect.
Papago Mountain – Papago mountain is an excellent place to grab the family and enjoy the day outside. Located on the other side of Tempe Town Lake, Papago Mountain is one of the most cool unique mountains in the Valley. Made from beautiful red rock, Papago Mountain is a unique rock structure because it has occasional holes that people can climb through, or sit inside of. It’s a perfect place for an easy hike, a mountain bike ride, or a great lace to have a picnic.
South Mountain – Though not technically in Tempe, South Mountain is a beautiful mountain range that has trails to meet anyones experience level. As one of the largest national parks in the nation, South mountain spans much of Arizona and has views unlike anything else in the state. With old indian ruins throughout the mountain and beautiful desert plant life and animal life you can experience what Arizona would have been like years before. Make sure to bring lots of water and small snacks, because the trails can be longer and more difficult then expected.
Experience Tempe, AZ
The residents of Tempe are eclectic and offer the city a unique feel and look with artwork scattered throughout the city and a great sense of community. The laid back personality of the locals does not change the fact that Tempe is becoming a hub of commercial development, with State Farm and other large companies making their home in Tempe. Although the city is undergoing massive changes and additions, the city still maintains its positive vibes and offers visitors a variety of amenities. If you are planning to visit Arizona, then we strongly recommend you check out the happening town of Tempe Arizona.
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