Being a college town, Tempe is full of hidden gems that are frequented by locals. Here are a few ideas about how to discover Tempe, off the beaten path.
DINING
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
SHOPPING
MUSIC AND THEATRE
Dining
- Grab a microbrew at Four Peaks, which is housed in a turn-of-the-century brick building. Four Peaks offers a diverse selection of beers on tap, including many seasonal brews. Its premier, award-winning beer, Kilt Lifter, is especially popular. They also have a fantastic food menu, serving lunch, dinner, as well as brunch on Sundays.
- Savor the chicken shawarma, pita pizzas and salads at Pita Jungle, an independently owned café. The walls at Pita Jungle are full of local artwork and the tables are always full of creative people enjoying healthy, tasty meals.
- Indulge in the spirits at Casey Moore's Oyster House - this neighborhood watering hole is famous for its 28 beers on tap, great food and its resident ghosts. Casey Moore's is located in the historic 9th and Ash neighborhood. It received a bit of fame with a mention in the Jimmy Eat World tune, "If You Don't, Don't."
- Catch a caffeine buzz at a few of Tempe's most popular independent coffee houses including Solo Cafe, Gold Bar Espresso and The Xtreme Bean.
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Outdoor Activities
- Hike up "A" Mountain in the Mill Avenue District to get a sense of the past. The trails are spotted with ancient petroglyphs, reminders of Tempe's first settlers, the Hohokam people.
- Explore over 2,000 acres of beautiful desert by horseback. The Papago Stables is one of the oldest in the valley and is located on the north side of Tempe Town Lake.
- If you prefer to explore Tempe by water instead of land, boat rentals are available at Tempe Town Lake. At Tempe Boat Rentals, you can choose between pedal boats, kayaks, paddleboards, hydro bikes and even pontoon boats.
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Shopping
- Shop at one of the best independent bookstores in the country - Changing Hands Bookstore. Besides the enviable collection of books, the store frequently features book signings and readings by well-known authors, story time for children and other activities.
- Next door to Changing Hands, Hoodlums Music & Movies has an impressive collection of new and used CDs, DVDs and Records. Zia Record Exchange is also a local favorite for discovering new music.
- Create a custom blend of lotion or sunscreen, complete with your favorite scent, at Lotions & Potions on Mill Avenue.
- Search for vintage, funky trends at Buffalo Exchange, a favorite of students and other fashionistas.
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Music and Theatre
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