National Margarita Day 2019 Let’s be real. National Margarita Day shouldn’t be limited to just one day… but it is a day where you can drink as many margaritas (responsibly) without the judgement of others because, “…it’s National Margarita Day guys!” (extra kudos for this fun holiday falling on a Friday this year). I ventured out on these streets of Tempe to find the best options for you to celebrate this revered holiday. You’re welcome. I’ve had my fair share of margaritas in all its glorious forms (on the rocks or frozen and salt or sugar and house to specialty). My poor liver just wouldn’t be the same without the wide variety of margaritas. Most popular in Arizona, you’ll find each place has their own tasty version of Prickly Pear Margarita. In all honesty, I usually get it just to see how pink it is going to be at that particular place, as you’ll notice there’s a variation of a blush pink all the way to electric, 80’s pink. I personally look for the pink that is MOST Instagrammable. #millennial #doitforthegram Here’s a quick roundup of the best margaritas in Tempe. Illegal Pete’s Mill  A fun place with incredible patio space to knock out several margaritas. They want to celebrate National Margarita Day with an awesome special! Coin Style Margs made with Pete’s Patrón—Patrón reposado selected by Pete, himself—will be just $5 all day long (while supplies last). I know I personally love to pair their Chicken Quesadilla with any […]

Without question, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I have a list of places where I love to start my day, but I also like discovering a new spot for breakfast. I’ve found my new happy place at Scramble, a new addition to Tempe’s dining scene.  Scramble in Tempe is located at Lakeshore Drive and Baseline Road, near Alamo Drafthouse. It is a bright and airy space, with orange, green and white décor. They also have a large, dog-friendly patio. I was surprised to find out that patrons order at the counter instead of table service. But, I actually like that option because I don’t always have time to linger over a leisurely breakfast. I have a hike, a yoga class or errands to run.   The menu is displayed on large boards right by the front door. Breakfast and lunch items are served all day. You can choose from omelettes or scrambles, eggs Benedict, burritos, a variety of pancakes, French toast, sandwiches, salads and wraps. They also have lots of gluten free and vegan options including the Soyrizo Burrito and the Portobello Wrap.   I went with the Veggie Omelette, with squash, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper and Monterey jack cheese. It is served with hash browns and toast. I’m picky about my eggs – runny eggs can ruin my whole day. But, I am happy to report that their eggs were cooked perfectly and it may be the fluffiest omelet that I’ve ever had. The hash browns were crispy on the top with just the right amount of seasoning and the wheat toast tasted fresh-baked. I […]

In Arizona, the possibilities for experiencing the great outdoors are unlimited. Arizona has an abundance of beautiful, scenic, interesting and just plain fun places for you to explore via many different modes. You can choose to see the sights on foot, mountain bike, ATV or river boat, in a jeep, van or hot air balloon. And what better way to enjoy your outdoor adventures than on a guided tour with a professional tour company. Tour operators have the knowledgeable staff who do all the planning and work to make your experiences enjoyable and safe. Plus, they supply the necessary gear and permits. It’s hassle-free. You just follow their lead and take it all in. Here are a few of our favorite tours, but all the tour operators offer multiple sight-seeing tours and adventures throughout Arizona. Check out their websites or give them a call for more information. Mountain Biking Arizona Outback Adventures | 480-945-2881 Whether you’re just beginning to venture off road or you’ve been doing it for years, you’ll find your mountain biking groove with an Arizona Outback Adventures Tour. This tour company is all about outdoor adventure and offers mountain biking tours for every skill level and in several locations. The half day mountain bike tour is perfect for all levels and a great way to experience our Sonoran Desert, especially in the spring, when the dessert is lush and green and often blanketed in wildflowers. But, if you want something more extreme with twists, turns, hills and other […]

Tempe is a small city with a lot of ground to cover. There is so much to see and do that you simply can’t do it all on foot. Lucky for us, there are many modes of transportation to choose from. Of course, we have the Valley Metro Light Rail, Orbit and soon to be Tempe Streetcar, but what better way to get around town than to zip and zoom on a scooter or bike! Both can be easily rented in Tempe and have you on wheels and on your way in a flash. Grid Bike Tempe offers public bicycles that can be rented through the Grid Bike Share program. Tempe’s system includes 300 bikes and 30 stations, offering another alternative to residents and visitors for getting around the city with ease. Tempe Grid Bike stations are located in high-activity areas such as Downtown Tempe, near the ASU Tempe Campus, and along the light rail line. Grid Bikes are also available in neighboring cities, Phoenix and Mesa. In all three cities there are more than 1000 bikes available to rent at 100 stations which can be found via the Social Bicycles Mobile app. How to Ride: Download the free Social Bicycles app (it’s a white box with a blue bicycle inside). Next,  set up your account by providing some basic info: your name, email and credit card information. You’ll also need to create a pin number. Once you have the app installed, you’ll get a couple of emails that confirm your […]

Looking for a friendly, diverse and inclusive destination? Be sure to visit Tempe, Arizona. Tempe is known for its welcoming spirit, blend of cosmopolitan culture and style, scenic desert beauty and more than 330 days of sunshine every year.    And, Tempe is known for its non-discrimination policies and its perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundations’ Municipal Equality Index.    Another great thing about Tempe is its location in the heart of Metropolitan Phoenix. Just minutes from the airport, Tempe is also connected to LGBTQ events and nightlife in downtown Phoenix and the airport via Valley Metro rail.   Tempe has an energetic vibe and active lifestyle, a perfect fit for exciting annual festivals and events.  Check out these LGBTQ events taking place in Phoenix and Tempe this spring.     35th Annual Arizona Gay Rodeo  – February 15-17, 2019 Corona Ranch and Rodeo Grounds 7611 S. 29th Ave., Laveen Village, AZ Whether you’re a real cowboy or you just like to dress like one, you won’t want to miss the 35th Annual Arizona Gay Rodeo. It’s a weekend of fun, food, entertainment, and of course, RODEO!  You’ll enjoy traditional rodeo events like roping, bucking broncs and  chute dogging, along with those you’ll only see here like Wild Drag Race and Goat Dressing. Entertainment includes local performers and special guests, Jessica Wild and Lineysha Sparx from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”   AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run – February 23, 2019 Tempe Beach Park 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ (602) 904-6001 AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run is the largest gathering in Arizona to support people living with HIV and raise community awareness. This family-friendly event features Paws for the Cause-the dog-friendly portion of the walk, and Kids for the Cause where kids of all […]

By Lauren Saria Photos by Mark Lipczysnki On a crisp, cool Saturday morning, farmer Ken Singh chats with a family enjoying breakfast at Singh Meadows in north Tempe. In the distance, a fire pit puffs smoke into the pale, blue sky and steam rises from a clear, chemical-free pond. For 30 years, this was Rio Salado Golf Course, maintained in pristine condition through the use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals. It’s taken years for Singh to scrub the unwanted additives from the land and water—to create Singh Meadows, a 72-acre oasis where he hopes the community can come reconnect with nature. “There’s a richness that money can’t buy,” he says. “That’s why we’re here.” Singh can’t farm here due to the fact that the land is also a levee, but instead he’s built a spacious indoor farmers market where shoppers can buy organic produce, honey, fresh baked bread, and other local products. Most of the vegetables for sale are grown at his farm in Scottsdale, and even the honey comes from his bees. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday, shoppers can reserve weekly baskets in advance that include a bounty of produce ranging from Asian pears and golden beets, to sweet potatoes and Medjool dates. For visitors who want to dine at Singh Meadows, the onsite restaurant and juice bar highlights the culinary talents of chef Sasha Levine, formerly of The Ocotillo in Phoenix and new owner of the In Betweens, which holds pop-up dinners […]

It’s time say farewell to 2018 and ring in 2019. Tempe has all kinds of fun events planned with live music, DJs, festive dinner menus, champagne toasts and kids’ activities. Here’s a list of top picks for where to celebrate the night away on New Year’s Eve in Tempe. And, to make sure that your night on the town is safe, Valley Metro is once again teaming up with Coors Light to offer free rides on December 31, beginning at 7 p.m., for Valley Metro rail, buses, Dial-a-Ride and Paratransit. Valley Metro will extend service until 2 a.m. and the City of Tempe will have enhanced service for several routes. New Year’s Eve events in Downtown Tempe: Join New Year’s Eve revelers in Downtown Tempe for a hearty dose of fun provided by bars and restaurants. There is no fee to enter Downtown Tempe on December 31, but many of the establishments on Mill Avenue and beyond are offering their own events. While you’re in Downtown, be sure to stop by the larger-than-life “2019” selfie station. Check out the awesome special events and celebrations happening in bars and restaurants in Downtown Tempe by visiting the Downtown Tempe Authority website for all of the New Year’s Eve happenings, including those listed below. El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Champagne Ball Block Party El Hefe Mexican Restaurant – 640 S Mill Ave #110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 257-2797 Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row – 640 S Mill Ave #120, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 794-1477 Rock the New […]

With just one week to go before Christmas, it’s now or never to finish that last minute shopping and enjoy a few holiday events to get you in the spirit of the season. Arizona Mills, Tempe Marketplace and Downtown Tempe have both – great shopping and fun events – what could be better? Photos with Santa at Arizona Mills Mall 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-9700 Head over to Arizona Mills Mall for all your holiday shopping and grab a photo with Santa while you’re there. Located in the food court, Santa will be available for photos December 17-23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona Located inside Arizona Mills | 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir. #135, Tempe, AZ 85282 Bring your little LEGO lovers to explore a winter wonderland full of festive activities that will surely build up some holiday cheer. Located inside of Arizona Mills Mall, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona presents Holiday Bricktacular these select weekends in December: 22-23, & 24. Fun holiday activities include: – Gingerbread House Creative Workshop Build – Build your own Snowflake at the imagination build table – Deck Out Santa’s Sleigh – Sleigh Racing at Build & Test – Winter Wonderland Build Table – Letters to the Master Model Builder – Holidays in MINILAND – Holiday Minifigure Trading FISHMAS at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium Located inside Arizona Mills | 5000 S. Arizona […]

The holiday shopping frenzy has begun. And, as we all know, searching for the ideal gifts for those on your list can be exhausting to say the least.  However, we have the perfect solution: shop local and turn holiday shopping into a fun and satisfying experience. For starters, you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds at the smaller businesses. Plus, parking is often easier.  Both of these qualities make shopping in Tempe less stressful and more enjoyable. But the main reason for staying in Tempe is that you’ll find some truly unique gifts for everyone on your list.  An added bonus–you’ll feel good about supporting our local businesses. To get you started, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite local merchants who make finding the perfect gift fun any time, but especially during the holidays. Our guide to Tempe merchants is bound to bring joy to your shopping experience. ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center Store at Brickyard Holiday Sale 699 S. Mill Ave., Ste. 108, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 727-8170 Share your love of art at the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center Store at Brickyard Holiday Sale, November 24-December 22, 2018. Choose from a selection of ceramics, photos, note cards, jewelry, Día de Muertos merchandise and more at 20% off (30% for Museum members). Many of the items have been created by local artists. Hours:  Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Cactus Sports 514 S. Mill Ave., Ste 101, Tempe, Arizona 85281 | (480) 894-1278 Owned and operated by ASU […]

Tempe is a city that can’t easily be defined. It’s not just a place for those who are interested in arts or athletics, food or festivals; it’s a place for all. Including those who are looking to do something out of the norm and do something a little more edgy.  Here are some creative options to break out the ordinary and do something extraordinary in Tempe! Escape Zone – 414 S. Mill Ave. #112, Tempe, AZ 85281 The time is now to test your skills at Escape Zone in Downtown Tempe. You will have the choice to stop a compromised train from crashing, breakout from a jail cell or try to uncover a hidden inheritance that your grandparents left behind. Each theme has its own story line, puzzles and a series of problems to solve. You must be quick, as you only have 60 minutes to find keys, follow the clues and crack the codes to succeed in your mission of escaping the room! If you happen to get stuck, the “Game Master” will send you hints to nudge you along the way. Escape Zone has just one question: do you have what it takes? Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing – 3105 S. Fair Ln., Tempe, AZ 85282 Ever had the urge to wield an axe? Then Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing is the place for you!  Lumberjaxes is an indoor axe-throwing facility very similar to a shooting range, except your weapon of choice is an axe! There are eight bays, with two axe […]