Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

I admit it. I’m an Arizona native and there are places in this state, heck, in this city, that I haven’t experienced. I love the Grand Canyon, but I’ve only been twice in my lifetime. I’ve never seen Monument Valley and I’ve never seen the London Bridge in Lake Havasu. My goal this summer is to explore Arizona for all it’s worth. To begin, I started with a local attraction that I drive by everyday, but have never stopped to explore: Hole in the Rock at Papago Park. I’ve heard from friends that this is a favorite picnic spot and a great place to watch the sunset. With my husband and our two dogs, I hiked up to this landmark on Memorial Day. The hike is a quick one, maybe about 10 minutes or so. At the summit, we perched alongside the dozen others who had made their way up the hill and waited until the sun began to hide behind the Papago Buttes to the west. The scenery was spectacular, from the saguaro cactus to the lagoons to watching airplanes land at Sky Harbor. But perhaps the most important thing that I experienced was the reminder that I love where I live and I won’t take it for granted. To get there, take Galvin Parkway to the zoo entrance, turn left and follow the signs towards the Papago Park picnic areas. There’s a parking lot at the base of the hill.

I visited Tempe Memorial Day weekend and had a ball!! Now, I am very much interested in moving here. I know nothing about Arizona but, I’m at a time in my life where I want something new! Help if you can. I am seeking employment…..Who needs a hard working, highly-spirited, single, friendly, 37 y/o female that is a business major that is currently working as an Office manager. Anyone interested in helping me find employment that pays $40,000 min.?

For anyone who remembers the great music coming from Mill Avenue in the early ‘90s, there is a can’t-miss event happening tomorrow (May 21). Mill Ave. Inc., a new documentary by local filmmaker Nico Holthaus is premiering at the Harkins Valley Art Theatre. The film chronicles the rise and, as Hotlhaus argues, subsequent fall of the Mill Avenue music scene through interviews and concert footage of the era’s premier bands, club owners and fans. Mill Ave. Inc. takes a harsh look at the price of progress from the viewpoint of those who formed the foundation of Tempe’s burgeoning music scene. The film makes a clear commentary on the commercialism of the area, and the irony of it premiering at a Harkins is not lost. But the night’s real treat will be the performances from Hans Olson, members of Dead Hot Workshop, Flathead and others. And it’s all just $10 through PayPal. Go to Millaveinc.com. The only thing missing will be the hum of the amp and neon light coming from the corner of Long Wong’s

The bands start at 7p. The movie premieres at 8.

There is really no better place for happy hour than Mill Ave.  Between the amount of places to choose from for happy hour, and how close they all are to one another, it’s a great place to go to relax and enjoy yourself with friends.  Some of my favorites are The Tavern, Rula Bula, and BisonWitches.  Even though I love going to my favorites, I am still discovering new places to head for happy hour, such as the House of Tricks, and Z Tejas.  The selection is unbeatable in such a compact, pedestrian area!

Arizona Mills not only has a plethora of great shops with fabulous deals, but it is also all located indoors!  With the summer heat just around the corner, it’s great to know that our shopping habits do not have to slow down over the summer!  In addition to the non-stop shopping opportunites, there are several delicious restaurants to choose from as well as a food court with all the grab-and-go favorites.  Arizona Mills is the place this summer to keep cool and to find great shopping deals!