1.) Getting here - If you plan on flying to Tempe, the closest airport to fly into is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is less than ten minutes away from Tempe! Once you land, there are lots of easy ways to get where you are going. If you are staying in one of Tempe’s fabulous hotels, you can call ahead to see if your hotel offers an airport shuttle service. Or you can take a cab or hop on the METRO Light Rail from the airport to Tempe. It’s just a short ride to Tempe.

2.) Tempe transportation – Once you’re in Tempe, get around to see all the sights by walking, biking, renting a car or taking public transportation. The METRO Light Rail, Valley METRO bus and the free local bus, the ORBIT, are all great ways to get around easily and affordably. 

3.) Bring some comfortable shoes - There is both great hiking and shopping here in Tempe, so good shoes are essential! To enjoy the weather, take a hike up “A” Mountain or head to Papago Park. For an afternoon of shopping delight, check out Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills or stroll through Mill Avenue District shops.

4.) Bring your appetite - There are loads of mouth-watering restaurants in Tempe. Some of my favorites are Four Peaks Brewery, La Bocca Urban Pizzeria and Essence Bakery. Explore Tempe’s culinary scene to find your faves!

5.) Explore the Arts - Get tickets to see a Broadway show at the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed ASU Gammage. Or for something more edgy, see a production at the Stray Cat Theatre. Looking for something kid friendly? Childsplay is perfect for the little ones featuring productions designed specifically for younger audiences. Theatre, live music and plenty of museums will keep any arts lover happy!

La Bocca Urban Pizzeria

The Dinner & A Show program offers ticketholders discounts and special offers from several restaurants in the Mill Avenue District. Ten Mill Avenue District restaurants are offering discounts or free menu items upon presentation of an ASU Gammage ticket stub on the day of each show. Participating restaurants include:

• Canteen Modern Tequila Bar: 1 free glass of wine
• La Bocca Pizzeria + Wine Bar: 1 free glass of wine
• Monti’s La Casa Vieja: Choice of half off appetizer or $3 glass of house wine
• Robbie Fox’s Public House: Half bottle of wine with your ticket stub and happy hour prices after the show with your ticket stub
• Center Bistro: 10% off entire bill or buy one get one free drinks
• My Big Fat Greek Restaurant: 15% off entire bill. Excludes happy hour and lunch specials
• Caffé Boa: Free dessert with dinner or entrée/ pasta purchase
• DiVerti’s Bar and Grill: 15% off bill excluding alcohol
• Z’Tejas: Complimentary house glass of wine included with purchase of entrée
• Macayo’s: Free Appetizer with purchase of entrée. Offer valid at any Macayo’s Arizona location.

And the deal gets even better – four hours of free parking is also provided at Centerpoint Surface Lot, City Hall Parking Garage and Hayden Square Garage. Not too shabby!

For more information, visit http://www.millavenue.com/dining/dinnerandshow.

Mill Avenue Bridge

Most people prefer planning their evenings after their 5:00 pm shift is over as far away from their work as possible. I am quite the opposite, however, and love to both work and play in the Mill Avenue District. This week my boyfriend and I had a great experience spending an evening in the Mill Avenue District by starting off at The Tavern on Mill for an affordable and delicious bite to eat before seeing a show.

We enjoyed amazing dinner at The Tavern on Mill and were able to take advantage of “Taco Tuesdays,” offered every Tuesday with $2 tacos and beer. They offer chicken, carne asada, mahi mahi, and pork tacos along with your choice of a variety of cold domestic or imported beers for only $2 – and you can’t forget the abundance of chips and salsa included. This is a great taste for an even better deal!

Our next stop was the Marquee theatre where we planned to spend most of our evening. We walked over from Mill Avenue to see a performance from Matt & Kim who just left the Bonnarro Festival in Tennesee with over 85,000 in attendance to perform for their Tempe friends. This duo from Brooklyn creates a giddy, punk, pop-dance music that brings a full house of energy to any crowd. Kim was in awe as she noted, “I’ve never seen a town quite like Tempe that has this much energy on a Tuesday night!” Prepare for Kim as she stands atop her drums, runs in circles on stage, and waves her arms griped with drumsticks to get the crowd roaring. It’s not your last chance to check out this extraordinary band; they hinted that they would soon return to the great town of Tempe this fall (To perform at Tempe Beach Park at Fall Frenzy along with headliners Blink 182).

Ending the evening, we came across a completely unexpected yet beautiful view. The Valley Metro Light Rail literally transforms from a transportation route during the day, to an art masterpiece along Tempe Town Lake at night! The light rail bridge that crosses over the lake lights up with a variety of bright florescent lights that reflect onto the water below. As the train rides by every few minutes it also carries its own light with it. When the waters ripples, the lights reflections dance on the water, creating an eye catching, rippling light show effect on the water. I felt as if I was experiencing my own version of the famous Bellagio water show in Vegas right here in Tempe! If you ever have the opportunity, I would recommend walking through Tempe Beach Park during the evening to view this hidden masterpiece.

We can’t wait to try out more date night options on Mill Avenue. The ASU Art Museum on campus includes over four main exhibits of contemporary art, is open late until 7:00 pm every Tuesday and has free admission. You can also treat that special someone to taste the new delicious frozen yogurt shop on Mill Avenue, Red Mango, before you make your way to Tempe Boat Rentals for a ride out on the water to view the beautiful dancing light show that I promise you won’t forget.

Two days later, I got off of work as usual at around 5:00 pm and met up with a friend at Rula Bula’s on Mill Avenue where we enjoyed some Irish fish’n chips.  The game started at 6:40 pm which left us just enough time to grab another happy hour drink before we hopped on the Metro Light Rail. We beat rush hour traffic, avoided parking fees and made it conveniently to Downtown Phoenix in under 20 minutes. We got off at Third Street and Washington where we followed the crowd half a block to Chase Field.

The game was a great experience. The stadium was nice, clean and truly impressive. Even though it was a 105 degrees outside, the roof of the stadium was left open which made it almost an outdoor game. Still the temperature was nice and cool inside.
The D-Backs played a good game and after going into an extra inning they beat the San Francisco Giants, current World Series Champions, that night. Everything came together perfectly for my first baseball experience in Arizona.

After the game, we walked to the next Metro Light Rail station which is literally right across the street from Chase Field. Going back to Tempe was a little more crowded than going to the game; nevertheless we managed to get seats on the train and enjoyed the great view of the light-up bridge when we crossed over Tempe Town Lake into the Mill Avenue District again.

We decided to end the night same way we started it; with a drink in one of the countless cool bars on Mill Avenue.

After this great experience I can only recommend taking the Metro Light Rail to Downtown Phoenix sporting events and conferences. It’s just easy, convenient and inexpensive.

When it comes to Tempe, Arizona, I’m about as local as you can get. I’ve lived here my entire life. So, here are a few suggestions for things to do in Tempe, as told by someone who calls this great city home.

First thing in the morning, I’d go for a hike in Papago Park. The trailhead off of College, just south of Curry by the park is the perfect place to start. It’s not a difficult trail, but be sure and wear sunscreen and bring water. You’ll be able to see a model of a prehistoric Hohokam dwelling, created by ASU students years ago. And, if you continue past the summit on the east side of the park, you can see the real thing – the Loma del Rio Hohokam ruin.

It doesn’t take much for me to work up an appetite, so after the hike, I’d definitely want a good breakfast. One of my favorite Tempe restaurants is US Egg at Mill and Baseline. The friendly, efficient staff always delivers delicious food so fast that my stomach doesn’t even have time to rumble. Everything on their breakfast menu is great, but my favorite item is the protein pancakes. It’s a whole grain batter with slivers of almonds and a generous amount of blueberries. I wish I could eat them every day.

Next, I might browse through the racks at Changing Hands Bookstore, one of the best independent bookstores in the country. They have a terrific children’s section, a ton of fiction and non-fiction selections and always, many items on sale. You might even be lucky enough to catch one of their author events or children’s story times – they have a full calendar that will satisfy readers of all ages.

After that, I’d head to Tempe Marketplace for more shopping. From Target to Pier 1 to Stein Mart to Gap, I can always find a few things that I can’t live without. There are lots of excellent restaurants to choose from on site, but for lunch, I can’t pass up Spinato’s Pizza. It’s located across Rio Salado Parkway from Tempe Marketplace, on Smith Road. This family owned restaurant has what I think is the best pizza in town. Once you’ve tasted the sauce, you’ll have a hard time getting pizza anywhere else.

With a full stomach and new books and clothing in my possession, next I’d head to Zia Record Exchange for the best selection in music. I love iTunes as much as the next person, but nothing beats browsing through the vast collection at Zia, including CDs, DVDs and vinyl. I usually pick up something new in addition to getting a CD from one of my favorite 80’s alt rock bands.

For a little pick me up after all of the music searching, I’d stop in to Cartel Coffee Lab for a tasty chai latte in one of the coolest atmospheres around town. The crowd is always a great mix of creative types and I always feel like I’m in the know just because I’m there.

After resting for a bit, dinner would be next on my agenda. There are so many restaurants in Tempe that I love…Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, Oregano’s, Cornish Pasty Co. and Mucho Gusto to name a few. But, on this day, I would have to go with Four Peaks Brewing Company. This world-famous (at least it should be!) microbrewery is an excellent choice for Tempe dining and of course, beer too. It’s a little off the beaten path, located at 8^th Street and Dorsey, but that’s part of its charm. It’s located in a historic creamery building that thankfully has a new life as a community gathering place. Try anything made with beer bread, or check out their daily specials. You’ll be glad that you did.

And, if I still had energy left, I would head to Mill Avenue to listen to live music or relax on an outdoor patio. You can’t go wrong with Mill Avenue restaurants and bars like Rula Bula Irish Pub, the Tavern on Mill or La Bocca Pizzeria & Wine Bar.

Sounds like the perfect day in Tempe to me!

Are you a fan of La Bocca’s Facebook page yet? It’s the only way to RSVP for this event, so “like” them for your chance to go! If you miss your chance this time, do not fret! There will be fun events like this one held every month throughout the summer. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on when their next Secret Sunday is coming!

Secret Sundays are designed to bring the community together over food and wine, Mediterranean-style, and encourage the use of new social apps to enrich a shared, real-world experience. Local food blogger Stephanie Quilao (www.noshtopia.com) is documenting the event entirely with her iPhone’s camera, so make sure to check it out!

Can’t wait until Sunday to dine at the delicious La Bocca? Head over for lunch, dinner or happy hour anytime! The bruschetta is out of this world, and their salads and hand tossed pizzas are mouth-watering good. Nothing goes better with happy hour for me than their house-made white or red sangria – yummo! Another tip before you go – every Sunday is half-price bottles of wine! Can’t beat that!

Canteen Modern Tequila Bar
Happy Hour every day from 4:00–6:30 p.m.
Enjoy half off house margaritas, bottled and draft beer, all tequilas and select food items! Live music every Thursday night from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Nello’s Pizza
Happy Hour Specials:
Tuesday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m: Domestic Drafts – $2.50, Premium Drafts – $3.00
Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – close: Happy Hour pricing and 1/2 off select appetizers
Charming Arizona residents for over 25 years, Nello’s family-run bistro features indoor and patio dining with age-old tradition and timeless recipes featuring pizza, pasta, sandwiches, heaping salads and sinful desserts. 

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
Half off appetizers and great drink specials!
Monday – Friday: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 3:00-5:00 p.m.

La Bocca Urban Pizzeria  
1/2 priced bottles of wine on Sundays & Mondays: 6:30 p.m. – close
2-for-1 Pizzas every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. – close
Reverse Happy Hour on Fridays & Saturdays: 10 p.m. to close

Rula Bula Irish Pub 
Happy Hour Specials Daily!
Monday – Saturday: 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sundays from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. 

Four Peaks Brewery
Happy Hour every day from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Reverse Happy Hour from 10:00 p.m. to close
$2.50 pints, $9.00 pitchers
16 oz. Pint $3.75, 10 oz. Pilsner $3.00
60 oz. Pitcher $11.00, Sampler Tray $8.00

Cadillac Ranch Tempe
Happy Hour 3:00–7:00 p.m. every day and all night on Mondays
Half off of all beer, bottles, cans & pints
Half off appetizers
$2.99 Margaritas, premium well cocktails, house wine by the glass
$3.99 Long Island ice teas
$4.99 Cadillac Ranch “Signature” cocktails, martinis and shooters
Reverse Happy Hour: Half off appetizers Sunday–Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to midnight

San Felipe’s Cantina
Happy Hour every day from 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Half off ALL appetizers and ALL drinks!

Macayo’s Depot Cantina
Happy Hour all day every day!
Free food buffet every Friday, live music Thursday & Saturday nights.
$1 Depot Kazis, $2 Dos XX Bottles, $3 Jagermeister, $4 Jack Daniels, $5 any Absoluts, $6 Patron Shots, $7 Patron Margaritas

• December 13: Rachel Eckroth Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 15: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 16: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden
• December 16: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 16: Shelby James; December 18: Big Daddy D & the Detonators, D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
• December 16-18: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Learn to Be Latina, Tempe Performing Arts Center
• December 16-19: Los Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 17: Clive Cussler & Dirk Cussler: Crescent Dawn, Changing Hands Bookstore
• December 17: Los Guys; December 18: Knee Deep Experience, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 17: Pete Pancrazi; December 18: Luke Nlccoli, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• December 17: Shawn Johnson and The Paper Snowmen; December 18: The Spin; December 19: Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant
• December 17:  Will Metzler; December 18: Race Brown; December 19:  Aebi/Coulson Jazz Jam, John Henry’s Restaurant
• December 18: Dmitri Matheny’s Holiday Jazz Party, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 18-19, Childsplay Presents Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 19: Jim Brickman 15th Anniversary Holiday Concert, ASU Gammage
• December 19: Sunday Night Jam Sessions Led by the Jeff Libman Trio, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub

October 27: David Adjaye: Architecture Lecture, Tempe Center for the Arts                                                            

October 28: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden 

October 28: Shelby James: American Roots, D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Restaurant & Pub                           

October 28: Opening Reception: Return of the Corn Mothers, ASU Museum of Anthropology 

October 29: ASU Lyric Opera Theatre presents Music Under the Stars, Nelson Fine Art Center Plaza

October 29-30: Shawn Johnson & The Foundation; DJ Slade & DJ Skills, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant

October 29: Celtica, World Music Band; October 30: PWK, Alternative Band, Tempe Marketplace District Stage

October 29: Mellis Calvert Duo, Adult Contemporary Acoustic Duo; October 30:  Luke Niccoli, Adult Contemporary Guitarist, Tempe Marketplace Barns & Noble Fountain

October 30: Opening of TCA Biennial: Glass & Glass Blowing Demonstration, Tempe Center for the Arts

October 30: LakeShore Jazz Series: Karrin Allyson & the ASU Big Band, Tempe Center for the Arts

October 30: Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Desert Botanical Garden                                                                              

October 31: Aebi/Coulson Jazz Jam, John Henry’s Restaurant

 October 18: Stan Sorenson, Guitar, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub

 October 19-24: Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, ASU Gammage

 October 21: Thursday Night Market, Tempe Urban Garden

 October 21: Shelby James: American Roots, D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Restaurant & Pub

 October 22: The Love Brokers, Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant

 October 22: Peppermint James; October 23: Chicks with Picks, Tempe Marketplace District Stage

 October 22: Dulce VAS; October 23:  Jeordie, Tempe Marketplace Barns & Noble Fountain

 October 23: Dance Contest: your chance to win $5,000 and a spot on MTV!, Tempe Marketplace District Stage 

October 23: Harbhajan Mann; October 24: Apsara Dance Concert, Tempe Center for the Arts 

October 24  Aebi/Coulson Jazz Jam, John Henry’s Restaurant