Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

When you think of Downtown Tempe, you think of a fresh urban area with great dining options, ASU students roaming the streets decked out in gold and a great place for festivals and activities offered to all. What you might not have known is all the history Tempe offers, such as the famous steak house Montis la Casa  Vieja located just off Mill avenue. It is the city’s original pioneer home and oldest continuously occupied structure in the valley; and Arizona State University is over 100 years old and once was named Tempe Normal School. There is so much history within Tempe and much of it is a hidden gem to anyone who passes through.

On Saturday February 4^th starting at 9:00 a.m. the City of Tempe along with many other supporting businesses will offer a special event to the public. The Downtown Tempe Walk Through History event will offer a welcome breakfast at the Hackett House, three walking tour options led by history and development experts, and a great lunch at the historic Montis to cap off the tour.

In two hours you will walk through Tempe led by your expert guide. Tour choices are arranged by the city and described below:

Mill Avenue – Enjoy a closer look at some of the buildings along Mill Avenue that have been restored for today’s uses and hear the story of Tempe’s famous inverted pyramid, otherwise known as Tempe City Hall. This is the shortest tour, just .75 miles from start to finish.

Hayden Butte and Town Lake – Walk around the base of A Mountain, hear details about the Hayden Flour Mill and its renovations, information about the Mill Avenue Bridge and visit the remains of the Ash Avenue Bridge abutment at Tempe Beach Park. This tour is just over a mile and involves some dirt paths.

Moeur Birchett/ASU – Visit Old Main and the Old St. Mary’s Church, the Walker House and Hatton Hall. Discover how these buildings have been repurposed for current use while keeping their historic nature in tact. This tour is approximately 1.25 miles.

This is a unique opportunity to revisit Tempe from years past and learn many new facts about the city. For $25 you can enjoy breakfast, your choice of tour, a commemorative t-shirt and a great lunch at Tempe’s historic lunch spot.

Schedule:
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.- Registration and Continental Breakfast
10 a.m. – approximately noon – Tour
11:30 – Lunch and Monti’s Tour: Arrive as early as 11:30 a.m. Lunch served as soon as all groups arrive.

Register at: http://walkthruhistory.eventbrite.com.

Papago Park

While the rest of the country is buried in snow, Tempe is basking in sunshine. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy the scenic outdoors! And, as a bonus, if your New Year’s resolution is to stay fit, you’re in the right place. Here are a few ideas for you.

Located just north of Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park covers 1200 acres of scenic Sonoran Desert and offers a variety of fairly easy trails that the whole family can enjoy.

Looking for an alternative way to get around Tempe? Rent a bike at the Bicycle Cellar located in the Tempe transportation center. Cruise down Mill Avenue or take a relaxing ride around Tempe Town Lake. If you are feeling more adventurous, rent a mountain bike and explore all the great trails at Papago Park. Daily and weekly rentals are available. For more information call (480) 219-7225 or check out their website.  

An average of 75 degrees means it’s time to head outside and soak up the sun! Spend a day on the water at Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Boat Rentals rents all kinds of watercraft, including paddleboats, kayaks and even pontoon boats.

Get active at Kiwanis Park! Have a picnic by the lake or enjoy a game of soccer with friends on one of the many fields. The park also includes walking paths, batting cages, basketball courts, baseball fields, and an indoor recreation facility equipped with an indoor wave pool!

For more ideas about things to do in Tempe, visit www.tempetourism.com.

The crack of the bat, the small of hot dogs on the grill and the sound of cheering fans – I’m already getting excited for Cactus League Spring Training!

I’m not your usual baseball spring training fan. I love going to games every year, but I what really look forward to are all the things that come along with spring training season. Here are my top six reasons why I love spring training:

1. Getting some sunshine! What could be better than enjoying a beautiful afternoon outside in 75 to 85 degree weather? 

2. Eating ball park food! This is one of my favorite places to just pig out. When you walk into Tempe Diablo Stadium you can immediately smell hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill – it makes my mouth water!

3. Catching up with friends! Spring Training games are a fun and affordable way for a group of friends to get together and have some fun!

4. Tickets are a steal! Lawn seats at Tempe Diablo Stadium are just $10, so the whole family can afford to go!

5. See the players up close! If you are into baseball, this is the best place you’ll find to get up close and personal with your favorite players. If you’re not into baseball, you get to see a bunch of cute guys run around the field for a few hours! Not bad!

6. Great time for a trip to Tempe! This is a great time of year for people to visit sunny Arizona, and Spring Training is the perfect excuse for your next family vacation! You can squeeze in a few games in between all the other fun things to do in Tempe like hiking, shopping and going to shows and festivals!

Spring Training games are scheduled from March 2 through April 4 and tickets are on sale now! View the Cactus League Spring Training schedule to plan your trip to Tempe at www.TempeBaseball.com.

Looking to keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit, while also supporting some fabulous organizations in the process?! What a better way to do both than to participate in a 5K! There are lots of different 5K and 10K walks taking place in Tempe this winter and spring. Here is a list of a variety of fun walks going on through the end of February in Tempe. For info about walks taking place throughout the spring visit the Tempe Tourism Office’s Calendar of Events.

Run, Walk & Roll 5K/10K – January 7 – Tempe Beach Park
This event is held at Tempe Beach Park and has been created to support and raise money for Arizona Disabled Sports (AzDS). The primary mission of AzDS is to provide a wide-variety of sports and recreation opportunities for individuals with all types of disabilities.

Walk For Values USA – January 21 – Tempe Beach Park
Unlike other walks, this is not a money-raiser. Rather, you will make the world richer by giving your commitment to practice values, and character-building. You may also be motivated to serve your community through volunteer work, or by donating blood, or by visiting the elderly or feeding the needy, or just striving to be an exemplary citizen.

The Color Run 5K – January 28 – Tempe Beach Park
The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. This event is about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. The 2012 Arizona Charity is Banner Health’s amazing Cardon Children’s Medical Center.

The Unity Walk – February 4 – Tempe Beach Park
Walk for unity in our community. Families, community organizations, scout groups, schools and faith groups are encouraged to participate. Walkers are encouraged to carry signs and banners representing their groups. No registration is required. Free t-shirt given at each assembly point. Color of t-shirt will correspond to the city you represent.

Walk the Fight – February 12 – Tempe Beach Park
Walk the Fight 5K Walk and Run raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease and raises funds for the community outreach programs at the Muhammad Ali Parkinsons Center. The Walk the Fight event includes the 5k walk and run, children’s activities, live music and a health fair.

Walk in the Wild 5K – February 18 – Phoenix Zoo
Head to the Phoenix Zoo on February 18 for the Fourth Annual Walk in the Wild where the zoo will honor the endangered Sumatran tiger. Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, goodie bag and admission into the Zoo for the day. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.

People Saving Pets Walk – February 19 – Tempe Beach Park
The People Saving Pets™ Walk, empowered by PetSmart Charities, is a festival to celebrate the compassion we have for pets! Your participation will raise money for local animal-welfare agencies that will help thousands of homeless pets throughout Arizona. The event includes a pet adoption event, 5K and 1-mile walks (for humans and their four-legged companions), as well as fun activities for children, adults and pets.

I am a runner and currently training for the P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon taking place January 15, 2012. Although I am looking forward to this great opportunity, after training for 5 months and running over 30 miles a week, running can get a bit tedious. Even if you are not an avid runner, everyone, including myself needs a little motivation to get a good workout in for the week. Well here’s some motivation for you – the Third Thursday Adventure Fun Run at Roadrunner Sports in Tempe Marketplace! There’s no better incentive than raffles, prizes, music, and a FREE beer at the end of your run!

This FREE event, held at Tempe Marketplace and sponsored by Road Runner Sports, is offered every third Thursday of the month from October through June. It’s a fun, hour long run that involves maps, music, strategy and the opportunity to meet lots of new friends. You run a total of 60 minutes to different checkpoints throughout Tempe to earn as many tickets as you possibly can. At the finish line you throw in all your earned tickets and have the chance to win raffles of gift certificates to local businesses and up to $1,000 dollars in running gear! Celebrate your victory with a complimentary beer ticket from Deschutes Brewery. Make sure you register by noon on the day of the event to receive this deal.

Grab your friends for this great group event and make some fun out of your Thursday. If you’re not a runner, walkers are defnitely welcome, you just might not get to as many checkpoints to receive as many tickets!

Next Adventure Run: December 15^th
5 p.m.> Sign In
7 p.m.> Run as fast as you can!
8 p.m.> FREE raffle & entertainment

Road Runner Sports
Tempe Marketplace
43 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-968-2022

Arizona State University versus the University of Arizona, it only happens once a year and no matter what side of the state your allegiance falls, this is the weekend when it all comes together in a head-to-head battle. SanTan Brewing Company is gathering fans of both teams for a Rivalry Ride through downtown Tempe. Riders will enjoy beer, food and a little healthy competition as this pre-game event kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

Riders will meet at Mellow Mushroom, located at 740 South Mill Ave, Suite #D100 for a bite to eat and their first pint of SanTan beer. Then, at 3:30 p.m. riders will cruise the streets of Tempe heading to the first stop at Boulders on Broadway, located at 530 West Broadway Road. After enjoying a pint of SanTan beer, the rivalry riders will continue their quest on to stop number two, Devil’s Advocate located at 955 East University Drive where friendly ASU vs. UofA banter should be fully underway. The final destination for riders is at the Tavern on Mill, located at 404 South Mill Avenue. From there, patrons can stay and enjoy more beer, food and fun or get ready to head out to the stadium for the game.

Registration for the SanTan Rivalry Ride is $20 per person and that includes a pint of SanTan brew at each stop and a pint plus food at Mellow Mushroom. Riders are encouraged to wear their favorite team colors and have a blast! Tickets are available at www.santanbrewing.com. All riders must arrive at Mellow Mushroom no later than 3 p.m., and be ready to cruise the streets of Tempe by 3:30 p.m. SanTan Brewing Company encourages all cruisers to follow bike safety laws and drink responsibly.

Open since 2007, SanTan Brewing Company has made a name for itself as Arizona’s favorite craft beer destination, operating with a commitment to advance the culture of craft beer. SanTan Brewing Company accomplishes this goal through beer production using the highest quality ingredients and methods. In addition to great beer, SanTan has gained a loyal following of craft beer enthusiasts in the Arizona area by offering delicious food, happy hour specials, live music and participating in beer festivals.

Visit SanTan Brewing Company at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ. They’re open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Also, check out SanTan Brewing Company online at www.santanbrewing.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SanTanBrewingCo or follow on www.twitter.com/SanTanBrewing for more information on upcoming specials and promotions.

While walking around the Mill Avenue District this week, you may have noticed the increase of highly fit people! That’s how I know that the Ford Ironman Arizona is on the horizon! The race kicks off in Tempe on Sunday, November 20 at 7:00 a.m. and the athletes have until midnight to complete the distance.

This highly motivating and inspirational event has always amazed me. The athletes devote hours upon hours to train for this race. Competitors swim 2.4-miles, bike 112-miles and run a marathon (26.2 miles) in succession, earning the right to become an Ironman.

Want to see this incredible event for yourself?  There are plenty of opportunities to see the athletes in action along their journey. The swim course takes place in Tempe Town Lake and the Mill Avenue bridges that span the lake provide perfect views of the swim. The transitions to the bike course and marathon course are held in Tempe Beach Park. The bike course is three loops, beginning in the park and circling the Beeline Highway. The marathon course, also three loops, winds around Tempe Town Lake and into Papago Park to the north, with the finish line at the edge of Tempe Beach Park at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue.

Whether you are seeing this event for the first time or cheering on a family member or friend, it is an emotional race to behold. The finish line is especially emotional as you see the athletes cross the finish line after hours of non-stop physical endurance.

So if you’re looking to be inspired, or just amazed, be sure to head to Tempe this Sunday to see the Ford Ironman Arizona. Need help getting around on race day? View the Traffic Impact brochure for all your traffic questions on race day.

Although it may seem like school just started, it’s already time for parents and families to visit Tempe. So clean up your room and get your grades up now because your parents will be here before you know it!

Family Weekend at Arizona State University (ASU) takes place during the first weekend in October when fall has officially arrived, October 1-2. The weather will finally start to cool off a bit, which opens the door for some fun outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy. Make this Family Weekend memorable by spending the weekend showing your family around Tempe, ensuring them that they indeed sent you to the right school. Here is a list of some unique and fun things to do with your parents that you may not get to do normally.

1. Plan to wake up early one morning and squeeze in a family hike at Papago Park to start off the day right. There’s a great trailhead located at the southwest corner of College and Curry. Your hike will have everyone feeling fresh and ready to take on the day. After, enjoy a delicious breakfast together in the Mill Avenue District. You earned it! NCounter on Mill is close by and has a mouth-watering menu that will leave everyone satisfied.
2. Spend an afternoon strolling in and out of shops around Tempe Marketplace, an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district. Be sure to grab lunch while you’re there too!
3. Plan a fun night out – whether you see a show at ASU Gammage, catch a movie at the IMAX theatre at Arizona Mills, laugh out loud at Tempe Improv, or have happy hour on Mill Avenue – no matter what you choose, you’ll be sure you have smiles on your faces.  
4. Saturday is game day! Show some school spirit and spend the day sporting gold t-shirts, tailgating, and watching ASU crush Oregon State!
5. Embrace the beautiful weather and head to Tempe Town Lake. Rent a paddle boat, kayak, or even attempt stand-up paddle boarding.
6. Take the opportunity to dine at a restaurant that you normally wouldn’t. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio at House of Tricks and savor seasonally inspired dishes, or head to Top of the Rock Restaurant at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort for world-class cuisine and breathtaking views of Tempe.

There are so many different ways to spend this Family Weekend, but which options you choose to is up to you! No matter what you decide to do, you and your family will experience a weekend full of memories and be left glowing with ASU pride. 

It’s about that time in Tempe where the weather is beckoning me outside! I want to shop, eat, walk, play and relax in the sunny Arizona climate! Here is my top 6 list of fun things to do in Tempe that are all outside:

1. Shop at Tempe Marketplace – This outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment hub is great for window shopping, listening to live music and strolling under the misters. There are several restaurants that offer outdoor dining such as California Pizza Kitchen, San Felipe’s Cantina, Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, D’arcy McGee’s and more. I also love going to the free music concerts that take place every Friday and Saturday night at the outdoor Disctrict Stage area – loads of fun and always a seat open!

2. Stroll Through the Mill Avenue District – Funky shops, unique restaurants and located in the heart of downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue is one of my favorite spots to enjoy the Arizona weather. There’s lots to choose from for dining “al fresco.” The House of Tricks, Z’Tejas Southwest Grill, La Bocca Pizzeria  and Rula Bula are just a few of my regular spots to enjoy a delicious meal in an amazing outdoor patio atmosphere.

3. See the Animals at the Phoenix Zoo – The Phoenix Zoo is exciting every time I go. My niece and nephew love this zoo and are entertained from the moment they enter. Exhibits that I can’t miss are the Orangutans, Monkey Village and Sting Ray Bay. If you get to Sting Ray Bay at the right time you can even feed them! For the kids, my niece and nephew love Harmony Farm, Leapin Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns – they can run around and play while you can sit and relax!

4. Explore the Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden – If you ever thought the Sonoran desert was barren, think again! Discover over 5,000 different types of desert plants on display here. The Succulent Galleries and Wildflower Loop Trail are among my favorite exhibits – they take my breath away. The Garden also offers a variety of outdoor events all year long such as live music concerts and a medley of holiday events.

5. Water Fun at Tempe Town Lake – Love the water? Try out one of the many boating options on Tempe Town Lake. Stand-Up Paddleboarding is both exceptionally fun and physically challenging. The pedal boats are a great choice when you want to relax on the water a bit more. For big groups I recommend renting a pontoon boat. They fit about ten people and are a blast! When you’re done on the water you can spread out a picnic at Tempe Beach Park and soak in the sun.

6. Take a Hike at Papago Park – Papago Park offers every level of hiking and bike trails galore. Breathtaking views can be seen from “Hole in the Rock,” just a short climb up the rock. The hiking and biking trails are abundant and offer stunning views of the Sonoran desert landscape. I love that it’s located in the heart of the Valley because it makes it such a convenient spot to meet up with friends and family to enjoy a hike, walk or picnic in a lovely spot!

Celebrate with your dad this Sunday, June 19, in Tempe! Tempe has lots of great Father’s Day deals for dining, attractions and relaxation. Here’s a full list of fun things to do to with your dad on Father’s Day (and save a buck or two)!

ASU Karsten Golf Course
www.asukarsten.com
Give dad what he really wants this Father’s Day…the gift of golf!  The ASU Karsten Father’s Day Gift Pack includes:
- (2) Rounds of Golf (valid through September 25, 2011)
- PING Karsten golf shirt
- Sleeve of Titleist golf balls
- Breakfast or lunch in the Trophy Room Restaurant

All for $99 plus tax…a savings of over $50.00!

You may purchase the gift through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19.  Contact a member of ASU Karsten’s professional team at (480) 921.8070, and they will be happy to mail or deliver your gift. 

Monti’s La Casa Vieja
www.montis.com
Join Monti’s in celebrating Father’s Day and try Chef Jimmy’s delicious special! 12 oz. Herb Encrusted Prime Rib served with garlic truffle fries & grilled pancetta wrapped asparagus topped with an aged balsamic vinaigrette $24.95

Four Peaks Brewery
www.fourpeaks.com
Four Peaks Brewery will be offering a special Father’s Day Lunch Buffet at their Tempe location – buy Dad a round of his favorite local beer!

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
http://tempe.ztejas.com
Z’Tejas is be celebrating “Dads & Grads” with their gift card promotion. For every $25 gift card purchase, guests will receive a $5 bonus card to use for themselves! The offer is valid until June 19^th and bonus cards may be redeemed June 20^th-July 31^st and up to two at a time can be used. 

Naranda Spa at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort
www.ButtesMarriottResort.com
The “Ultimate” Dad Spa Package – available June 1 through June 30 - $249 plus tax

NARANDE CUSTOM MASSAGE – 50 minutes
This customized service allows the therapist to create a personalized therapy just for you. Using different styles of massage and body work creates overall balance and the ultimate in relaxation.

GENTLEMEN’S FACIAL – 50 minutes
Specifically formulated for the special skin care needs of men, this deep cleansing, therapeutic and relaxing treatment leaves your skin toned and revived. Please avoid shaving altogether – if necessary, shave at least two hours prior to your treatment.

NARANDE PEDICURE – 50 minutes
With a warm paraffin treatment, mud mask and exfoliating foot treatment.
*Dad will be served a light lunch included with package.

The Center Bistro
www.thecenterbistro.com 
On Friday, June 17, The Center Bistro is offering dads a 10% discount and one $2 beer (FYI – The Center Bistro is closed on weekends).

Stratum Laser Tag Headquarters
www.stratumhq.com
This Father’s Day, June 19, enjoy “Dad plays ONE FREE GAME OF LASER TAG when you buy a multi game special or Dad gets $5 off unlimited laser tag play from 1-6 PM when you purchase an unlimited play pass.” 

Coupon is available at www.stratumhq.com/holidayhours.html. Reservations always recommended. Call 480-545-5500 for more information. 

Tempe Marketplace
www.tempemarketplace.com
Tempe Marketplace is offering a Vestar Visa Gift Card for Father’s Day - give dad the gift of whatever his heart desires! 

Arizona Mills
www.arizonamills.com
Now through Father’s Day, June 19, anyone who purchases a $100 or more American Express Gift Card at Guest Services, will receive one FREE round of golf at The Arizona Grand Golf Resort (200 of these to be given away, while supplies last).