One of the Sonoran Deserts most cherished holiday traditions, Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden has illuminated the season for 37 years. Wander glowing paths lined with over 8,000 luminaria bags and trees twinkling with thousands of white lights. On crisp, clear nights, savor hot chocolate or cider while the holiday spirit surrounds you. Live music from 10 groups fills the air throughout the garden, featuring Dickens carolers, bell ringers, Flamenco dancers, steel drum

Tempe is experiencing rapid growth, with cranes dotting the skyline along Rio Salado Parkway. While much of the construction focuses on new developments and high-rises, recent upgrades to University Drive between Ash Avenue and Priest Drive emphasize pedestrian and cyclist-friendly enhancements. This stretch serves as a gateway to Downtown Tempe and Arizona State Universitys Tempe campus. Improvements include a newly paved road, dedicated bike lanes, center median landscaping with palm trees and

Ever wondered about the craftsmanship behind your favorite craft beer or spirit? Tempe brewery and distillery tours offer an immersive experience, revealing the intricate processes that bring local brews and bourbons to life. Four Peaks Brewing Company and Arizona Distilling Company provide exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at their Tempe locations. Gain insights into the history, culture, and meticulous production of their award-winning craft beers and spirits—perfect for enthusiasts seeking au

Nothing beats a warm stack of pancakes to brighten your morning—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. As a Tempe local with years of breakfast explorations, here are my top picks for the best pancakes in town. Dive in and savor them all. Crackers & CompanyLocated in South Tempe on Elliot Rd., east of Priest Dr.This homestyle breakfast gem shines with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: swirled cinnamon filling, cream cheese glaze, and pecans. Dont miss the Granola Cakes and Berry Pancakes topped with b

Chalk and sidewalks form a timeless artistic duo, akin to paint on canvas or pen on paper. While casual doodles are fun, nothing compares to witnessing professional artists craft breathtaking masterpieces right on the pavement. Thats the magic of the Tempe Marketplace Chalk Art Festival, set for Saturday, April 18th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local talents will bring seven original, large-scale creations (8 x 6 feet each) to life on the sidewalks in The District area. These vibrant murals will rema

Arizona summers in Tempe bring intense heat, but with the right activities, you can stay cool, entertained, and comfortable. Discover our curated list of reliable ways to beat the scorch and enjoy the season. 1) Cool off at Tempes splash pads. The Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad, in the heart of The District at Tempe Marketplace, offers shaded seating for parents, nearby shops, and restaurants. Grab an iced drink or treat from spots like MoJo Yogurt or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Open daily 7 a.m.

Tempes dining scene is evolving rapidly, with exciting openings like Postino Annex, Snooze, and Culinary Dropout at The Yard. Tempe Marketplace is keeping pace by welcoming fresh additions alongside staples such as Dave & Buster’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill, and Bar Louie. The latest arrivals—Mad Greens and Noodles & Company—are now open, with Nekter Juice Bar slated to debut later this year. MAD Greens 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1215 Tempe, AZ 85281 602-283-3

Summer is an ideal time for dining out in Tempe, with thinner crowds meaning shorter—or no—waits at popular spots. Plus, restaurants roll out unbeatable deals. Discover delicious meals and savings with our expert-curated list of the best summer specials in Tempe. Have a favorite we missed? Let us know in the comments! Postino AnnexThis stylish wine bar in Downtown Tempe offers any house bottle of wine plus bruschetta for just $20 on Monday and Tuesday nights after 8 p.m.615 S. College Ave., Tem

Searching for one-of-a-kind treasures like a unique shirt, necklace, or lamp? Tired of ubiquitous styles from chain stores? Explore Tempes vibrant vintage shops for distinctive finds. Browsing these spots is an adventure—you never know what gems await. Here are top recommendations in Tempe, backed by local favorites. Buffalo Exchange – 227 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 968-2557 Just blocks from Downtown Tempe and ASU, Buffalo Exchange offers mens and womens clothing from trendy design

Shopping in Downtown Tempe offers endless opportunities to find stylish, affordable pieces for casual outings, parties, or work. With over 100 restaurants, businesses, and shops, this vibrant area has something for everyone. For unique fashion finds, explore these standout Downtown Tempe boutiques. Divaz Boutique Divaz Boutique, originally from near the University of Arizona, has gained popularity among college students and expanded to Tempe. This exclusive shop offers high-quality fashion inclu

As the warm Arizona sun beckons in Tempe, its the ideal time to embrace the outdoors. From shopping and dining to hiking and water adventures, here are my top 6 favorite outdoor activities in Tempe, perfect for enjoying the sunny climate. 1. Shop and Dine at Tempe Marketplace – This vibrant outdoor hub offers shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stroll under cooling misters, enjoy window shopping, and catch live music. Outdoor seating at spots like California Pizza Kitchen, Thirsty Lion Pu

As a Swedish native and long-time expat, cherished traditions endure: Christmas on December 24th, thin crepe-like pancakes, and soccer as true football. IKEA feels like home—that iconic blue-and-yellow store where I pronounce furniture names flawlessly and mutter Swedish during Billy bookcase assembly. IKEA Tempe trips are family rituals: Swedish pancakes, marketplace treasures like the perfect cheese slicer, then flat-packed hauls and assembly plans. Post-checkout now comes a sweet perk: lördag

Tempe Marketplace is an exceptional destination, offering a one-stop experience for shopping, dining, entertainment, and personal care. Its central location off Loop 101 and SR 202 provides easy access, making it one of Tempes—and Arizonas—most popular gathering spots. Whether youre a dedicated shopper or not, Tempe Marketplace delivers variety to suit every taste. Find fashionable clothing and shoes for yourself or your pet, fine wines and spirits, home décor, workout gear, eyewear, books, elec

October in Tempe is already proving unforgettable, with events like Tour de Fat and Oktoberfest kicking off a season of fun, friends, and exceptional beer. The month also marks the grand opening of Pedal Haus Brewery at 730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281—Temepes latest brewery and restaurant. Created by Julian Wright, the visionary behind local favorites La Bocca and Handlebar Tempe (affectionately dubbed the Mayor of Mill Ave.), Pedal Haus delivers once again. The spacious interior boasts one o

I recently rode the Valley Metro Rail and PHX Sky Train to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), discovering how effortlessly you can navigate Tempe, Phoenix, and nearby cities without a car. Tempe is just a quick 10-minute trip from PHX. Starting from the Tempe Tourism Office, we purchased all-day light rail passes for $4.00 and boarded at the Third Street/Mill Avenue station. Passengers loaded efficiently, and soon we were smoothly heading toward the airport. The 28-station route spa

Having spent a summer immersed in Paris, mastering French, exploring iconic sights, and indulging in café crepes, I know a truly exceptional crepe when I taste one. For that authentic Parisian experience in Arizona, I head to Crepe Bar in Tempe, at the northwest corner of Rural Road and Elliot Road. This charming neighborhood spot, serving breakfast and lunch, is a hidden gem. The menu boasts a diverse selection of savory and sweet crepes, plus a few alternatives for non-crepe enthusiasts. Opti

Hosting family or friends in Tempe this fall and holiday season? As Tempe tourism experts, weve selected the top six destinations to impress your visitors with unforgettable experiences. These local favorites blend natural beauty, holiday magic, and vibrant culture. Phoenix Zoo The Phoenix Zoo delights all ages with over 3,000 animals, from African lions to zebras. Interactive highlights include Stingray Bay, the Arizona Trail featuring native wildlife, Giraffe Encounter, Monkey Village, and a 4

For years, the historic Eisendrath House stood perched on a hill along College Avenue in Tempe, behind the Arizona Historical Society Museum, quietly awaiting revival. That vision has become reality: the beautifully restored 1930s Pueblo Revival adobe structure has reopened as the Eisendrath Center for Water Conservation, blending Tempes rich history with vital sustainability efforts. Docent-led tours now offer public access, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the citys past while disco

Breakfast fuels your day, and a well-crafted omelet combines fluffy eggs with savory fillings for the ultimate start. In Tempe, several standout restaurants serve exceptional omelets. Discover your new favorite below, and share your top picks in the comments. Daily Jam 310 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 / (480) 968-9288 A Tempe breakfast staple, Daily Jam shines with inventive omelets. The Veg omelet features mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and both Jack and cheddar cheeses for a flavorful

As a longtime Tempe dining enthusiast, I often stick to my favorite dishes at local restaurants. But occasionally, I embrace the thrill of the unusual—adventurous eats that surprise and delight. These out-of-the-ordinary options offer a flavorful escape from the everyday. Here are some of my most memorable bold dishes from Tempe-area spots, all proven crowd-pleasers. Hummus-Stuffed Avocado at Salut Kitchen + Bar This tapas standout is ideal for sharing, though youll be tempted to claim it solo.