Few towns can boast a Main Street district these days. This is not the case in Tempe, Arizona. Tempe Mill Avenue district is part classic Main Street, part cosmopolitan nightlife hub and one of the town's biggest draws.

Since the 1950's, shopping has become an experience characterized by indoor malls and homogenous surroundings. Mill Ave represents something of a rebellion against this trend. The district bills itself as being "walkable" and the ability to walk between specialty boutiques, local businesses and nationally-known retailers without being in a sterile shopping mall draws millions every year.

Tempe Mill Ave is also the main entertainment district for Tempe nightlife and music . Options for indulging a bit of distraction span from the fine arts to very trendy urban clubs; from mellow jazz bars to rollicking rock and roll hangouts. Redevelopment of this district has put great emphasis on making it walkable at all hours which has resulted in a safe and fun urban environment delightfully absent many of the problems that plague such districts in other cities. The constant stream of students from ASU inject a good deal of energy into the nightlife, as well.

Tempe and Mill Avenue restaurants offer great choices in dining. The eclectic choices include everything from Asian cuisine to Mediterranean fare to, of course, southwestern dishes. This district is one of the main areas where locals come to eat.

The Tempe Mill Avenue district, aside from shopping and nightlife, is a great location for the fine arts. ASU's Gammage is nearby, offering arts and stage entertainment. The ASU Art Museum is also easily accessible, with displays that center on contemporary artists.

Tempe Town Lake is along the avenue which offers a refreshing strip of green space to get away from the crowds when the day is done and relaxation is called for.

By Marilyn Hawkes
Old Town Scottsdale: City of Contrast
Old Town Scottsdale's skyline has changed dramatically over the past few years. Contemporary high-rise condos and hotels now stand next to Old West storefronts and low-rise ranch-style buildings. Modern boutiques, with up-to-the-minute fashions go toe-to toe with Western wear shops. A combination of short and tall, old and new, big and small, Scottsdale offers visitors shopping, dining and sightseeing to satisfy everyone's expectations. This guide will help you choose an experience to fit your mood. 

Saturday's reward was found in Zinc Bistro with Bellinis; a Zinc House Salad of Organic Hand Cut Greens, Warm Goat Cheese Crouton and Cabernet Vinaigrette;Grilled Asparagus with Lemon & Fleur de Sel; and of course, a no visit to Zinc Bistro is complete without Truffled Fries with Parmesan and... Read Story

04/07/09

Tempe Marketplace is one of the Arizona city's signature features. An open air shopping experience, the Tempe market place features national and local retailers in a pedestrian friendly setting designed to make going from store to store easy and enjoyable.

Tempe Marketplace provides shoppers who are tired of the stale, conditioned air of indoor malls something different and with a great deal of variety to explore.  From Target to Old Navy Tempe Marketplace has everything you need. 

The shopping area features several restaurants at which shoppers can unwind after a long day of browsing the stores and their various goods. Tempe Market place restaurants range from chic and luxury to value-conscious family establishments to names known around the country for their quick, affordable dining including California Pizza Kitchen,  Lucille's Barbeque and Cadillac Ranch.  Plenty of variety is to be had.

The Harkins Theater in Tempe is a popular destination day and night. The theater features Hollywood's most recent blockbusters on several screens. Before 6pm, there are matinee prices available, check to find out the going rates if you're looking for an afternoon distraction to pass the time. The theater is an excellent bit of respite for those who like to take in the Tempe sun in moderation.

Tempe Marketplace represents something different for both locals and those on vacation. As the mall model of retail shopping has lost popularity, companies have found many consumers wishing to get out in the open air, the sun and to mingle with a mix of people in a more relaxed environment. Tempe Marketplace combines the convenience of mall shopping with the Main Street experience. The proximity to Tempe Town Lake adds an extra touch of green space that makes the experience one that is very low-stress, casual and fun for the entire family.