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12<br />
1. STUNNING SUNSETS<br />
The Valley of the Sun is known for its incredible<br />
sunsets filled with vibrant and unforgettable<br />
orange, yellow, pink and purple hues that perfectly<br />
complement the city skyline and mountain views. In<br />
Tempe, you’ll always get a good vantage point from<br />
Tempe Town Lake, “A” Mountain and a number of<br />
local hotels with rooftop pools. For something unique, take in the<br />
sunset at the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park.<br />
Reasons to<br />
Visit Tempe<br />
By Jamie Killin<br />
Welcoming approximately 4 million visitors every year, Tempe offers gorgeous weather year-round, award-winning eateries, familyfriendly<br />
activities and exciting outdoor adventures—all making for the perfect trip to the Grand Canyon State. If you’re planning a<br />
memorable Arizona getaway, here are 12 reasons why Tempe should be at the top of your list.<br />
2. EVENTS TO PLEASE EVERYONE<br />
Whether you’re shopping for local art at the award-winning Tempe<br />
Festival of the Arts or pushing yourself to the limit competing in the<br />
IRONMAN Arizona triathlon, there’s an event for everyone<br />
in Tempe. In addition to these landmark events, the<br />
city also has ongoing activities like live concerts<br />
at the District Stage at Tempe Marketplace, Music<br />
in the Garden featuring local musical talent at the<br />
Desert Botanical Garden, and an array of street<br />
fairs and festivals with entertainment, games, and<br />
outdoor activities.<br />
3. WARM, SUNNY WEATHER<br />
Need we say more? Arizona—especially Tempe and its neighboring<br />
cities—is known for its fabulous weather. With more than 330 days of<br />
sunshine, any time is the perfect time to visit, with the fall, spring and<br />
winter months offering the most ideal weather. Visitors from colder<br />
destinations can trade rain and freezing snow for sunny blue skies<br />
and mild temperatures.<br />
4. DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINKS<br />
Tempe has some of the best food and drink options in the Southwest,<br />
ranging from nightlife spots on Mill Avenue to award-winning breweries<br />
and distilleries, rooftop lounges and beautiful patios perfect for<br />
enjoying sips and nibbles while basking in the gorgeous weather.<br />
5. THE GREAT OUTDOORS<br />
If you love to enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of options in and<br />
around Tempe. You can paddleboard on Tempe Town Lake, hike to<br />
the top of “A” Mountain, or cruise through Kiwanis Park by bike. You'll<br />
also enjoy breathtaking views at the Desert Botanical Garden or from<br />
high above the Sonoran Desert onboard a Rainbow Ryders hot air<br />
balloon – the options are truly endless!<br />
6. A VIBRANT ARTS AND CULTURE SCENE<br />
Arts and culture enthusiasts can take in a Broadway show at ASU<br />
Gammage, enjoy an intimate performance at the Tempe Center for the<br />
Arts, or explore forward-thinking art exhibits at the ASU Art Museum.<br />
Plus, you’re sure to discover at least a few of the city’s many public<br />
works of art, including custom works on news racks by local artists<br />
along Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe.<br />
7. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY<br />
Arizona State University is one of the largest universities in the<br />
country, with its main campus in Tempe boasting architecture -<br />
like the iconic Old Main - dating back to the 1800s. A stroll through<br />
the campus offers a glimpse of Arizona’s vibrant history and<br />
landscape through its buildings, public art pieces and, of course,<br />
a sea of palm trees.<br />
Arizona Mills<br />
10. SHOPPING GALORE<br />
In Tempe, you can shop for deals at Arizona Mills, find one-of-a-kind<br />
local goods along Mill Avenue, or peruse your favorite retail stores at<br />
Tempe Marketplace. Some of the most popular shopping gems include<br />
home décor giant IKEA (the only location in Arizona), Changing Hands<br />
Bookstore in south Tempe, Creations Boutique at Tempe Marketplace<br />
and Mill Avenue mainstay Lotions & Potions, which has been at its<br />
Downtown Tempe location since 1969.<br />
@Hellosilhouette<br />
Tempe Tourism Office<br />
"A" Mountain<br />
8. SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL<br />
From February to March, Arizona is one of only two states in the U.S.<br />
where you can catch a spring training game, making it a must-do activity<br />
during your visit. It’s also the perfect way to experience the baseball<br />
preseason while enjoying beautiful weather at various venues across<br />
the Phoenix metro area. If you’re a Los Angeles Angels fan, swing by<br />
Tempe Diablo Stadium, where you’ll be able to cheer on your team.<br />
9. FAMILY FUN<br />
There’s no shortage of kid-approved activities in Tempe. Whether you<br />
want to knock down a few pins at Main Event Entertainment, watch<br />
a documentary come to life at ASU’s Marston 3-D Theater, or get up<br />
close and personal with underwater creatures at SEA LIFE Aquarium,<br />
there’s something for everyone in the family. For a splashing good<br />
time, head to Kiwanis Park, where you can cool off at The Cloud<br />
splash pad or float the day away at the Kiwanis Wave Pool.<br />
TEMPE<br />
VOICES<br />
11. EVERYONE IS WELCOME<br />
Tempe prides itself on fostering a community of inclusivity by<br />
celebrating all backgrounds, cultures, religious and sexual orientations.<br />
The city council and voters have moved forward with anti-discrimination<br />
legislation, resulting in the city earning a perfect score on the Human<br />
Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Municipal Equality Index.<br />
Throughout the year, Tempe supports and promotes many cultural<br />
events that represent the diverse fabric of the community.<br />
12. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION<br />
Located in the center of the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area,<br />
Tempe is easily accessible to and from surrounding cities such as<br />
Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. Options include car,<br />
bus and Valley Metro Rail, which runs from northwest Phoenix to east<br />
Mesa through Tempe. It’s also perfect for out-of-state travelers thanks<br />
to its 4-mile proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.<br />
“We are always trying to encourage our friends from around the Valley to make Tempe home! The community is friendly, engaged and really cares<br />
about their neighbors and city at large. They make a point to involve the community in feedback on new initiatives, that feels very inclusive.”<br />
– Amy Silberschlag, Co-owner, Cartel Roasting Co.<br />
4 #OurTempe TempeTourism.com<br />
TempeTourism.com #OurTempe 5