Outdoor Adventures Await
Tags: Blog • Shopping & Leisure • Day Trips
Ready for some trippin' & sippin' in Downtown Tempe?
Spring in Arizona is what we live for. Desert dwellers know this is why we withstand the days upon days of 100+ degree temperatures in the summer. We all know it's the time to get outside, explore the outdoors and have some outdoor fun before it gets too hot.
Here is your guide to outdoor adventure or day trippin' paired with a refreshing beverage to enjoy on your outdoor adventure- that's the sippin' part!
Hike A Mountain
Trippin': A Mountain, also known as Hayden Butte, rises up above downtown Tempe like a sphinx, just daring you to climb it. The paved path looks easy, like it might take you about 10 minutes to get to the summit. But it's a little tougher than you'd think. Luckily there are at least three rest areas that allow you to catch your breath and survey the Valley before you. Making the final leg to the top involves a lot of stairs but its well worth the effort as you are rewarded with a 360 degree view of the Valley of the Sun. Bonus: Spring brings the A Mountain Challenge - a challenge to climb A Mountain as many times as you can for fitness, fun, PRIZES and a sweet T-shirt! Sign up for the A Mountain Challenge (March 12 - April 30, 2022).
Sippin': Once you've headed down the Butte, cross Mill Avenue at 3rd Street and head into Loco Patron for one of their Skinny Prickly Pear Margaritas: freshly blended prickly pear, Hornitos Silver, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and a splash of soda.
Get out on Tempe Town Lake
Trippin': While its true that there is no public swimming in Tempe Town Lake (unless you are competing in a triathlon), you can still get out on the water with the help of Tempe Boat Rentals on the south side of the lake, just under the Mill Avenue bridges. There you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats (pedal a dragon anyone?), and electric boats - including the new Donut Boats - cruise out on the lake and enjoy the best urban water experience in Arizona.
Sippin': Just south of the lake on Farmer Avenue and 1st Street, stop in to Culinary Dropout for a Deviant Behavior - it's like 2 drinks in one: Ketel One vodka, muddled strawberry, lemon, and Shock Top Belgian White (great with an order of their soft Pretzel Balls & melted Provolone Fondue). Cheers!
Tempe Tales Scavenger Hunt
Trippin': Tempe Tales is the perfect outdoor activity for young children, families, teenagers and visitors to Downtown Tempe. There are twelve life-sized jackrabbits created by Tucson artist Mark Rossi hidden around Downtown Tempe and its up to you to find them! Mark also also created the three ginormous Blacktail Jackrabbits (not life-size!) in Centerpoint by Pedal Haus Brewery. Concentrated in ½ square mile of Tempe’s urban core, this public art scavenger hunt is a great way to explore Downtown Tempe in a new light, with interesting learning opportunities and experiences along the way. Scavenger Hunt clues are available HERE - see if you can find them all!
Sippin': Nearby Josephine (hint, hint!), you'll find House of Tricks. Pop in for their Hours of Tranquility from 4-6 PM Monday - Saturday and ask for a Lawnchair - not to sit in, to drink: Roasted Jalapeño Tequila, house made limeade, Watermelon-Mezcal Simple Syrup with a salt-sugar rim. Amazing!
Roll Around Town
Trippin': Downtown Tempe has its share of opportunities to explore on wheels, whether it's 4 wheels, 2 wheels or even on 1 wheel. Get a tune-up for your own bike or rent one from The Bicycle Cellar, Tempe's very own Commuter Support Station located at the Tempe Transportation Center. Have a few friends with you? Bring them along and rent a Surrey Bike from Tempe Boat Rentals and pedal along the path that goes around the lake. You'll cross the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge by Tempe Center of the Arts, roll past the only 'beach' on Tempe Town Lake just south of the Marquee Theater, see the popular sand volleyball courts and the Tempe Town Lake Marina. If you're feeling really adventurous, check out The Shred Club, a new business on Mill Avenue where you can rent electric skateboards, scooters and OneWheels. Keep the Tempe Bikeway Map handy - it will help you to navigate your outdoor adventure!
Sippin': So many choices since you're on wheels. Roll up to Pedal Haus Brewery for a White Rabbit IPA or a Biere Blanche. Try out Handlebar Tempe on Mill Avenue, offering a selection of 24 draft beers + 50 can, bomber, and bottle beer options including Local, European & American craft beers. Or for a non-alcoholic option, roll over to Foch Cafe & Bistro on 6th Street, just east of Mill Avenue, for AZ Liquids fresh-pressed juices or Peixoto Cold Brew.
Downtown Tempe is Arizona's Spring Destination
