Big fan of their Facebook page. Went when they had a bicycle exhibit and Mexican exhibit going…read more Wish there was more core Tempe history there so I could reflect more on my childhood though.

This small museum is currently exhibiting Tempe's Old West history, and I found it very interesting…read moreto read about how quickly the town changed and spread. Included in the exhibit are pieces of clothing, tools, and toys from this boomtown era. The rest of the museum has displays from an ethnic standpoint to the movie industry to sustainability in the desert to ASU history. One corner has a truck, books, and costumes so that kids can get hands-on. Admission is free, and the museum shop has lots of unique gift items. Bonus: the Tempe Public Library is right next door

Every university has a student center or student union. Arizona State University has the Student…read moreCenter @ The Post Office and the University Center at the Downtown Campus, the Student Union at the Polytechnic Campus, the University Center Building at the West Valley Campus, and the Memorial Union and Student Pavilion at the Tempe Campus. The Memorial Union opened in 1956 and has since served as the central hub of student life on the Tempe Campus. The Memorial Union has its own core values including creating community, celebrating diversity, promoting and achieving excellence, embracing history and traditions, and fostering human development. There is a huge team of professional and student staff that run the Memorial Union (as well as the other unions and centers across the other campuses). ASU chose the name "Memorial Union" to serve as a living memorial for those who have courageously served our country in the military. There is a lot of history in the building. The Scoular Lounge (on the main level) is named after the Memorial Union's first director Cecelia Scoular. There are also more than 160 pieces of art making up the Memorial Union permanent art collection. These art pieces can be found along the walls of rooms and hallways throughout the building on all of the floors. There are 4 1/2 floors to the Memorial Union. On the lower level are a Digital Creative Studio, Wellness/Lactation Rooms, an Interfaith Reflection Room, lounges, meeting rooms, Burger King, Subway, Shake Smart, Sun Devil Card Services, Pat Tillman Veterans Center, Union Stage, and Sparky's Den with billiards and table tennis (but no longer bowling). On the main level are the Desert Financial Credit Union, the Pitchforks Dining Hall, Changemaker Central, the Information Desk, part of the Student Connection and Community office, the Safety Escort Service, the P.O.D. Market, the Sun Devil Hospitality Meal Plan Office, the Scoular Lounge, Starbucks, Einstein's, Chick-fil-a, Qdoba, Pei Wei, Choolaah Indian BBQ, Rosie's Bakery, Gigi's, and Bento. There is a mezzanine level with additional Student Connection and Community offices. On the second level are the Engrained dining room, Starlight Terrace, another Digital Creative Studio, many meeting rooms, the Arizona and Ventana Ballrooms, and a catering kitchen. On the third level are the New Student Orientation and ASU Family offices, the Event and Meeting Services and Sun Devil Hospitality Catering offices, and the Maroon and Gold program and Access ASU offices. I remember being at the Mariposa Cafe on November 1, 2007 for lunch when a fire broke out there leading to a closure of the Memorial Union for several months. The Memorial Union reopened its lower two floors in January 2008 with the rest of the building reopened in May 2008. I have spent many days, nights, and weekends in the Memorial Union for conferences, banquets, meetings, trainings, lunches, errands. study time, work time, shopping, and connecting with colleagues in offices on all floors. I was even there for a meeting today in the Alumni Lounge on the second floor of the building. I certainly encourage anyone visiting ASU to stop by the Memorial Union to check it out and be a part of history!

Visited the campus for the first time with my daughter (an online student) for her graduation,…read morethere was a pre-graduation event and campus tours hosted out of the MU, very nice facility, restrooms have the water and (Dyson) hand driers right over the sinks, makes it super convenient (and the dryers actually work well). Older building that has been renovated has lots of character and many little nooks and crannies to explore. Everyone was very friendly and helpful in getting us to our destination. Recommend

This is a neat stop in the south Phoenix area. It's a good place for a western photoshoot, if…read moreyou're into that sort of thing. We had directions here and it was easy to find with directions. Without knowing this was here or having any directions, I don't think this is something you'd just stumble upon. Driving off the 202 and into south central Phoenix to get here was questionable with some sketchy areas. We were rerouted because ADOT decided to close the exit we needed to get here, so we ended up driving through the south central area longer than expected. A drive that should have taken us 20 minutes, took more like 35 minutes. Once here, it was neat to walk around the building and take photos. There are mountains behind the building which make a nice backdrop. Glad we saw it, but would not go out of our way again to come here.

Scorpion Gulch in Phoenix is such an interesting historic stop. It's an abandoned stone structure…read morebuilt in 1936 by William Lunsford as a home and trading post, and it still has that rugged Wild West feel. The stone walls and open-air layout make it a great backdrop for photos, which is why I stopped by to scout it for a shoot. It's right on the way to South Mountain Park, just before the main entrance, so it's easy to find. There is convenient parking right in front of the buildings and more parking adjacent to the site. I drove down to the visitor center for a restroom but they were closed, so that was a little disappointing, though I did find very clean porta potties in the parking lot. There are also some beautiful hiking and walking trails around the area, but I didn't get a chance to explore them that day. I went midweek and I was the only person there, which made it peaceful and easy to look around without any crowds. Whether you're into photography, history, or just want a quick scenic stop on the way to South Mountain, Scorpion Gulch is worth checking out.

A beautiful place to visit, peaceful open land. And a chance to learn about life for the tribal…read morelife today. Outside the Wild Horse Pass & Casino, there are very few places to purchase food or water, other than the gas stations. So be informed. The cultural center is fascinating but openly open Weds - Fri.

If you look up the top attractions in Phoenix on TripAdvisor, Dobbins Lookout will be toward the…read moretop of the list. For good reason. Located in South Mountain Park, Dobbins offers picturesque views of Phoenix and surrounding areas. There are two ways to get there: (1) you can take the easy way and take a scenic drive up to a parking lot right next to Dobbins or (2) take Holbert Trail to Dobbins which will be about an hour an a half hike. Naturally, I took the more difficult route and was rewarded for my efforts with all that Dobbins has to offer. You'll see people sitting on the various benches and ledges to enjoy the views. You'll see people snapping pics. And you'll even see vendors in the parking lot selling Native American art and jewelry, drinks, and snacks. While I wasn't there during sunset, I hear it's a spectacular place to come at that time.

Dobbins Lookout, Phoenix, AZ, Nov, 2025. Driving up to the Dobbins Lookout was a highlight of our…read morerecent vacation in Phoenix. This lookout is in South Mountain Park and Preserve (see my separate Yelp entry), which is one of the nation's largest municipally-owned parks. You can hike up to the lookout on the Holbert Trail, which is reputably a steep uphill on a rocky trail. We took the easier option -- the 5.5 mile road that takes about 25-30 minutes to drive up. This scenic, gradually climbing road is shared by motorized vehicles and mountain bicycles, and is an adventure in itself. It features blind corners, narrow sections, and some treacherous drop-offs. The lookout is at 2,330', the highest point in the park that is open to the public. The highlight is the panoramic 360-degree views of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Camelback Mountain, and the Sonoran Desert. There are also old masonry structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a shaded structure, benches, and a primitive restroom. There are other lookouts to check-out nearby, and you might consider going up early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunrise or sunset. Entrance gates are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., although hiking trails are still open after 7 p.m. and you can exit until 11 p.m. Admission and parking is free.

Such a lovely mansion from the late 1800's early 1900's Museum with some great Tempe history…read moreinvolved. There is a lovely garden area outside for events and a kid's city park next door keeping with the farm cattle theme that the mansion once was. They are not open all the time but have an event schedule on the website. My friend is the creator of the Vintage Society so we had a garden party here yesterday and it was so, so, so lovely. If you can get to an event here it is wonderful. Check it out. I hear the holidays are really spectacular. Fair note, most of the mansion has been renovated and has non original, but still period era appropriate, pieces. However, there are still original pieces and the stain glass windows are original to the house. No public bathrooms only port a potty if you need to know that. All of the staff that we met were outstanding. I am not sure if the tours are given by Docents, volunteers, or paid staff but they were all so lovely, knowledgable, kind, and very helpful. I would go back here to an event in a minute. If you are looking for a unique venue space for a smaller maybe under 100 outdoor party this just might fit your bill. We had about 80 and it was perfect, with plenty of rooms for tables and high tops, a food buffet and even musicians.

What fun and decorated for the holidays a total win…read more What a great spot of history to visit in the heart of Tempe. Self guided.

Mill Avenue District has a large collection of funky business; some reminding people of the past…read more You'll find some unusual business such as Rave, a circus and performance art store. Shiny and sequined outfits, feathered boas, tools of the trade. Only one of many different businesses you will see. Plenty of food and drinks opportunities. Mill Avenue is also known for the large art festival held along 6 blocks on and off the street. Lots of metered street and lot parking.

So much fun and many places to visit. Beautiful murals too. Lovely coffee shops. I like the shoe…read moremill for Birkenstock and other leather shoes. Great festivals and block parties too. Recently saw Luke Bryan and Kane Brown at Innings Fest. Tempe is so good for entertainment. Walking the lake trail on both sides is gorgeous too. Jogging Mill ave is fun and don't forget the east side of Mill for additional restaurants and couple churches and donut shop- Voodoo donuts, and places to jog.

I've always been a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, America's preeminent architect. And it's nice that he…read morehas made an impact on Phoenix. While he has properties all across the U.S., he's most well known in Phoenix for Talisien West. While Frank Lloyd Wright Spire isn't as extensive, it makes for a fun mini adventure. I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and had no trouble finding a free parking spot in the entertainment center where the Spire is located. Naturally, it's right off of Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. If you're trying to find where to park, look for Maggiano's. The Spire was actually intended to be part of the State Capitol Building (another cool place to check out). Instead, it ended up in North Scottsdale. It's a large spire that stands out due to it's geometrical design and color scheme. While I saw it during the day, it's also nice to visit at night (when it lights up) or around the holidays (when an elf is attached to it). Outside of the spire, you have a good number of interesting sculptures designed by one of FLW's pupils. There's also a nice water fountain and bench area designed by another pupil. You can see FLW's influence in frequent uses of symmetry. And last but not least, there's a little tablet telling you a little bit about the spire and sculpture garden. This experience is free and can be done in about 10 minutes. I still have a few FLW spots to check out in town. On to the next one!

Huge fan of FLW and Taliesin West was the first FLW site I ever visited about 15 years ago so I've…read morealways had a soft spot in my heart for AZ because of this. We were driving to Cosanti and I wanted to stop here to check it out. My favorite part of Taliesen West is the sculpture garden with sculptures by Heloise Crista. The good thing about this location is you can see a couple of the same sculptures for free. The archer near the fountain is very memorable and I took a picture of it for a friend who visited TLW with me and he instantly remembered it.  The spire itself was draped with a blow-up elf for the holidays and it was distracting. It was originally meant for Arizona State Capitol. It's odd its just placed on a street corner though I can see why its probably the best location for it. The spires at the Marin County Civic Center and the Anderton Court Shops are integrated into his architecture and feel a lot more appropriate. Overall, it was quick free stop for FLW fans, no one else was there in the afternoon. You can see a wider breadth of the Crista Sculptures at Taliesen West and there are better FLW spires that are part of his buildings.