Checked out this Candy Cane Lane and really enjoyed the walk-through. The lights were fun, the…read moredecorations were creative, and the whole street had a warm, festive vibe. Easy to park nearby, plenty of spots to stroll, and a great little neighborhood stop to get into the holiday spirit.

Repeat visitor Very cool community…read moreFamily friendly Car friendly Cool to walk through Worth visiting, but want to get there early right at sunset

Ok, I'm going to give this place 5 stars because, technically, it is a cool place that not a lot of…read morepeople know about. It's actually a hydroelectric plant along the Arizona Canal. As we approached the building (you can't go in it), the smell hit us and I thought, oh no, I've made a huge mistake. I think I was just there on a bad day or something, because I didn't see many reviews mention the smell at all. What smell? Raw sewage, very sulphur- and trash-like. I mean, it STUNK. It was strongest at the top overlook, right next to the building. As we went down the staircase to the lower level, the smell began to dissipate and eventually, to my nose, disappeared altogether. On the lower level, we saw the waterfalls. You can walk under/behind two of them and there are "seats" made of stone blocks in front of the third. The water was flowing pretty hard the day we visited, so the seats and all the pavement was wet and there was a slight mist coming off the middle one. The overall place is like a mixture of industrial and environmental architechture. There are metal-looking columns holding up the upper deck, yet the waterfalls look like they were copied from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, and there are large stones/rocks embedded into the walls everywhere. It sits on the edge of a small park with a decent sized lot and there are hiking paths. We only came for the falls, so I can't speak to the hike, but the area looked fairly nice. I'd like to see it at night as it looks pretty cool in pictures I've seen. If you're looking for something a little different to do or show your visitors from out of town, this is a neat place to go. Hopefully, the smell is a one off, but even if not, hold your breath and go down the stairs..... 13/2026

Arizona Falls is an unexpected delight. The small hydroelectric plant, paired with multiple…read morepicturesque waterfalls, creates a perfect blend of nature and history. It's serene, interesting, and well worth the visit. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and beautiful stop.

Best exsperence I had. It's not your regular car show, lot to see and lots of burn outs from all…read moresorts of cars. Had a great time.

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.

Mill Avenue is a staple out here in Tempe and a must stop if nearby. Yes it's a college spot as ASU…read moreis in walking distance, but it's also rich in history with the Hayden Flour Mill and more. You can rent boats disguised as ducks and go adventure Tempe town lake and more. You won't find a shortage of bars here as well as so many great restaurants and shops. A few of my faves have to be 411 Pizza, Daily Jam, Loco Patron and more. We visited Pedal Haus Brewery today and it was awesome as well. Plenty of parking garages nearby to spend some time adventuring.

Over the years, I have visited the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus and Civic Space Park on a regular…read morebasis. While there have been different people, different roles, and even different buildings, one consistency has been the "Her Secret is Patience" sculpture in the park. In fact, almost 13 years ago, I even did a photo shoot under the sculpture. The sculpture is in the Civic Space Park, where there is a nice, grassy area, some tables, and chairs right next to the US Post Office and ASU Student Center. I have seen groups of students and even community members holding events in the park either in front of the Student Center entrance at the tables and chairs (gatherings by students or staff), on the grassy lawn area (community members playing soccer, frisbee, or having a picnic), or even on the south side of the walkway (though the lighting wasn't very good in the evening in that area). "Her Secret Is Patience" is a public art sculpture commission designed by artist Janet Echelman for the City of Phoenix. The sculpture consists of painted, galvanized steel, polyester twine netting, and colored lights. It is 145 feet tall and suspended as an aerial sculpture. It is monumental yet soft, fixed in place but constantly in motion. It dances gently in the air, choreographed by the flux of desert winds. During the day, the sculpture hovers high above heads, treetops, and buildings. The sculpture creates what the artist calls "shadow drawings," which she says are inspired by Phoenix's cloud shadows that captivated her from the first site visit. At night, the illumination changes color gradually through the seasons. The goal in selecting the colors is to provide residents some small climate relief through color, adding cool hues in summer, and warm tones in winter. The lighting design also changes what portion of the sculpture is illuminated, leaving parts obscured in mystery, much like the phases of the moon. I've heard students and staff at ASU discussing how the artist was supposedly inspired by monsoon cloud formations and the shadows they cast, in addition to forms found in desert flora. Now that I work only a short walk away from the sculpture, I see it almost every day at work!

This is one of the most eye-catching pieces of public art that I have had the pleasure of seeing…read more It is located in the Civic Space Park and is the work of artist Janet Echelman who made the piece in 2009. Echelman got the name of the piece from a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. It is constructed of painted, galvanized steel, polyester twine netting, and an assortment of ground mounted colored lights that give the nets its color. The piece is not cheap though and costed $2.5 million. The massive piece starts at 38 feet off the ground and extends to 100 feet in the air. To give it more perspective, the piece's largest ring is about 100 feet wide. The piece is intended to resemble a cumulus clouds. However, I see a tornado or jelly fish when I looked at it. It was given the title of Best Public Art by the Phoenix New Times. The wonderful mix of blue, orange and purple just draws you in like a moth to a flame. It is cool to visit during the day, but is amazing at night. The color of the piece changes constantly with the seasons throughout the year. The piece is not without its critics. Many people question the cost of the piece and whether that money could have been used elsewhere. Additionally, the piece's nets and lighting has to be replaced every five years, which makes this piece a gift that keeps on costing. It is unknown how much this periodic maintenance costs the city. This piece has metered street parking located within a reasonable walking distance, as well as commercial parking lots. There is also a train stop right in front of the piece, if you are plan on taking public transportation to get there. I really like this piece. It is a marvel, but I too am a critic of the price tag and reassuring maintenance fee. This piece can rally become the face of the city and one of its iconic images. It is very picturesque and Instagramable. Anyway, as with most public art that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 10 minutes. So, you may want to consider making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. You can start with Civic Space park, where the piece is located.

Lots to see and learn here, and guided tours available at scheduled times, though I preferred to…read moreroam the museum at my own pace. Posters and film clips of westerns like A Man Called Horse (1970) and Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josie Wells (1976). Handcuffs of all kinds on display (more accurately described as "retaining devices") in a western themed set. Mac Schweitzer's impressive collection of artworks, including depictions of desert animals and the wild west, especially a multitude of horse pieces. Countless paintings and artifacts on the second level, portraying native american history, the buffalo, and the evolution of american west landscapes. Scenes of collective work in western life among cowboys, herders, and traders. I found Eddie Basha's cottonwood tree root carvings interesting. And I was especially a fan of "Rabbit Hunt" by Loren Phillips (Hopi). Fistful of Colors in the north gallery explored the diverse meanings of color, such as the term "feeling blue", and how colors tell stories, evoke emotions, and create connections. The room transitioned into displays of movie posters, explaining why those from different countries vary in the way they are presented. Interactive exhibits throughout allow visitors to learn about Shakespeare in the Old West, women of the rodeo, even a scavenger hunt to find "escaped animals" in the museum. I was amused by fun facts like the first circus (Ryland's traveling show) taking place in Tombstone Arizona Territory in 1880, or how the full saying of "Ay Chihuahua" translates to "Yikes! How many Apache Indians are there without sandals!", referring to Apache raiders like Geronimo invading northern mexico wearing calf-high deerskin moccasins. There was also a small sculpture garden outside and gift shop worth checking out before leaving.

One of my goals this year is to be more like a tourist even though I'm a resident. Meaning hitting…read moreup the types of spots that tourists would visit in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Case in point: Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon with my mom to check out this museum that specializes in Western and Native American art. Here's what I really like: complimentary docent-led tours three times daily. We got to participate in two of them. They're a great way to get a more in-depth view of the museum. With that being said, even if you explore the museum on your own, you'll have a great time doing it. It's a two-level museum and there's plenty to read about and check out. We spent roughly three hours there and probably got through about 50% of the museum. Here's what I didn't like: they have two back-to-back video presentations in the small theater. They unfortunately weren't happening when I was there due to a private event. Bad luck on my part. Also, general admission is a bit pricey. Outside of the price, it's a fantastic museum. There's a complimentary parking lot across from the museum or you can find street parking. And it's a few blocks away from the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. You'll see Arizona's landscape represented in paintings, Native American artwork, Western movies, and much, much more. I'll definitely be back again!

I have worked at the Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus off and on over the years,…read moreand over this past year, I have gotten involved with Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) by attending their monthly stakeholder meetings and attending events that either they have put on for the community or other community events that they have supported and/or marketed. In fact, ASU has hosted wellness events, student welcome events, and career fairs, and it is always great to see DPI engaged in our events, too. DPI is a community-building organization that delivers enhanced municipal services to the Downtown business core, marketing and event production to Greater Downtown, and manages the work plans for Phoenix Community Alliance and the Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. DPI and its affiliate organizations are committed to making Phoenix a vibrant urban destination and one of the nation's great cities. In fact their mission is "to facilitate collaboration, cultivate connections, and contribute to both the growth and vitality of our community. To generate progress on issues, work toward sustainable growth and build a stronger, more inclusive city core that generates positive perceptions, memorable experiences and a sense of pride in Downtown." Their vision is to "deliver a vibrant and healthy Downtown that makes the experience of our community enriching and engaging to residents, visitors and businesses, and helps strengthen the reputation and heart of our city in a sustainable way." DPI also staffs the DTPHX Ambassador program with the mission " to make a person's experience in Downtown Phoenix safe, enjoyable, and memorable." They are around 365 days a year and wear orange shirts that say "ASK ME" on the back. Complimentary hospitality services provided in the Downtown Core include walking escorts, car battery jumps, umbrella escorts, restaurant information, personalized tours, and entertainment info. Visit the DPI website (https://dtphx.org) and sign up to become an Insider to receive updates from the people who know DTPHX best. Also on the website, learn about upcoming events, things to do, information about living in Phoenix, information about doing business in Phoenix, and general information about DPI. There is also news and media about Phoenix on the website. Some of the traditional events include the Wellness Fair, Urban Wine Walk, StoryWalk, Lotería, DTPHX Hallows' Eve, PJs in the Park, and Winter Wanderland just to name a few. I look forward to continuing my relationship with DPI and seeing what else is on the horizon in Downtown Phoenix.

The downtown area can be quite hectic at times, especially when there are events, concerts, or…read moregames going on. Expect to pay for parking unless it's the weekend, and definitely pay close attention to the signage--there are a lot of one-way streets, no-parking zones, and no turns on red. During major events, parking garages can charge up to $40. Some people do opt out to use rideshare services and or the train as well to avoid all of the traffic and expensive parking especially on days when they have events and or concerts and or people do get dropped off and catch a ride share. The area is home to the basketball and baseball stadiums, along with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. You can easily use Google or Yelp to search for places that fit what you're looking for, as there's a wide variety to choose from. Many spots are within walking distance, and strolling around at night is especially enjoyable--it's beautiful with all the lights, music, and lively atmosphere.

The Willo home tour is absolutely fantastic!!! The vibe, the amazing historical homes, the food…read moretrucks,the LIVE MUSIC everywhere and the craft booths and antique car street- WILLO has it all!!! Also beer is available!

If you can, go early and move fast, as the lines get painfully long by noon. That's a good thing…read morefor enthusiasm for home restoration, right? There are free trolleys that run in loops around the tour sites, for times when the experience starts seeming a little... vigorous. The 2015 tour had 10 houses plus some art studios. The highlight was the historic firehouse because really, what else is as cool as an old firehouse? Not that there aren't fascinating features to the regular houses -- it's a kitchen, bath, and patio extravaganza with many nifty features. Home ages this year ranged from 1930 into the early 1940s, plus one 1999 "new old" house. Like some of the 2013 reviewers, I thought I remembered there being more houses, with more variety, in previous years; but it's still really cool. There's also a street fair (in which literally 1 in 5 passersby was telling a companion how street fairs are different in Minnesota) and food trucks. It's a pleasant walk, and one gets to feel smug about how, though street fairs in Minnesota might be larger, in February, they would be buried under the snow.