Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

There are a lot of things I love about Arizona.  The weather and the desert landscape are atop my list.  But I also love all the fun, outdoor activities the city has.  We have IRONMAN Arizona, Pat’s Run and The Color Run.  But there’s one fun activity that I haven’t done yet that I’m really looking forward to.

Tempe Road Runner Sports Adventure Run is a really fun, 60-minute scavenger run.  There are prizes, giveaways, music, raffles and free beer.   It’s every third Thursday at the Tempe Road Runner Sports at Tempe Marketplace.

Sounds run, right?  All you have to do is register.  Sign in is usually from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. or you can register online on their website.  From 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., you have the scavenger hunt.  At sign in, you’ll get a pen, paper and a Ziploc bag for your tickets.  Right before 7:00 p.m., they’ll unveil the map of all the stores you need to run to.  Once it’s time to go, you run around to all the checkpoints, as fast as you can, collecting raffle tickets. You only have 60 minutes, so plan your route accordingly.  Once the scavenger is over, you use your tickets to win prizes, such as shoe discounts, nutritional products, after the race.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get some exercise and win free stuff, without a doubt, try the Adventure Run.  Nothing is more exciting than adding a little adventure to your life.

For more information about Tempe events, be sure to visit our website.

The famous dance pioneer Martha Graham once said, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”

There is something magical about a dance performance, whether ballet, jazz or modern, that transforms you. The dancers can somehow tell a story through their movement and that story has the power to move an audience.

This is why I can’t wait to see Topia at Desert Botanical Garden, May 14-June 1. Topia is an original ballet set to the music of Beethoven that was created by Ballet Arizona’s artistic director, Ib Andersen. It is a performance that is inspired by the Sonoran Desert landscape, so there isn’t a better setting that the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden. Topia will be performed outside on at 80 foot panoramic stage with the Papago Park buttes as a glorious backdrop. Topia premiered at the Garden last year, and I’m thrilled that audiences have the chance to see it again.

Check out this video from last year’s performance. I think you’ll agree that it is visually stunning and absolutely beautiful. I just love how ballet dancers make every movement look effortless, when I know that even the smallest gesture is choreographed to perfection. The hours of rehearsal, the strength of each dancer and the thought behind each movement become pure joy and exuberance on stage.

Whether this is your first time seeing a ballet or your 100^th time, don’t miss this Ballet Arizona production. Tickets begin at $40. Guests can choose to have dinner at the Garden prior to the show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit the Desert Botanical Garden website or the Ballet Arizona website.

This Sunday isn’t your run of the mill Sunday. It’s Cinco de Mayo!

There are a lot of festivities around town from events at local Mexican food restaurants and bars to a “Cinco de Rhino” party at The Phoenix Zoo. Yes, a rhino party.

First, a bit of fact checking so you know why you’re celebrating…

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. It is celebrated in the U.S., especially the Southwest, more so than in Mexico. It commemorates the small but mighty Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Independence Day celebrated widely in Mexico is not Cinco de Mayo. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

So, what is there to do in Tempe for Cinco de Mayo? Events with drink specials, lots of food, entertainment and more fun stuff are taking place at the following Tempe restaurants:

Loco Patron

Macayo’s Depot Cantina

Dos Gringos

Canteen Modern Tequila Bar

Live Music at the District Stage at Tempe Marketplace from 1-8 p.m.

San Felipe’s Cantina

Cadillac Ranch

In addition, if you’re looking for something to do with the family on May 5, you’re in luck.

The Phoenix Zoo is hosting “Cinco de Rhino” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be games and activities throughout the day, including a special treat for the resident rhino at 10 a.m. and a talk from a zookeeper at 11 a.m.

Big Surf Waterpark will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 5. To celebrate their season opening, everyone who brings in at least five non-perishable food items for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance will receive the 50 percent off of general admission ($27.95).

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

I love art.  Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpture, or ceramics, I’ve always enjoyed the creative process.  When I was younger, I loved to draw and even took art/drawing lessons for a time.  Some are blessed with artistic talents that make the rest of us sit back and admire what they’re able to create.

Rachel Goede is a local, Tempe artist who is able to paint masterpieces.  She’s an Omaha, NE native that studied painting at ASU and eventually graduated with a BFA in painting from there too.

“I wanted to be an artist ever since I was a little girl.  I always thought being an artist was the most radical and amazing profession a person could possibly have,” she said.  “I still think that, however, being an artist can be hard because not everyone is excited about my art as I am. I love what I do. I have always loved creating art because it calms a craving within me.”

Like most artists, everyone has something that inspires them.  For Rachel, her inspiration comes from people.  “I am inspired by faces. I simply want to document people around me, including myself, so that I can tell others about whom and what I know, and about my life. I paint myself because I know my own face better than any other face.  I love the human figure and the face; I believe the human body is very beautiful.”

Even though she finds her inspiration through the human figure and enjoys that, she has painted some traditional, Arizona landscapes.  Her work includes an art studio classroom at ASU overlooking monument Valley Arizona, as well as, a still life painting about horse culture in Arizona.

“Most of the portraits I have painted are about Arizona in a wider sense, because they are about my experiences while living here. Arizona, and my portrait subjects that I have met here, are very dear to me and I want others to know their roles in my life.”

To see more of Rachel’s work, you can visit her website here.  For more information about Tempe arts and culture, be sure to visit the Tempe Tourism website or call 800-283-6734.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

I’ve got to agree with wise Abe. Moms are the most special people on earth. Moms should be thanked daily for the countless hours they spend taking care of everyone in the family. But, officially, there is only one that that’s just for them. Mother’s Day.

Here are just a few places in and near Tempe where you can take your mom or grandmother on May 12. There are lots of excellent choices for brunch, lunch and dinner. Just remember to use your best table manners, just like she taught you.

ASU Karsten Golf Course

At the Trophy Room at ASU Karsten Golf Course, Executive Chef Andrew Brosten’s is preparing a fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet, including Rosemary Crusted New York Strip, House Smoked Turkey Breast, Spiced Braised Lamb Shoulder and much more. There will be bottomless bellinis or mimosas ($8) or try a spicy Habanero Bloody Mary ($7). All reservations will include a complimentary family photo. Call 480-921-8073 for reservations. Adults are $43 each and children (10 and under) are $15 each. 

Fiesta Resort and Conference Center

Milagro’s at the Fiesta Resort and Conference Center is another great choice for Mother’s Day Brunch. Their menu features cooked to order eggs and omelets, eggs benedict, seasonal fruit, build your own waffles, peel and eat shrimp, stuffed breast of chicken, spice rubbed prime rib hand carved to order, baked orange roughy and lots of delights for dessert.

Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the cost is $25 12 & up, $12 ages 6-11. Call 480-804-5223 for reservations

House of Tricks

Everyone’s favorite Tempe restaurant, House of Tricks, isn’t normally open on Sundays, but they will be open on Sunday, May 12. Join them for a memorable meal for mom on their lush patio or in one of the cozy indoor dining rooms. Their chef will create special menus for the occasion:

3 courses with lots of fantastic choices within each course … $49 per person.
3 course children’s menu … $15 per child.

Make your reservations online or call 480 968-1114.

Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes

The Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes has two options for Mother’s Day;

Celebrate your mother with a specialty brunch at Market Café. This restaurant will have more than 40 buffet items, such as a carving station, breakfast entrees, seafood, salads, side dishes and a variety of sweet desserts. Call (602) 225-9000 and ask for Market Café to make your reservations.

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adults: $54.95; Ages 13-17: $18.95; ages 12 and under eat free.

Top of the Rock at Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes offers incredible views of Tempe and Phoenix, and a special brunch just for moms. The Top of the Rock buffet will showcase more than 50 items. The carving station will offer Carved Leg of Goat, Agave Baked Ham and Prime Rib. In true Southwestern fashion, there will be a Huevos Rancheros Station and an Arizona Omelet Station. Salads and sides will also make it hard to choose, with lots of breakfast items and brunch favorites like Mac and Cheese Bake and Smoked Chicken Popovers. Desserts include Cake Pops, Vanilla Crème Brulee, Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cakes and much more. Make your reservations today by calling (602) 431-2370.

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$69.95 per person; $24.95 for children 6-17 years; children under 6 are free

Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse

What’s more fun than a bit of Western-themed adventure on Mother’s Day? Our friends at Rawhide will have Mother’s Day specials from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. along with the regular steakhouse lunch and dinner menus. Featured items include your choice of Southern Fried Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Medley, Chipotle Dijon Crusted Pork Loin, Butter Braised Corn, Meyer Lemon Mahi Mahi and Peppercorn Filet. Dessert will be homemade Apple Pie or Chocolate Fudge Cake.

$17.99 plus tax. Gratuity added for parties of 8 or more.

Add any choice of drinks, Prickly Pear Margarita, Chocolatini or a glass of champagne for $7 more.

Reservations are recommended. Call 480-502-5600, ext. 1141.

Rustler’s Rooste

Rustler’s Rooste offers terrific views of the valley and a fun, Western atmosphere that is perfect for kids of all ages. But even better than a cool Western atmosphere is the impeccable food and great service. For Mother’s Day, take in the delicious Western-style brunch, enjoy live music and for well-deserving moms, a glass of champagne or a mimosa. The menu includes Eggs Diablo (the Rooste version of Eggs Benedict with Spicy Machaca and Diablo Sauce), Biscuits and Country Gravy, Ham with w/ Rum Raisin Sauce, Chicken Monterey, side dishes and for dessert, Danishes, Muffins, Pies, Cakes, Cheesecake, Mousses, Cookies and a Chocolate Fountain!

Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with the last reservation taken at 1 p.m. Call 602-431-6474 for reservations.

Adults $32.95 & Kids 10 Under $12.95++
Kids in Highchairs are Free

Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. from their regular dining menu.

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill

The Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill at Tempe Marketplace is offering special menu options for Mother’s Day along with the tasty items on the regular menu. Specials include Parmesan Crusted Alaskan Halibut, Crab Stuffed Atlantic Salmon and Herb Crusted Flat Iron Steak. Call (480) 968-2920 for reservations.

Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. – pricing is ala carte

Z’Tejas

The Z’Tejas in Tempe on Sixth Street and Mill will offer their brunch menu for Mother’s Day. Moms will be treated to a free dessert and a complimentary photo with their family. Call for a reservation and more details:  480-377-1170.

Visitors to the Valley have the exceedingly rare opportunity to see art from one of the best contemporary collections in the world — right here in Tempe’s own ASU Art Museum, on the corner of 10^th Street and Mill Avenue.

Turn Off The Sun: Selections From La Colección Jumex is on view now until Sept. 7, 2013, and features more than two-dozen impressive pieces from Mexico City’s spectacular Fundación/Colección Jumex – whose works have been exhibited in the United States only one other time.

Based in Mexico City, the Jumex brand is popularly known as the manufacturer of beloved juice and nectar drinks in little blue cans. You’ve probably seen them at the grocery store. But what most people don’t know is that Jumex has a 10-year history of supporting contemporary art through collecting, exhibitions and educational programs. In fact, La Colección Jumex contains more than 2,600 works by emerging and established contemporary artists from Mexico, Latin America, the United States and Europe.

Turn off the Sun brings to the Valley major pieces and installations by artists rarely or never seen in Arizona, exploring diverse media and practice. Some are small photographs, others huge, room-sized installations. More than 20 artists from around the world have pieces on display in Turn Off the Sun, including Doug Aitken, Dan Graham, Alejandro Almanza Pereda, Miguel Calderon, Jose Damasceno, Mark Dion, Monica Espinosa, Cao Guimaraes, Santiago Sierra, Superflex and Jeff Wall.

The work has been selected around the complex relationship between the state of Arizona and Mexico, with broad references to borders, labor, movement and site, and is co-curated by ASU Art Museum Senior Curator and Associate Director Heather Sealy Lineberry, ASU Art Museum Curator Julio César Morales and Curator Michel Blancsubé of Colección Jumex.

This exhibition is already attracting national attention, having received excellent press in Art in America and been featured on the cover of the San Francisco Arts Quarterly. The press agrees with what we at the museum already knew: No matter what kind of art turns your mind on, you’ll find it when you escape from the heat and come to Turn off the Sun.

We’ll see you at the museum!

–Juno Schaser

For more information about Tempe events, visit the Tempe Tourism Website or call 800-283-6734.

“I’m the most important person in the lives of almost everyone I know and a good number of the people I’ve never even met.”

I love this quote.   It makes me laugh every time I read it.  That’s the beauty of David Sedaris.  He makes you laugh with his satirical genius but you know there is nothing but truth to what he says.  The best selling author will be at ASU Gammage, tonight at 7:30 p.m., reading excerpts from his new book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.  His new collection of essays examines world travel through the eyes of Americans and vice versa.   The nice folks over at Amazon summed it up best when they said, “From the perils of French dentistry to the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, from the squat-style toilets of Beijing to the particular wilderness of a North Carolina Costco, we learn about the absurdity and delight of a curious traveler’s experiences.”  If that doesn’t leave you intrigued, nothing will.

Sedaris was born in New York but moved to North Carolina as a child.  He attended Kent State University before transferring to, and graduating from, the School of the Art Institute in Chicago in 1987.  He published his first collection of essays in 1994 and has been described as one of the “rock star writers”.  Currently, he lives in West Sussex, London.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls will be his ninth published collection of essays.  Some of his more famous works include Me Talk Pretty One Day and When You Are Engulfed in Flames.  One of the funniest essays of his I’ve ever read is called SantaLand Diaries.  It’s about his supposed experience as an elf in New York when he was working at Macy’s during Christmas time.  Now, I wasn’t a bad kid growing up.  But, like most children, every once and while, you have a tantrum because that’s what kids do.  He describes a child, having a tantrum.  His mother calls over to Sedaris, dressed as one of Santa’s elves, to tell her son that if doesn’t stop screaming and yelling, Santa won’t bring him any toys.  I love this because I can picture my mom doing this.  His response is priceless.  “I said that Santa changed his policy and no longer traffics in coal. Instead, if you’re bad, he comes to your house and steals things. I told Riley that if he didn’t behave himself, Santa was going to take away his TV and all his electrical appliances and leave him in the dark…I said, he’s going to take your car and your furniture, and all of your towels and blankets and leave you with nothing.”

If you’re looking for some laughs to get you through the rest of this week, go see him tonight at ASU Gammage.  He’ll be having a book signing after the show, so you’ll be able to meet the satirical genius yourself.

Do you want to know about more great events happening in Tempe?  Be sure to check out our WEBSITE or call 800-283-6734.

The Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum

Hall of Flame Firematic Flea Market. Now that’s a mouthful! But, if you are fascinated by, or are a collector of firefighting paraphernalia and memorabilia, or just love to browse flea markets in general, this event is for you.

The Hall of Flame is a fantastic place with a huge collection of fire engines and other equipment. In fact it’s the world’s largest firefighting museum and has been in the Valley since 1972. Now, the museum is clearing space to make room for its growing collection by holding the  first ever Firematic Flea Market, Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It will be a great opportunity to find one-of-a- kind items such as fire service heirlooms, firematic toys for kids of all ages, decorative knick knacks and many more museum quality collectibles. While you’re there be sure to browse the six galleries inside the museum. I think you’ll be impressed.

The Hall of Flame is located in Papago Park at 6101 E. Van Buren St. For more information about the Firematic Flea Market, call 602-275-3473. For more information on the Hall of Flame, visit http://www.hallofflame.org/.

I just love it when a great restaurateur opens up a new place. For years, Boulders on Broadway in Tempe has been a favorite local spot. It has a tasty menu, a great selection of beers and a casual, comfortable vibe.  The owners of Boulders on Broadway recently opened a new place that is sure to become another local favorite – Spokes on Southern.

Located just west of McClintock Drive on Southern Avenue, Spokes on Southern is a welcome addition to this Tempe neighborhood. It has a bicycle-theme, hence the name, which means that there are plenty of bike racks along with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. The beautiful patio is adjacent to a lake that just happens to be home to ducks, koi and turtles. This was a bit of a surprise that makes Spokes even more special.

Spokes on Southern is perfect for bike riders, beer lovers and heck, everyone who loves good food. There are so many excellent choices on the menu here…I’m doing my best to work my way through it. The flavorful Pesto Turkey Sandwich and the Caprese Sandwich are served on soft ciabatta buns with an impeccable balance of ingredients. The Sirloin Tacos are my new favorite, with fresh chimichurri sauce, roasted poblano chiles and blue cheese. If there is blue cheese on anything, I am sold. But this was a particularly good combination that I haven’t seen anywhere else in town. I’ll go back soon to try the Bruschetta Planks, one of the burgers and the Southwest Turkey Quesadilla. Menu items are served with your choice of side, including French fries, sweet potato fries or a salad.

In addition to the food, Spokes on Southern takes their beer menu very seriously. They have 24 taps with a rotating menu of craft brews, some of which might be something that you’ve never heard of or tried before. That’s reason enough to check this place out, right?

The next time you’re looking for a casual spot to hang out with friends for lunch, dinner, happy hour or late night, definitely try Spokes on Southern. You’ll see why it’s my new favorite Tempe restaurant.

1470 E. Southern, Tempe
(480) 307-9920
www.spokesonsouthern.com

Pat's Run in Tempe

I was walking down Mill Avenue today and I saw someone who looked like she was really enjoying her morning run. I am not a runner and I don’t look that happy when I’ve tried to run. But, I love to walk my way through 5ks, half marathons and other events each year. My favorite, by far, is Pat’s Run.

On April 20, thousands of runners and walkers will begin a 4.2 mile journey through Tempe, ending on the 42^nd yard line at Sun Devil Stadium. The number 42 is the number that Pat Tillman wore when he was a football player at Arizona State. This race honors Pat Tillman’s legacy and raises money for the Pat Tillman Foundation. One of the most important functions of this foundation is the Tillman Military Scholars Program which helps remove the financial burden of college for active and veteran service members who are pursuing their degree.

Online registration ends on Friday, April 12. If you haven’t registered yet, run, don’t walk, to http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/pats-run/ and sign up now. This event always sells out. Registration is $42 through this Friday and $50 the week of the event (if there is still availability). There is also a .42 mile Kid’s Run that costs $5 through this Friday and $10 the week of the event. The 4.2 mile run starts at 7:05 a.m. (wheelchair start is at 7 a.m.) and the kid’s race begins at 9:45 a.m. Check out the Pat’s Run website for more details.

Be inspired, run (and walk) for a great cause and get one of the coolest racing shirts in town. Sign up for Pat’s Run. Right now. I’ll see you there!