Earlier this year, they opened Tempe’s Front Porch at Monti’s La Casa Vieja. The Porch is a cool outdoor space with shade canopies, an outdoor bar and some big ol’ comfy chairs to relax in. One of the great things about TFP is the fact that it overlooks Tempe Beach Park, the home of many great events, concerts and festivals. The people watching is awesome, for sure. Of course, the Porch is most popular when the weather isn’t 240 degrees in Tempe but this coming week will be a GREAT time for people to brave the heat. What better place to watch the 2013 4th of July fireworks in Tempe than sitting directly across from all of the action? This will be the very first Fourth of July for people to enjoy the fireworks since they opened TFP this year. Here’s an idea. Sit on the Porch with great f... 06/29/2013

Tempe’s Front Porch is a cool new place located in a tried and true Tempe, AZ favorite.  Operating as kind of a second establishment at the famous Monti’s La Casa Vieja Steakhouse, Tempe’s Front Porch looks to serve a younger, more hip crowd that is also a very big part of Tempe’s Mill Avenue District. The grand opening of the TFP was yesterday and people seem to love the concept and the new food and drink additions. Old meets new at Tempe’s Front Porch: While Monti’s has been serving steaks, burgers, seafood and their Roman bread for decades, a completely different dining and bar experience is found on Tempe’s Front Porch, the separate outdoor dining destination at the Casa Vieja. Outside on the porch you’ll find a much more contemporary and urban menu.  Try some Ahi Tuna Ceviche, Chor... 04/05/2013

So, it’s almost party time in Tempe, AZ where the annual Tempe Block Party is always a sure bet for people looking to bring in the New Year while having a ton of fun. A few changes are in store for the party this year. Unlike recent years, Mill Avenue will NOT be blocked off and partiers will not have to pay to get to the Mill Avenue District. As always, there will be live music, dancing, a Family Fun Zone, fireworks and much, much more happening the entire night. At midnight and at 9pm, there will be a fireworks display. The 9pm fireworks will allow families and kids to enjoy bringing in the New Year. The Family Fun Zone will include Emcees, DJs, music, dancing, interactive games and a ton of great entertainment from 6-9pm at 7th Street and Mill. Live local music begins at 9:30PM and w... 12/21/2012

With the constant buzz around the Mill Avenue District and the tens of thousands of ASU students in downtown Tempe, things seem to stay pretty active. Of course, we love our Sun Devil football team and are always looking to cram even more excitement in to the area. Apparently, Buffalo Wild Wings wants to try and capture some of that excitement as they have purchased the naming rights to what had been the Insight Bowl here at Sun Devil Stadium. The 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl will feature the TCU Horned Frogs and the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday, December 29th, 2012 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Kickoff for the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl will be 8:15 PM MST, the game will be shown on ESPN.  Without a doubt, there will be plenty to do for Horned Frogs and Spartans trav... 12/05/2012

Residence Inn by Marriott Hotels is currently under construction in downtown Tempe.  The new hotel construction is another positive sign of economic recovery from a difficult economy. The hotel construction has local business owners excited.  The hotel is expected to open late next year of in early 2014.  The location is the Mill Avenue District in the heart of Tempe Arizona and walking distance to the  Arizona State University campus. Construction on the 173 room, 11 story hotel was to begin in early 2008, but the project was put on hold when the economy went downward. The Residence Inn by Marriott will be just east of City Hall and across the street from Tempe Police Headquarters. The Residence Inn hotel will have suites with kitchens.  Amenities will include a 3,600 square feet of me... 07/08/2012

This weekend brings another cool event to Tempe Beach Park, the Arizona Aloha Festival. Tens of thousands of people will head to the festival for good food, music, shopping and fun. This family-friendly event will give you a great taste of the islands, don’t miss it. The photo below is one I shot at a previous Aloha Festival. The AZ Aloha Festival provides awareness and education about Hawaiian and other South Pacific Islander culture and heritage. But, there is so much more! This FREE festival is fun for people of all ages and demographics. Great food, amazing culture, amazing arts and crafts and so much more. Each year, my family and I look forward to attending the Arizona Aloha Festival. My kids love the Hawaiian shaved ice, the dancers and all of the unique crafts, etc. I always enj... 03/10/2012

The 2012 Great Arizona Beer Festival is coming back Tempe Beach Park THIS Saturday, March 3rd. To get your Great Arizona Beer Festival Tickets. Of course, you must be 21 years old to enter the beer festival, no exceptions. Tickets are currently $45.00 and they go up to $50.00 after Friday. According to the Great AZ Beer Fest site: “VIP tickets include 24 sampling tickets for craft beer or wine (VIP area only), sampling mug, entry to "The VIP Experience” private seating area with catered food from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ, lounge and casino tables, VIP Only restrooms, early admittance (1pm), a free event t-shirt* and a gift bag.” Currently VIP tickets are $85.00 but they go up to $90.00 after Friday. If you like beer, you will LOVE this fun event. Great food and music will be plentiful, ... 02/29/2012