After enduring some of the Valley’s hottest temperatures in 2012, Arizona residents will finally be experiencing some fall weather. During the summer, Arizona locals may opt to stay indoors, but as temperatures finally dip below 90 degrees, fall in Arizona provides the ideal opportunity for seasonal activities. Although bundling up in hoodies to survive the cool air does not compare to sunshine and poolside tanning, Arizona State University students can still enjoy the weather through different outlets. Do not fret—here are five ideas to help you “chill out” while maintaining a budget.
Enjoy happy hour specials
Happy hour is an easy way to get out and experience some of the best restaurants in the Valley of the Sun. For ASU students, the Mill Avenue District provides a variety of quaint, charming and budget-friendly restaurants.
Mellow Mushroom, located on the corner of Mill Avenue and 7th Street, provides a quirky array of pizza, salads and hoagies all made with the freshest ingredients. With an inexpensive list of draft and bottled beers and a full bar of daily drink specials, Mellow Mushroom is sure to not disappoint after a long day.
The décor of the hip spot is adorned with funky graffiti art murals. Skateboard decks painted by local artists hang from the wall throughout the restaurant. While the eclectic and creative atmosphere is what attracts patrons, the grub is what makes the experience. Come to Mellow Mushroom to enjoy happy hour Monday-Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and everyday 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. for half off alcohol and tasty appetizers. 740 S. Mill Avenue Tempe, AZ 85281, 480-967-6355. mellowmushroom.com
Other spots:
Take a hike
Phoenix offers numerous ideal hiking spots across the Valley. Whether you are of the rugged-adventurous type or just enjoy a nice trail with a good view—Phoenix has it all.
Camelback Mountain has some of the best urban hiking trails close to Arizona State University. While the trails may prove to be vigorous for less-experienced hikers, the tranquility and spectacular view is worth the work. Camelback Mountain offers several trails varying in difficulty such as: Cholla Trail, Ramada Loop Trail and Echo Canyon trail. 3940 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018, 602-956-0930. Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. phoenix.gov
In Scottsdale, Gateway trailhead on the east side of Thompson Peak Parkway and north of Bell Road in the city’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, provides a large span of breathtaking views and a plethora of trails for hikers to explore. Get up early and watch the sunrise then head over to Wildflower Bread Company, 15640 N. Hayden Road, for a hearty meal to get your day started. 23015 N. 128th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255. Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.scottsdaleaz.gov
Other spots:
Sometimes to relax we just need to get out of town. When Mill Avenue gets old, or you just want to escape the hectic crowds for a weekend to recoup, head up to Sedona for a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery. Luckily, a daytrip up north will provide the necessary vacation just a couple hours away.
Explore Sedona and enjoy the city teeming with boutiques, galleries and one-of-a-kind shops. Sedona offers various gifts and activities, from Native American crafts and healing gemstones to authentic Mexican cuisine—the city has just about everything to fit any budget. On the way back to Phoenix, stop at the Oak Creek Brewery in Tlaquepaque, for an award-winning brew and a gourmet mushroom brie burger. 2050 Yavapai Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336, 928-204-1300. oakcreekbrew.com
- Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Arizona Science Center
- Cave Creek Museum
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- Deer Valley Rock Art Center
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Desert Caballeros Western Museum
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Phoenix Zoo
- Pueblo Grande Museum
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
