Tempe is home of Arizona State University's main campus and a thriving student population. Tempe's new Arts Center is set to open in Fall 2006. A 20-minute drive from Phoenix, the tree- and brick-lined Mill Avenue (on which a flour mill at the site of Hayden's original still stands) is the main drag, lined with student hangouts, bookstores, boutiques, eateries, and a repertory movie house. There's always something to do or see -- maybe an art festival or baseball spring training camp -- and plenty of music venues and fun, casual dining spots. Twice a year (in early December and March-April), you can find the Tempe Festival of the Arts on Mill Avenue, with all sorts of interesting arts and crafts (www.tempefestivalofthearts.com). Nearby Mesa and Chandler are becoming bigger destinations, too.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip