Tempe and Around

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.