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Things To Do in Tempe, Arizona (from a Local!)

Things To Do in Tempe, Arizona (from a Local!)

by daniellenfairbanks | Sep 19, 2025 | Arizona, Arizona Destinations, Tempe

Things To Do in Tempe, Arizona (from a Local!) Tempe might be known for Arizona State University, but this lively city has so much more to offer than just campus life. From sunrise hikes along desert trails and kayaking on Tempe Town Lake to browsing quirky local...
The Best Local Phoenix Souvenir Shops

The Best Local Phoenix Souvenir Shops

by daniellenfairbanks | Nov 30, 2024 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Shops & Restaurants, Tempe

The Best Local Phoenix Souvenir Shops Looking for unique PHOENIX SOUVENIR SHOPS? I got you covered! The magnets and trinkets are reat, but when I travel, I like to get unique, local gifts that last! Things that I can wear consistently, or things I can work into my...
Tempe Hikes that Will Add Some Sunshine to Your Day!

Tempe Hikes that Will Add Some Sunshine to Your Day!

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 1, 2024 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Phoenix, Tempe

Tempe Hikes that Will Add Some Sunshine to Your Day! Tempe, Arizona, sitting only a few minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, is an adventure HUB. Yes, I said that. It offers the best of both worlds- the bars, restaurants, shops, and Arizona State...
Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems)

Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems)

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 4, 2024 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Coffee, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Shops & Restaurants, Tempe

Best Coffee Shops in Phoenix (Local Favorites + Hidden Gems) If you’re looking for the best coffee shops in Phoenix, you’re in the right place. As a local who’s spent countless mornings exploring cafés across the Valley, I’ve narrowed it down to the spots that are...
10 Best Plant Shops & Nurseries in Phoenix, AZ (2026 Local Guide)

10 Best Plant Shops & Nurseries in Phoenix, AZ (2026 Local Guide)

by daniellenfairbanks | Jan 31, 2022 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Phoenix, Shops & Restaurants, Tempe

10 Best Plant Shops & Nurseries in Phoenix, AZ (2026 Local Guide) If you’re reading this, you’re probably a plant person — and Phoenix is honestly a great city to be one. Between the desert climate, the thriving local small business scene, and some...

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have you done this arizona road trip? 🚗☕🌲 i took have you done this arizona road trip? 🚗☕🌲

i took the 2026 hyundai tucson hybrid on this road trip & was blown away how smoooothhh it feels on the road. it was the perfect road trip companion! @hyundaiusa #HyundaiPartner #HyundaiTucson 

one of my favorite things about arizona? you can leave the desert behind and be surrounded by pine trees in under two hours.

here’s what i did: 🚗

first stop: pine lavender farm. peak bloom, fresh lavender, and the perfect way to slow down before sunset. 💜 i wish you could smell it through the screen!!

👇🏼

checked into lodge at 5600 for the night. cozy rooms, mountain views, and dog-friendly—10/10 for a weekend basecamp

👇🏼

drove to blue ridge reservoir, which was the best view of the trip- this spot is absolutely stunning.. also empty at sunrise!

👇🏼

you already know i had to bring a coffee set up- wish you could taste it through the screen ☕️

👇🏼

hike at tonto natural bridge state park

through all of this, my road-trip companion was the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. plenty of room for adventure gear and a very spoiled adventure pup. 🐾 the fuel efficiency blows my mind 🤯

thanks for coming along friends!! where should my next arizona road trip be? 🌲
& it’s only 90 minutes from phoenix 🌵 📍gowan/ ann & it’s only 90 minutes from phoenix 🌵

📍gowan/ anna mae/ waterfall/ pine creek loop at tonto natural bridge state park (i always suggest using @alltrails !)

as always, leave no trace 🥾
wanna go bike at sunset & get ice cream? ☀️🚲🍦(ad) wanna go bike at sunset & get ice cream? ☀️🚲🍦(ad)

one of my favorite easy evening outings in the phoenix area is riding around tempe town lake. i love seeing everyone out being active- biking, running, walking, fishing, boating, etc 🫶🏻

there are wide paved paths on both sides of the lake, beautiful skyline views, and it’s especially pretty around sunset. the full path is 7+ miles, but you can make it as short or long as you want. 

🚗 where to park:
•tempe beach park
•marina heights garage near mountainside fitness 

🚲 my new bike obsession:
•@aventon aventure 3 with built-in GPS features, anti-theft (like automatically locking when it’s off, & security beeping), and a SUPER long battery life 🔋

and of course… don’t skip the post-ride ice cream (salt & straw!!)🍦

would you ride here for sunset? 🌅

#aventon #aventure3
this is the kind of zen im looking for 🌲 comment this is the kind of zen im looking for 🌲

comment ☕️ for the set up from @miir 

beans: @peixotocoffee

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