Explore

Mesa, Tempe & East Valley

HOUSE OF TRICKS—Contemporary. Dine in the tree-sheltered yard or inside the cottages on New American fare. 114 E. 7th St., Tempe, 480.968.1114. www.houseoftricks.com Tempe Map F5

JOE’S FARM GRILL—Café. This eatery is located at Agritopia, an intentionally old-fashioned, farm-centered and master-planned enclave. Serving “common food done uncommonly well.” Agritopia, 3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, 480.563.4745. www.joesfarmgrill.com Valley Map W24

ORGAN STOP PIZZA—Pizza. A giant Wurlitzer pipe organ on a rotating platform is played nightly to the fascination of patrons living in an age of ever-smaller tune-carrying devices. Oh, and pizzas, spaghetti, lasagna and a salad bar accompany the tunes. 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480.813.5700. www.organstoppizza.com Valley Map T22

EXPLORE

17040 N. Scottsdale Road • Scottsdale, AZ • 480.614.1414 9290 N. Thornydale Road • Tucson, AZ • 520.744.1414 www.persianroom.com

Destinations

GLENDALE—This West Valley city has stealthily prepared for the future even as it mines the past. Wander Historic Glendale, then head to Westgate Entertainment District. There’s also Gila River Arena, and State Farm Stadium. www.visitglendale.com Valley Map M12

SCOTTSDALE (DOWNTOWN)—You can still buy a cowboy hat, Western and American Indian art, souvenirs, and a hand-scooped sundae here. An influx of hipster investors and a boom of development have just added edgier art galleries, trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and high-rise developments to the landscape. www.scottsdaleaz.gov. www.scottsdale downtown.com Valley Map O18

TALKING STICK ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT—

This area includes destinations such as Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Octane Raceway, Topgolf Scottsdale, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick; The Pavilions at Talking Stick shopping area; Talking Stick Resort and Great Wolf Lodge; and so many other plays to play, stay, shop and eat. 9120 E. Talking Stick Way, Ste. E-10, 480.362.2700; ww.talkingstickarizona.com Valley Map L19

TEMPE (DOWNTOWN)—Mill Avenue draws pedestrians to shop for Arizona State University souvenirs or trendy clothes, eat at hip restaurants, or venture to the peak of “A” Mountain to overlook it all. Art and architecture fans find delight in Gammage Auditorium, a Frank Lloyd Wright creation that was completed posthumously and hosts touring Broadway productions, and the Nelson Fine Arts Center, designed by New Mexico-based architect Antoine Predock, which houses ASU Art Museum and additional performance spaces. Mill Ave. south of Tempe Town Lake. www.millavenue.com Valley Map R18

Tours/Transportation

RAINBOW RYDERS—Daily hot air balloon flights above Phoenix and Scottsdale. 1.800.725.2477. www.rainbowryders.com

SEDONA AIR TOURS—Tour Sedona or the Grand Canyon by helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. 1225 Airport Road, Sedona, 928.204.5939. www.sedonaairtours.com

THE DOLLY STEAMBOAT—Double-decker sternwheeler offering narrated nature and catered dinner cruises. 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, 480.827.9144. www.dollysteamboat.com Valley Map M30