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Spring Training Festival

4.0 (1 review)

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13 years ago

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Arizona Falls

Arizona Falls

4.2(54 reviews)
2.1 mi

Ok, I'm going to give this place 5 stars because, technically, it is a cool place that not a lot of…read morepeople know about. It's actually a hydroelectric plant along the Arizona Canal. As we approached the building (you can't go in it), the smell hit us and I thought, oh no, I've made a huge mistake. I think I was just there on a bad day or something, because I didn't see many reviews mention the smell at all. What smell? Raw sewage, very sulphur- and trash-like. I mean, it STUNK. It was strongest at the top overlook, right next to the building. As we went down the staircase to the lower level, the smell began to dissipate and eventually, to my nose, disappeared altogether. On the lower level, we saw the waterfalls. You can walk under/behind two of them and there are "seats" made of stone blocks in front of the third. The water was flowing pretty hard the day we visited, so the seats and all the pavement was wet and there was a slight mist coming off the middle one. The overall place is like a mixture of industrial and environmental architechture. There are metal-looking columns holding up the upper deck, yet the waterfalls look like they were copied from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, and there are large stones/rocks embedded into the walls everywhere. It sits on the edge of a small park with a decent sized lot and there are hiking paths. We only came for the falls, so I can't speak to the hike, but the area looked fairly nice. I'd like to see it at night as it looks pretty cool in pictures I've seen. If you're looking for something a little different to do or show your visitors from out of town, this is a neat place to go. Hopefully, the smell is a one off, but even if not, hold your breath and go down the stairs..... 13/2026

I heard about this place recently and was in the area and decided to check it out. It basically…read more mini-hydroelectric plant on the canal system and the origin of the canal system is traced back to the Hohokam Indians that lived in the valley about 1500 years ago. The water falls are a cool secondary benefit of the water works plant at Arizona Falls. There is a nice park and biking trail that we look forward to exploring on our next visit. Highly recommended for a unique opportunity to enjoy waterfalls in the valley of the sun and learn about how the innovative Hohokam Indians.

Photos
Arizona Falls - Falling Water

Falling Water

Arizona Falls
Arizona Falls

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Scottsdale Public Art - Keeping drunks off the sidewalk since 2010!

Scottsdale Public Art

4.0(2 reviews)
0.5 mi

Sure, I love the LOVE sculpture in Old Town, and I've wondered about some of the statues around,…read morebut until today, when I finally explored the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I didn't really give the art around my neighborhood much thought. But after venturing down to see the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I was really impressed, and my experience even prompted me to do a little bit of research on where all of this art comes from. Here's what I found (on the Scottsdale Public Art facebook page): Scottsdale Public Art is a percent for art program of the City of Scottsdale, managed by the Scottsdale Cultural Council, a private nonprofit 501 (c)(3) agency that administers the arts and cultural affairs of the City, as well as the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Interesting, huh? I thought so... and from now on, I'm going to pay a lot more attention to the beautiful public art that surrounds me. Add that to my new year's resolution list! Happy new year, all!

While I am sure one could argue for or against the utility of the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I will…read morefocus my review on the aesthetics of the structure. While I am not an expert in art or architecture, I really like this bridge. I went to the dedication a couple weeks ago and walked around amongst the throngs of spectators. I heard many comment on how the industrial, silver appearance doesn't really mesh with other old town architectural elements. And that is exactly what I like most about this bridge. It stands apart. It forces your eye to recognize the structure and wonder why it's there, who designed it, and maybe draw you there to walk across. Hopefully, the owners and developers of the surrounding properties will use this piece of public art to their advantage. I want to say to them..."We have built it, and people will come, now what are you going to do about it?" I have hope for the future of Old Town Scottsdale, and works like the Soleri Bridge reinforce that optimism.

Photos
Scottsdale Public Art - A little history of the postal riders sculpture.

A little history of the postal riders sculpture.

Scottsdale Public Art
Scottsdale Public Art - Sculpture near Scottsdale City Council

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Sculpture near Scottsdale City Council

Tempe's Fantasy Of Lights - Cool holiday float

Tempe's Fantasy Of Lights

2.8(4 reviews)
4.3 mi

I don't know why there are so many bad reviews for this light parade and just wonder why people are…read moresuch bah humbugs out there! Its the holidays, lighten up a bit! I enjoyed seeing this Fantasy of Lights but also I didn't fight for a seat in the front row on Mill Ave or had to hand over my kidney for a parking spot. I can see why people were annoyed as parking anywhere near Mill Ave is usually a pain. My game plan was to get in an evening jog and at the same time see this parade and it worked out! I parked my car close to the Tempe Town Lake marina near the 100 mile Brewery and then jogged my way parallel to the lake and then jogged over the bridge to Mill Ave and voila...you're right in the smack dab of all the excitement! I walked when it was pretty crowded on the street and definitely there were a lot of people and then I made a U turn back onto the other side of Mill Ave at Unviersity. Mill Ave on the other side was less congested and I just jogged back to my car while also getting some good videos and pics of the parade. Overall, for me, I got two things done, was able to get in a 5K and see this cool parade! I might just now make this an annual tradition and just jog here to see this parade and avoid the hassle of parking and fighting for a prime viewing spot on Mill Ave.! I left happy, with my heart a little healthier and not annoyed with all the people! Its an all around win win situation!

Wow! Just miserable. What a waste of a holiday weekend. First had to park about a mile away in…read moreorder to get to event 2 hrs early. Then wait in line for 30 mins to $15 for a chicken and white rice bowl. Then try get a spot 15-20 people deep along the Tempe lake. Waited there 30 more minutes while show was to start and still didn't see a thing. Finally left to walk another mile back to try and find our car in the dark and fight traffic on the way out as others also ditched this waste of time. Tempe should not hold an event like this again. Even the MC of the event couldn't continue to appease the frustrated crowd! I would give event zero stars if I could.

Photos
Tempe's Fantasy Of Lights - Fun whimsical holiday interactive light display

Fun whimsical holiday interactive light display

Tempe's Fantasy Of Lights - $7 fry bread w/ whipped cream & strawberries

$7 fry bread w/ whipped cream & strawberries

Tempe's Fantasy Of Lights

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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Stock but Accurate

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

3.5(224 reviews)
2.2 mi
$$

still sucks ! new owners suck ! never replied ! still…read morewainting for the refund..hope you start closing locations soon.

Um I've been waiting to go here for so long because it's the ONLY place that has deep dish gluten…read morefree pizza. So I finally went with my boyfriend and it exceeded my expectations. The place itself is definitely casual but had some warmer mood lighting. Pretty empty on a Saturday night. Deep dish pizzas take over 30 minutes to come out, which is advertised on the menu so you know ahead of time. We both got the small cheese deep dish with butter crust, my boyfriend regular and me gluten free. Small is supposed to feed two people. Gluten free only comes in small. You can get regular in personal to large however. Definitely recommend going with the simple cheese, sometimes classic is the best way to go so you can appreciate the beauty of a pizza. Definitely also recommend going with the butter crust. My gosh, it had the perfect bite to it, both chewy and crispy. A little more rich but in the best ways possible. There was gobs of sauce, which I loooove. So fresh and bursting with savory flavor and could tell it was homemade with few ingredients (because you only need a few). The cheese pull was insane and also had a generous amount (and of course had to add more parm on top). I could only eat half and the leftovers tasted just as delicious the next day. My boyfriend basically finished his so know it's possible I gave a slice to my dad because I'm so nice and he very much enjoyed it and he's a harsh critic for gluten free pizza. I can't wait to go back. Note this is obviously a heavier dish but so worth it

Photos
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - Pick up location only

Pick up location only

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - This is a pic of their "Deep Dish Create Your Own"

This is a pic of their "Deep Dish Create Your Own"

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

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My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge - My Nana's Best Tasting Salsa Challenge is now at Sloan Park

My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge

5.0(1 review)
4.4 mi

2019 marked the 35th year of the My Nana's Best Tasting Salsa Challenge. An annual fundraiser that…read morebenefits the Arizona Hemophilia Association. I have attended the event 3 times, each at a different locations in the valley. The first time at Tempe Beach Park, then in Phoenix at Steele Indian School Park and now at Sloan Park in Mesa. This year was great because of the location. Sloan Park is the perfect venue for the festival. There is plenty of space, places to sit down, shade if you want it, and tons upon tons of salsa vendors with room to grow! Tickets are $15 dollars the the gate on the day of the event. I got tickets for just under $10 - thanks to Groupon. Salsa contestants can enter in three different categories - mild, hot, and "anything goes". So as an attendee you can expect to sample salsas ranging the spectrum: smoky chipotles, fruity ones featuring mango, pineapple, and even cranberry salsa, too. As well as, salsas that are so hot you'll swear your face could melt off - save those few for the bravest among your group. To enjoy all the salsa samplings, you get access to an unlimited supply for chips brought to you by friendly volunteers at the chip stations located throughout the event. I'd recommend bringing an extra $1 to purchase a tray for your chips and salsa. It'll be one of the best investments you'll make all day. I was too busy trying over 40 salsa vendors, but the event also offers a morning 5k Run, Margarita Mix-Off, Music Stage, and Kids Zone if you need even more activities to enjoy.

Photos
My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge - Awards

Awards

My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge
My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge

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Robert Indiana’s LOVE

Robert Indiana’s LOVE

5.0(2 reviews)
0.6 mi

This sculpture was designed by Robert Indiana. It's one of dozens around the world. It's a popular…read moreplace for selfies, tourists and newly engaged couples to use as a background. It weighs 3,800 pounds and is 14 ft tall, 14 ft wide, and 6 ft deep. It is made of polychromed red and blue aluminum. Indiana originally designed LOVE as image on a Christmas card in the sixties. It was even used as an image on a US postage stamp in 1973. I simply like it for it's overall look and massive size. The Civic Center Park only reopened in January 2023 after being closed for a multi-million dollar remodel. I am glad it's back in a new permanent spot for the next 20 years. As a photo tip, consider taking a selfie from the reverse 'back' side. In most selfie modes on phones the image is reversed and the LOVE will be facing the right direction in your photo.

LOVE was designed by Robert Indiana during the Pop art movement in 1965 for a Christmas card. It…read morewas a symbol for peace during the Vietnam war. Now many sculptures are present all over the world, some in different languages. The original sculpture is in Indianapolis. I've always been fascinated with the LOVE art. I have seen quite a few of the sculptures in different places across the U.S. Scottsdale purchased theirs through the Scottsdale Public Art Program. It is made of poly-chromed red and blue aluminum and weighs 3,800 lbs. It's located in the Scottsdale Civic Center and was just recently relocated. It is pretty popular and makes for great photo shoots.

Photos
Robert Indiana’s LOVE
Robert Indiana’s LOVE
Robert Indiana’s LOVE

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Spring Training Festival - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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