Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… and we are here to make it easier by bringing you 10 ways to save on summer fun! Whether you are planning a staycation or travelling to Mesa – we’re sure you will find something that the whole family will enjoy.   Get your red, white and blue on…early!   Get into the holiday mood for Independence Day early this year by heading out to the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet on July 1 st . Kids (and parents) are welcome to enjoy face painters and balloon artists and are invited to write notes and color pictures to go into

Let's party like it's 1776! Put on your red, white, and blue and make some plans with friends and the family this year in Mesa for the Fourth of July. Don’t pass up these great events!   Arizona Celebration of Freedom   Bring the whole family to the “coolest” independence festival in Arizona! This festival is no stranger to Mesa and we’re glad to have it back for another year! The Celebration of Freedom is free and will include: live-music, the ultimate patriotic displays, a naturalization ceremony, family fun, a memorial honoring

As much as your father may enjoy a “#1 DAD” mug, we know there’s no better way for him to celebrate Father’s Day than by spending time with those that call him “dad.” This weekend, take him out for a meal, a game of golf, some music, a trip through a museum, or more, right here in Mesa, Arizona.   Father's Day - Annual Man Brunch with VR & Racing Does your dad have a need for speed? Head to Octane Raceway for a delicious brunch, the free-roam virtual gaming arena Velocity VR, and a lap around the race track. Even if he comes in last

Throw on your swim suits, lather up with sunscreen, and get the kids out of the hotel room when you visit Mesa this summer. We’ve rounded up the best pools, splash pads, and water parks that are sure to make a splash with the kiddos and keep the whole family cool.   Stay Cool in the Pool   Live out your gnarly surf dreams in the desert on the FlowRider at the Rhodes Aquatic Complex ! Kids and adults alike can catch a wave on a boogie board to carve and do tricks. And yes, they give lessons! In addition, Rhodes Aquatic Complex has all the essentials for the perfect sun-soaking

We know it’s hard trying to find the perfect hotel to book when you’re travelling to a new city because you want to be as close to the action as possible—lucky for you, a stay in any Mesa hotel will only be a couple of minutes away from our most popular attractions.   La Quinta Inn & Suites Phoenix Mesa East Located just north of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, La Quinta Inn & Suites Phoenix Mesa East is a central location for all of your travel needs. The hotel is in a prime location with the Superstition Mountain Wilderness area and dozens

May 7-13, 2017 marks National Travel and Tourism week and this year we are celebrating the faces of travel. Check out these faces that have a love for Mesa, Arizona and the adventure and opportunities it provides visitors.     Heather & Court Fetter, No Snow Paddleboard Shop After work brought them to the U.S. from Canada more than 20 years ago, the Fetters decided this was the life and planted roots in Mesa, Arizona. Their board shop, conveniently located on the pathway to the Salt River basin, draws visitors in looking to learn to stand up paddle for the first time as well as

If May 14 th isn’t ringing a bell, you’ll want to keep reading this post—it’s Mother’s Day! If you’ve been looking for the right event to treat your mother to or you just now realized that you needed to plan something, you’re in luck because we’ve laid out Mother’s Day-exclusive events that we’re sure will be mom-approved.   Trail Ride at Ft. McDowell Adventures   For Mother’s Day, your mother will be treated to one complimentary trail ride with the purchase of one trail ride. To redeem the promotion call

It’s that time of year again – one of Arizona’s must-do experiences is here! The Peach Festival at Schnepf Farms will kick off on May 12 th and run for two weekends.   Schnepf Farms is the largest peach grower in the state, but they didn’t start out that way. Their first festival in 1994 was supposed to last the entire weekend, however the orchards were picked clean in just an hour and a half! They have now expanded their orchards and planted more varieties of peaches to keep up with the demand of locals and visitors alike.   Take a day trip out to the

Queen Creek Olive Mill , Arizona’s only working olive farm and mill, delivers a true agritourism experience for visitors. This family-owned stop along Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail® embraces the entire olive oil-making process from “Blossom to Bottle” and carries it through to their tour, marketplace, and eatery.   Olive Oil 101 Tour   What makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil ‘Extra Virgin’? What is the difference between a green and purple olive? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Queen Creek Olive Mill’s Olive Oil 101

Before you hit the trails 1. Always pack water. Avoid dehydration by drinking water often throughout your hike. A good rule of thumb is to pack one gallon of water for a full-day of desert exploring.   2. Dress appropriately. Desert temperatures can hit extreme highs and extreme lows in a 24-hour period. Wearing layers helps slow dehydration and limits your sun exposure. Always wear closed-toe shoes. Wearing a hat and sunglasses are also recommended.   3. Apply sunscreen – often. Even in the winter months, Arizona’s direct sunlight can cause severe burns.   4. Hike