There’s a certain energy to exploring Tempe, AZ, during an approachable weekday afternoon, when sunlight ripples on the long familiar sidewalks and the air hums with life from campus to town. We find ourselves describing a place where nearly 200,000 people call home, according to the most recent census figures, a population that includes students, families, longtime inhabitants, and newcomers drawn by opportunity and sunshine. The city is especially well-known for hosting a major public research university, a landmark that shapes life here in countless ways—from spirited student traditions to contributions in art, innovation, and sport. What many visitors might not realize is how deeply the past is woven into the present, with stories of ancient Hohokam communities who first cultivated the land, alongside tales of ferry crossings when this place was once called Hayden’s Ferry.

Wandering further yields a few local secrets we quite enjoy passing along. For instance, the hillside commonly known as “A Mountain” actually earned its name when a giant “A” was constructed by students in the early 20th century—and there’s a long-standing tradition in which rival students paint it before the big annual college football showdown. Walks along Palm Walk, a shaded, graceful avenue of palms lining a central path, feel timeless, trees having been planted early in the university’s history, though records are a little vague—estimates place their planting somewhere between 1916 and the early 1930s—but their presence marks a kind of living memory of the old campus’s growth. And anyone with a taste for folklore might be intrigued by tales of the Mogollon Monster, a kind of Arizona Bigfoot said to roam the high country east of here. Described as a tall, hairy creature with glowing eyes and a strange, eerie cry, these legends linger in local storytelling around campfires and hikes beyond the valley.

When hunger calls, there’s no shortage of memorable places that are still open and warmly welcoming. The Chuckbox has been serving up juicy burgers since the early 1970s, letting you add toppings like guacamole, bacon, jalapenos, and offering comfort food that feels rooted in local history. Nearby, The Cornish Pasty Co. has been around since 2005, known for bringing savory pasties from the U.K. alongside wings, salads, and desserts, offering a distinctive, hearty option for breakfast or lunch. Late last year, a clever newcomer called Feta Cowboy introduced an unexpected mash-up of Mediterranean and Mexican flavors—think “pita meets tortilla” and “carne asada meets shawarma”—and surprisingly, it works—especially when you build your own bowl or choose one of their inventive preset wraps. If you’re in the mood for truly spicy fare, there’s Nashville Hot Chicken, a newer spot that opened in spring 2024 on Southern Avenue, offering multiple spice levels—from a mild kick to what they call “Hail Mary”—and their waffle-sandwich plate with high heat is especially talked about.

As for local businesses, people still rave about Society, a gastropub-style spot located on University Drive, where you can enjoy things like Diablo beef tips or the cleverly named Evo salad, well-paired with a well-crafted cocktail or glass of wine. Postino Annex, another longtime go-to, brings a relaxed yet playful vibe. Their bruschetta is often called unforgettable, especially options like fig and brie on perfectly toasted bread, and they’re known for a lovely outdoor atmosphere and skilled, friendly bartending.

When the day unfolds, there are plenty of things to do that aren’t simply dropped into a brochure. The lake at the heart of town offers paddleboarding, kayaking, or just watching the world drift by on the water’s surface, while public art and performance events slip into place across parks and venues. In warmer months, festivals and outdoor concerts spill into evenings—people gather under string lights and around impromptu stages, sometimes dancing in the open air. The Tempe History Society hosts “Lunch Talks” and occasional gala evenings celebrating local heritage and legend, which we find to be lovely ways to learn and connect with the stories that make this place local. And when you pause at Double Butte Cemetery, you’ll notice headstones dating back to the 1800s, marking early settlers and the origins of civic life here—its quiet presence is a thoughtful reminder of what came before.

There are rhythms in everyday life—commuters, students, families, creators, entrepreneurs—all weaving through each block, intersecting in coffeeshops, bike lanes, on sidewalks both shaded and sunlit. We find that what often stays unstated, yet always felt, is how the past and present mingle, how a city can be alive with new ideas while holding onto stories that predate smartphones or campus expansions.

In closing, we’d like to invite you, on behalf of Three Suns Pest Control, to imagine not only the warmth and energy Tempe, but how crucial it is to preserve comfort in every corner—from historic homes near the butte to kitchens in beloved restaurants that keep traditions alive. We’re committed to helping maintain that welcoming environment by protecting spaces from pests, offering reliable, respectful service, and standing ready whenever a visit to your home, business, or favorite local spot might be needed. Don’t hesitate to contact us when you’re ready for assistance—we’d be happy to help.