Posts Tagged ‘tempe’

Tempe Town Lake Attractions During Your Vacation Rental Stay

June 18th, 2020 | By Claudia Moreno

Fun Facts about Tempe

I first moved to Arizona in July after I left Illinois, I was amazed on how pretty Arizona actually was, from the different cacti, flowers, always having mountains in the distance, and most importantly the sunsets every night are my favorite things to watch. Even though these things are important to locals, I’ve never experienced them so it was such an amazing new experience. Tempe is a city that borders Phoenix but there aren’t any actual borders that go from city to city. Once you hop on the 101 you can easily end up in another city without realizing it. The Arizona Route 101 or “loop 101” is a semi- beltway that connects much of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. It connects all of Phoenix suburbs including, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and even extends into the West Valley including Glendale and Peoria. Loop 101 also connects with all major freeways including U.S. 60, SR 51, Interstate 17, and Interstate 10. 

Tempe is also known for its youthful college town. Arizona State University is one of the largest public college universities in the United States. If you plan your visit during any ASU’s football season, you could spend the day catching a game at the Sun Devils football stadium. Another time to visit Tempe to see something that you normally wouldn’t see is the “Lantern Walk” during homecoming week. The Lantern Walk is one of the oldest traditions at ASU, and it one of the most cherished. Everyone who is associated with ASU walks through campus and follows a path up to “A” mountain to “light up” Tempe. The night is accumulated with a firework display. So having little one’s firework show is always a way to entertain them.  “A” mountain which was also mentioned above also has a little bit of history behind it. There was a letter “A” installed on the slope of its south face that is visible from campus. The original “A” was destroyed but the vandals were never caught but many speculate it was their rivals from (University of Arizona.) “Whitewashing” the “A” is a tradition in which incoming freshmen paint the letter white during orientation week and is repainted gold right before the first football game of the season. “A” mountain is a perfect hike to do right before sunset. It is one of the most accessible hikes in downtown. 

Tempe Town Lake

Arizona is a desert state, so finding bodies of water is very unlikely. Tempe Town Lake is located right in the heart of the city of Tempe. Tempe Town Lake is located on the northwest corner of Mill Ave, and Rio Salado Parkway. This two-mile-long lake is so much more than just something nice to look at when driving on loop 202. Tempe Lake attracts so many tourists throughout the year being the perfect spot to enjoy outdoor activities and experience tons of fun while doing it. Some of the activities include stand up paddleboarding, kayaking in which you can rent single or double kayaks, and even an electric boat that can seat up to 12 people and comes equipped with a radio and a dining table so you can enjoy your whole day on the lake with some awesome views. With Covid-19 going on right now, the rentals are only 1 person per kayak to continue to obey the CCD guidelines of being 6ft apart when out in public. If you are more of a land person, there are plenty of activities for you to do also. Land activities include walking, biking, or running along the 5-mile pathway that stretches along the lakeside. 

Vacation Rentals in Tempe

Moxie Girl cleans vacation rentals all around the west valley, east valley, and central Phoenix area. Moxie Girl is very cautious when going into different vacation rentals during Covid-19. We wear masks, and gloves and use a super-powerful Isopropyl based disinfectant to ensure that your vacation rental is clean and ready upon your arrival. If any of these fun activities seem like something your family or just yourself would like to do, then book a vacation rental today.  You can book directly from Moxie Girl or STRM to schedule your booking. 

 

If you own a vacation rental already and would like to be stress-free about keeping it up to date, you can also contact Moxie Girl or STRM for a FREE CONSULTATION TODAY. 

 

Take a Hike During Your Valley Vacation Rental Stay!

June 4th, 2020 | By Claudia Moreno

Looking for something to do during your vacation rental stay in the Phoenix area? If you’re a hiker, you’ll be happy to know there’s no shortage of fantastic trails in and around the Valley! 

 

No matter where in the Phoenix area you’ve booked your vacation rental, there’s sure to be some great hiking nearby! Moxie Girl, the Valley’s vacation rental specialist, is here to get you started with a few of our favorite trails.

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

 

The Phoenix Mountains Preserve is actually a whole group of parks: Piestewa Peak, North Mountain/Shaw Butte, Lookout Mountain/Shadow Mountain, and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area.

 

Located in what some refer to as “the middle of Phoenix” – geographically anyway, the summits in these parks offer stunning views of the Valley in all directions!  And although the preserve is easily accessible from several busy city streets and a freeway, you certainly won’t feel as though you’re in ANY city as you’re hiking or biking the trails here.

Trails within the Preserve parks range from easy to moderately challenging, so there’s something for hikers and bikers of all fitness levels. Leave your ATVs and electric bikes at home though – there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the trails!

 

You can even enjoy hiking the trails with your dog – as long as your dog is on a leash AND it’s below 100 degrees. Dogs are prohibited on the City of Phoenix hiking trails when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. (Temperatures can reach 100 degrees quickly during the summer months, so consider hiking as early as possible in the day – dog or no dog!)

 

The parks at Phoenix Mountains Preserve are hugely popular with the locals, so trails can become pretty populated during peak times such as holidays and weekends. Moxie Girl recommends early mornings during the week for an easier time parking and a more tranquil experience.

 

Here’s a great article we found on visitphoenix.com with very helpful overviews of each area within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, including trailhead locations and what to expect while you’re there! Enjoy!

 

Sunrise Trail – Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

If the vacation rental you’ve reserved is located in the Northeast Valley, Sunrise Trail is a “must” for hikers. Heck, even if your vacation rental is somewhere else, Sunrise Trail is easy to get to from most areas in Phoenix – and definitely worth the drive.

 

Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Sunrise Trail is far more “out-of-the-way” than many hiking trails in the Phoenix Metro area. Even during peak-use hours, parking is ample and services are consistently well-reviewed and the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is a popular place to start this hike.

 

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead boasts clean public restrooms, filtered water, and a structure providing shade and shelter if needed. On the weekends, you’ll likely find volunteers from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Conservatory on hand to answer questions and offer information about the Preserve – including specific plant and animal life you may encounter during your visit.

 

Sunrise Trail can be a moderately difficult hike, so it may not be suitable for beginners. There are also many other trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, so pay attention to the signage.  You’ll be working your way up to Sunrise Peak – where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent, sweeping view of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills before making your way back down to the trailhead!

 

Please note the temperature threshold for dogs on the trails at McDowell Sonoran Preserve is 90 degrees – 10 degrees lower than the Phoenix parks limit. For more information about Sunrise Trail and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, please visit the City of Scottsdale website

Best Photo-Op Hike in Phoenix

 

Why take a selfie with a panoramic backdrop, when you can take a selfie with a panoramic backdrop THROUGH A HOLE IN A ROCK made mainly of sandstone? If you’re looking for an easy hike (suitable for most fitness levels) with amazing views of the Valley and a “wow!” social media moment, Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park, is the place for you.

 

This is a very popular trail, so don’t expect to be alone on this hike. Hole-in-the-Rock is perfect for family and group outings. Papago Park is also adjacent to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical  Gardens, giving visitors a chance to experience even more of our native plants and desert-dwelling creatures!

 

Visit the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation website for more information about Papago Park. In addition to hiking and biking trails, Papago Park offers many other recreation facilities, including an archery range, fishing lagoon and the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting!

Hike Safely!

 

The Arizona desert is no place to forget safety precautions – in fact, please use EXTRA precaution when hiking! Our landscape is uniquely beautiful. Much of it is also sharp, rough, pointy, and can otherwise hurt you. Watch your step – not only to prevent falls but to keep an eye out for our cleverly camouflaged wildlife, such as rattlesnakes, scorpions, and such.

 

To say our desert heat can be brutal is a huge understatement. Check the weather forecast and plan your hike accordingly, packing an abundance of water. Sun protection is a must – don’t forget your hat or visor and apply a high SPF rated sunscreen (re-apply during your hike if necessary!)

 

Enjoy Your Vacation Rental!

 

Moxie Girl is the leader in vacation rental care throughout the Phoenix area! If you’re planning a trip to the Valley, watch our blog for more tips to make the most of your visit! Vacation rental homeowner? Moxie Girl has loads of info in our blog archives to help your vacation rental run as smoothly and profitably as possible – with more to come!

 

If you’d like Moxie Girl to professionally service your vacation rental, simply click to get started! We’ll be in touch soon!

Adventures Close to Your Vacation Rental Home

September 30th, 2019 | By Claudia Moreno

Valley vacation rentals are more popular than ever and with our cooler weather finally, within reach, the upcoming rental season could be the busiest yet.  As a successful vacation rental homeowner, you’ve probably realized that many guests are looking for “a local experience” when they book a vacation rental in our beautiful desert. 

 

When searching for places to visit and things to do, guests are bound to be inundated by the “top web hits” and not necesssarily the best, coolest, or even very “local” results.  We’re sure your vacation rental guests will appreciate being alerted to the less “commercial” attractions.

 

For example, if your vacation rental is in the Gilbert area, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is an amazing place for your outdoor-loving guests to explore. The preserve offers nearly 5 miles of hiking and equestrian trails and winding walkways and is open from 530am until 10 pm daily. 

 

Park entrance is free, but the preserve does offer guided tours every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, October through April, at a cost of $10 per person. Check out their website here!

 

Stargazing vacation rental guests, in particular, tend to fall in love with our wide open desert skies and may also be delighted to know about the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory located at the Riparian Preserve. The Observatory is open to the public most Friday and Saturday evenings, from dark until 930pm. 

 

Some sky-watching guests go as far as to plan their travels according to anticipated meteor shower activity (shhhh…I know because I’ve done that – and I know I’m not alone!) Meteor showers for the rest of this year are listed below – let your guests know! The weather should be perfect!

 

Orionids: October 2-November 7 (peaks the night of October 21st)

Leonids: November 6-November 30 (peaks the night of November 17th)

Geminids December 4-December 17 (peaks the night of December 13th)

 

Need more help with your vacation rental home? Moxie Girl is a leader in the care of vacation rentals in the Phoenix area, serving over 130 properties of all sizes, Valley-wide. CLICK HERE to find out if we can help you, too!

 

Moxie Girl is always willing to add the best people to our team, too. CLICK HERE to tell us why you think you’d make a great vacation rental assistant!