Things To Do
Downtown Chandler
From the time Mike moved to Chandler, and Leslie simultaneously made the move from California, it's been the perfect fit into a community. From involvement in grass roots organizations and city council, volunteer panels to enhance police relations and passionate work for the homeless, to corporate employment and supporting local businesses .. it's a way of life more than a city. Here's a link to some nifty activities, events and more downtown ..
Best of Maricopa County
Galleries and shopping in Scottsdale; a commemorative airport and river rafting in Mesa; and a haven for foodies in Gilbert. Our motto, "If we can't find it in Chandler, we don't need it" - certainly doesn't prevent us from suggesting other great things to do in Maricopa County!
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cactus, trees and flowers from around the world spread across 55 acres in Phoenix (18 miles north of downtown Chandler) .. and one of Mike's favorite AZ spots. Don't miss the opportunity to see "Chihuly in the Desert" (showing in April) - which showcases Dale Chihuly's stunning, large-scale installations settled among desert plants. Reservations are required.
Veterans Oasis Park
Consisting of 113 acres, there are bountiful outdoor activities available at this park - including a community fishing lake, scenic hiking and horseback riding trails. Also in the park are 78 acres designed for groundwater recharge and wetlands, making it a perfect home to an abundance of unique Sonoran Desert flora and wildlife. Brand new to the park is the Veterans Memorial: Field of Honor, which pays tribute to the Southeast Valley's past, present and future veterans. The memorial honors all veterans from all branches of the US military. The recessed setting offers a peaceful space for reflection and an opportunity to express love and appreciation for our veterans. NOTE: We have found the best time to visit is after dusk, when the memorial lights up in colors and moves in a way that is indescribable. This is a very unique and special point of interest.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The Riparian Preserve consists of 110 acres in the Sonoran Desert, with seven aquifer recharge basins - each kept at different water levels to create diverse habitats and attract a variety of wildlife. With over 4.5 miles of trails and close to 300 identified species of birds, the preserve is also home to many insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
The Queen Creek Olive Mill is a family-owned company that grows and presses olives for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil (which courses through Leslie's veins). Visitors can take the "Olive Oil 101" tour, or shop through their gourmet marketplace of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The highlight of this wonderful gem (we feel) are the foods created from old world recipes and local, garden sourced ingredients. There are benches to picnic outside under the shade of the olive trees .. with live music on weekends. From Chandler it's a 20 mile/45 minute drive.
Tempe Town Lake/Mill Avenue
Good for walks, bicycling, kayaking, paddle boats, paddle boarding and more (rentals available) - surrounded by several parks, volleyball courts and boat beach. From there, the go-to destination is Mill Avenue .. a tree lined, three quarter mile stretch along the west side of Arizona State's campus with numerous restaurants, bars, shops, a movie theater and more.
Hiking in the East Valley
April is a wonderful time of month for hiking - with peaceful strolls among desert wildflowers and even petroglyphs along the way. Fairly easy hikes are: MC DOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008 NORTH MOUNTAIN PARK 12950 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix 85022 SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK 10919 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85042 PAPAGO PARK (home to the famous Hole-in-the-Rock) 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 85008 Very close to the Desert Botanical Garden
Superstition Mountains/Apache Trail
A popular day trip, the historic Highway 88 carves through the mysterious Superstition Mountains and into the foothills of the Tonto National Forest. Along the drive is an authentic Old West stagecoach stop, a ghost town, the famous Elvis Presley Chapel and a beautiful mountain lake.
Spring Training Cactus League Stadium Tours
Arizona is home to Cactus League's Spring Training playing host to fifteen professional MLB teams housed in ten stadiums across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. AMERICAN FAMILY FIELDS OF PHOENIX Milwaukee Brewers 623.245.5500 CAMELBACK RANCH LA Dodgers & Chicago White Sox 623.302.5000 DIABLO STADIUM LA Angels 480.350.5265 GOODYEAR BALLPARK Cincinnati Reds & Cleveland Indians 623.882.3120 HOHOKAM STADIUM Oakland A's 480.644.4452 PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX SD Padres & Seattle Mariners 623.773.8700 SALT RIVER FIELDS Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies 480.270.5000 SCOTTSDALE STADIUM* SF Giants 480.312.2586 SLOAN PARK Chicago Cubs 480.668.0500 SURPRISE STADIUM KC Royals & Texas Rangers 623.222.2222 * located in charming Old Town, Scottsdale - and a short walk from a wide selection of restaurants, clubs and spectacular art galleries. GO GIANTS!