Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is not a place to spend too much time in the summer. Most of the plants are wilted, there's not much shade and it's too dusty. But during other times of the year, it is very beautiful. There are interesting demonstrations of native living on the weekends and hands-on activities for children.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Out of Africa offers a real safari experience. A Hummer takes you out to see giraffes, lions and tigers in a natural setting. The park was moved from Fountain Hills less than a year ago, and not all of the attractions (such as Tiger Splash) are open yet, but they will be eventually.
Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Beach Park has a picnic area and splash park that is great on a hot day. The splash playground demonstrates how a drop of rain becomes part of the city's water supply. There are sand volleyball courts and grills available.
Tempe Cinemas
This is an older theater that shows movies after they've played at first run theaters. The facilities are a little shabby and definitely outdated, but the prices can't be beat.
Banner Desert Medical Center
I liked staying at Banner Desert for the births of my children. Their nursing staff is excellent and I felt very well taken care of. Their facilites need to be updated to match that of other area hospitals, but they still offer the most comprehensive care in the East Valley.
Signature Place
We loved living at Signature Place. Many of their units have attached garages and all of them get at least one covered parking spot. They have two lighted tennis courts and a very nice pool area. There are HUGE walk-in closets in all the units.
Dippity Do Dog
Dippity Do Dog has large bays where you can wash your own dog. Yippee. They charge $10 to $16 to supply you with shampoo, water and a dryer to let you style and groom your own pet. Are they kidding? Anyone who has a bathtub can do the same thing for free at home. They don't even trim the dogs nails for that price... it's $8 extra.
Contemporary Care for Women
Some of the doctors in this practice are much better than others. The problem is, you will most likely be seen by every one of them if you have recurring appointments (as in a pregnancy) or a long hospital stay. I believe they are all competent and trustworthy, but some of them have very poor bedside manners and patient rapport.
Abate Salvatore D Md Pc
Dr. Abate is compassionate, knowledgeable and just an all-around great doctor. It is too bad he is not delivering babies anymore, but if you just need a gynecologist, he is by far the best in the East Valley. He's fun, too, which is not something I would usually say about a doctor of his specialty.
Phoenix Pest and Termite Control
I like Phoenix Pest Control because they don't require you to have a contract. They will call and remind you when your next service is scheduled, although they tend to call more often that is strictly neccessary.
They did a good job keeping away most bugs, however, they couldn't get rid of our scorpions and they did a really poor job of getting rid of our pigeon problem. For standard maintenance they were fine.