THE SWEET SMELL OF CITRUS

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

Hello, my name is Gayle and I’m known in the office as the resident birdwatcher, hiker, and gardener. I’d like to be able to say that I can pick oranges from my backyard tree but it was planted about a year ago and is too young.

So, what do I do when I want some tasty citrus? Take a drive to the original Orange Patch on Lehi Road. It reminds me of walking into a Midwestern produce market. Right inside the door are samples of navel oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and Arizona sweets — so you can try before you buy. The market also has honey, nuts, chocolate, jams & jellies, dates, ice cream cones, snack mixes and a whole lot more.  I recently visited the Orange Patch to have navel oranges shipped to Illinois, Michigan, and Washington. Friends and relatives look forward to receiving some homegrown Mesa citrus every year. They tell me it’s like receiving sunshine in a box. Of course I came home with a 20-pound sack of sweet and juicy navels for my local family and friends. Nothing like locally-grown – how sweet it is!

The Orange Patch-2717 East Lehi Road, Mesa, AZ (480) 962-4490

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Mesa, a great city for active people!

Posted on January 24, 2012 by

Hi my name is James Tevault and I’m known as the office athletic guy that enjoys training and racing in the East Valley. This past November I finally completed one of my major accomplishments, Ironman Arizona. As exciting as an experience as that was I’m just excited about several upcoming events including the Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon which is every January. This event is timed perfect after the holiday feasts and with temperatures typically 60 degrees. I ran RNRAZ Marathon again a few weeks ago with big expectations of qualifying for Boston Marathon. Unfortunately, I didn’t reach my goal, but I still finished with a respectable time of 3:29. Overall it was still a great experience because it was a gorgeous day for a long run. The race organizers did a good job with the logistics of the race and everything was smooth from the Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center all the way to the finish line at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

I’m fortunate to live in east Mesa because there are so many great places to train whether you’re a runner, cyclist, swimmer, etc… I have spent many hours and logged even more miles over the past 4+ years running the streets of Mesa and the Valley of the Sun. In addition to running in town on the streets or canals there are plenty of trails just minutes away.

This past Saturday I hopped on my bike and rode on the historic Apache Trail towards Tortilla Flats. This road along the Superstition Mountain allows anyone to experience the true beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The next day I laced up my running shoes to run hill repeats near Usery Recreation Center. This is another great place to run, enjoy the trails, or the new smooth pavement on a road bike. One time while riding on Usery I noticed a coyote and slowed until he ran off the road, but as I began pedaling I heard paws hitting the ground behind me as another coyote began chasing me! That may make you think twice before training out here, but I love experiencing nature and have seen everything from a pack of javelins to the wild horses when riding Usery loop.

As I continue to train for upcoming races I would encourage you to consider running the Phoenix Marathon this March 3rd with me. The inaugural event features half marathon distance then both half and full marathon courses in 2013 . This is going to be a great event starting at the top of Usery and running downhill to the finish line near one of Mesa’s finest golf courses Longbow Golf Club. Register now for the Phoenix Marathon and you can run with John Rhode’s the winner of Biggest Loser Season 12 and Mesa resident. More information

Phoenix Marathon on March 3rd

Good luck with all your training and upcoming races. -James

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Fabulous 50 +

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

Texas Terrie here, I attended the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo at the Mesa Convention Center yesterday. I thought I would blog about the adventure I took across the street in order to inform our older generation that reads our blog know about this expo and upcoming ones being held.

Lovin’ Life After 50 is an annual expo held for, you guessed it, people over 50. Vendors that specialize in the 50+ set attend the expo in order to promote services and/or products that are primarily used by this generation of boomers and zoomers. Some attend to learn about new products; others are there to fill a bag with “free” stuff (kind of like adult trick or treating); and some folks attend just to take it all in. Either way, it was a full house and packed!

For those of you over 50 years old or those who have family over the age of 50 and you missed today’s expo, never fear another is near! Join us on Wed., Feb. 8 when the Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host their Annual Winter Visitors Expo at the Mesa Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Save the date! The last expo of the season will be held on Feb. 14 & 15 when the Canadian Snowbirds host their annual Snowbird Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. also held at the Mesa Convention Center.

 

Signing off,

Texas Terrie always looking out for the over 50 crowd!

 

 

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I hate lines!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on January 16, 2012 by

Hi ya’ll! Terrie is my name and tourism is my game. As a transplant from Texas, I think of myself as a fairly good connoisseur of Mexican food. I have several Mesa restaurants that I think are some of the best Mexican food in Greater Phoenix-metro area. I had lunch at one of those last week called Mango’s Mexican Cafe located at 44 W. Main Street in downtown Mesa. mangosmexicancafe.com.  

Mango’s Cafe is busy everyday at noon; unfortunately that is when my lunch hour begins. A couple of girls from the office and I went downtown to take a look at the sale going on at Domestic Bliss. After a little shopping, it was coffee and lunch time. Jessie volunteered to go to Inside the Bungalow to pick up the afternoon coffee and tea and I volunteered to go pick up our lunch. Being a Friday and knowing all the Mesa City offices were closed, I thought maybe I stood a chance to get in and out pretty quickly. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When I walked in the line was to the door. Knowing I was picking up the best street tacos in downtown Mesa I knew I had to stay. The line was moving pretty slowly it seemed there were several first-timers there looking over the menu. I could tell it was going to take awhile so I devised a plan. I pulled out my smart phone searched the number and called Mangos. Covering the mouthpiece trying to keep those around me from hearing what I was doing, I placed my order. I waited in line with everyone else and finally it was my turn.  I gave my name and picked up my order and was back in the office with time to spare.

 There aren’t many places that I would stand in line for lunch but Mango’s is definitely one of them. If you haven’t been to Mango’s Cafe it’s time you do. If you have, then it’s time to go again. Just don’t go at noon…………..

Until next time Texas Terrie signing off.

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2nd Fridays in Mesa

Posted on January 13, 2012 by

Today is Friday the 13th ! It is also 2nd Friday Night Out in Downtown Mesa.  If you have not had an opportunity to come enjoy downtown Mesa and what it has to offer, tonight is the night! Known as the “Square Mile of Unique Style”, it is really becoming the place to be for shopping and dining. This is the perfect chance to do some local shopping and support the small businesses in your community. I have even taken a personal pledge to “Shop Local” and made this effort for one of my 2012 resolutions.

On the 2nd Friday of every month Downtown Mesa’s Main Street’s sidewalks fill up with unique vendors and the store fronts stay open late. Every month there is a theme to the event, this month’s is “Film Fest”, and last month’s was “Art Attack”.  If you come dressed as your favorite movie star you have a chance to win a prizes.  They will also have movie trivia and they will be hosting a Short-Film Contest by local filmmakers.

Starting at 6pm, the art galleries are open to the public. You can grab a coffee at Lo-Fi and some food from a vendor or restaurant and enjoy the live entertainment. Or you can pop in all those cute boutiques you have driven by and never took the time to park the car and go inside.

Whether you want to participate in the theme for the month or just want to enjoy the evening, 2nd Fridays in Downtown Mesa is a fun spot to check out great vendors and discover small businesses.

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On your mark, get ready…SHOP! Less than 10 days til’ Christmas!

Posted on December 15, 2011 by

Hi! I’m Kara – Mesa resident and local tourism know-it-all for the Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau. There are some great holiday shopping locales we want to tell you about and there is still time left to snag that coveted, unique item sure to get a great reaction this holiday! I enjoy discovering the best local goods and telling others about my hidden gems and fabulous finds!  Always shopping for the best deals and dining in town.

I stopped in Blossom Boutique to get some flirty feather earrings and a cocktail ring for my sister’s gift for under $20! For those wanting to book a holiday hair-do, be sure to check out the stylists in the Blossom Salon.

Next stop on Main was Domestic Bliss – a store full of surprises and inspiration for anyone that wants to spruce up their digs. Trendy knick-knacks everywhere, from wall art to candles, clothing, jewelry, house wares, bedding, even unique iPhone and Ipad, and laptop cases which are great for gift giving! Fun odds and ends, couture baby clothes, really cute aprons, is just the place if you are planning to be home for the holidays especially since they have online store as well.


My last stop was to take a peek at Contagious!  I would prefer to keep this place my own little secret.  Here, I picked up five one-of-a-kind holiday home accent pieces. This way I have a little something to give to all the hosts this season, and may end up with a left over one for myself. For mom’s and anyone shopping for little girls, you will find adorable tutu’s and affordable trending casual apparel and accessories for little ones. Think ribbons and curls! And pink! Plus, they have holiday décor [see photo] and shabby chic accent pieces for the home. A little something for everyone, but the kicker is the price tags! You will be amazed at the deals to be had at this Main Street Mesa boutique.

 Shoppers….Start Your Engines!

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Mesa Restaurants participate in Arizona Restaurant Week!!

Posted on September 13, 2011 by

Arizona Restaurant Week 2011

PARTICIPATING MESA RESTAURANTS

The Landmark Restaurant
American
$30
Includes Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert and one (1) Glass of
house wine
Make Your Reservation:  480-962-4652
809 W. Main St.
Mesa,AZ85201
http://www.landmarkrestaurant.com/

Carrabba’s Italian Grill – Mesa
Italian
2 for $30
Includes: Appetizer, Soup or Salad, Entrée and Dessert
Make Your Reservation:  (480) 654-9099
1740 S. Clearview
Mesa, AZ 85209
http://www.carrabbas.com/restaurant/locations/AZ/Mesa/Mesa/

Rotolo’s Pizzeria
Italian
2 for $30
Includes: Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert
Make Your Reservation:  (480) 246-8546
1641 S Stapley Dr
Mesa, AZ 85204
http://www.pizzamesaaz.com/

Bogey’s Steak & Seafood
Steak
$30
Includes Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert and one (1) Glass of
house wine or draft beer
Make Your Reservation:  480-396-4000 ext 202
7555 E Eagle Crest Drive
Mesa ,AZ 85207
http://www.lassendas.com/

About Arizona Restaurant Week:
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to channel their inner foodie and make reservations at Arizona’s premiere restaurants.
Participating restaurants are not only known for their exceptional cuisine, they also spare no expense to give diners an extraordinary atmosphere for a special night on the town!Guests will enjoy Arizona’s finest fare at a special discount price. Each restaurant will offer a three-course dinner menu of signature dishes for $20, $30 or $40 per person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted. Also look for a wine glass icon next to a restaurant listing denoting the inclusion of a beverage within the price point. Other symbols to look for are a “GF”, this denotes Gluten-Free options and a “V” denotes vegetarian options are available.
We strongly suggest making reservations in advance as restaurants may fill up very quickly.

http://arizonarestaurantweek.com/

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2nd Friday Night Out: Summer Block Party

Posted on September 4, 2011 by
September: Block Party

September: Block Party

Second Friday Night Out in DowntownMesa– Theme: Block Party

6-10pm

Free

Shopping, Dining, Entertainment and more, on and aroundWest Main Street.

(480) 890-2613, http://2ndfridaynightout.com
Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mesa.secondfriday

Additional event activities include: fire equipment display and 9-11 tribute, Classic Car Show and a Fantasy Fashion Show.
[ENCREDICON (Evermore Nevermore's Comic Review of Enlightened Drawing & Inscribing Convention!) And ENCREDICON means it’s time again for the 2nd Friday Sci-Fi & Fantasy Fashion Show with outrageous original costumes and character origins!
The 2nd Friday Sci-Fi & Fantasy Fashion Show is sponsored by Evermore Nevermore, the OneOhOne Gallery and Enchanted Touch, and will take place at 8:00 PM, 9/9/11 in the OneOhOne Gallery showroom (101 W. Main Street) during the 2nd Friday Block Party festivities! Join us for September’s 2nd Friday to see some of the craziest costumed characters ever created!]

Posted in Family Fun, Free, Kids, Mesa, Nightlife, Shopping, VisitMesa | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mesa Arts Center – 2011/12 Season Kickoff Party

Posted on September 2, 2011 by

Guitars & Handlebars Season Kick-Off Festival: Sept 9-11, 2011

Mesa Arts Center & Mesa Contemporary Arts

While the Mesa Arts Center season opening event is now an established
tradition, Mesa Arts Center will kick off its 2011 fall season with a full weekend festival that will begin with MCA’s opening reception on Friday, September 9. The festival will open that night at 6pm with an outdoor display of motorcycles and cars that take over the seven-acre campus grounds, accompanied by live music, artist demos, food booths and a beer garden. The Friday evening events coincide with 2nd Friday Night Out in Downtown Mesa, featuring artists, music and free activities.

Free and open to the public! You’re invited to Guitars & Handlebars, a
blowout event featuring rock music, motorcycles, cars, great art, and sneak peeks of the upcoming season at the Mesa  Arts Center
theaters and studios. Festival goers can visit the galleries, watch
demos in the Art Studios, see live music and theater performances, tour MAC’s four theaters, and explore a motorcycle and car show in which many of the top customized vehicles in the Valley will be exhibited. Saturday evening will feature World Classic Rockers live in concert, an all-star group that brings
together former band members from Santana, Journey, Steppenwolf, Toto, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Boston.

MAC also opens Six-String Masterpieces, a charitable art exhibition featuring an amazing collection of Dean Electric Guitars that have been hand-painted, illustrated and sculpted by leading musicians, tattooists and contemporary visual artists. Come see all the new rock & roll, and motorcycle themed exhibitions opening at Mesa Contemporary Arts.

Premiering Exhibitions:

• Six String Masterpieces – South Gallery

• Radical Rides: the Art of Motorcycles – Main Gallery

• Easy Ridin’ and Hard Rockin’ AZ Style – North Gallery

• American LEGOcy – Project Room

• Altered States: Dreams, Nightmares and Fantasies
– SRP Permanent Collection Gallery

Festival Days & Times:
Fri., Sept. 9, 6pm-10pm
Sat., Sept. 10, 10am-10pm
Sun., Sept 11, 10am-4pm

Mesa Arts Center
1 East Main St.
 (480) 644-6500
www.MesaArtsCenter.com

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Motorcycles On Main ~ 1st Friday

Posted on August 31, 2011 by

MOTOR CYCLES ON MAIN

Bike Night in Downtown Mesa
September 2nd, 2011
6-10pm

This family friendly event happens every first Friday of the month.  With the roads closed to car traffic, you can cruise down Main Street, enjoy a fabulous show of motorcycles, or park and show your bike.  The fun includes live music, beer gardens, food, vendors, and more.

Don’t miss all the fun from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Main Street, between Center and Robson Streets in downtown Mesa.

 

For more information, contact 480-890-2613 or go to www.downtownmesa.com.

Motorcycles On Main

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