Make it Mesa

I admit it – it took an email announcing savings of more than 50% to get me to check out another store closing in Mesa. When I went in there, it actually pained me to seek out bargains and see what sort of sweet deals I could swing – because at the same time, going away was one of the swankiest storefronts facing Main Street in downtown Mesa (and one of the first places I popped in when I hosted tours of the area). So, sadly this Friday will mark the closing of another locally-owned and independent business, the M & Co Papery. You can read more about it here: http://domesticbliss-domesticbliss.blogspot.com/ While I picked out my treasures and made my way to the counter to checkout, I talked to one of the owners of another independent business in the area and he reminded me that these things are real and happening. Independents are seeing a sales slump of more than 70% – just think about that, more than half of your relied-upon business is gone. And, yes, I realize this is just another sad and sorry state of a bottomed-out economy, but as a gal that spends her waking hours talking tourism, it’s a reminder for us all to seek out the uniqueness of shopping again. And, for some of us – our situations haven’t changed and spending goes on as usual. So, consider this a plea if you are one of the lucky ones still shopping and seeking, now is the time to get bargains from some incredible boutiques.
 So, if you haven’t yet visited downtown Mesa – check it out tomorrow, the next day, this weekend or even later this month. The point is to take time and check it out – you won’t be sorry. The businesses down here need you – not because it’s summer, because “it’s the economy stupid”! If you yearn for something unique, an item that you can covet and claim all your own, you’ll find it here. Besides, who wants to walk into a soiree carrying a handbag from Target or Forever 21 only to see three others in the room like it. It’s time to take back originality and own it – be different, shop local! Trust me, you can afford it.

Ok, I have to admit, when I saw that Buca di Beppo in Mesa was having free lasagna day I felt a bit like Garfield. My mouth started to water and the mere thought of me getting to enjoy such a delicacy for FREE made me giddy, just like that fat cat!

Well, it’s true – save the date, remember it somehow, but next week on Wed., July 29 Buca di Beppo is celebrating National Lasagna Day offering free slices during lunch. Their official statement says it’s lunch size portions, but come on – have you seen their portions? It will be hearty, no doubt there. And, yes, you do have to purchase an entree or pasta dish but if you bring friends, you know that won’t be hard to do. For more information on how to take advantage of this national holiday (in Lasagna-land) go to www.bucadibeppo.com or see the release posted at www.VisitMesa.com with all the details. Mesa folks – Buca di Beppo is at Dana Park, south of the US 60 on Val Vista Drive. See you there!

No pool, no problem. The city of Mesa has a number of pools that are open all summer long to keep kids out of trouble and give families an opportunity to have fun for less. The newest pool is at Kino Jr. High. To call it a pool is an understatment – this is an over-the-top aquatic center featuring a waterslide, splash buckets and a wading area for toddlers.

Admission fees are low (less than $2 per child for a one-time visit and only $3.50 for adults) and several pools are available to rent out for summer parties. At Mesa’s Shepard Aquatic Complex there is even sand volleyball for folks looking to take in some action while soaking up the sun. For hours, a detailed map of pools in Mesa and to find out about special programming, click here.  And, the best part – these pools offer plenty of shade and each family can pack one cooler (just no glass containers or alcohol). So, yes, Mesa you can have a cheap summer escape!