Tempe, Arizona - Fun in the (Endless) Sun

Although this modern Maricopa County city in Arizona is not exactly the playground for the Greek gods Apollo and the Muses, Tempe gets its name from just such a place in Greece - The Vale of Tempe. The small city - with a population of only 161,000 - is a pleasant place to live and to visit.

The area was originally inhabited by the Hohokam Indians, who managed to survive and grow crops by using a system of canals, necessary for agriculture in the desert. The city came to be after a military fort was built in 1865, bringing workers and therefore settlements to the region. That interesting name? It was suggested by a man named Darrell Duppa, a pioneer who compared the Salt River Valley with a butte nearing 300 feet, with the Vale of Tempe, which is located in Greece near Mount Olympus.

There's plenty to do in beautiful Tempe, especially on the Salt River, which is great for tubing, boating and other water recreation. There's also the Tempe Town Lake, where you can sail and kayak, or try something new. How about a hydrobike? Or a stand-up paddleboat? You can also try electric skiffs, pedal boats and other water vessels you've probably never set foot on. Classes and permits are available, in case you need to learn how to navigate your new-fangled watercraft.

Biking and hiking are two other popular pastimes. Try South Mountain Park for a hike with some difficulty, or Hayden Butte. Other great hiking areas are Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and Papago Park.

Tempe is has mild temperatures in the winter months, but it can get pretty hot during the summer, especially if you're not used to the climate. If you happen to be visiting over the winter holidays, be sure not to miss the Block Party before the Tostitos Fiesta, which is a huge New Year's Eve celebration with a fantastic concert, held in conjunction with the Fiesta Bowl, a famous football event. But for an event that you can participate in a little more hands-on, Tempe is also host to the P.F Chang's Rock n' Roll Arizona Marathon and ° Marathon every year, or if you're really hardcore, sign up for the Ford Ironman Arizona to test your stamina.

For some slightly more cultured entertainment, check the listings of the Tempe Center for the Arts and Gammage Auditorium, two of the cities most popular performance spaces. The city's downtown is also home to almost 200 stores, nightclubs and restaurants, which can make any visitor want to book an extra day onto the end of his or her holiday. Mill Avenue District is one of the popular spots to head to for shopping and dining, but don't forget to visit some of Arizona State University's museums where you can learn all about the local art and history.

So for some outdoor fun in the sun, or just some relaxing paddling around an urban lake, Tempe might just have what you're looking for when you book your next holiday.