City: Tempe, AZ

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (480) 966-9338

Address: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.

Description: The marketplace, which opened in 2007, is conveniently located off the Loop 202 east of Rural Road. Critics might say it’s a carbon copy of every other shopping mall in the Valley, and superfluous with Arizona Mills located on the south end of Tempe. But it’s truly a destination shopping spot. The marketplace sports green laser lights over the parking areas and huge digital billboards. The center is just a mile or two from Arizona State University, so expect to find students eating lunch, enjoying cocktails, and shopping. There’s a big focus on entertainment, so be sure to check the website or Twitter feeds (@TMPDistrict) for concerts and event info. Anchored by Sam’s Club, Target, and JCPenney, the center contains 120 retailers, including Best Buy, Ross Dress For Less, Barnes & Noble, and Gap. There’s a Dave & Buster’s, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, San Felipe’s Cantina, and other places to have a cold beer on a hot afternoon. D’Arcy McGee’s Irish Pub has developed into a popular late-night hangout with a great bar menu.