blog

Best Gilbert Area Bars to Watch Sports

Picture this: your favorite team is playing its ultimate rival tonight at 6 p.m. You’ve got friends coming over to watch the action at your Acero Cooley Station apartment. You’ve got appetizers and game day snacks ready, with a case of beer staying chilled in the fridge. Everyone arrives, grabs a snack, and sits back on the couch as you turn on the TV…. And the screen stays black. Your TV is broken! The game is starting! What now? Well have no fear, there are plenty of great sports bars in Gilbert that are perfect for watching the game and grabbing a bite to eat. In fact, here’s three that are so close, and so great, you might not even bother getting a new TV. Zipps Sports Grill | 211 E Warner Rd #103, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Zipps Sports Grill is a local Gilbert favorite. Boasting a menu with basically everything you could imagine (pizza, burgers, wings, sandwiches, you name it!), pool tables and other entertainment, there’s something for everyone. In addition to offering happy hour Monday through Friday, Zipps also has nightly specials, like a $2 slice of pizza on Wednesdays or $5 premium pints on Fridays! And since the game is really what you’re there for, and the food and drinks are just an added bonus, you can rest assured knowing that Zipps has multiple, large screen, high definition TVs (both inside and outside on the patio) for your viewing pleasure. Watching the game at Zipps feels almost as comfortable as watching it at home! Blue 32 Grill | 1524 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295 Locally owned and operated, Blue 32 Sports Grill not only has local craft beer, delicious fresh ground burgers, house-made sauces, steaks, and fresh seafood, but it also has between 28-40 TVs at the Gilbert location! Everywhere you look, you are practically guaranteed to see the important details of the game. And you know what that means? No more “Wait, what happened?” because when you watch the game at Blue 32, there are screens all around you! As an added bonus, dining at Blue 32 means you have more than your traditional bar food (you know the ones- chicken wings, onion rings, etc.), with menu options like baby back ribs and pesto chicken pasta. T C’s Pub & Grub | 7205 S Power Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Known for more than just a sports bar to watch the game, TC’s Pub and Grub also has live music and events, weekend breakfast starting at 7 a.m., and daily specials like all-day happy hour on Mondays! With a fun atmosphere and being able to cheer your team to victory alongside other charismatic sports fans, TC’s is always a great choice for watching the game. Even better? This neighborhood bar and grill is less than 10 minutes from your Acero Cooley Station apartment! Although we hope that your TV never goes out, especially on the evening of a big game while your friends are over, now you at least know where you can watch the game in that unlikely event! Or, really whenever you want to have great food, cold beers, happy hour specials and a sports-centric atmosphere for game day! Check these sports bars out and let us know about your experience on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the blog here for more Gilbert favorites.

Best Places to Shop ‘til You Drop in Gilbert

The holidays are notorious for shopping, and when you live in Gilbert, you’re surrounded by amazing malls and shopping centers that make it easy to find the perfect something for everyone on your list. Whether you are looking for the trendiest fashions or just hoping to pick up a candle and home decorations, there are lots of big-name stores and small-town boutiques where you can find it. Here are some of our favorite shops in Gilbert where we go to shop ‘til we drop! Gilbert Town Square | 1040 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 While there are many reasons to love spending the day at Gilbert Town Square , one reason it’s our favorite is all that there is to do! Sure, there’s shopping , but there’s also an impressive variety of restaurants and entertainment too. Just one trip and your day could include a visit to the salon, pizza for lunch, then a movie afterward to wrap up the day! Anyone in the area would agree that Gilbert Town Square is a perfect blend of shopping, food, and entertainment all in one place. Gilbert Gateway Town Center | 5110 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 Gilbert Gateway Town Center , on the other hand, is our go-to spot for some serious shopping. With big-name stores like Target, Marshalls, World Market, Ross, and even Walmart, you can come here when you are on the hunt for literally anything. Holiday shopping? A breeze! When you live just minutes away from a shopping center that has everything you could imagine and more, shopping is instantly made easy. Birthday present? Where do you even start! Home decorations or furnishings? Gilbert Gateway has it all. And when you work up an appetite from all of your shopping, there’s plenty of restaurants near the town center too. Chandler Fashion Center | 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226 So maybe you’ve got a fashion-ista on your list this year. Have no fear, the Chandler Fashion Center has your back. While it may not be roughly 5 minutes away from Acero Cooley Station like Gilbert Gateway or Gilbert Town Square are, the Chandler Fashion Center makes up for it with a massive selection of stores and brand name apparel, accessories, shoes and more. All of the big names you know and love are under one roof at Chandler, and that’s why we love it so much. Photo Credit: @soft_surroundings Santan Village & Marketplace | 2218 E Williams Field Rd Suite 235, Gilbert, AZ 85295 Santan Village makes the list as it’s yet another shopping hot spot where you find yourself immersed in a huge range of shopping options . You can grab some tech gear at Best Buy, some hand soap from Bath & Bodyworks, then head to GNC to pick up some vitamins and supplements and you’re good to go! Having Santan Village as a neighbor means you’re just minutes away from easily checking of everything on your shopping list. Although you might be thinking the holiday shopping season is over, it really has just begun. Sales will begin to pop up in shopping malls everywhere, and now you know where to look for them! Let us know what you find at these shops in Gilbert on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the blog here for more local favorites!

Boozy Bliss: Happy Hour in Gilbert, AZ

The most glorious time of day is unfortunately also the shortest. Yes, we're talking about happy hour! And, since you can't be in two places at once, it's crucial to choose carefully because nothing is worse than the disappointment that accompanies a mediocre decision. Imagine showing up to your local bar at the optimal time of 4pm, heart full of hope, eyes beaming, only to find out your Coors light is lukewarm and also $6. Lucky for you, we've put together a quick list of Gilbert's best happy hours, helping you safely avoid a pseudo-drink-special travesty. Bario Brewing Co. | 5803 S Sossaman Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 Okay, so this one's a little strange because it's a brewery located in the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. That said, you don't have to be taking a flight to enjoy their bar and grill. Started in 1991 by native Arizonans, Dennis and Tauna Arnold, Barrio Brewing Co. offers a vast selection of craft beers, seasonal specials, and great eats. Their happy hour runs from Monday-Friday from 3-7 pm, offering $1 off pints and 50% off appetizers. Get the wings, don't hesitate. This might not be the best date night spot (unless your date really likes plane-watching), but it is a solid option for decent grub with tons of beer on tap. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant | 2218 E Williams Field Road #101, Gilbert AZ 85295 This 25-year-old brew house knows what its doing when it comes to making delicious craft beers. Their method involves a combination of self-proclaimed German precision and American craft beer. Every Gordon Biersch location has its own on-site brewery supervised by resident brewmasters. Don't try ordering a bud light here. Their refined menu offers a range of complex beer on tap, from porters to ambers to pilsners, they've got quality brews in for all tastebuds. Enjoy discounted beer and wine Monday-Friday from 4-7pm! They've also got a fantastic food menu with light snacks and large main dishes. Get a taste of Germany at this stellar happy hour spot. Divided Vine Beer & Wine Bar | 861 N Higley Rd #116, Gilbert AZ 85234 This Gilbert happy hour is one of our favorites. Experience the best of both worlds at their beer and wine happy hour every day from 2pm-7pm! Enjoy $2 off 16oz pints, $2 off cans and bottles of beer, $2 off glasses of wine, and $6 off wine by the bottle. Divided Vine Wine Bar was conceived to bring people together over wine and beer. Take a peek at their full food and drink menus. Check out this charming wine cafe and explore their weekly-rotated wine by the glass and beer selection. Now that you're well-informed, leave work early, call some friends (or go solo), and head over to one of these awesome happy hour spots in Gilbert!

Get Festive with these Gilbert Holiday Happenings

‘Tis the season for holiday events and happenings to get you into the spirit here in the town of Gilbert! As the next two months are packed full of friends, family, food and twinkling lights, there is plenty to do and usually not enough time to do it all. Plus, it can be hard to narrow down what you want to do when you finally have a moment to spare! To make it easy for you, we’ve found some of the best Gilbert holiday festivities that you won’t want to miss this season. Las Noches De Las Luminarias at the Botanical Gardens Just in time for the holidays, the Desert Botanical Garden comes to life with Las Noches De Luminarias . Twinkling lights line the sidewalks along with 8,000 luminaria bags flickering throughout the garden. Take a romantic evening stroll through the gardens as the warm lights from the lantern-like luminaria bags add a colorful ambiance throughout the trails. Since the holidays are all about cherishing time with the ones we love, The garden offers a way to honor those who are not here to celebrate with us with tribute luminaria bags, personalized with your very own message and placed in front of the Historic Webster Auditorium. Holiday magic at it's finest. Then, top off the evening with a dinner date at Gertude’s restaurant or the Patio Cafe. Photo Credit: @dbgphx Glow Wild: Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo Experience the wonder and beauty of the Phoenix Zoo as it illuminates with millions of holiday lights, and for the first year ever, glowing lanterns! With dazzling 3D and 2D displays of the Zoo animals, a visit from Santa, live entertainment and holiday-themed decorations, Glow Wild: Zoo lights is a truly captivating experience. Not only will you have the chance to see breathtaking holiday light displays, but Santa’s reindeer will be there as well! Say hello and grab a photo with Rudolph, walk throughout the park, sip hot cocoa and take a stroll in a wild winter wonderland this holiday season. Chandler Center for the Arts: The Spirit of Christmas For the 32nd year, the Tempe Dance Academy will spread holiday cheer to audiences at the Chandler Center for the Arts with their annual holiday “Spirit of Christmas” performance. Over 100 talented singers and dancers take the main stage for the yearly event, with some talent as young as three years old! This beautiful collaboration highlights global holiday traditions, spanning all corners of the world for a unique celebration of culture and art. Plus, the contagious energy flowing through the cast members is sure to carry with you long after you leave the performance, giving you that extra pep in your step and appreciation for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! Between holiday shopping, baking and everything else that the season brings, it can be hard to set time aside for a night out on the town. Embrace all that the holiday’s in Gilbert has to offer and be sure to check out these festive events before it's too late! While you’re there, share your experiences with us on Facebook and Instagram , and keep following the blog here to stay in the loop of other upcoming community events.

Namaste Near Home: Hottest Gilbert Yoga Spots

Don't feel like bending over backward to find yoga studios in the East Valley? Same, but someone has to do it, so we did. Lucky for you, we feel like sharing. Check out our list of the best spots in Gilbert for Bikram yoga, hot yoga, and aerial yoga. We've also thrown in a studio that offers cycling classes in case you want to mix up your (soon-to-be) routine. Motto Yoga | 7529 S Power Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Motto Yoga is a regular and hot yoga haven with a variety of classes. Choose from options like Journey: 60, Flow Down, Patience: Yin Trigger, and Yoga Sculpt. Regardless of what class you choose, an expert instructor leads yogis through breathing exercises and positions. Some courses help develop muscular strength, while other yoga classes are place a greater emphasis on breathing and patience. When it comes to pricing, Motto Yoga is $18 for a single class. They also offer a few different monthly options: a 5 class-per-month package for $76, an 8 class-per-month package for $106, and an unlimited yoga class-per-month package for $126 (We think it's worth the extra 20 bucks just in case you decide to go more than 8 times). Newbies can also take advantage of a 2 weeks of unlimited yoga for $39 promo deal! Yoga Deva | 2928 Spectrum Way, Gilbert AZ 85295 Photo Credit: Bill Timmerman (@blankstudio) This East Valley spot is a serene place to practice yoga. Their studio is a well-lit futuristic environment in which yoga teachers guide yogis through a variety of body and breathing exercises. Yoga Deva offers a host of yoga classes including an all-level Deva class, chair yoga, Deva Yin, Yoga Nidra, among others. Unlike many other yoga studios in the area, this spot does not offer Bikram yoga or hot yoga. FLO Yoga & Cycle | 71 E Frye Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225 This yoga studio has hot yoga classes, cycling classes, and fusion classes that blend the two! Try a heart-pumping indoor cycling class in the morning and cool down with a relaxing Yin class in the afternoon taught by expert yoga teachers. Their fusion classes focus on strength and flexibility and are suitable for all levels. They also offer meal prep services, monthly memberships, and 2 weeks of unlimited classes for new students! Honorable Mentions: Living Stone Yoga - Yoga Wall/SUP yoga Yoga Pulse Studio - Aerial yoga Bikram Yoga East Valley - Bikram yoga Now get out there and make your schedule flexible enough to fit in a class at one of these Gilbert yoga studios!

Top Family-Friendly Parks in Gilbert

Lucky for you, the town of Gilbert has tons of awesome parks just minutes away. Check out our breakdown of the best parks surrounding the Gilbert community. Gilbert Regional Park | 3005 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298 Located at Queen Creek and Higley Roads, this is one of the newest parks in Gilbert Arizona and is currently still in development. That said, phase 1 of the regional park has been completed and features a number of awesome amenities including walking trails, picnic tables, a 17-foot tall tiered playground called The Mountain, a community center, parking spaces, and much more to come! There's also a 4,000 sq. ft. splash pad called The Falls, with 57 interactive water features for some water park fun. The Creek, located between The Mountain and The Falls is a toddler playground designed for small children to enjoy! Freestone Park | 1045 E Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234 Freestone Park is an excellent spot for families and their furry friends. This park is packed with amenities, ensuring you'll never run out of outdoor activities to explore. Check out their skate park or one of their numerous sports fields intended for softball, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Pack a picnic and head over to the shaded picnic tables with BBQ grills. For more park information, check out their website ! Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch | 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 Riparian Preserve is a 110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary with many recreational features including hiking and walking trails, an urban fishing lake, overnight campsites, an observatory, and an ethnobotanical garden! Adults and children alike can enjoy this topographically diverse Gilbert park. The grounds are also considered an expansive dog park by pooches and other four-legged friends. Check out the Doggie Do's & Don'ts for the park. Honorable Mentions Veterans Oasis Park McQueen Park Crossroads Park Get your kids off their phones and take them outd oors to one of these stellar Gilbert parks!