Being a college town, Tempe is full of hidden gems that are frequented by locals. Here are a few ideas about how to discover Tempe, off the beaten path.

• Grab a microbrew at Four Peaks, which is housed in a turn-of-the-century brick building. Four Peaks offers a diverse selection of beers on tap, including many seasonal brews. Its premier, award-winning beer, Kilt Lifter, is especially popular. They also have a fantastic food menu, serving lunch, dinner, as well as brunch on Sundays.
• Shop at one of the best independent bookstores in the country - Changing Hands Bookstore. Besides the enviable collection of books, the store frequently features book signings and readings by well-known authors, story time for children and other activities.
• Next door to Changing Hands, Hoodlums Music & Movies has an impressive collection of new and used CDs, DVDs and Records. Zia Record Exchange is also a local favorite for discovering new music.
• Create a custom blend of lotion or sunscreen, complete with your favorite scent, at Lotions & Potions on Mill Avenue.
• Savor the chicken shawarma, pita pizzas and salads at Pita Jungle, an independently owned café. The walls at Pita Jungle are full of local artwork and the tables are always full of creative people enjoying healthy, tasty meals.
• Hike up "A" Mountain in the Mill Avenue District to get a sense of the past. The trails are spotted with ancient petroglyphs, reminders of Tempe's first settlers, the Hohokam people.
• See the most up and coming bands at music venues such as Marquee Theater, the Clubhouse and The Loft.
• Catch an independent film at Harkins Valley Art Theatre, a historic single screen art house located in the Mill Avenue District.
• Indulge in the spirits at Casey Moore's Oyster House - this neighborhood watering hole is famous for its 28 beers on tap, great food and its resident ghosts. Casey Moore's is located in the historic 9th and Ash neighborhood. It received a bit of fame with a mention in the Jimmy Eat World tune, "If You Don't, Don't."
• Search for vintage, funky trends at Buffalo Exchange, a favorite of students and other fashionistas.
• Have your fortune read by Mrs. Rita, forever immortalized in the Gin Blossoms song of the same name.
• Catch a caffeine buzz at a few of Tempe's most popular independent coffee houses including Gold Bar Espresso, The Xtreme Bean and Three Roots Coffeehouse and Café