Tia Rosa and Rosa's used to have the same ownership. Then Rosa's was sold. This was a good outcome for us because then Rosa's changed their operating hours and they are now open on Mondays.

Rancho de Tia Rosa (full name - in case you needed to look it up in the phone book) is closed on Sundays and Mondays. I do like Rosa's, but I like Tia Rosa's even better. It is a bigger restaurant and a much more attractive venue. We took our family picture for our Christmas card in their courtyard.

I wish TA would install an edit capability so that I could stop double posting all the time! Sorry about that.

If you are in Mesa, you are an easy drive to Papago Park. There are nice hiking trails there, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Desert Botanical Garden. I definitely think the Botanical Garden is worth a visit.

For your points 1 and 2-

Apache Trail is very cool. It really gets you out of the city and into some beautiful country. Last month we drove up to Tortilla Flat (with a whole lot of other people!), stopped for a while, then turned around and headed back because we just didn't have time, or the right vehicle, for the whole loop. Will save that for another day.

We stopped at Goldfield Ghost Town at the base of the mountains for a snack - I saw people going out on horses. Looked like fun and it's a pretty area. You might consider that.

http://www.goldfieldghosttown.com/

Hope you enjoy your trip - it's beautiful here now!

Apache Trail is definitely worth seeing if you appreciate the winding, curving mountain roads. Drive out to the lake and grab a bite to eat in Tortilla Flat (along with the crowd, if you time it right you can arrive just after the rush). There are a few trails out there if you want to do a little hiking. Lots of pull offs for scenic views, etc. Enjoy!

We had out of state friends visit and went to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the first time, although it's not in Mesa, it's close enough. We really enjoyed the day there, it's a great place.

Sorry, I can't help with horseback riding or Rosa's, but I keep hearing about it so I must get there to try it!

No one mentioned the Mesa-Southwest Museum, which, I think, is one of the best museums in the Valley. It's right in Downtown Mesa and has quite an array of exhibits, from natural history to photography to marine life. Great for kids, but I always find it interesting as well.

Mesa also has its famous Mormon temple. Non-mormons aren't allowed inside, but the grounds are gorgeous, especially in the spring (i.e. - now) when the flowers are in bloom.

Mesa also has a contemporary art museum Downtown as part of the Mesa Arts Center. I haven't been, but have heard that it's impressive. If you like contemporary art though, Scottsdale has an excellent museum, and most of the Phoenix Art Museum is contemporary.

You'll also be very close to Tempe and Mill Avenue. If you're older and/or have kids, I wouldn't go down there after about 9 on the weekends (wild college kids), but it's nice in the early evenings and on weekend days. There are also sometimes outdoor festivals at Tempe Town Lake just to the north. And you can still rent a paddleboat or kayak on the lake, IIRC.

Go to Canyon Lake. It's a must see...