UTAH

Whether you crave outdoor adventures, landscapes, or old western flavor, you can find it in ever-surprising Utah. Any visit to Utah should begin among the spectacular sites of Temple Square in Salt Lake City. More than 20 attractions relating to Mormon history are within easy walking distance here and the Square showcases some of the most dazzling architecture in America. The Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Tabernacle, and Conference Center are some of the best examples. Just down I-15 sits Provo, with unique and relaxing spots like the Provo River and its world-class trout fishing, and the nearby Sundance Resort. Dedicated to providing a respite from the demands and stress of daily living, nearby Thanksgiving Point is a relaxing place that has so much to offer, thanks to its wonderful theme gardens, shopping, dining, golf, and the North American Museum of Ancient Life, which displays more than 50 standing dinosaurs. Gorgeous scenery and exciting adventures await those who travel into the town of Moab. Named after the lush, green valley of the same name in the Middle East, Moab is home to many unique attractions. Start your tour with a visit to the “Hole ‘N the Rock”, a 5,000 sq foot home built into solid sandstone. This “house” has fourteen rooms, a bathtub, and a deep French fryer. Take lots of pictures, because most people won’t believe it till they see it. After the sandstone open house, go over to Butch Cassidy’s King World Waterpark, where you can indulge in watery frivolity, with 5 slides and three different pools. The waterpark is in the same canyon where Butch Cassidy and his gang housed their rustled steer and horses, as the natural springs in the area could water their stolen herds. No visit to Utah would be complete without heading over to the Arches National Park. This park is unique to the state, and contains some of the most magnificent natural landforms in the world. Over 2,000 sandstone arches lie within this verdant valley, just waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers. Many of the arches here are so inspiring and artistic that many early settlers have named them. Here you can see “The Organ,” “The Delicate Arch,” and “Dark Angel.” The fun is trying to see how many of these arches you can find. With so many vibrant colors and unique landscapes, Arches National Park is unlike any other place on earth. Those planning to return to Salt Lake City should ponder getting off the beaten path and drive US-50 west then US-6 north, to State Rte 68 along Utah Lake, for a different view of some of Utah’s stunning scenery. This tour of Utah’s attractions will put about another 350 miles on the odometer, but you’ll be rewarded with a lot of memories for the miles. www.utah.com; 800/200-1160.