Ferguson Fruit Orchard—As sweet cherry trees begin to produce fruit in late May and June, farmers across Utah are crossing their fingers that the sporadic spring frosts are finished for the year. This is also the time of year when Bill James, owner of the 100-acre Ferguson Fruit Orchard in Santaquin for 44 years, takes stock of his own, slightly different crop: Tart … [Read more...]
Plexiglass with Class – Ghost Long Board
Skateboarding has not historically been considered a family sport, but neighbors and business partners Russ Warner and Brent Johnson are on a mission to challenge the stereotypes of skate culture. Their company is Ghost Long Board. Located in Cedar Hills, it makes plexiglass longboards designed to get the whole family outside and active. Russ grew up … [Read more...]
Go Bacon Jerky
Outdoor enthusiasts may not think of bacon as a go-to adventure snack, but Orem-based GoBacon Jerky is working to change that. With products like uncured maple bacon jerky and uncured Sriracha bacon jerky, this new company has made a portable version of everyone’s favorite breakfast meat. When Ryan Kowalk started GoBacon Jerky for a BYU class assignment in 2014, his goal was … [Read more...]
Zion Brewery: First Microbrewery in Southern Utah
While adventure and beer have long enjoyed their power couple status among outdoor enthusiasts, one Utah microbrewery is ready to take this relationship to the next level. Zion Brewery’s Zion Canyon Brew Pub is located just outside the walk-in entrance to Zion National Park in Springdale, giving southern Utah residents and international tourists alike the chance to enjoy … [Read more...]
Black Diamond—Disruptor and Sustainer of Utah’s Outdoor Industry
This year will be a noteworthy one for outdoor equipment companies nationwide. It will mark the first time in 22 years that the Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter markets will not be held in Utah. The markets constituted the State’s largest bi-annual convention and drew approximately $45 million in annual direct spending to the state. Emerald Expositions, which owns the … [Read more...]
Utah’s Salsa Queen
Most people don’t wear a crown to work, but Maharba Zapata is not most people. Though she is approaching the two-year anniversary of her wildly successful company, Salsa Queen, she hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for her brand, and frequently travels to local stores in her Salsa Queen-wrapped truck. Sporting not only her crown but also a matching apron, she offers samples of her … [Read more...]
Intermountain Therapy Animals – Service Animals, Therapy Animals, and Emotional Support Animals
Almost half of Utah households own dogs, according to a 2013 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which means we know a lot of you readers have wondered at least once: Where can I get an official vest and badge so I can take my dog on a plane? “Our administrative assistant gets at least one call a day about this,” says Karen Burns, Assistant Director & … [Read more...]
Three Pines Coffee: Homage to Specialty Coffee and the Dreams it Fuels
When Three Pines Coffee opened in a 160-square-foot storefront on Gallivan Avenue in 2016, only two patrons at a time could stand side-by-side at the counter. If there was a line behind them, each person had to turn sideways to make their way to the door. This small space, however, was the mark of great success for owners Meg Frampton and her partner Nick Price, who hand-built … [Read more...]
Utah’s New Sign Law has Upset Business Owners
If you’ve gone out for a drink or a bite recently, you may have noticed that the establishment you patronized had a new regulation sign on display. Effective May 9th, businesses holding the applicable liquor licenses are required to display a sign designating the location as a bar or as a restaurant serving alcohol. The sign requirement is a part of HB442, which was passed in … [Read more...]
Urban Garden and Farm Tour
June 24th marks the 12th anniversary of the Urban Garden & Farm Tour, presented by Salt Lake City-based nonprofit Wasatch Community Gardens. Attracting seasoned urban farmers and beginning gardeners alike, this self-guided tour features 10-20 sites hosted by community members involved in a variety of organic cultivation activities. Started amidst the urban homesteading … [Read more...]