Human remains are rock shop owner’s claim to fame Lin Ottinger is famous in the small town of Moab. Since 1960, he has owned and operated Lin Ottinger’s Rock Shop. The Moab Rock Shop is a combination store and museum can at once be seen as an authentic dedication to a love of geology and paleontology, and a tourists love it. Lin has an odd sense of humor, with some of … [Read more...]
Restoring the past, preserving a legacy—The Richard W. Erickson Foundation Museum
Passion for acquiring leads to eclectic collection Wallsburg, Utah—On a tip from Utah antique picker Matt Binyon of American Rust Company, I visited what he described as “one of the most amazing ranches/museums I’ve ever seen.”, Richard Erickson's 300-acre ranch in Wallsburg, Utah. I don’t know Matt as someone who uses hyperbole or conjecture, but he has seen a lot of cool … [Read more...]
Meet New Sandy Mayor Kurt Bradburn
If you want to get a glimpse into the personality and drive of new Sandy City Mayor, Kurt Bradburn, read some of his campaign materials and Website. They might leave you in stitches, frustrated, or in disbelief. Claiming former long-term Mayor, Tom Dolan, became so complacent and feeling untouchable he “frequently fell asleep or yelled at residents during public … [Read more...]
Babs in the City—Estate Sales, Treasures and Hoarding
Someone recently told me that I was on the verge of becoming a hoarder. Yikes! My wife smiled and agreed that I have eccentric tastes, and a lot of original art by local artists, and art made by my own hands hanging everywhere, plus too many books and altars. I responded, “It looks crowded, but that’s only because we need more room!” I don’t have papers stacked floor to … [Read more...]
Antique Pickers are Turning Other People’s Junk into Treasures
Matt Binyon, owner of American Rust Company, started going to garage sales by himself when he was 13-years-old. Picking was in his blood. A picker is someone who finds valuable items in other people’s junk. “I’m the only one in my family that’s into this stuff,” says Binyon. “People watch ‘American Pickers,’” says Binyon, “but it doesn’t work that way. Half the time these … [Read more...]
Eden Man Cave – Refuge from the Cares of the World
“Every guy needs a little time and space to get away from the many distractions of everyday life," says Robert Bachman. “I’ve collected a lot of different bar items and thought I should build a man cave to pull it all together.” Robert has collected many different bar-related items over the years. He says it is something he was drawn to. “Growing up, I was an Air Force brat … [Read more...]
Dale Nelson’s Man Cave – Rock House of Wanship
Dale Nelson’s man cave is the centerpiece for the town of Wanship. Nearly impossible to miss, it’s the famous Rock House smackdab in the center of town. The structure was up for sale in the early eighties when Nelson was a realtor, and he says, “I had to save it. Everyone who wanted to buy it wanted to bulldoze it. I just couldn’t let that happen.” Nelson paid $20,000 for … [Read more...]
Utah’s Number One Man Cave – Pat’s Saloon
A man’s autobiography can be read in his failed attempts at constructing the perfect man cave. My first man cave was a kid’s cave or Sultan’s tent. Parents weren’t allowed and they were okay with that. Overturned picnic tables held up the sides. Suspended rope was anchored on either side of the tables to hold the blankets. We placed a tarp over the blankets, and sticks and … [Read more...]
KUDU Boutique new in Salt Lake City
Supporting both sides of the world from one culture to another, KUDU shares a different perspective local shopping. To find a bit of Africa in Salt Lake you only need visit Kudu. Named after an African gazelle, the store has artwork, jewelry, baskets and hand painted candles. It is the perfect spot to find a gift that is not the same old tie or gift card. Wire beaded animals … [Read more...]
Utahns who have found treasure
They dig and they sweep while on there knees, what are they looking for beneath the breeze? Everyone has heard a bonanza story. The stories begin, “They say,” and continue spinning a tale of pirate treasure stashed in a coastal cave, or of the cache from a stagecoach robbery hidden in hills, or lost gold that’s, well, lost. Stories of epic treasures circulate in Utah’s … [Read more...]