When I was a little girl, I pretended to be on some exciting adventure. I pretended to be a warrior-princess or an Indiana Jones figure. I played with swords, bows and arrows, and I rode horses in the wilderness without the supervision of adults. My childhood interests followed me into adulthood. I became very interested in world history and family history. About five years … [Read more...]
Local Native Wildlife: Pigeons, Squirrels, and Blackbirds, Oh My!
As a longtime promoter of local native wildlife, I have always been intrigued by native animals adapting to the urban environments of Salt Lake City. Native deer, doves, and ducks all do well and whole herds of mule deer now live well within city limits. Many mourning doves now raise their young in our neighborhoods and no longer migrate south as they had done for millennia. … [Read more...]
Parowan Gap: Secrets of the Past
When considering the greatest archaeological treasures and the sophistication of the former ancient inhabitants of Utah, the small town of Parowan may not come to mind. But in Southern Utah there is a mysterious place known for its sliding sunsets, moon maps, and a strange outcropping of rocks known as the Overseer. Welcome to the Parowan Gap. The Gap is the first … [Read more...]
A Backyard Becomes One of the Top Acoustic Music Venues in Salt Lake
Title : “Kris' backyard has become one of the top acoustic music venues in Salt Lake City.” - musician Marv Hamilton On Sunday afternoons at her Millcreek home, Kris Thorne hosts top music acts from Utah and beyond. Chairs are set up in her yard, a band arrives, people socialize, potluck dishes are shared, and a crowd settles under spreading shade trees for great … [Read more...]
Love Letter to Panguitch: One of Utah’s Hidden Gems
Panguitch and I go way back. When I was a kid, my mom, grandma, and great-grandmother would throw my brothers and me in the car and we'd drive from Idaho Falls to Panguitch to visit my great-great aunt who lived in a restored house across from an abandoned LDS church house. On our first night in town, a truck with what seemed like every kid in town piled in the bed, … [Read more...]
Lights….Camera….Utah!
When movie credits start to roll, you’ll see the names of the actors, best boy, key grip, makeup artists, and sometimes even a special thanks to the Utah Film Commission. Virginia Pearce is the director of the Commission, which she says is a state agency that works with the Office of Tourism and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to encourage filmmakers to choose … [Read more...]
Lava Flows and Hot Springs: Volcanic Activity in Utah
Years ago, I saw a photo on Facebook of a little girl snorkeling among tropical fish in a rocky pool with clear turquoise water. The photo was tagged at Meadow, Utah. I had never heard of Meadow, but I soon discovered that just outside this quaint town in Millard County, lies a collection of thermal springs. Two years ago my sister and I made the road trip to see the springs … [Read more...]
Salt Lake City’s Main Street Displays Architectural Treasures
Downtown architecture first captured my imagination when I was able to participate in the grand re-opening of the former First Security Building on 4th South and Main Street after its restoration by Wasatch Property Management. The building had just been placed on the National Register of Historical Places. There were photos from the building's construction and opening in … [Read more...]
Utah Bigfoot Sightings
Before we can have a constructive conversation about Bigfoot, or any other unsubstantiated creature, we first must understand cryptozoology—the study of animals not yet recognized by science. There is a lot of baggage that comes with this particular branch of science, and this baggage misconstrues cryptozoology's true intent. Whenever the word cryptozoology is mentioned, … [Read more...]
Green River June—Sometimes the Best Fruits are Found Right Along the Roadside.
Green River, Utah, a quiet hamlet of houses nestled under a big sky and stark cliffs, is known for its melons. Cantaloupe, honeydew, crenshaw, winter pink watermelon, just to name a few. The desert climate here is prime for melon. The hot sun, cool nights, and sandy soil encourage the fruit to hold onto their sweetness. The melons that grow here are said to be world famous, and … [Read more...]