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...]
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...]
Gold Hill, Utah–A Treasure Town on the Verge of Extinction
The Tooele County recorder said yes, indeed there are permanent residents in Gold Hill, Utah, but “they’re the kind of people that might greet you on the porch with a shotgun and ask you what you’re doing there.” Gold Hill, Utah, is tucked up against the West Desert hills near the Beehive State and the Silver State border. The unincorporated town shares the common … [Read more...]
Chic on the Cheap
For many people, shopping at Deseret Industries or Goodwill is the only affordable way to buy clothes, toys, or furniture. Among these resources for everyday living lies the possibility of discovering cultural artifacts such as rare records, clothes, or books for a low cost. It is not a new phenomenon to pick through these stores’ merchandise for unique items, however, in … [Read more...]
Collecting Shed Antlers is a Hobby for Some, Big Business to Others
People have been making use of the antlers shed by deer, elk and moose for eons. Whether used by primitive tribes as tools or weapons, hung on the walls of mountain cabins and hunting lodges as trophies, or made into elaborate creations sold in high-end furniture stores in places like Jackson Hole, Park City and Aspen, the branch-like bones cast off each year by ungulate … [Read more...]
Explore Hidden Utah and Discover Hidden Gems
This is our “Hidden Utah” issue. In previous years it was known as our “Buried Treasure” issue. I have discovered that many of Utah’s best treasures lie hidden in plain sight. There are good reasons to dig under rocks and into mountains. There is gold to be found in abandoned mining claims, and indeed there is buried treasure awaiting rediscovery. Joseph Smith knew this, as … [Read more...]