They come to Moab from all over the world. Tourists, yes, but also guest workers. Service industry employers say these workers, brought in on temporary visas, are necessary for the viability of their businesses. “You just can’t get enough help in Moab,” says Judy Bane, Lodge Manager at Moab’s Red Cliffs Lodge resort. However, some advocacy groups, such as the … [Read more...]
Nik Hougen, Moab’s Local Hermit out of Hiding
Nik Hougen is Moab's local hermit. He lives alone in the rugged wilderness far from downtown Moab. When Richard Markosian, Utah Stories publisher, interviewed him Nik explained how to find him, "You need a UTV to go the first 90 minutes. Then you need to walk the next stretch. It's rough country—about 45 minutes if you don't stop." After run-ins with the BLM and unwanted … [Read more...]
Moab: Affordable Housing Meets Sweat Equity
“I drive around Moab quite a bit and never see anyone building single family homes,” notes Ben Riley, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah (HASU). “And, if I do, it’s usually more upscale, selling in the $300,0000-plus range. I just don’t see any building that isn’t condos or hotels.” It’s no news that tourism is a booming industry in Moab. Arches … [Read more...]
Combining Economic and Environmental Sustainability
With its red rock and blue sky, Moab is a land of contrasts. But another stark contrast is that of growth-oriented business owners and the residents who see the recent growth as perhaps too much of a good thing. The economic, social, and political landscape of Moab has changed dramatically since the uranium-based economy came to an end several decades ago, and recreational … [Read more...]
Have Fun in Moab, Utah
The editorial staff at Utah Stories magazine has been covering Moab for six years and we love sharing our knowledge. We guarantee the following itineraries will make your next visit a fantastic one. Jeeps (families) From March 24 to April 1, Jeeps of all grades and conditions will converge on Moab for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. Jeep Safari was started in 1967 by the … [Read more...]
5 Things to do in Utah in March
March Utah Happenings March 10-13—Skinny Tire Festival in Moab. Four days of supported road cycling in the scenic western landscape of Moab, featuring 40-60 mile routes through Dead Horse Point State Park and the Colorado River Corridor. A portion of every registration benefits cancer research and survivorship programs. For more information, visit their website. March … [Read more...]
Human-Scale Design, Native Plants and Paths are the Norm in Moab’s New Suburb
Juxtaposed against Moab’s red rock landscape, the paved path down the urban section of the Mill Creek riparian corridor can feel like Alice’s Wonderland. Following a perennial stream, the verdant parkway meanders across bridges and through underpasses past gems like the Youth Garden Project, the city dog park, Utah State University Moab, and a well-maintained community bike … [Read more...]
Castle Creek Winery Celebrates Grape Picking Season
It’s grape picking season in Moab! Every year at the end of the summer, Moab grapes start to ripen. As the sugar levels, known in the wine-making world as brix, start to rise, the acidity starts to fall. One of the biggest challenges and greatest joys in the growing process is to perfect the sweetness and flavors of the grapes. A brix level of 25 is the perfect balance … [Read more...]
Moab’s Back of Beyond Books Proves that Indie Book Sellers Can Still Make It
“There are two ways to die in the desert,” says Andy Nettell; “thirst and drowning.” He is repeating one of his recent summaries of a favorite book called The Secret Life of Water, by Craig Childs. Nettell is without a doubt a book lover and enthusiast, and his joy of books is contagious. Books are losing ground to electronic media, and independent bookstores are falling by … [Read more...]
Moab Made Artisan Shop Features Local Art and Artisan Goods
The greatest thrills in writing a human-interest story come from the connections and facets that can appear from one single, passionately-written piece. A writer finds a gem in the wilderness, and holds that gem of words and photos up to the light to see that it actually reflects far and wide, and that it’s not only the writer who appreciates this rare find, but others as … [Read more...]