"There is no big solution," says poet/farmer Wendell Berry, "only many small ones and we must build our economy from the ground up." The rise of the farmers market is perhaps the best thing that has happened to food in decades. Since the 1950s, industrial farming -- or its more insidious description, "factory farms," has been on the rise and family farms have been dying. As a … [Read more...]
How Beer Saved Park City – Part I
Park City, UT, Main Street — On this balmy February day, moms with kids in tow are decked out in the latest in ski fashion. Couples pose for selfies, proud of their suntans. A few skiers on the hill make their way down the slopes. But the majority are here to shop, dine and enjoy the town. I visit probably the most famous bar in town,recently featured in Playboy Magazine—The … [Read more...]
Payson, Utah: Thriving But Still Charming
Most people know the Utah town of Payson because of the movie Footloose. In 1984, Kevin Bacon came to town and danced his way to mega-stardom. Back then, Payson was a sleepy town of about 8,500 with quaint farms, junk yards and open spaces. It offered the traditional conservative values that make Utah County such a wonderful place to raise kids. Today, Payson boasts almost … [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...]
Sugar House Scene: A vision of the future
What Will Sugar House look like in the Future? The Future Will Tell. Places that attract residents and tourists are unique. It takes a commitment to ensure that places like Sugar House retain their flavor and make themselves successful and vibrant. We have to work to sustain the quality of life that we enjoy. —Søren Simonsen, 2006 In August 2013, the author conducted an … [Read more...]
Desert Koffee the Kiva way.
With a panoramic view of the Escalante River winding through a red rock canyon, the Kivahouse is unlike any other place in Utah. Kiva koffeehouse is constructed from massive ponderosa pine logs over 40-inches in diameter which form supporting beams. The structure is an octagon shape similar to the Native American kiva. It has that amazing quality of fitting seamlessly into … [Read more...]
Brand Inspectors of Utah
“Brand awareness” and “brand infringement” are marketing phrases that have a slightly different twist in the West. Brand awareness refers to the 15,000 different brands and earmarks identifying livestock on Utah’s ranches and open range.Brand infringement is also called cattle rustling. Utah has 62 full-time brand inspectors, a profession most career counselors overlook … [Read more...]