SLM May/June 25

Introducing

Explore now.

AMERICAN BANK ROBBER

WILLIE FRANCIS SUTTON

During his forty-year robbery career he stole millions, spent more than half of his adult life in prison and escaped three times. When a reporter asked Willie why he robbed banks, he said “Because that’s where the money is”!

INFAMOUS

IDAHO FISHING GUIDE

HUGH WILL KATCHEM

During his amazing career he’s helped hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts find fish in Idaho streams and rivers, sharing Idaho history, recipes, and wildlife of many types. When a tourist asked Hugh why he fished in the Salmon, Idaho area, he said “Well, duh...”

SALMON, IDAHO

IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL

Lots of happy people come to the Salmon, Idaho area every year and pull-off some big-time fishing, rafting, floating, soaking, dining & fun near the beautiful waters of our local rivers.

JUST LIKE WILLIE, SOMETIMES YOU CAN GET AWAY TOO!

GO AHEAD, TAKE A CHANCE

Drive one of the amazing Idaho byways to Salmon, Idaho and take a trip fishing or float in the one-and-only Idaho waters and you’ll return to the scene of the crime again and again. Plan your trip right here on our website where you’ll also find dining, transportation, lodging, events and we’ll try and help you stay out of trouble.

Hey Salt Lake!

The right ER. Right around the corner.

When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.

Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

MAY/JUNE 2025

ON THE COVER

FEATURES

58 HELP IS ON THE WAY

BY MELISSA FIELDS

Salt Lake County enjoys stone’s throw access to some of the best mountain recreation in America, but not every outdoor adventure goes as planned. Meet the people who respond to the call for help when outdoor fun takes a turn for the worst.

64

THE DEVIL IN SALT LAKE CITY

BY HEATHER HAYES

In the ’80s, the ‘Satanic Panic’ made national headlines. Here in Utah, fears of Satanic Ritual Abuse continued into the ’90s and still linger today.

72 WILDLIFE WALLS

BY CHRISTIE PORTER

Artist Chris Peterson grew up at the mouth of Provo Canyon and wanted to put his talents to work creating awareness about wildlife around the state. He set out on a mission to paint a wildlife mural in every one of Utah’s 29 counties, an achievement he has almost completed.

Darby DeHart is one of the Salt Lake County Sherrif’s Search and Rescue team members we feature in this issue, p 58. Photo by Adam Finkle.

One of artist Chris Peterson’s murals celebrating Utah’s wildife in every county. See p. 72

PHOTO COURTESY OF UTAH WILDLIFE WALLS

contents

MAY/JUNE 2025

15 the hive

BY SALT LAKE STAFF

Water woes are the topic of this issue’s State Watch, we guide you to this issue’s Food Crush, and more.

35 adventures

BY SALT LAKE STAFF

Explore hot new glamping spots in Moab, and discover how to join an adult rec league and actually have fun.

81 around the state

BY SALT LAKE STAFF

Meet the leading force behind the Black Desert project in Ivins, take a tour of O Town and meet Utah’s most famous bear.

91 on the table

BY LYDIA MARTINEZ

Take a tour of the fast-growing Post District’s newest dining and beverage offerings and new spots to come.

106 after dark

BY AVREY EVANS

We’ve got your guide to Pride with places to celebrate (all month long) Plus, the Perry Hotel’s bar gets an upgrade. Spritzers anyone?

112 last page

BY JEREMY PUGH

The High School dance is a teen rite of passage everywhere, but the kids kick it up a notch in Utah.

PHOTO

Catherine Raney Norman is the chair of the Salt Lake Winter Games Committee. Read about her Olympic vision on p. 32.

Your Rules. Your Luxury.

A Premier Escape in Southern Utah

Vermilion cliffs. Ancient black lava fields. Cobalt skies. At Black Desert Resort, amidst the breathtaking landscape of Southern Utah, we combine laidback luxury with endless fun.

With nearly 800 rooms across 600 acres, from cozy studios to expansive four-bedrooms, designed for ultimate relaxation. At the heart lies Tom Weiskopf’s final masterpiece—an 18-hole championship course. Beyond the greens, explore hiking, biking, and climbing, or unwind with world-class dining, a luxury spa, and top-tier fitness facilities.

From thrilling adventures to tranquil escapes, every moment is unforgettable.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Jeremy Pugh

CONSULTING EDITOR

Marie Speed

MANAGING EDITOR

Christie Porter

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Avrey Evans

ON THE TABLE EDITOR

Lydia Martinez

WRITING CONTRIBUTORS

Heather Hayes, Melissa Fields, Blakely Page, Jaime Winston

ART DIRECTOR

Chelsea Rushton

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Hammons

PHOTOGRAPHY

Adam Finkle, Kelli Freshman Photography

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sam Burt

DIGITAL EDITOR

Avrey Evans

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Clay Greenwood

SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVES

Janette Erickson, Justin Dunkley, Scott Haley, Mat Thompson

OFFICE MANAGER

Jodi Nelson

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Margaret Mary Shuff

GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Christiana Lilly

CONTROLLER

Jeanne Greenberg

EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS

Brad Mee

PUBLISHERS OF Boca Raton

Delray Beach magazine Mizner’s Dream Worth Avenue

Salt Lake magazine

Utah Bride & Groom

Utah Style & Design

Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual

MAILING ADDRESS

Salt Lake magazine

515 S. 700 East, Ste. 3i, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 801-485-5100

SUBSCRIPTIONS

One year (six print issues) $35.95 saltlakemagazine.com/subscribe

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRES 877-553-5363 ext. 233, subscriptions@ saltlakemagazine.com

Salt Lake magazine is published six times a year by Utah Partners Publishing, Ltd. The entire contents of Salt Lake magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Salt Lake magazine accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. Salt Lake magazine reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for products. Please refer to corporate masthead.

Help is on the way

IN THE MID-’90S I was a police beat reporter for The Herald Journal in Logan. Like Salt Lake City, Logan has easy proximity to the Uinta-WasatchCache National Forest. So I spent a lot of time trailing the Cache County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams into Logan Canyon to rescue someone. I always admired the dedication and competence of this volunteer group. They knew the terrain intimately—even its most remote defiles.

Last fall, writer Melissa Fields, approached me about an in-depth look at the men and women of Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SLCSAR), “Help is On The Way,” p. 58. Salt Lake’s well-known proximity to the mountains means that adventures can be—and often are—pursued any day of the week. Meanwhile, much of the Wasatch remains a wild and rugged place, giving adventurers a false sense of security that can get them into tough spots.

This is one of the reasons that SLCSAR is among the busiest search and rescue organizations in the United States. It is also one of the best trained. While other SAR teams across the state have up to 150 members, Salt Lake County’s team is kept under 40 by design. (“We look for a certain kind of Type-A personality,” says SLCAR

Commander John Patterson.)

SLCSAR trains its entire team with skills for every kind of rescue. Meanwhile, we take a look back at the “Satanic Panic.” The bizarre mix of conspiracy theory, misguided therapy practices, tabloid frenzy, urban legend and religious zeal, which took particularly virulent root in Utah during the 1980s and 1990s—even lingering today. Fears of highly organized devil-worshipping covens in neighborhoods that were said to practice Satanic rituals became the talk of the town and splashy headlines appeared everywhere. (“The Devil in Salt Lake City,” p. 64.)

Finally, we share with you the work of artist Christ Peterson, a mural painter and wildlife lover who has set out to paint a mural of Utah’s endemic creatures in all of Utah’s 29 counties. (“Larger Than Life,” p. 72.)

Yeah, it’s quite a mix. Perfect for the transition from Spring to Summer. Enjoy!

Jeremy Pugh, Executive Editor

Follow us on Instagram @slmag

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LYD I A’S

FOODCRUSH

GRILLED OCTOPUS ZARANDEADO FROM LA CEVICHERIA

BY LYDIA MARTINEZ

WHEN YOU GO

LA CEVICHERIA

123 E. 200 South, SLC

Instagram: @lacevicheriautah

AFOOD CRUSH is “a sudden, overwhelming appreciation for the flavors, textures, and culinary craftsmanship of a specific dish or ingredient, leading to a phase of repeated enjoyment and exploration of similar foods.” I am a sucker for octopus. If it is on the menu, I will order it. Guaranteed. It is a risk. Octopus, when poorly done, can be a textural disappointment. But when done right? Heavenly and food crushable.

tradition of whole sh, the octopus at La Cevicheria comes out whole, on a wood platter, spread like a star sh in all its glory. Most places that serve octopus will grill a tentacle or two, which feels suddenly stingy once you’ve had all eight tentacles (and then some) presented for devouring.

Doing octopus right is La Cevicheria in Downtown Salt Lake City. e owner, Manuel Ortega, focuses his cuisine on traditional beach food from his home, Nayarit, in Mexico. ere is even a bright blue octopus on the outside of the building, hinting at the deliciousness inside.

In Nayarit, there’s a traditional dish called pescado zarandeado. Fresh-fromthe-sea sh is split in half from head to tail, the bones are le intact, and the sh is marinated inside and out. e marinade contains achiote (which turns everything a beautiful burnt orange color), a dried chili paste, and lots of citrus. While the recipe and method are well over 500 years old, modern versions may even contain soy sauce due to a strong Asian in uence in the area. e sh is grilled over hot coals in a wood- red oven and sandwiched between grill plates for easy ipping to keep the sh whole and intact. Manuel took the concept of pescado zarandeado and made it with pulpo or octopus instead. In keeping with the

e Pulpo Zarandeado is a dish that you order for the entire table. ere’s enough for two to four people to enjoy and share. e center of the octopus is tender and sweet, and the tentacles progress from tender to crispy at the end for a textural montage. I’m unsure how the chef navigates crispy to tender while keeping the octopus intact. It is an impressive feat. While the dish is full of avor, it is not overpoweringly spicy in any way despite the chilies. If you care to add some heat, the salsa that accompanies it is more than enough to enhance each bite.

e octopus is served with fresh orange wedges, which should be squeezed liberally over every bite. Fresh avocado and simple rice round out the plate. Ask for some freshly made tortillas, and you will have all the ingredients for improvised tacos.

La Cevicheria is perfect for visiting with a couple of friends and ordering several plates to share. Pair the pulpo with the ceviche tuna tropical, the housemade guacamole, and the chicharron de pescado (a whole fried sh) and you will leave entirely happy. Get any of their 13 ceviches, and you will be satis ed, especially if you add on a tamarindo michelada.

Manuel Ortega, focuses his cuisine on traditional beach food from his home, Nayarit, in Mexico

The octopus at La Cevicheria comes out whole, on a wood platter, spread like a starfish.

Garden Checklist

Get your garden season-ready with these tips from the landscape and horticulture specialists at USU Extension. In May…

• Plant warm-season vegetables and annual flowers after last frost.

• Plant tomatoes deep enough that they are able to form more roots along the stem.

• Thin overcrowded seedlings using scissors.

• Plant summer-blooming bulbs (e.g.: gladiola, begonia, dahlia, canna).

• Divide warm-season ornamental grasses when new growth begins to emerge.

• Allow the foliage of spring blooming bulbs to die down before removing the leaves.

GROW YOUR OWN POLLINATOR GARDEN

Want a garden that looks good and does good? When you plant, think of the bees.

BY SHERIDEN HANSEN

W• Control broadleaf weeds in the lawn when temps are between 60-80 F.

Control broadleaf weeds in the

Sheriden Hansen, USU Extension Associate Professor, Horticulture

HAT IF OUR LANDSCAPES could be both eye-catching and support a biodiversity of local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles and more? We don’t often think about pollinators as we plant, but they should be a consideration, especially the diverse species of native bees that are found only in the West. Intermountain West urbanization has diminished resources such as pollen and nectar, as well as habitat, which the bees rely on, but we can help!

and beetles. Blooms that are tubular in shape, such as honeysuckle, support pollinators with long mouthparts like hummingbirds and moths. Avoid difficult-to-access plants with multiple layers of petals.

‘BEE’ LOCAL.

Incorporate native plants into the landscape when available. Native plants, such as Penstemon and Gaillardia, often support native pollinators best. See our plant list for more ideas.

‘BEE’ SUNNY.

‘BEE’

INVITING.

A shallow dish filled with river rocks and topped off with water will attract thirsty pollinators. Provide nesting sites such as areas of bare ground without mulch and open cavities like those of a bee hotel. Waiting to cut back perennials in the spring instead of fall can provide needed overwintering habitat.

Plants that produce blooms often need to be placed in a sunny location. Full sun equates to 6-8 hours of sunlight throughout the day. Part-sun and shade plants are available, but the resources available for pollinators are often diminished.

‘BEE’ ACCESSIBLE.

Choose plants that are easy for pollinators to access. Flat, daisy-like blooms support bees, butterflies, flies

‘BEE’

ABUNDANT.

Incorporate plants that bloom spring, summer and fall to provide resources year-round. Avoid planting a single plant, instead plant in groups of three to five to provide ample resources.

SEE HOW IT’S DONE

Located in the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, the Pollinator Garden was installed in 2021 by USU Master Gardener volunteers to showcase a variety of flowers that provide nectar, habitat and other resources to pollinators throughout the seasons. Unique planter boxes and art focus on bees and other pollinators. extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter

Native: Penstemon, bee-plant or cleome, sunflower Adapted: Russian sage, echinacea, catmint

THE SECRET BEHIND

‘CECRET’

LAKE

Why are there so many typos in the Cottonwood

Canyons?

BY JEREMY PUGH

Find the ‘Cecret’

WHAT:

A perfect Alpine lake with an imperfect name

WHERE:

The Cecret Lake trailhead is near the Albion Basin Campground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. To reach the trailhead from I-215 in Salt Lake City, take Exit 6 for 6200 S. Wasatch Blvd. Drive south on Wasatch Blvd. for and take Utah Highway 210 to Alta. In the peak summer season, a bus system takes you to the trailhead.

PRO TIP:

There are more ambitious hikes above Cecret Lake that will take you to spectacular views into American Fork Canyon from the ridge above Alta and Snowbird.

Itaken from the titles of mining claims.

N THE LATE 1800S, Little Cottonwood Canyon was the site of a mining boom (and subsequent bust, of course). Many of the place names were coined by miners or taken from the titles of mining claims. While industrious, the miners weren’t winning any spelling bees. Cecret Lake (pronounced, and correctly spelled Secret) is a popular hike during wild ower season and a widely accepted misspelling. e US Geological Survey even goes along with Cecret on its o cial maps of the area.

Main Street. e frequency and deadly nature of the slides prompted e Deseret News to dub Alta “home of the avalanche.” Today avalanches in Little Cottonwood Canyon still are a threat but are mitigated by the Utah Department of Transportation’s aggressive avalanche control and the Alta and Snowbird ski patrols. Explosive fact: e Utah Department of Transportation, responsible for keeping the highway open and safe, owns six World War II-era howitzer artillery pieces that it uses to re shells onto slopes to trigger avalanches deliberately.

“Cecret” isn’t the only word the early Wasatch miners couldn’t spell. See “Iron Blosam,” now a vacation rental development at Snowbird Snow & Summer Resort, named a er an early mine. Another spelling bee fail.

A black and white stereograph from 1883 by W. H. Jackson showing a scene in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The caption reads “Looking up from near Wahsatch,” yet another typo.

e “cecret” isn’t so secret anymore—in the late summer high season, busloads of tourists and nature lovers from Salt Lake City crowd the trail to the Alpine lake, because the basin it winds through is crowded with wildly colorful wild owers—lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sun owers, reweed, and many others. Take a picnic. e mining boom in Little Cottonwood Canyon had another side e ect: e large population was vulnerable to the frequent avalanches. By 1872, Alta Town had become the home of several thousand miners and camp followers, and that winter 10 died in a December avalanche. In 1885, 16 were killed in a deadly slide that destroyed the town and le 50 feet of snow on its ruined

The trailhead to Cecret Lake carries the typo.

The Town of Alta,now a ski mecca, got its start as a mining town in the 1800s

Visit Cecret Lake for vibrant wildflower blooms during peak season, and catch-and-release fishing.

WE’RE ON OUR FINAL APPROACH

Phase 4 of your new SLC is well underway! Here’s what you can expect by fall of 2026:

• An extension of Concourse B consisting of approximately 317,000 sq. ft on three levels

• A total of 16 new gates—first five gates to open in fall 2025, followed by 11 additional gates in fall 2026

• Access to a dozen new restaurants and retailers, including local favorites Monarca, Moab Brewery and Swig

• L evel 3 common-use lounge with outdoor deck

The final phase of your new SLC is landing in 2026. We can’t wait for you to experience the completion of the first new U.S. hub airport built in the 21st century!

MORE FLIGHTS TO MORE DESTINATIONS

MORE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS

COMMON-USE LOUNGE AREA WITH OUTDOOR DECK MORE GATES

CONFIDENCE CURATED

A Line Boutique is transforming wardrobes and empowering women along the way

BY AUTUMN THATCHER

I love pausing and taking a moment to see the person and what they need. I have to keep helping women feel seen, KARMEN BERENTSEN

KARMEN BERENTSEN

SEES PEOPLE. And she’s on a mission to make sure that women see themselves, too. Her strategy? Fashion.

“It all began with my mom. She definitely modeled for me the power of fashion and that pride in getting dressed every single morning and saying, ‘What do I want to project to the world?’” Berentsen says. “I saw that model from her—and then I used it in building my first company.”

Fashion, Berentsen says, gave her the confidence to walk into executive offices of Fortune 50 companies at the age of 28 to pitch on her consulting boutique that many said wouldn’t go anywhere. They were wrong. In less than 10 years, Berentsen had become a 30-something multimillionaire selling her company and entering early retirement. Only, fashion was calling, and her entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t ready to rest. So she launched A Line Boutique.

A Line was born from Berentsen’s own disdain for shopping. She loves clothing, yes, but she doesn’t like shopping for herself. She wanted to bring the curated, pampered experience she discovered at European designer boutiques to her community in Colorado, where the first A Line opened.

Twelve years and six locations in three states later, Berentsen has grown A Line into a movement—a pathway to empowerment

and connection for women through shopping, client adventures, and a podcast.

“It turned out that I wasn’t the only woman who didn’t like to shop,” she says.

Berentsen relocated to Salt Lake City in 2023, opening A Line Boutique at its Foothill location in the summer of 2024. The boutique offers mid to high-range clothing designs, accessories, and jewelry for women.

It also features a team of expert stylists ready to serve each customer a drink and a dressing room lined with items curated just for them. It’s an experience that can transform even the most apprehensive of shoppers as long as they are willing to try on the clothes and begin the journey to unleash their inner confidence.

“I love pausing and taking a moment to see the person and what they need. I have to keep helping women feel seen,” Berentsen says. “At A Line, you get to be taken care of.”

WHEN YOU GO: A LINE BOUTIQUE

1328 S. Foothill Dr., SLC. aline-online.com; Instagram: @alineboutique

BY

PHOTOS

ADAM FINKLE

1. Pedro Garcia - Perfed Tote Catro-Thyme Castro, $750.00, aline-online.com 2. Veronica Beard Footwear (Caleres) - Annette, Prem Kid Suede, $330.00, aline-online.com

The A Line Boutique on Foothill Boulevard employs personal stylists to help customers find their personal style.

Promontory was founded on the promise of a different kind of private club experience. One that offers amenities for every member of your family. Play a round on our championship courses, lounge by the beach in the middle of the mountains, set out on a scenic trail, or simply relax and take it all in. Most importantly, make lifelong memories with the people who matter most.

Oh, So Sensitive

Products tried and true from someone with

BY MAKALA SANTANA

AThese skincare essentials are powered by botanical hydration, gentle enough and effective for sensitive skin.

sensitive skin

S SOMEONE IN HER LATE 20S with sensitive, combination, but mostly dry, skin who experiences breakouts and wants products that are considered clean. (Sounds impossible, right?) After much trial and tribulation, I can attest to these products. Bare in mind, however, I’m no dermatologist or master esthetician, so please always ask your doctor for advice before trying new products, or if you have questions about your products or skin.

1. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Makeup Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide by Milk, milkmakeup.com

THE OUTSET

Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream from The Outset, theoutset.com

GENTLE MICELLAR ANTIOXIDANT CLEANSER: The Outset was created by Scarlett Johansson and Kate Foster who also claim sensitive skin and created this company’s insight. The skincare essentials are powered by botanical hydration, gentle enough and effective for sensitive skin.

RESTORATIVE NIACINAMIDE NIGHT CREAM: I love a good night cream, this one is formulated with bakuchiol, an alternative to retinol that reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

KORA ORGANICS

TURMERIC GLOW FOAMING CLEANSER: is entire line is honestly a dream. e cleanser is brightening, it easily washes o my tinted sunscreen, it clears my skin, the formulated peppermint gives a lovely cooling sensation, plus it smells amazing. You’ll feel like you’ve just le the spa.

TURMERIC BRIGHTENING PORE SCRUB + EXFOLIATING MASK: This mask is my go-to whenever my skin needs some extra boost and brightening. When it dries it looks like you have little gold flakes sitting on your skin, making the experience feel a bit bougier.

2. Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream by Summer Fridays, summerfridays.com

SUMMER FRIDAYS

LIGHT AURA VITAMIN C + PEPTIDE EYE CREAM: A little goes a long way with this eye cream, I use it day and night for a little extra brightening.

JET LEG MASK + MOISTURIZER: My skin tends to be very dry, so to have a thick lotion that I don’t have to cake on and waste product is a plus. This moisturizer is super hydrating, I like to put it on before bed and my skin feels like butter by the morning.

LIP BUTTER BALMS: Speaking of butter, their Lip Butter Balms are super dreamy, silky and keep my lips hydrated.

MILK MAKEUP

HYDRO GRIP HYDRATING MAKEUP PRIMER WITH HYALURONIC ACID + NIACINAMIDE: is has been my go-to primer for a while now. It’s in the name- the hyaluronic acid hydrates. It feels lightweight, it does not make me break out like others do, and really smooths my skin and locks in my makeup for the day.

BIONIC LIQUID BLUSH WITH HYALURONIC ACID: Another product from Milk that I love and have continued to use for some time. Most blushes irritate my skin and cause breakouts, but this one hasn’t done that for me. You can use a little for a subtle blush look, or add a little extra for some extra rosy cheeks. (I love the dusty rose color.)

Elevate Your Real Estate Experience

Estate Experience

BLACK ROCK ESTATES AT JORDANELLE | LUXURY HOMESITES

HOMES

4552 S ZARAHEMLA DRIVE | SALT LAKE CITY

FESTIVAL SURVIVAL KIT

Stock your summer festival survival kit with these (mostly) locally sourced goodies

store at Dancing Cranes in Blue, $8,

1. River Guatemalan Palm straw hat, Gigi Pip, $196, gigipip.com; 2. 1050 Pelican Case with Carabiner $30, rei.com; (3-4) Wild Raven, wildravensoap.com: 3. All Natural Insect Repellent Spray, $14; 4. Cooling Foot Balm, $12; 5. Melissa: Sun Downtown Platform in Dark Pink, available at Piper & Scoot, $59, piperandscoot.com; 6. UV Protect Me Mineral Powder, Crystal Skin Products, SPF 50, $34, crystalskinproducts.com; 7. Winter Mint SPF 15 Lip Balm, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, $4, rmsunscreen.com; 8. Kendra Scott Clear Belt Bag in Clear, by $35, kendrascott.com; 9. Juvale Clear Backpack, $36, in-stores and available at target.com; 10. Gigi Pip, Goldie Aviator Sunglasses in Honey, $124, gigipip.com; 11. Hand Block Print Sarong, $30-90, in store at Dancing Cranes ; 12. TriPole Mini Handheld in Blue, $8, amazon.com; 13. Folding Chinese Hand Fan, 13 inch, $11, available in-store at iconoclad.

Water Woes

The future of the Colorado River—and the millions who depend on it—unclear amidst uncertainty and chaos

BY CHRISTIE PORTER

UPPER AND LOWER STATES

in the Colorado River Basin have until next summer to decide how they will share the responsibility of managing a resource growing ever more scarce in the West: water.

is impacts all of us. Of all water used in Utah, 27% of it comes from the Colorado River. e Colorado River supplies 40 million people with drinking water, generates hydroelectricity to power 2.3 million homes, and irrigates nearly 5.5 million acres of land.

e Colorado River is the lifeblood of agriculture across the Western and Southwestern United States. Agriculture accounts for 70% of the river’s water usage, but the river’s ow continues to ebb, and money set aside to help conserve water from the Colorado might not make it to the farmers it’s supposed to help. e Biden administration set aside more than $4 billion as part of the In ation Reduction Act in part to pay farmers

to draw less water from the river, so there will be enough water to continue the ow downstream, but the new presidential administration halted those payments.

At the time of this publication, some of the IRA funds have been released, which National Farmers Union President Rob Larew called “a welcome rst step in ensuring USDA honors its commitments to farmers and rural communities.” He went on to say, “America’s family farmers and ranchers are facing a year of economic uncertainty, exacerbated by the uncertainty of the administration’s pause on federal funding and sta dismissals.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall testi ed before the U.S. Senate that tari s could also exacerbate the economic plights of farmers.

Between the chaos in Washington, D.C., the inability for lower and upper basin states to come to an agreement, and the everpresent threat of drought and a climate in crisis, the future of the Colorado River has never felt more uncertain.

With the current guidelines set to expire, Upper Basin states (Utah, Colorado,

Colorado River Basin supplies 40 million people with drinking water.

Farmland in Kane County near Kanab

Water is scarce and it’s so very, very limited and continues to become more and more limited... And it’s not just Utah. It’s everywhere in the West.

HANNAH FREEZE

Wyoming, New Mexico) and the Lower Basin states (California, Arizona, Nevada) must agree on how to manage the two biggest reservoirs in the U.S., Lake Powell and Lake Mead, as well as how to (and who should) shoulder the burden of reducing water usage. If they don’t reach an agreement, the federal government (or the Supreme Court) could make the decision for them.

States and cities are taking some independent actions to conserve water in the meantime. “Water is scarce and it’s so very, very limited and continues to become more and more limited,” says Hannah Freeze, UDAF’s Water Optimization Program Manager. “And it’s not just Utah. It’s everywhere in the West. And so to be able to be better with the very precious resource that we have, it is worthwhile to incentivize our producers.”

Utah’s Agriculture Water Optimization Program started o the 2019 legislative session with an allocation from legislators of $3 million to help agricultural producers optimize their water use. And so it was kind of a small program. e program has now received upwards of $276 million in funding from the legislature. In short, it’s a grant program that incentivizes farmers to

upgrade their irrigation systems to more e cient water-wise systems. Freeze explains, “So we’ll pay for 50% of the irrigation system improvement to incentivize the producers to take advantage of new technology and new systems and have an opportunity to upgrade their irrigation.”

So far, the program is set to fund 542 projects across the state, to the tune of about $114 million, but already completed projects total just about $41 million to those producers, “So we have a lot of projects in the queue,” says Freeze, and she says they receive more requests every time the program opens to new applications.

us far, “We’re able to award about roughly 50% of all the applications we receive,” she says.

At the time of this writing, a bill in the Utah State Legislature would only require that grant recipients pony up 25% of costs, rather than 50%. e bill would also allow funds from the Agricultural Water Optimization Account to be directed toward research as well as projects. Some have noted, however, that optimization projects might not always result in more water for bodies like the Colorado River. Some water saved through optimization projects could be used to expand farming operations or grow more thirsty crops.

Saving water to save water is not the whole story. “As Utah continues to grow as projected, we have to have a vibrant agricultural community to feed those people,” says Freeze. “And so investing in agriculture is an investment in the future of Utah to be able to have the capacity to meet the demands of an increasing population.”

The Colorado River

Hannah Freeze, UDAF’s Water Optimization Program Manager

Live Exquisite

Elevated 7452 feet high lies bespoke luxury, exquisite dining, unparalleled trailside access, and lifetime memories.

CATHERINE RANEY NORMAN

Four-time Olympian and Chair of the Salt Lake City-Committee for the Games

BY CHRISTIE PORTER

THOSE GAMES

INDIVIDUALLY, GENUINELY

CHANGED ME AS A PERSON, by far,” says Catherine Raney Norman, recalling the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games.

Like many of us who were in Utah in 2002, she remembers the profundity of that moment when, during the opening ceremonies, 50,000 people fell silent as the World Trade Center Flag entered Rice Eccles Stadium. “You felt this sense of unity and hope throughout that moment,” she says. “It transformed me, recognizing it’s so much bigger than me.”

Games, including 1998 in Nagano, 2002 in Salt Lake City, 2006 in Turin and 2010 in Vancouver, and eventually to athlete representative and Vice Chair of the Team U.S.A. Athletes’ Commission. en, Utah set its sights on hosting a second Olympics. “We saw a lot of wonderful bene ts to our community in 2002, so there was a movement afoot to lay the groundwork to bring the Games back,” says Raney Norman, who served as an advocate for athletes’ rights throughout that movement as well until the Salt Lake City Mayor called on her to do more in 2021.

you carry when representing

Unlike many of us, Raney Norman was not watching the ceremonies from the stands or from home. She was competing in the 2002 Winter Games as a speedskater for the U.S. Olympic Team. at moment showed her, “ e importance and pride and responsibility you carry when representing your country. at’s really a place of privilege as an athlete to have, and we need to respect and honor that and carry that forward.” Now, she’s carrying it forward as one of the people responsible for bringing the Games back to Utah in 2034, as the Chair of the Salt Lake City Committee for the Games (SLC-UT 2034).

need to respect and honor that and carry that

“ roughout my entire career as an athlete, I was always deeply involved in being a voice for the athletes,” says Raney Norman. at career took her to skate in four Olympic

“Mayor Mendenhall, gave me a ring and said: ‘Hey, we really want you to be the chair of this.’ And I was like, ‘I’m going to daycare to pick my son up, but I’m in,’” says Raney Norman with a chuckle. “It was a tremendous opportunity to lead forward from an athlete perspective. And, female leaders in sports were far and few between in that regard.” She would be able to bring her blend of background and lived experience as an athlete and nuance to the senior leadership level. “As an athlete, we don’t get our skill sets in the classroom, per se. But, we learn

Salt Lake magazine

photographed Catherine Raney Norman at the Coffee Garden while she was training for the 2006 Winter Games in Vancouver.

The Olympic Torch will return to Utah for the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

As the chair of the SLC-UT 2034 committee, Raney Norman has nine years to make the Games happen.

I live in this community. I live in this state. This is my home. This is where I’m choosing to raise my family and be a part of the community.”

—CATHERINE RANEY NORMAN

international relations, marketing, communication, time management, negotiation. We learn determination and how to set a goal, go a er that goal and bounce back from setbacks.” All skills she applied in securing Utah its second Olympics. And, as the chair of the SLCUT 2034 committee, Raney Norman has nine years to make those Games happen.

“I’m not looking at it from just what are the needs of the athletes. I’m thinking much more multifaceted around this e ort,” she explains. 2002 was about getting Utah on the map, and since we’ve done that, the focus for 2034 shi s. “It’s

a much bigger vision than just putting on a Games…It’s how we use these games to hopefully improve the everyday lives of Utahns,” says Raney Norman. e 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are on track to have a huge impact on the infrastructure, society, culture and economy in Utah— including an estimated $6.6 billion economic windfall, and everyone should have a chance to feel those bene ts.

“We are trying to be inclusive of the entire state. at’s really a pillar that we’re focused on—how can we ensure that somebody in Price or Moab or Goshen feels like they can be a part of this… at requires a lot of thought and intentionality between how we are

operating, engaging and embracing our people in our community.”

A er all, “I live in this community. I live in this state. is is my home. is is where I’m choosing to raise my family and be a part of the community.”

From athlete to advocate to chair of an Olympic organizing committee, Raney Norman recognizes the importance of the next nine years and getting it right for the future.

“For so many years, I was the athlete who was out on the eld of play chasing my dreams. And now, to be in a position where I can pay that forward, and hopefully create the canvas for the next generation, is really important to me.”

From Rugged to Refi ned: Moab’s Sophisticated Side

Red rock adventures by day, unique culinary experiences and quiet luxury by night

BY LYDIA MARTINEZ

MOAB, UTAH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE OF RUGGED BEAUTY.

Nestled in a valley between Red Rock buttresses and the Colorado River, with two national parks nearby, it was a hidden gem until recently. Now, it has become a bustling seasonal metropolis with a busy main drag, packed restaurants, and teeming hiking trails. Moab is di erent from the dusty little town I remember visiting when I was younger. I have fond memories of just showing up at Arches National Park and getting a campsite. ose days are in the past. And little creature comforts are a travel byword. Drive just a little ways outside of Moab, and you’ll nd plenty of adventurous spaces that are still private and hidden, tucked away and waiting to be explored.

Sophisticated and grounding, adventurous and relaxing, there are still mysterious spots to explore. Even in town, there are quiet culinary oases’ and lux experiences just waiting to be stumbled upon. Here are a few of our elevated luxury-meets-adventure recommendations from where to stay and what to do around Moab.

TWO-MICHELIN KEY ACCOMMODATIONS: ULUM MOAB

One of two locations given two Michelin keys in Utah, ULUM Moab is located about 25 minutes out of town. A Michelin key is similar to a Michelin star given to a restaurant but for lodging. Two Michelin keys denote an exceptional stay with premier service, stunning design, and a unique location. ULUM is all of those things and more. The resort takes upscale

The Lobby Lounge and Restaurant at ULUM Moab blends seamlessly into the landscape, with stunning panoramic desert views.

PHOTOS

Chef-curated

Moab.

Canvas tents feel more like a Safari caravan experience than mere glamping.

glamping to another level. With a stunning brick-and-mortar lobby, each full Safari tent is spread out from the other for maximum privacy and situated for the best views.

e resort itself is nestled in a Red Rock crescent with a stunning view of Looking Glass Arch in the foreground and Canyonlands National Park in the distance.

Once you check-in, you may not want to leave. e resort o ers three contrast bath-style plunge pools ranging from warm to cold, as well as complimentary morning yoga, meditation sound baths, tea blending, plant medicine walks, and homemade soap making. e outdoor yoga platform begs for sun salutations, and the re pit at night is a place to gather and talk the ins and outs of wanderlust with other guests.

e “tent” is much more than a place to lay your head. With spacious interiors, comfortable beds, indoor and outdoor lounging areas, private hot showers in each room, and cozy Pendleton blankets, it is less camping and more a home away from home. ere’s no driving up to your tent; a private shuttle will deliver you to and from with your luggage and gear. is maintains the level of quiet throughout the entire resort. e best part is the wood-burning stove in every tent. A er coming back from a day of adventure, nothing feels better than a hot shower and cuddling up, hair still wet in

front of a warm stove. In the morning, in-room co ee makes for the perfect early sip while you watch the sunrise from the porch.

e lobby has mid-century vibes that blend into the landscape, while old cowboy caves and corrals showcase just how long the site has been used and loved. e restaurant serves Southwestern Fare morning and night. ere’s also a co ee shop and juice bar on site, which means there’s no need to leave the resort and head into town for food if you don’t want to. Complimentary mocktail mixing (with handcra ed, local avors like prickly pear) and a trail mix bar round-out service.

Finally, ULUM can help you book any adventures you might want to enjoy, from canyoneering to guided hiking to kayaking. You can even make arrangements to climb Looking Glass Arch.

WHEN YOU GO: ULUM MOAB, 147 Looking Glass Rd., Moab, ulumresorts.com/moab

Climb Looking Glass Arch

Looking Glass Arch is on public land with a stunning vista of the entire formation jutting out from the desert, visible from ULUM resort. You might feel inspired to climb it after staring at it for a day or two. While it is a technical climb (requiring a guide if you are new to climbing), it is beginnerfriendly. The nice thing about hiring a guide is that they will bring the gear. A guide will ensure a safe experience, from ropes to harnesses to helmets. Even as a relatively experienced climber, it was nice to bring my shoes and harness and let somebody else deal with the heavy rope.

At the 130-foot top, you’ll enjoy an amazing 360° view of the surrounding desert. You can see the La Sal Mountains, and deep into Canyonlands National Park. Ravens may come over to check you out, but those are likely the only crowds you will experience, as Looking Glass is a little o the beaten path. The descent is a 130-ft rappel through a smaller Arch to the ground. It is a free rappel and not for those scared of heights. For everyone else, it is a thrilling end to an enjoyable morning. Guest at ULUM can book through the website, but you can also find other outfitters locally.

The Colorado River just outside of Moab is a relaxing spot for paddle boarding, even for the most inexperienced adventurers.

Looking Glass Arch frames the sunset every night, matching the reds and oranges in the sky at dusk.

ADVENTURES

The area around Moab is a designated dark sky area, which means there is some of the best stargazing in the Western United States.

PADDLE BOARD THE COLORADO RIVER

Arches National Park is just a 40 minute drive from ULUM Moab, which means hiking galore. Just be sure to make your reservation for timed entry during peak season.

Water is the lifeblood of the desert and the only reason that Arches and Canyonlands exist. There is no better and more relaxing way to experience the majesty of sweeping red rock walls and the power of the Colorado River than to do a stand-up paddle board trip. There are sections of the river that are quiet and easy, away from the famous white water, and are a soothing meditation of balance immersed in positive ions.

Most tours last about three hours and are perfect for beginners. If you are a true beginner, going with a guide is ideal. You will get personalized instruction and gain the con dence to go out on your own. It’s perfect for a small family group, ideally for kids 10 and over.

If you feel particularly con dent, most out tters will set you up with paddle boards, life jackets and a shuttle for an unguided trip.

WHEN YOU GO: PADDLE MOAB, 44 W. 200 North, Moab, paddlemoab.com

WINE & FARM TOURS IN MOAB

Off the main drag in Moab, there are delicious ways to get back to the area’s farming roots. Easy Bee Farm is a local CSA that has been providing local produce to families and restaurants for nearly two decades. During the growing season, they o er tours, seed swaps, supper, clubs, and other events, as well as fresh bread and produce in the farm store. Check their social media (@easybeefarm) for the most up-to-date information. You can also nd them at the Arts and AG Moab Farmers Market.

Just a little ways away from Easy Bee Farm is Spanish Valley Winery. Started in 1979 as an experiment and carried on by various owners over

in the

the years, this Moab Winery specializes in single vineyard estate bottled wines. In true farm-to-bottle fashion, everything is done on-site, from growing the grapes to fermenting to bottling. During the summer, the winery is open 7 days a week from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tastings are $20 and are available for walk-ins. Vineyard tours are $50 and require a reservation. We liked the riesling, a unique white wine that is available in both a sweet and a dry nish.

WHEN YOU GO: EASY BEE FARM, easybeefarm.com, Instagram: @easybeefarm; SPANISH VALLEY WINERY, 4710 Zimmerman Ln., Moab, moabwinery.com

PRIVATE GUIDED BACK COUNTRY TOUR

Deep Desert Expeditions is run by Mike Cornella, who is quite famous in certain circles as one of the creators of the Heyduke Trail. Really, it is more of a route than a trail. Clocking in at over 800 mi long, it’s a Backcountry route that passes through every National Park in Utah, including the Grand Canyon, and avoids all cities and towns.

If spending 60 days on the trail hunting down water feels a bit too adventurous, Mike is standing by to take you on a private tour in Canyonlands National Park or the surrounding desert. He o ers a wealth of stories, local lore, geological insight, and adventure with an experienced local guide.

Deep Desert Expeditions can cra a tour designed for your interests. ey have you covered from photo and scenic tours to rock art tours to dinosaur and archeology tours. A private tour may be the best way to get into the real backcountry.

WHEN YOU GO: DEEP DESERT EXPEDITIONS, visit deepdesert.com to plan your trip

Dessert

desert: S’mores and cocktails around the campfire in red rock country always taste better.

GETTING IN THE GAME

How playing adult sports is good for your waistline (and your head)

BY MELISSA FIELDS PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADULT SPORTS LEAGUES

IF YOU GREW UP IN THE UNITED STATES, chances are you participated in organized sports sometime during your childhood. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, just over 60 percent of all American kids aged 7 to 18 suit up to play or perform as part of a team at least once a week. As we get older, however, life—work, kids, etc.—tends to get in the way, leading most adults to abandon their passion for team play in favor of hitting the gym. And since we all know how uninspiring that can be, it’s no wonder that, also according to the CDC, only about 28% of Americans get the weekly recommended 150 minutes of aerobic exercise and two muscle-strengthening sessions per week.

What’s more, many Americans su er from loneliness, including a whopping 79 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds, a condition estimated to have the same negative impacts on life span as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

Now the good news: an antidote to a sedentary, lonely life may be as simple as signing up for a weekly kickball league. e physical bene ts of team sports are obvious: the sprints, bursts of intense action, changes in direction and acceleration and muscle loading provide an e cient combo of aerobic, endurance, and resistance training. But as Dave “Beehive Dave” Marquardt, owner and founder of Beehive Sports & Social Club (beehivesports.com), has observed, the mental health bene ts o ered by team play may be

Beehive Sports & Social Club’s spring, summer and fall leagues include kickball, basketball, softball, soccer, sand volleyball, cornhole and pickleball

The focus of Beehive Sports is social-activity with less focus on competition.

ADULT REC LEAGUES

Beehive Sports is far from the only adult rec league show in town. Other resources include:

• Salt Lake County Parks & Rec, saltlakecounty.gov/parksrecreation/activities/adult-sports/, ultimate frisbee, pickleball, indoor volleyball, racquetball and hockey.

• Sport City, sportcityutah.com, indoor adult soccer and volleyball in Draper.

• Stonewall Sports, stonewallsportsslc.org, LGBTQIA + Allies-friendly bowling, pickleball, kickball, and dodgeball.

• Utah Adult Soccer, utahadultsoccer.org, men’s and women’s teams play in Salt Lake City, Herriman, Sandy and Park City.

• Park City Recreation, facebook. com/groups/parkcityadultsports, volleyball, softball, kickball and cornhole leagues.

even greater. “I can’t tell you how many times someone in one of our leagues told me that they had recently moved to Utah, couldn’t make friends and were considering moving away until they joined one of our leagues,” he says. “Playing an adult sport is a great way to get outside and get some exercise, but the people who play in our leagues love it for what it does for their mental health.”

For Ben Smith, a Salt Lake City high school teacher and longtime rec league hockey player, the physical bene ts he’s reaped from getting on the ice regularly are certainly a plus, but it’s the community he’s built through his rec league that’s kept him at it for the past 25 years. “I think the way team sports are di erent from exercising on your own is that you are focused on doing your best for the whole group, not just yourself,” Smith says. “My hockey community has been a huge support for me as I have navigated changes in my life. It’s also brought me closer to people whose lives are vastly di erent than mine in a way that few other community connections can.”

had so much fun that we decided to start a ag football league in the fall.” Now, Beehive Sports & Social Club’s spring, summer and fall leagues include basketball, so ball, soccer, sand volleyball, cornhole and pickleball, as well as kickball (“Our most popular league, by a wide margin,” Marquardt says) and ag football. In the winter, Beehive Sports’ leagues go inside with volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, futsal (indoor soccer), darts and billiards.

Marquardt, a Utah native, launched what would become Beehive Sports soon a er moving back to Salt Lake City 15 years ago. “I wanted to reconnect with my high school friends and so that summer I started a kickball league,” he says. “We

Beehive Sports welcomes whole teams and single players alike and runs play on pitches from Murray to North Salt Lake. Because the teams o en meet up at local bars a er games, the minimum age to join a team is 21. ere’s no age cap, but most players range in age from mid-20s to mid-40s. Last year, 15,000 people played in Beehive Sports’ leagues, all of which are made up of co-ed or women-only teams. “All-male teams tend to bring out the worst parts of sports,” Marquardt says. “ e women temper the men on co-ed teams, and everyone has a good time.”

ALT SPORTS

Maybe you never took to “sportsball” and the idea of kicking, bumping, throwing or hitting one around with a bunch of strangers seems terrifying. Rest assured that no experience is required to join a rec league (versus a competitive league). But to give you a little background before you hit the field, the following is a brief rule rundown of the most common rec league sports.

• Kickball: Rules almost exactly mimic baseball or softball, except players kick a big, friendly rubber ball rolling on the ground to them by the pitcher versus hitting one that’s airborne with a bat.

• Cornhole: Two teams, each with one or two players, take turns throwing bags at a board. The goal is to score points by getting bags through the hole or onto the board.

• Flag football: Same rules as football, but no contact is allowed. Instead, players wear flags that hang along their sides by a belt.

To “tackle” a player in possession of the ball, the opposing team needs to pull one or both of their flags o .

• Ultimate Frisbee: The object of this fun, non-contact sport is to pass the frisbee to your teammates to score goals. The person with the frisbee is not allowed to run, just pass.

Sand volleyball in LIberty Park.

The Best Swimming Spots in Utah

Nine ways to beat the heat this summer

BY TONY GILL

SUMMER IN UTAH

is a wonderful time of sunshine, mountain air and endless trails—it can also be hot, dry and dusty. In addition to creating volatile wildfire conditions, the weather can leave your whole body feeling a bit parched and in need of a respite. Fortunately, the Beehive State is full literal and figurative oases in the desert, with a host of alpine lakes, mountain reservoirs and waterfall-fed swimming holes. Here’s our list of the best swimming spots in Utah. Some of these require a decent hike to get to, while others are just feet from the car, but they’re all perfect for staying cool on a summer day.

SWIMMING NEAR SLC

Salt Lake City has swelled into a major urban population center, but there are all types of unique swimming opportunities nearby.

BURRASTON PONDS

Just a 30-minute drive south of Provo, in Mona you’ll find Mona Reservoir and the Burraston ponds. (There used to be rope swings, bummer.) But still there are deep refreshing pools of water to plunge into, The Burraston Ponds have a small parking lot and are easy to find just by typing the name into Google Maps. More information at santaquin.gov.

PINEVIEW RESERVOIR

While not exactly a secret, Pineview Reservoir is one of the best spots to take a dip near SLC and Ogden. The reservoir is ringed by mountains, which provide not only incredible views, but also surprisingly good protection from the wind. Pineview Beach on the reservoir’s west end is flat and sandy and feels distinctly more like a natural lake than many of the dammed bodies of water in Utah.

CANYON RESERVOIR

East Canyon is a famous, historical pioneer route for groups from Brigham Young’s Mormon pioneers to the ill-fated Donner Party. You can retrace their steps in a significantly less arduous manner by visiting East Canyon State Park for a dip in the reservoir. The snowmelt-fed water is surrounded by mountains and seems miles further from civilization than the short 25-minute drive would indicate.

SWIMMING IN THE UINTA MOUNTAINS

The Uinta Mountains are home to more than 1,000 pristine natural alpine lakes. Unlike those in the Cottonwood Canyons, they aren’t part of the watershed so they’re perfect

Pineview Reservoir is one of the best spots to take a dip near Ogden and SLC.

The Uinta Mountains are home to more than 1,000 pristine natural alpine lakes.

step

single start ending never

for swimming. Access them all just east of Kamas and Park City via the Mirror Lake Highway (S.R. 150).

RUTH LAKE

Ruth Lake is only about a mile from the trailhead, which is 35 miles up S.R. 150 from Kamas. Enjoy the mellow hike through open meadows with views of the surrounding mountains like Hayden Peak before rewarding yourself with a dip.

MIRROR LAKE

The namesake of the famous road through the Uintas, Mirror Lake is easily accessible as it’s right off the road. Because of that proximity, it can get a little crowded from time to time, but the near perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains alone makes it worth the visit. A wellmaintained path surrounds the entire lake, so you can go for a nice scenic walk while finding the perfect spot to hop in. Mirror Lake is 32 miles up S.R. 150.

WALL LAKE

Start from the Crystal Lake Trailhead (26 miles up S.R. 150), and head up the Notch Mountain Trail for about a mile to reach Wall Lake. Wall Lake is flanked by cliffs of varying sizes you can jump off depending on how daring you’re feeling. The Crystal Lake Trailhead gets a little crowded, but people dissipate quickly as you head up the trail and reach Wall Lake.

SWIMMING IN THE UTAH DESERT

These are the literal oases we were talking about. Utah’s famous desert landscapes are dotted with refreshing, picturesque swimming holes.

TOUQUERVILLE FALLS

Touquerville Falls is a wonderful spot to visit after spending a day at nearby Zion National Park. The road out there is a rough, 12-mile OHV trail. It’s passable with most relatively-capable 4x4 vehicles, but it’s not one to be attempted in your ’88 Civic or rusted out Ranger. The road can also be hiked by the hearty. Either way, once you reach the several levels of cascading waterfalls you know the effort was worth it.

CALF CREEK FALLS

Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Calf Creek Falls is named for the surrounding steep sandstone walls which served as a natural pen for calves. It’s about a three-mile hike to reach Lower Calf Creek Falls with its stunning 130-foot waterfall and a deep swimming pool. Upper Calf Creek Falls takes more effort to reach but has a 90foot waterfall of its own and far fewer visitors. The historic rock art on the stone walls help the miles pass quickly.

MILL CREEK WATERFALL

Ever the popular tourist destination, Moab is teeming with people looking to cool off after a long day in the sun mountain biking or hiking through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The Mill Creek Waterfall Trail is less than a mile from downtown Moab. The full trail is a 7.5 mile out and back, but if you just want to make it to the waterfall for a swim it’s shy of two miles total.

spirit wind river discover

Just a few hours’ drive from Salt Lake City, the Wind River Indian Reservation welcomes you to a place where history and tradition thrive. Discover the welcoming refuge of the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary, where wild mustangs run free. Experience the energy of an authentic powwow with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Or find tranquility and rainbow trout along the winding Wind River Canyon. Whether you’re drawn to culture, adventure or wildlife, Wind River has it all.

An hour away from Zion, Toquerville falls features several layers of cascading waterfalls.

in just 3 hours

•hiking • rodeo • shopping

•Three hotels tailored to different budgets

•RV Park and Campground

•ATV and Horseback riding tours

•World Famous Western Dinner Show

•Ebike and Mountain Bike rentals

•Free shuttle to Bryce Canyon

National Park

Utah’s Best Getaways

Who says you need to travel far for the perfect escape? From luxury resorts to hidden retreats, these staycation spots offer relaxation, adventure and everything in between—right at home.

AUTOCAMP ZION | BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY CACHE VALLEY VISITORS BUREAU | PENDRY PARK CITY | RED CLIFFS LODGE SNOWPINE LODGE | ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY | THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK

AUTOCAMP ZION

Imagine waking up to the picturesque views of Zion National Park as you step out of your modern Airstream or cabin with your favorite morning beverage in hand. At AutoCamp Zion, nature meets luxury in an outdoor escape like no other.

The Clubhouse is the epicenter of the AutoCamp experience, offering a vibrant space where you can shop for local provisions at the General Store, enjoy freshly prepared meals at the Kitchen and plan your ideal outdoor adventure next to the communal fire pits. Whether you’re fueling up with a warm grain bowl, savoring a cauliflower crust pizza or perfecting the ultimate s’mores, the on-property offerings add an elevated touch to your getaway. You can also browse signature AutoCamp merchandise or sip on a curated selection of beer and wine, all conveniently located in the midcentury modern-designed space.

Beyond accommodations and dining, AutoCamp Zion offers an array of amenities, including a 1,200-square-foot meeting room—perfect for corporate groups, kids’ birthdays or family reunions—a 30,000-square-foot lawn and an all-season pool. Guests can also enjoy direct river access and extensive indoor and outdoor spaces for gatherings, making it an ideal venue for any event.

“AutoCamp is redefining the outdoor hospitality experience by blending wellness with the beauty of outdoor travel, creating spaces where nature enthusiasts and travelers alike can relax, recharge and reconnect with their friends, their loved ones, their dogs or themselves,” said Chief Marketing Officer Bryan Terzi.

Utah residents receive 20% off of our best available rate. Scan the QR code or visit: autocamp.com/utah-locals/ 1322 UT-9, Virgin

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF BEST FRIENDS

As travelers plan their itineraries to southern Utah’s ethereal national parks, they should make time for a stop at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary—the largest no-kill sanctuary in the U.S.

Best Friends is a perfect destination for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike. It’s free, fun and familyfriendly. e Sanctuary cares for 1,600 dogs, cats, bunnies, goats, horses, pigs, birds and more, o ering unique tours and volunteer opportunities to connect with nature while spending time with animals.

If your ideal getaway includes breathtaking scenery paired with life-changing memories, then it’s time to include Best Friends in your travel plans. Within the sanctuary, you’ll nd the award-winning Angel Café, where you can kick back and enjoy the million-dollar view while feasting on their $5 all-you-can-eat plantbased bu et.

Animal lovers will also want to stay at the awardwinning Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile, located just 5 miles from the Sanctuary in Kanab. Guests can bring up to four pets of their own at no charge or take a Sanctuary dog or cat for a sleepover. From May to October, take advantage of the Roadhouse’s free Saturday morning yoga sessions and live music on Saturday nights.

Whether you’re looking for a staycation or a vacation with a purpose, Best Friends is a memorable experience you’ll be proud to be a part of.

EXPLORE LOGAN

ESCAPE TO CACHE VALLEY, UTAH, WHERE EVERY ADVENTURE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Whether you’re planning a relaxing staycation or an exciting vacation, Logan o ers something for everyone. Just a short drive from the stunning Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, you’ll nd endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, shing, and photography, all surrounded by breathtaking nature. e picturesque canyon is perfect for a day of exploration or a peaceful picnic by the river.

Logan’s vibrant arts scene takes center stage every summer with over 150 live performances. From the Lyric Rep at Utah State University to the historic Utah eatre’s silent movie series, there’s no shortage of cultural experiences. e Ellen Eccles eatre also hosts incredible performances, including Arrival from Sweden: e Music of ABBA and Broadway productions of e Scarlet Pimpernel and e Prince of Egypt. As a bonus, enjoy free weekday concerts at the Tabernacle, featuring a variety of impressive entertainment.

History lovers will enjoy the American West Heritage Center, where you can try hands-on activities like hatchet throwing and wagon rides and interact with mountain men, farmers, and pioneers. It’s the perfect opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the past.

A visit to Cache Valley wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, located in the historic courthouse. e friendly and knowledgeable sta is ready to help you plan the perfect getaway with personalized tips, maps, and suggestions for exploring the area. While you’re there, check out the gi shop, featuring local goods and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Farmers Market every Saturday, o ering fresh produce and unique artisanal items.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Cache Valley o ers the perfect getaway. Plan your visit today at ExploreLogan.com or call (435) 755-1890.

2.

3.

1 Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway Overlook by Josh Bates.

Center Street in Historic Downtown Logan by Amy Jensen.

Famous Aggie Ice Cream is one food on the self-guided Cache Valley Food Trek.

PENDRY PARK CITY

PARK CITY: WHERE LUXURY MEETS ADVENTURE—365 DAYS A YEAR.

Tucked within the exclusive Canyons Village, Pendry Park City is an elevated mountain escape where adventure and sophistication intertwine every season. Just 30 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, this ski-in, ski-out retreat delivers seamless access to world-class slopes in winter and an endless playground of outdoor experiences year-round.

At Compass Sports, every itinerary is designed for curious explorers and thrill-seekers alike, regardless of season. In the summer months, enjoy guided mountain biking or hiking excursions, cast a line for y shing in pristine alpine waters, or soar above the valley on a private hot air balloon ride. When the snow blankets the Wasatch, experience legendary skiing, guided snowshoe adventures, dog sledding, or even heli-skiing for the ultimate high-altitude thrill. For those craving something truly personal, Pendry curates one-of-a-kind experiences— turning moments into unforgettable memories.

A er a day of discovery, unwind with Pendry’s world-class amenities and elevated après culture. Indulge in expertly cra ed Japanese cuisine at KITA, Pendry’s signature sushi and steakhouse, where modern techniques meet traditional avors in a re ned setting. Sip handcra ed cocktails and enjoy shareable bites at Après Pendry, a lively, sophisticated lobby lounge that embodies the spirit of aprèsski. For unparalleled mountain views, e Pool House Bar & Grille serves elevated American fare in a chic roo op setting that transitions e ortlessly from day to night.

For those seeking restoration and relaxation, Spa Pendry provides a tranquil retreat with an extensive menu of customized massages, revitalizing facials, and full-body therapies designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Whether you need a deep-tissue recovery session a er a day on the slopes or are looking to unwind in a steam room or relaxation lounge, every treatment is cra ed for total renewal.

With impeccable service and e ortless luxury, Pendry Park City rede nes the art of escape. Whether you’re chasing winter adrenaline or summer serenity, this destination is designed for those who crave adventure, indulgence, and inspiration—all year long.

Stay More, Do More - Enjoy Up to a 25% Savings

Scan the QR code below to extend your stay and explore all that Park City has to offer. Reserve a minimum of 2 nights and receive a 15% savings on our best available rate, a minimum of 4 nights and enjoy a 20% savings or stay 6 or more nights and receive a 25% savings.

2417 W. High Mountain Rd., Park City 435.800.1990

RED CLIFFS LODGE ZION

RED CLIFFS LODGE ZION, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL

When you choose a premier hotel like Red Cli s Lodge Zion, your stay begins before you even enter the front doors. It starts the moment the road narrows against the rising cli s and daily stresses fade into memory.

e drive into Springdale isn’t just a route— it’s an invitation to explore. e towering red rock formations re ect in the Virgin River as it winds alongside the road, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay. Steps from Zion National Park’s entrance, Red Cli s Lodge Zion draws design inspiration from the land itself—its beauty, people and timeless allure. Newly opened in fall 2024, this will be its rst spring and summer welcoming guests. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, visitors can earn or redeem points during their stay.

Whether lounging by the pool, dining at Scout Bar & Grill (scoutzion.com) or unwinding in your private retreat, Zion’s sweeping vistas are always within view. Guestrooms feature walking stick mirrors and backpack-style benches for a re ned yet adventurous feel. For those looking to explore, Zion Guru (zionguru. com) o ers guided hikes, canyoneering and more.

e lobby serves as a modern campsite—warm, welcoming and lled with cozy gathering spaces. e bar is a lively hub where guests and locals recharge or grab a handcra ed cocktail before their next adventure. At Scout Bar & Grill, the menu highlights elevated comfort food, including the signature smoked fried chicken—a must-try for guests looking to fuel up a er a day on the trails.

For private events, Red Cli s Lodge Zion o ers dining and meeting space for corporate meetings, birthdays and special occasions. Seating from eight to 60, these spaces include custom-ordered catering.

Whether you are hiking in Zion or unwinding in comfort, Red Cli s Lodge Zion delivers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

SNOWPINE LODGE

IN THE HEART OF ALTA, UTAH, SNOWPINE LODGE STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO ITS RICH HISTORY.

Once part of the Bay City Mine in the late 19th century, it served as headquarters and home to superintendent George Stillwell. e building operated as a general store for the surrounding mines until 1929 before becoming the premier mountain retreat it is today.

In 2011, Brent and Meg Pratt purchased the lodge with a vision to create a luxurious retreat for their ski-loving family. A er years of skiing at Alta, they felt a deep connection to the mountain and its community. By 2017, the lodge underwent a $60 million renovation, blending European elegance with historic charm. During the transformation, Brent discovered that his great-grandfather, Swen Neilson, had worked in the building at age 15, adding a personal touch to its storied past.

Designed with families in mind, each oor features a gathering area that fosters community and togetherness. A standout attraction is e Nest, Snowpine’s game room, where guests of all ages can unwind a er a day on the slopes. It features a movie theater, arcade games, a pool table and cozy seating, creating the perfect space for relaxation and fun.

Snowpine’s commitment to hospitality ensures each guest feels welcome and many book their next stay before even checking out. “Come for the skiing, stay for the Snowpine,” Brent Pratt exclaims.

Recognized for excellence, Snowpine Lodge won the 2024 Best of Beehive Staycation Award, re ecting its status as a premier destination for locals and travelers. Amenities such as the worldclass Stillwell Spa—named in honor of George Stillwell, an oxygen bar, and a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs enhance the experience.

At Snowpine Lodge, history, family, and hospitality converge, inviting guests to create lasting memories in a truly unique setting.

10420 Little Cottonwood Rd., Alta 801.742.2000 | snowpine.com

THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK

This Is the Place Heritage Park honors the Native Americans, trappers, explorers, pioneers and others whose bravery, determination and sacrifices shaped the West and the Utah culture and landscape we know today.

The park offers a dynamic blend of history, culture and fun, with hands-on activities and lively events that bring Utah’s past to life.

Each day at the park brings something new and engaging for visitors of all ages. Watch blacksmiths forge tools, pottery makers shape clay and tinsmiths craft everything from cups to coffee pots. Visitors can also enjoy make-and-take crafts at various locations.

Guests can participate in family-friendly activities such as petting farm animals, panning for gold, digging for gemstones in Prospector’s Pit, pulling a handcart, enjoying a pony ride or touring the Village by train.

Step inside the new pioneer-era fort to learn traditional skills like making rope and bricks. Explore Indigenous history and culture at the Native American Village, home to the largest teepee in the U.S.

e park features more than 50 original or replica homes and workshops, with 11 historical venues available for weddings, business events and more.

In addition to everyday activities, there are seasonal events like Art at the Park in September, Christkindlmarkt and Candlelight Christmas, as well as school field trips, youth adventures and birthday parties.

The Heritage Park Gift Shop, open daily, is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

Bring your family and friends to Utah’s historical playground. With an Annual Pass, enjoy 360 days of fun at This Is the Place Heritage Park.

2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., SLC GENERAL INFORMATION: 801.582.1847 WEDDINGS & EVENT BOOKINGS: 801.924.7507 UTAH TRAIL RIDE ADVENTURES : 801.448.6126

ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY

Leave the city’s noise behind and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains at St. Regis Deer Valley. Right outside your room, the landscape unfolds into nature’s majesty, o ering grand views, fresher air and an atmosphere that invites you to elevate with your surroundings.

At the St. Regis, tranquility reigns. Relax by one of the beautiful re pits or immerse yourself in the surrounding wilderness, where every moment is designed to restore and rejuvenate. With direct access to the stunning mountain landscape, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and yourself.

e resort’s renowned restaurant, RIME, led by head chef Matthew Fradera, embraces terroir cuisine, which centers on the idea that a dish should re ect the land from which its ingredients come. Fradera designs menus that evolve with the seasons, highlighting local, sustainable ingredients that capture the essence of the surrounding landscape.

Relax at the St. Regis Spa and immerse yourself in world-class treatments in a serene mountain setting. Enjoy a variety of therapies designed to restore both body and mind during your stay.

Whether you’re savoring exceptional cuisine, unwinding in peaceful surroundings, or letting go of everyday stress, e St. Regis Deer Valley invites all guests—hotel visitors and non-hotel guests alike—to indulge in an unforgettable getaway. With its exceptional dining and spa experiences available yearround, the resort o ers rejuvenation and adventure to all. Its perfect blend of nature, luxury, and tranquility makes this destination a true escape.

Whether it’s family obligations, work deadlines, illness or everyday hassles, we all have stress in our lives. But, chronic stress can keep you from feeling and performing your best –mentally, physically and emotionally. Science shows that managing your stress and improving your mental wellbeing can lead to a healthier heart and body.

We can’t create more hours in the day, and we can’t completely avoid stress, but we have the power to choose our moments. The American Heart Association is here to help you Live Fierce. Be Well. with tips on the mind-heart-body connection.

Locally sponsored by

THE

BY MELISSA FIELDS

PHOTOS BY ADAM FINKLE

We’re going to need all the hands you have down there,”

Crackles the calm voice, broadcast as if in surround sound to the many radios worn by the men and women around me. It’s late November 2024 and I’m standing in a cul-de-sac east of Sandy near the mouth of Bells Canyon. The late winter sun hangs low in the sky as I shift from one foot to the other to keep warm. Most of the people there—various members of Sandy City Fire, Salt Lake County Sheriff and Salt Lake County Search and Rescue (SLCSAR)—have been on hand for hours after a woman called 911 from the Bells Canyon Trail. Her hiking partner had slipped on a section of the trail that’s typically icy in the winter, due to spray from the perennial waterfall. The fall had injured her friend’s lower leg badly enough that she was not able to walk out on her own.

Darby DeHart has been a SLCSAR team member since 2019

THE FACES AROUND ME MAINTAIN their business-like expressions, including the four SAR Team members busily loading up their packs with ropes, snacks and other rescue gear. ey would be the third of four groups of team members to head up the trail that day to the injured woman, or patient. I continue to watch as they pull a sked, or portable stretcher, from a trailer parked in the center of the vehicles clustered in the cul-de-sac. “Skeds are exible enough to wrap around the patient, allowing the team to move them down the steepest terrain, even vertical pitches,” explains SLCSAR Commander John Patterson. “Along with the sked, all you need is a rope and enough manpower.”

Overhearing, one of the team members looks our way with a grin, “rope, manpower and a plucky attitude,” she quips.

THE RESCUE TEAM

SLCSAR was established in 1957 and, under the direction of the Salt Lake County Sheriff, is responsible for all search and rescue missions in Salt Lake County. The team’s service area covers the county’s entire 807-square-mile area—spanning roughly from Farmington Bay south to the Point of the Mountain, east to the town of Brighton and west to the Great Salt Lake—but most of the rescues (about 65 a year) occur in the mountains directly east of the Wasatch Front.

ese missions include coming to the aid of injured hikers, climbers and skiers; performing swi and deep-water rescues; and, while it’s a function they do not necessarily advertise, transporting dehydrated or injured dogs o trails. (SLCSAR made international news—as well as received kudos and donations from around the world—when they rescued Floyd, a 190-pound injured masti , on the Grandeur Peak Trail in 2019.) Despite the term “Search” in the team’s formal name, people don’t o en get truly lost in Salt Lake County’s mountains and undeveloped areas.

“Our canyons are di erent from the Uintas or even Wasatch Mountain State Park,” Patterson says. “Cell phone reception is good throughout most of the Central Wasatch—except for Millcreek Canyon, which is a big, black hole. But, most of the people we help call 911 and can tell us exactly where they are.”

As of this writing, SLCSAR has 34 team members, 13 of whom are women, ranging in age from 24 to 63. Patterson explained that while other SAR teams across the state span 80, 100 or even 150 members, Salt Lake County’s team is kept under 40 by design. “Many of the larger SAR teams have specialist teams within the larger team,” says Patterson, who’s been a SLCSAR Team member since 2000. “We train all team members in every kind of rescue. Also, because we look for a certain kind of type-A personality, we’ve found if the team is more than 40, people tend to quit because they spend too much time sitting around at the trailhead during a mission.”

But having “pluck” and a “type-A” personality are just the beginning. Most SLCSAR team members are advanced-level skiers, hikers, rock climbers, and super t. e physical test for initiates includes hiking with a loaded pack up the Mount Olympus Trail to the stream crossing—two miles with a 1,800-foot elevation gain—in under 50 minutes. Team members must also have the work- and home-life exibility to be able to drop whatever they are doing to respond to calls day or night, year-round. Like most SAR Teams across the U.S., they are volunteers. is means no compensation and the personal means to shell out for gas and personal gear.

Time spent on this “hobby” is not insigni cant. In addition to rescue missions, team members are required to attend two Monday evening meetings and one all-day Saturday eld training per month. Recruits train for an additional 10 hours per month for nine months before they are considered full- edged team members. e SLCSAR Team averages 9,000 volunteer hours per year. “ e time commitment allows us to weed some people out,” Patterson says. “It’s not like volunteering at the humane society.”

SLCSAR Commander John Patterson has been volunteering with the team for almost 24 years.

Most of the 65 or so calls SLCSAR responds to annually occur in the summer. Its less-frequent winter rescues are often executed in tandem with Wasatch Backcountry Rescue (WBR).

THE MISSION

Patterson says. e team meets the deputy, who brings the SAR rescue equipment trailer, at the trailhead or access point closest to the patient. A “ rst,” or "hasty" team, heads up the trail as soon as they arrive to assess the patient. Teams Two, ree and sometimes Four, follow with additional supplies, tools and peoplepower to get the person out.

Much of the territory SLCSAR serves is federally designated wilderness, allowing the team to use only non-motorized tools in rescues.

Like all 911 calls made within Salt Lake County, a call from someone in distress in the backcountry is routed to the Salt Lake Communications Center. From there, if the dispatcher determines the call is SARrelated, it’s transferred to the sheriff deputy on duty who decides whether to alert the SAR Team. Many of the first-responder agencies in communities along Salt Lake County’s eastern wildland-urbaninterface, like Sandy City Fire, for example, are trained and equipped to perform a backcountry rescue, if a rescue isn’t more complicated than transporting the patient out on a wheeled rescue litter. “The sheriff receives more than 100 calls per year from people in distress in the backcountry, a little over half of which SLCSAR is deployed on,” Patterson says.

In a SAR deployment, the sheri deputy calls Patterson or SLCSAR Vice Commander Ryan Clerico who, in turn, sends text alerts to the rest of the team. “It can be a little harder to wake people up with the rst text at 2 or 3 a.m.,”

"hasty" team, heads up an

SAR rescue gear is heavy, and the Wasatch Mountains get steep very quickly, which is why most SLCSAR rescues involve an all-hands-on-deck response. “Multiple people are needed to safely lower a sked, and two people can only push and pull a litter over the rocks and roots of a typical trail for so long before they are getting fatigued,” Patterson explains. “So, the more people you have to take turns on the litter, the more quickly we can get the patient out.”

Every mission is run by one person, a position Patterson consciously rotates among the ranks. “I want to make sure everyone gets a turn to ‘the’ guy or girl on a mission—to be the tip of the spear,” he says. “ at way new team members get integrated more quickly and feel like they are a more indispensable part of the team.”

One of the most important decisions the mission leader makes is how to extract the patient from the backcountry. Depending on the patient’s condition, that decision can involve several methods, from walking the patient out to the trailhead to utilizing one of the most critical and visible tools in search and rescue: helicopters.

THE TOOLS

There’s likely not a sound or sight more closely associated with SAR operations in the Salt Lake Valley than a helicopter traversing the skies along the Wasatch

WHO PAYS?

Like most of the country’s search and rescue organizations, SLCSAR does not charge for their services. (Rescues involving medical transport, like LifeFlight, are billed to the patient’s insurance.) They take this altruistic standpoint to prevent people from delaying calling 911 until their situation is life-or-death (“That not only puts the patients’ safety at greater risk, but the safety of our volunteers,” Patterson explains.) and SLCSAR is a member of the Mountain Rescue Association, a coalition of 90 rescue teams across North America all subscribing to a long-standing policy against charging for rescue. That said, purchase of the USARA Card supports the state’s Search and Rescue Financial Assistance Program. To help out SLCSAR specifically, people can donate to the team’s new nonprofit arm at saltlakesearchandrescue.org.

It's not unusual for SAR team members to have back-to-back callouts, especially during busy summer weekends, keeping them in the field for 12-plus hours.

TALES FROM THE TEAM

1. DARBY DEHART,

SLCSAR TEAM MEMBER SINCE 2019

Why she joined: “I love to bring together the skills I was taught in SAR training and that I use in my day jobs and work with my fellow team members to do hard things for the greater good.”

What keeps her on the team: “Sometimes it’s hard to drop what I’m doing and go. But then on my way to a mission is when I get pumped. I love how I don’t know where rescues will take me—I can start the day in Little Cottonwood and then end up on Mt. Olympus.”

Day jobs: paramedic, ski patroller and associate university instructor

2. KEVIN NGUYEN

,

SLCSAR TEAM MEMBER SINCE 2016

Most memorable mission: “When we had to recover a man who had fallen into the Bells Canyon waterfall. It took three days to pull him out and afterward, the man’s family gathered to perform a traditional celebration for the first responders who had recovered their family member’s body. Watching them celebrate us, especially considering their loss, was very emotional and very beautiful.”

What keeps him on the team: “The adrenaline rush of getting called. You never know what to expect. Also, the camaraderie on the team. I’ve learned a lot about rock climbing and rock

rescue from other team members and being in the situations we’re in builds a rare trust. When I’m on the end of the rope I know that person on the other end has me no matter what.”

Day job: Public health entrepreneur

3. FRANCINE MULLEN,

SLCSAR BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2023

Why she joined the SLCSAR board: “I have friends and family members on SAR teams and thought that this would be a way I could contribute to [SAR’s] efforts.” What keeps her on the board: “Every time I am around the team, I’m so impressed by what expectational people they are. And it just blows me away that they are all volunteers.”

Day job: nonprofit development coordinator

4. LIZ BUTLER

SLCSAR TEAM MEMBER SINCE 2024

Why she joined: “Before going to law school, I worked in Wilderness Therapy and had wanted to be a part of a SAR team for a long time. Things can go wrong in the wilderness for a variety of reasons. I have the skills to help, and I wanted to give back.” What keeps her on the team: “I love the interesting variety of calls we get, from dehydration to

having to perform a rope rescue. Getting called up is the best part of my day.”

Day job: lawyer

5. RICK VOLLMER,

SLCSAR TEAM MEMBER SINCE 2018

Most memorable mission: “In October 2022, when weather pinned three teenage boys on the West Slabs of Mount Olympus. Each had on just a light rain jacket, and it had started raining and then the rain turned to snow. We knew that they were not going to make it if we weren’t able to get to them. A team was sent ahead of us and started up the Slabs. But after one of the team members took a fall, they decided to stand down. And then at 10:15 p.m., the sky opened up just long enough to get a helicopter up there and pick them off the mountain.”

Day job: ski patroller and aerospace engineer

Front. Both the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Intermountain LifeFlight operate helicopters equipped with hoists, or winch cable systems, that allow injured adventurers to be plucked from places where a helicopter cannot land. LifeFlight has performed hoist transports since 2001; DPS, which flies more powerful H125 helicopters than LifeFlight’s AW109SP helicopters, added hoist capabilities in 2016. DPS stationed a second hoist helicopter in St. George in 2023, which Grand County Sheriff Jamison Wiggins says has been a game-changer. “[GCSAR] performed 136 rescues in 2024,” Wiggins says. “Most are people going out into the desert and not being prepared with enough water for the temperatures. The helicopter allows us to get to people much more quickly while reducing the risk for the SAR team.” Yet, while helicopters are certainly indispensable tools, they are not infallible.

Helicopters achieve li as rotor blades push against the air; the denser the air, the easier it is to y. But when temperatures soar, air density decreases and many helicopters cannot y. Over the last few summers, extreme heat has grounded rescue teams across the Western U.S. At lower altitudes, it takes triple-digit temps to impede helicopter ight. But at higher altitudes, particularly at 10,000 feet or higher, heat becomes a factor when temps hit the ’80s. e re ective quality of the mountains’ rocky topography further complicates ight. “Helicopters are amazing tools in

I think the more effort people have to put in to get into the backcountry, the more prepared they tend to be...

JOHN PATTERSON

rescue,” Patterson says, “but they also are ghting physics each second they are in the air.” And, while lighter remote ying machines, drones, are proving invaluable to the “Search” in SAR they still can’t perform the actual “R” if needed, yet. For example last November, I was able to observe SLCSAR team members taking turns trundling an injured hiker down the icy Bells Canyon trail from the trailhead. anks to a drone, we watched the team’s progress on a screen within the SAR trailer. e team has also used drones to both locate and communicate with patients, including last fall when a woman found herself stuck on Mount Superior’s South Ridge a er dark. Weber County Search and Rescue is currently testing a drone that can carry up to 80 pounds to potentially transport wheeled

litters, ropes, skeds and other heavy tools, signi cantly speeding the time for SLCSAR teams to get to a patient.

THE BACKYARD MINDSET

Almost 1.2 million people live in Salt Lake County, an urban area that borders tens of thousands of acres of undeveloped forest, canyons, ridges and mountaintops. This stone’sthrow proximity allows those who live here a unique ease of access to hiking, skiing, climbing or simply being in nature. But that proximity also breeds complacency.

“In Colorado, people have to drive two hours or more to get to a trailhead, or three to four hours to go backcountry skiing,” Patterson says. “I think the more e ort people have to put in to get into the backcountry, the more prepared they tend to be. Here, hundreds of thousands of people can access a trailhead within minutes of leaving their house. ey think ‘I’m just going to go for a quick hike during my lunch break, I don’t need to take any water or food or an extra layer,’ and then it gets hot or too cold or they twist an ankle and then their cell phone dies and suddenly they’re in real trouble. e easy access to the mountains here makes people much more casual about going into them.”

SLCSAR team members preparing to lower a patient down a cliff face.

Rock rescue is an essential skill that SLCSAR team members learn through mentorship and organized trainings.

When SLCSAR posted photos of its 2019 Grandeur Peak Trail rescue of Floyd, an 190-pound Mastiff, on its social media feeds, the team received kudos and donations from around the world.

is backyard mindset was certainly at play when Rebecca (not her real name), a 26-year-old Sandy resident, set out on a sunny, uncharacteristically warm a ernoon last October to solo climb Mount Superior’s South Ridge, a highlevel ascent, with intermittent vertical steepness and sustained exposure. “I’d done it on my own at least ve or six times previously and felt con dent in my plan that day,” she says. “But then, on the way up, I dropped my phone and spent 45 minutes trying to dig it out of the rocks. When I nally got it out, I realized that the sun was about to set.” Her plan a er summiting was to descend the mountain’s Cardi Pass hiking trail. “With it getting dark I thought going back down the South Ridge would be faster.” But a er multiple down-climb attempts, Rebecca realized the danger and, with ve percent battery le , called her mom. “It was dark by then and I was pretty upset,” she says. “My mom told me not to move and to call 911.”

SLCSAR sent up a drone to pinpoint her location, as well as communicate with her about her condition. From her perch, Rebecca watched three headlamps bobbing up through the darkness along the same route she had climbed earlier

that day. Two hours later, when the rst team arrived at her location, Rebecca was so cold she could hardly move. “I was dressed for running, in a vest, tank top and running shorts,” she says. e team gave her a jacket and eece pants, and because of how close she was to hypothermia, decided to call the DPS hoist helicopter to get her o the mountain. “I still don’t talk about this to many people and am pretty embarrassed by the whole thing,” Rebecca says. “But now, whenever I go out, even if it’s for a short hike, I take much more stu than I think I’m going to need.”

THE UNFORTUNATE OUTCOMES

Most of the time, SAR rescuers get to deliver hope and reassurance to people who really need it, like Rebecca. “The moment when you come on the patient is just the best,” says SLCSAR Team Member Kevin Nguyễn. “They are having what is likely the worst day of their life and you show up with food and water and help. The relief on their face makes the late nights and long days worth it.” But, of course, not all missions

conclude with a happy ending. Several times a year SLCSAR responds to calls for help that involve body recoveries. These tragic incidents include avalanche deaths, drownings and climbing falls, many of which require team members to spend hours with the body before transport out. “I’ve seen a lot of things I can’t unsee,” says SLCSAR Team Member Rick Vollmer. “I just keep talking about it, with my wife, my sons and other people on the team.”

Addressing the mental health challenges endemic to rst responder work was among the rst actions taken by SLCSAR’s nonpro t arm a er it was formed in 2022.

SLCSAR board member Francine Mullen applied for and landed a grant to pay for training through the Responder Alliance, a mental health organization that helps rst responders learn how to avoid traumatic stress injuries. “We have had a good response from the team for the Responder Alliance,” Patterson says. “ ankfully, mental health is no longer a taboo subject for rst responders, including our team.”

On that evening last November at the mouth of Bells Canyon, just before the SAR team returned with the injured patient, I watched as the patient’s friend, visibly exhausted, arrived at the cul-desac where I stood. I took note of her warm clothing, gaiters, the spikes attached to the bottom of her boots, her pack and hiking poles. I spend as much time as I can hiking, skiing and climbing in the Wasatch, and before that evening, I admit that I’d o en thought “I’d never let anything like that happen to me” when I read mission accounts on SLCSAR’s Instagram feed. But, what I noticed about the woman, whose friend likely had one of her worst days, is that she was out tted in exactly the same way I would have been for a wintertime hike up Bells Canyon. It made me realize that no one expects the worst to happen. But when it does, I’m more grateful now than ever that if I or anyone else needs it, someone is there to pull up the slack.

10 ESSENTIALS

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF

The 10 Essentials is a well-known list of items to carry into the backcountry, regardless of how long or nearby you plan to venture out. If having all 10 seems like overkill for, say, a quick after-work jaunt into Ne ’s Canyon, SLCSAR Commander John Patterson recommends taking at least the following: something to keep warm, extra water and a communication device. “Those three will help people avoid a lot of sticky situations,” he says.

THE 10 ESSENTIALS

1. ILLUMINATION: Flashlight, lanterns and headlamp; Petzl - ARIA® 1 RGB Headlamp, $40, petzl.com

2. SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, Hat and Sunglasses Knockaround-Paso Robles Polarized Sunglasses $35, rei.com

3. INSULATION: Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell and thermal underwear. Rei-Rainier Rain Jacket, Orange Burst/Orange Vista, $100, rei.com

4. FIRE: Matches, lighter and fire starters. Zippo-Windproof Lighter, $25, rei.com

5. NUTRITION: Food. Ritual Trail Mix, $17, ritualchocolate.com

6. NAVIGATION: Map, compass, and GPS. Suunto-MCB NH Mirror Compass, $40, rei.com

7. REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS: Duct tape, knife, screwdriver and scissors. Benchmade-15534 Mini Taggedout Knife-Burn Copper, $290, rei.com

8. FIRST-AID SUPPLIES: First Aid Kit. HART Outdoor-Extended First-Aid Kit, $65.95, rei.com

9. HYDRATION: Water and water treatment supplies. Teton_Oasis Hydration Packs Olive, $50, tetongear.com

10. EMERGENCY SHELTER: Tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy. REI Co-op - Wonderland 6 Footprint, $50, rei.com

the

BY HEATHER HAYES | ILLUSTRATION

SALTDEVIL

In the ʼ80s the ʻSatanic Panicʼ made national headlines. Here in Utah, fears of Satanic Ritual Abuse continued into the ʼ90s and still linger today.

BY CHELSEA RUSHTON

LAKE CITY DEVIL in

IWANT TO MAKE SOMETHING CATEGORICALLY CLEAR,”

said Utah County Attorney David Leavitt in 2002. He stood at a press conference with a look of bewilderment. “Neither myself nor my wife are guilty of murdering or cannibalizing young children.”

Bizarre as it sounded, Leavitt’s statement was in response to a nasty old conspiracy theory that climbed out from under the covers to rear its ugly head, leaving the county’s lead prosecutor in its wake.

Known by many names, the “Satanic Panic,” “Ritual Abuse Scare” or “Daycare Panic,” gripped Utah—and the nation—in the 1980s and ’90s, with a bizarre mix of conspiracy theory, misguided therapy practices, tabloid frenzy, urban legend and religious zeal. Based on unsubstantiated fears of highly organized devil-worshipping networks in neighborhoods everywhere, the covens were said to practice Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) on their victims—in some cases, rumors spread of raping, murdering and cannibalizing—and their secret

membership was made up of highlyrespected individuals posing as garden-variety community members. Responding to outlandish claims that Leavitt and his wife were once members of such a network in the ’90s, he countered by accusing Utah County Sheri Mike Smith of giving the rumor legs by announcing an investigation perfectly timed to Leavitt’s reelection bid. Leavitt was never charged, yet he lost the election despite decades of service. en, last year, Rep. Ken Ivory of South Jordan sponsored H.B. 196, a bill seeking to amend the current sexual abuse code in Utah by de ning and punishing “ritual abuse,” with language speci cally calling out SRA, such as making a child “consume human bones or blood,” “witness or participate in animal torture,” or “enter a co n or open grave containing a human corpse or remains.”

Like moths to a ame, national news outlets jumped on the story, decrying the bill as a manifestation that Utah may be whipping itself into another Satanic Panic. e bill didn’t pass. A new iteration in 2025, H.B. 66, dropped any mention of cannibals and co ns but, could we be headed for another panic?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Let the Hysteria Begin…

How did America lose its mind two decades ago, inciting a panic often likened to the Salem Witch Trials and the Red Scare? A national poll reported that 70% of Americans believed that satanic ritual abuse of children was occurring throughout their community. A similar 1992 Deseret News/KSL-TV poll reported a 90% belief rate among Utahns.

“It’s almost impossible to imagine when you look at it historically,” says Dr. Mary deYoung, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Grand Valley State University, who has written extensively on the moral panic. She says a heightened awareness of child abuse and trauma combined with new, unproven therapy methods and pop culture’s growing fascination with the Satanic and the Occult (think heavy metal, D&D and Hollywood movies) came together to create a “ticking time bomb.

A Powderkeg: Hollywood, Tabloid Journalism and Recovered Memory Therapy

BY THE ʼ80S AND ʼ90S, terror over underground cult networks had multiplied like coins under the couch cushions. The theatrics of devil worship played out in movies like The Exorcist and The Omen, provided irresistible fodder for fearmongering and supplied images to assist our imaginations.

From Utah’s religious climate grew “experts” who served as legal representatives, church speakers, expert witnesses, authors, and guests on Geraldo. ey promised to unveil the occult and dazzled us with their knowledge of widespread underground covens, aiming for Ouija boards, Judas Priest, Dungeons & Dragons, and pentagrams carved into trees at Liberty Park.

West Valley blogger Casey Walrath posted a 1980s recording of a program for young people he still remembers entitled, “ e Occult & Rock ’n’ Roll.” e popular

speaker, Lynn Bryson (now deceased), presented evidence of the occult to many a terri ed audience member.

“Prepare to be stunned (or at least incredibly bemused),” writes Walrath about the speech, “to learn about the great sorcerers John Lennon and Adolph Hitler, about the hidden Satanic messages embedded in ‘ Stairway to Heaven’ and ‘Hotel California,’ about the evils of spellcasting in D&D books.”

While only the zealous Bryson seemed capable of distinguishing the words: “I worship Satan” as he played Led Zeppelin reels in reverse for his audience, it really didn’t matter—we were all running scared. e true danger, of course, was an accusation of a liation with the occult. With no corroborating evidence needed to put supposed devilworshiping abusers on trial, a modern-day witch hunt unfolded before our very eyes.

Unlocking ʻRecovered Memoriesʼ of SRA

IN 1980, DR. LAWRENCE PAZDERʼS book, Michelle Remembers, helped usher in ‘recovered memory therapy,’ a new movement in mental health now labeled by one Harvard professor as “the worst catastrophe to befall the mental health field since the lobotomy era.”

Pazder claimed that through recovered memory therapy, he helped his patient-turned-wife recover childhood memories of abuse at the hands of devil worshippers. Insisting that the brain o en erases traumatic

memories of the occult, Pazder endowed crusaders in the mental health eld with the keys to unearthing them. Sometimes using his book as a training manual to identify the occult, therapists employed hypnosis, age regression, relaxation exercises, psychodrama, dream interpretation and sodium amytal, o en on patients seeking help for unrelated mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

“ e psychotherapy world wasn’t well regulated and many therapists

Payson Chronicle, May 24, 1989. Source: newspapers.com

A Provo Daily Herald series about Satanic Worship in Utah. This reoccurring intro was pulled from their July 30, 1985 paper. Source: Utah Digital Newspapers, hosted by the University of Utah’s Marriott Library

Linda Blair in the role of Reagan in The Exorcist, 1973

got imaginative,” says deYoung, adding that the eld operated under the popular notion that memories don’t lie, so like a lm strip tucked away in some dusty archive, they must be hunted and retrieved. “Memory researchers now know that it doesn’t actually work like that, memories can actually be constructed—and they can be constructed erroneously.”

Salt Lake area psychiatrist Richard Ferre agrees. He saw rsthand the damage done during the panic when “recovered” memories of the occult were treated as infallible. “ e likelihood of completely repressing a traumatic memory is very small,” he says. “Usually the experience is remembered in some form, but might not be explicit in the details.”

Despite the dubious ethics and lack of e cacy, many therapists continued the practice long a er the American Psychologist Association (APA) publicly frowned upon it way back in 1995, stating, “ ere is a consensus among memory researchers and clinicians that most people who were

abused as children remember all or part of what happened to them although they may not fully understand or disclose it.” It goes on to say that memory should not be considered infallible especially in the absence of corroborating evidence. Another o cial statement reads that “memories can also be altered as a result of suggestion particularly by a trusted person or authority gure.”

Who were those trusted persons and authority gures? O en, they were crusaders of anti-satanism, like Pazder himself.

rough the power of suggestion during therapy, patients came away with pseudo memories of SRA, fueling a rather seismic fear that cults were indeed everywhere, enlisting regular people to kidnap and brainwash children at their underground ceremonies.

Nationwide Witch Hunts and Utahʼs Panic-Mongers

EVIDENCE OR NOT, accusations sometimes lead to convictions. One Texas therapist, Donna David Campbell, convinced dozens of children in the ’90s who attended daycare in her area that the owners had, among other things, forced them to drink blood, watch them kill animals and babies and y on planes to Mexico to be sexually abused by Mexican soldiers. e convicted daycare owners, Dan and Fran Keller, were freed halfway through their 48-year prison sentence when the state declared them “actually innocent” in 2013 and compensated them $3.4 million due to misconduct by the prosecution—including the dubious practices of an overzealous therapist. Lessons remained unlearned from a scandal almost a decade earlier involving the Virginia McMartin preschool.

Crusading therapist Kee McFarlane and her team of social workers coaxed children to reverse their initial denial of being abused by devil-worshipping teachers into hundreds of impossible accusations. Tales ranged from teachers ying to drilling students in the armpits (with no corresponding wounds) to digging up corpses and hiding them in underground passageways beneath the school (no such passageways existed). A six-year trial led to zero convictions but cost taxpayers $16 million.

In Utah, highly controversial therapist Barbara Snow, a self-appointed “ritual abuse expert” seemed always at the center of uncovering cultish networks along the Wasatch Front in the ’80s and ’90s. From Lehi to Bountiful, Snow’s recovered memory therapy techniques used on children and adults were described by

Michelle Remembers, published December 1983

Dr. Lawrence Pazder on BBC’s Webster, discussing his wife’s regressive memories. October 20, 1980

Therapist Barbara Snow billed herself as a “ritual abuse expert” and was sanctioned in 2008 by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

multiple witnesses including patients, colleagues and law enforcement as “highly suggestive” and “coercive.”

One suspicious Utah police o cer who worked with Snow described for a court how he deliberately fed her false information, convinced it would then appear in the answers of the children she interviewed—and it did. In a separate but similar case, the Utah Supreme Court called her credibility into question, and a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals called Snow’s conduct “disturbing and irresponsible.”

State Task Force Joins in the Hunt

As part of a 2008 probation deal by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Snow admitted to fabricating notes from sessions and destroying her relative’s computer with a baseball bat a er nearly convincing them they were victims of satanic ritual abuse and military testing. Since then, Snow has continued to treat adult patients, among them spiritual YouTube guru Teal Swan. While Snow’s professional information doesn’t list recovered memory therapy as a current treatment, Teal Swan openly condones it to her more than 1.9 million subscribers.

WITH RUMORS SWIRLING in seemingly every corner of Utah by the ’90s, Governor Norm Bangerter formed a task force to gather information and educate the public about SRA, appointing Salt Lake area psychologist Noemi Mattis as its leader. After issuing a report confirming its widespread existence and recommending an expensive, state-funded crime unit, the task force was forced to confront a reality: while detectives followed up on 125 tips, only one led to a prosecution. Exhausting state funds with no progress, the Utah state attorney general’s office, in a final report five years later, suggested that while there was evidence of isolated instances

A Second Wave?

of abuse involving trappings of satanism and rituals, there was no evidence of a cult—let alone a widespread plot to abuse children in this way.

“It’s very di cult to prove any cases in a court of law which involve ritual abuse simply because the people who are involved with it have real expertise at hiding their tracks,” Mattis said to KSL-TV to explain away the lack of evidence, such as: where did all those dead bodies (used in ceremonies) come from and why aren’t there thousands of corresponding missing person reports? Some believed cults “hid their tracks” by planting their members in the police force, mortuaries and crematories. Even

WHILE MANY ACCUSED weren’t prosecuted, and many convicted have been exonerated, lives were shattered by the Satanic Panic nonetheless. Of course, the real victims are not only the accused whose lives, families, professions and reputations were ripped from them, but the many innocent patients—children and adults—who sought treatment for very real problems and walked away convinced they were abused by the occult.

“It’s so hard to undo the damage that the recovered memory movement has caused,” says deYoung. “Once you believe these memories of satanic ritual abuse are part of your autobiography—helping you make sense of your struggle—even if that memory is egregiously false, even if it were impossible for that event to have happened, it’s still tough to let that go.”

a handbook produced by L.A. County and widely accepted elsewhere described how cults “retained the bones and body parts for further magical practices.”

But authorities across the nation were turning up equally empty-handed, nding it impossible to track down even one satanic cult operating in the U.S.—or even a single crime carried out by one. e National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect’s study concluded that while individuals sometimes use the imagery or language of satanism in the commission of their crimes, there is no evidence of an organized network of satanic cults systematically abusing children. Researchers concluded that more likely, children felt pressured by adult crusaders to weave wild tales.

In February 2024, Utah made national news when Utah County Sheriff (and QAnon subscriber) Mike Smith, along with state representative Ken Ivory, testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee in support of HB196 which would have enacted laws to codify ritual abuse.

is may account for moral panic remnants resurfacing every couple of years in the media—fueling fears that it could make an even bolder comeback. Bones, blood, corpses, sacri ces, altars, robes, candles—we can’t resist the clickbait. Some argue it wouldn’t take much to ignite a new wave, especially given the lightning speed of social media accusations and recent desires to de ne cultish acts in our Utah code.

QAnon stands as perhaps the most glaring comeback candidate as conspiracists maintain that a shadowy cabal kidnaps children and drinks their blood in satanic rituals. is time, the perpetrators are politicians instead of preschool teachers, holding ceremonies in the basement of a D.C.-area pizza joint (which also doesn’t actually have a basement).

A Reckoning?

Former Utah County Attorney David

lost his re-election campaign back in 2022 when Utah County Sheriff Mike

launched an investigation into allegations of cannibalism and ritual abuse. No evidence was ever found supporting claims against

IN SOME INSTANCES,

the mental health field has been held accountable for practicing bad medicine. Not only was Chicago-based psychiatrist Bennet Braun’s license stripped in the late ’90s, he was then slapped with $18 million in malpractice suits for convincing patients that their loved ones were engaged in rituals including cannibalism, infanticide as well as baby-breeding for sacrifices. A few other civil suits have followed.

e media’s part in sensationalizing and in aming the public by giving therapists, patients, “experts” and hucksters a platform has been largely brushed under the rug with some exceptions. Popular talk show host Geraldo Rivera apologized in the ’90s for his part in perpetuating the hysteria, especially when he told audiences in 1988 that there were “one million Satanists in the U.S. and they are linked in a highly organized, secretive network.” Nearly all national as well as local news networks aired stories and investigative series that intensi ed the fear as well.

While litigation has cropped up in rare cases, most mental health, law enforcement, criminal justice and media crusaders have slipped

Reporting Child Abuse

quietly back into society. Although their campaigns damaged the credibility of true abuse victims, their in uence did enhance an overall public awareness of child abuse and an increase in government funding.

Like 19th century doctors who used leeches to excrete toxic blood from ailing patients or attempted to cure madness by holding patients under water until they lost consciousness, those who practiced unproven therapy methods, those who prosecuted with it as evidence and those who sensationalized it in the media are usually chalked up to being a product of their time.

“I don’t think there’s been a reckoning, it’s been more of a ‘forgive and forget’ mentality—‘we know more, we’ve moved on’ kind of thing,” says deYoung, adding that there wasn’t a reckoning with the lobotomy movement either. When asked if she thinks there should be, deYoung says, “Perhaps,” adding, “the way we can put the brakes on moral panics is to keep those kinds of harms in the public’s mind so they don’t come back around.”

While no evidence of satanic ritual abuse networks exists, the CDC reports at least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experience child abuse or neglect. The most likely perpetrators are relatives of the victim. If you suspect child abuse, immediately contact local child protective services or law enforcement to report your concerns. The

Leavitt (above)

Smith (below)

Leavitt.

Larger Than Life

The story and impact behind Chris Peterson & the Wildlife Wall murals

BY CHRISTIE PORTER

MOOSE, BISON, NATIVE BEES AND GRIZZLY BEAR

Installed July 2024 | Edison Street between 200 South and 300 South, SLC Peterson restored the Edison Street mural in 2024, but it was originally commissioned by BLOCKS SLC, Salt Lake Downtown Alliance and SLC Redevelopment Agency in 2019. When Peterson restored the mural, he painted over the original black bear with a grizzly bear, instead. It was the first of three grizzly bears Peterson painted in murals in 2024. “I’ve always had a thing about bears,” explains Peterson. “It’s captivated me because I—I got charged by a bear once, and that’s the kind of experience where you never forget that haunts your imagination.”

PHOTO BY KELLI FRESHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Chris Peterson has set out to paint a unique mural dedicated to Utah’s wildlife in all of Utah’s 29 Utah counties.

ABONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT

TROUT, its massive dayglowhued body painted over the length of The Neighborhood Hive building, was the first. Affectionately referred to as “The Bonnie Wall,” the 2022 mural began with the collaboration between Utah Wildlife Federation (UWF) and artist Chris Peterson. “The experience made us realize that there’s a lot of interest in this kind of project,” says Peterson. “When you do a mural, it sort of opens up a space in the public domain to have a conversation and to celebrate those animals.” Peterson and the UWF plan to bring a wildlife mural to each of Utah’s 29 counties. Right now, there are nine Wildlife Walls across the state.

FUTURE MURALS

A future mural at Antelope Island could potentially be the tenth Wildlife Wall and would especially demonstrate what art can accomplish where politics often fails. The mural would likely coincide with the grand reopening of the Antelope Island Visitor Center, which is getting a major renovation, including an additional 20,000 square feet to its footprint, the facilities to host events and field trips and a large-format theater.

“It’s going to be the crown-jewel State Park Visitor Center in the West,” says Peterson. “I’m really excited that the mural is going to be a part of that.”

The Antelope Island mural would feature three species found around the State Park, whose habitats have changed drastically in recent years, as the lake levels drop: bison, pronghorn and burrowing owl, but the mural can serve as a reminder to treasure our encounters with wildlife.

“The Wildlife Walls are really about sharing some of the magic that I have experienced and showing other people that that’s where the magic is,” says Peterson. “Those encounters with wildlife are things that people don’t forget easily, sometimes holding onto them for their whole lives.” On a personal level, “These doses of wildlife encounters to me are high doses of therapeutic nature,” says Peterson. “I feel like it’s increasingly important in this age of anxiety for us to remember how blessed we are right now—how lucky we are right now—to have these experiences at our back door.”

As our actions as humans impact wildlife habitat, and those encounters could become increasingly rare, the Wildlife Walls provide an opportunity to not just celebrate what we have right now but, “At the same time, recognize the value that they bring to our lives and, therefore, the importance of the habitat they require,” says Peterson.

Shared enjoyment of wildlife encounters, and art that captures those treasured experiences, has the power to

unify. “People get in the weeds when they start talking about policies and my land and your land and whatever,” says Peterson. “But if can just talk about the experiences, it’s a shared value that allows us to stay out of the weeds. That’s my goal with this project.”

THE BONNIE WALL

Installed Oct. 2022. | 2065 E. 2100 South, SLC

The 120-foot Bonneville Cutthroat mural is the result of the support from partners The Neighborhood Hive, Trout Unlimited and the Utah Division of Wildlife. The partnership also brought a tank of live baby Bonneville Cutthroat Trout to the Neighborhood Hive market, where it is cared for by the community.

The Wildlife Wall endeavor would not be possible without community partners to help champion the cause. “The process of engaging Utahns across the state and figuring out which animal, which wall, what other partners would be interested in this, and each one sort of evolving in their own way has allowed us to put together some pretty spectacular projects,” says Peterson.

THE NEXT PHASE

With nine Wildlife Walls now a reality and more on the way, Peterson and company are looking to launch The Celebrate Utah Wildlife Mural Trail

People will be able to start following the trail at the website, celebrateutahwildlife.org, where they can access the trail map and learn about each mural, the species involved and the community. “We’re going to be incentivizing that participation with some prizes, contests, social media and involving partners like The North Face and other companies,” explains Peterson.

Peterson hopes the trail will also promote tourism to the towns where the murals are located. The trail will offer more than just views of murals, as well.

They plan to overlay the mural trail map with a wildlife viewing map that will include places like our State Parks and DWR viewing opportunities.

‘AGUILA DEL FUEGO’

Installed June 2023

676 W. Center St., Midvale

HawkWatch International helped bring this mural to Midvale as part of the Los Muros on Main Mural festival. The 76-foot mural features two native Utah species: A golden eagle and a rattlesnake, inspired by the Mexican flag as well as Phoenix, a golden eagle rescued from wildfire by the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah.

CHRIS PETERSON

Mural Artist

chrispetersonstudio.com

This Utah native grew up at the mouth of Provo Canyon He was trained at BYU and the Kansas City Art Institute and wanted to put his talents to work creating awareness about wildlife around the state. He set out on a mission to paint a wildlife mural in every one of Utah’s 29 counties, an achievement he has almost completed. Discover more at celebrateutahwildlife.org

DESERT TORTOISE AND GILA MONSTER

Installed June 2024

142 N. Main Street, St. George

This mural on the side of Zion Brewery’s Station 2 Bar features two threatened Utah Species: the Mojave Desert Tortoise and the Gila Monster. The partners behind this mural also include the City of Saint George, Greater Zion and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which serves as a safe home for both the Desert Tortoise and Gila Monster.

COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT

Installed Aug. 2023

74 E. Main St., Vernal

This mural came to Vernal for the Utah Cutthroat Slam—a challenge for anglers put on by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Trout Unlimited, Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Downtown Vernal Alliance, Vernal City and Visit Dinosaurland. They unveiled the mural during the Dinah-SOAR Hot Air Balloon Festival in Vernal.

PHOTO BY KELLI FRESHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

GRIZZLY BEAR

Installed Nov. 2024 | 81 S. Main St., Heber

The third of Peterson’s Grizzly Bears, this mural is inspired by the animal film star, Bart the Bear, who made his home with wildlife animal trainers, Lynn and Doug Seus in Heber. Bart served as the model for the other mural Grizzlies as well. The mural installation lined up with the publishing of Lynn’s new book, The Grizzlies and Us. “I wanted to do something a little more,” says Peterson. “So we did a Bart film festival where we rented a bunch of his movies and tried and they told some stories and it was epic. It was like a highlight of my life, to be honest.” (For more on Bart the Bear, turn to p. 86)

For this mural, Utah Wildlife Walls teamed up with Heber City TAPS and Vital Ground, the Seus’s foundation that works to restore and protect habitat for Grizzly Bears. “I feel like for me, as an artist, it’s time to explore what it means to be a bear,” reflects Peterson. “What can they teach us? How can we understand ourselves better by thinking about the way that bears exist in the world?”

BEAR RIVER CUTTHROAT

Installed Oct. 2024

200 East Logan River Tunnel, Logan (Merlin Olsen Park)

The 100-foot Bear River Cutthroat mural presented a logistical challenge, as it is installed along the wall of a tunnel over the Logan River. “The thing that I’m probably most proud of was the engineering feat that I puzzled over for a while,” says Peterson. He uses a commercial paint sprayer but needed to find a way to keep paint particles from falling in the river. Peterson rigged up a system with posts, parachute cord and a roll of plastic sheeting to catch any stray paint. It went off without a hitch.

“When you go there and the water is running, the light will come in the morning and the evening, and it will bounce off the water and illuminate the trout with these dancing ripple reflections that are mesmerizing,” says Peterson.

The big project pictures more species than any other Wildlife Wall and had the support of the Bridgerland Audubon Society, Logan City, Western Native Trout Initiative and Cache Anglers. In addition to the Bear River Cutthroat, the mural features a White-Faced Ibis, Monarch Butterflies, fireflies (which you can see on the Logan River) and, of course, another Grizzly Bear.

BROWN TROUT

Installed Nov. 2023

415 S. Main St., Heber

This 70-foot brown trout mural on the side of the Mountain View Dry Cleaners & Laundromat came about through the support of Heber City and Heber Community Alliance for Main Street. While the brown trout is not native to Utah, it was introduced in the 1800s to provide more opportunities for anglers.

PLACEHOLDER

FINAL

RAZORBACK SUCKER

Installed March 2024 and May 2024

25 E. Center St., Moab

Before Peterson completed the final mural in May of 2024, he painted a “placeholder” mural to get the community excited about the new art installation and raise awareness for a cause. He adds, “It was super cryptic on purpose, meant to make people driving by ask, ‘What is that?’” The prism depicted in the placeholder is a reference to the Razorback’s ability to communicate in the murky waters of the Colorado River by reflecting UV light by rolling its eyeballs.

“That unique adaptation, once I started looking into the razorback, was like the coolest little superpower,” says Peterson.

The final mural, the Razorback on a field of stars painted over the placeholder, also highlights The Nature Conservancy’s Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve’s work on behalf of the endangered fish with its Razorback nursery. Due to flood damage, access to the preserve was closed, but the mural is ready for the future reopening.

Scan the QR code for more murals and where to find them

Or check out chrispetersonstudio.com or wildlifewalls.org for more information on Chris’ work and the latest from Utah Wildlife Walls

Around the State

AROUND THE STATE ST. GEORGE

Black Desert Rising

Patrick Manning’s vision comes into focus

BY JEREMY PUGH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLACK DESERT RESORT

ANYONE WHO HAS intermittently visited the greater St. George area throughout the past, say, 20 or so years knows it’s like seeing a distant child relative only periodically over the years, exclaiming every time, “Wow, you got big!” When you’re not paying day-today attention, growth sneaks up on you. is is how we felt on a tour last October of the newly nished Black Desert Resort in St. George on the eve of hosting its rst stop on the PGA Tour. A eet of workers and hotel sta worked in a urry to nalize everything before the onslaught of professional golfers, their entourage and

golf fans arrived at the front desk. It had that new hotel smell, down to the persistent scent of polishing oils and cleaner in the air as the nal burnish was applied.

But Rome was not built in a day, and neither was Black Rock. is project started nearly 20 years ago. And while there is a group of partners behind the e ort, one man has been the face of the project since its inception. Mr. Patrick Manning.

“I started in Florida so this land that is Black Desert is di erent from anything I’d ever experienced,” Manning says of his rst visits to Ivins. “ e feelings I have about it are overwhelming.”

Black Desert’s golf course will host the LGPA Tour this year on May 1-4.

He was so enthusiastic about the idea that he moved his family to St. George to lay the groundwork in 2005–2006. Manning and his partners knew it would take patience.

However, if you’ve ever met Manning, “patience” might not seem the rst quality you would ascribe to him. In the run-up to the PGA, Manning was seemingly everywhere. Out on the course greeting players for the event. Suddenly he’d be walking the hotel, saying hello to guests. en bam, he’s in the restaurant buttonholing a builder about some detail. He is not a man who can sit still.

“ e PGA was not part of the planning,” he says. “We set out to design a world-class golf course, that was the goal. But then we got to the tour stop before the grass was even planted we moved into a fast and furious mode.”

e tour stop was a success and this May, Black Desert will host the LPGA Tour.

“Everybody who knows me knows I believe everything is possible,” he says. “We are going to make a splash with the LPGA. We are going to show these players the love and respect they deserve.”

e LPGA has received criticism that the female players are not given the same level of treatment as the men on the PGA. To that end, Manning and his partners are ying the golfers in on private jets.

“Black Desert will roll out the red carpet,” Manning says.

Still, when you consider the project took nearly two decades of careful work, it simply must have taken patience to get here.

“ e rst thing I understood was that this was going to take patience to do it right,” he says, “we became a partner with the community and this land. Looking out across the lava with the red sandstone cli s and pine valleys, we knew that building something as big as Black Desert would require passion and patience to do it responsibly.”

“Responsibility” is another word he uses o en. e project built in sizeable conservation easements that would go to Santa Clara and Ivins and preserve open spaces. He is quick to point out that despite the rumors the Black Desert Golf Course will never be a private course and will continue to be open to public play.

“ is is is luxury meets you,” he says. “We’re the only spot in the country on the PGA and LPGA tour where you can go to a two-acre putting green with hot tubs and re pits. Show up in swim trunks and ip- ops and putt around. Sometimes luxury is being able to putt with bare feet.”

THIS WAS GOING TO TAKE PATIENCE TO DO IT RIGHT.

PATRICK MANNING

Manning is a hands-on leader who has had worked with every detail on the Black Desert project.

The Train to Ogden

Hop aboard the FrontRunner for a day trip to Utah’s second city

BY JAIME WINSTON

SAVE GAS MONEY and take the UTA FrontRunner to Ogden Central Station. Although it may seem daunting at rst, you’ll be happy to have the extra cash when you arrive and nd Ogden City’s best shopping, dining and entertainment spots a short walk away.

WHERE RAILS MEET

Learn about Ogden only minutes from FrontRunner. Union Station, once a major railway hub, houses exhibits on Ogden’s history and people, along with collections of historic guns, automobiles and railroad stuff, including train cars. The station also hosts the free

Ogden Living Heritage Festival, featuring music, dance and food, on May 10 and 11. ogdencity.gov/2277/Union-Station

ALL ON 25TH STREET

The Ogden Farmers Market, featuring local food, vendors and music, takes place on nearby Historic 25th Street each Saturday from May 24 to Sept. 13. While on 25th, try the Dough Puppies at Lucky Slice Pizza, have a cocktail on Alleged’s rooftop and shop music at Lavender Vinyl. Close to the stretch, see a play at Peery’s Egyptian Theatre or Good Company Theatre, and release your fury at Social Axe Throwing. ogdendowntown.com

There are 25 round trips between Ogden and Provo through the week with trains running hourly around from 4:30 a.m.

SPORTS AND MUSIC

Minor league baseball team the Ogden Raptors play in their home opener at Lindquist Field, a nineminute walk from the station, on May 27. If you’d prefer live music to sports, follow 25th Street to the Ogden Amphitheatre for this year’s Ogden Twilight concerts, including Modest Mouse on June 28. ogden-raptors. com, ogdentwilight.com

WATCH, SURF, FLY

The family fun area, The Junction, is close enough for little legs. It has Megaplex Theatres, the Treehouse Children’s Museum and plenty of restaurants. The Salomon Center, also on-site, houses Skinny Dogz, which offers bowling, an

arcade and more, and spots for indoor rock climbing, indoor skydiving and surfing. Top it all off with treats at The Cupcake Shoppe and Bakery. visitogden.com/ neighborhoods/the-junction.

BLEED PURPLE

Ogden is a college town, and the OGX bus line runs from Ogden Central Station to Weber State throughout the day. With fewer students, now is a perfect time to stroll WSU’s stunning campus and enroll the kids in one of many STEMthemed summer camps. weber.edu/eastoutreach

The ‘Ogden Arch’ serves as a gateway to the city’s cultural wonders.

The Ogden Twilight concert series returns June 1.

Weber State University offers several sports-related camps and activies during the summer, including softball and soccer camps.

The Ogden Raptors are an independent team of the Pioneer League.

Heber’s Biggest Star

The life and times of Bart the Bear, and wildlife trainers Lynne and Doug Seus, is told in new memoir, The Grizzlies and Us.

BY CHRISTIE PORTER

PICTURE THIS: A typical day in Heber City, Utah. Cars parked along Main Street, locals shopping, going to work or church, and a man with a mustache holds the lead, guiding his companion, a 1,500-pound grizzly bear, to the Dairy Keen for a hamburger—one of the bear’s favorite treats.

e grizzly bear in question is animal lm star Bart the Bear and the man is his trainer Doug Seus. While bears taking a stroll on Main Street is not a common scene in Heber anymore, “ e people who have been here for a long time, they were used to it,” says Lynne Seus, fellow wildlife trainer and Doug’s partner in marriage and many other wild adventures. “People would say, ‘Oh, yeah, there goes Doug and their bears.’” Bart the Bear passed away in 2000, but, he still hangs out on Main Street, in a way. At the end of 2024, mural artist Chris Peterson (see p. 72 for more on his

work) painted a mural of Bart across the street from Main Street’s Avon eater.

“It was like having a picture up of our kid. It was such an honor,” says Lynne.

e mural unveiling event also celebrated Bart with a lm festival of the movies in which he starred, alongside the likes of John Candy and Dan Aykroyd ( e Great Outdoors, 1988), Ethan Hawke (White Fang, 1991), and Brad Pitt (Legends of the Fall, 1995).

Friends of Lynn and Doug and longtime Heberites shared memories and stories about Bart. “ at little theater was packed and it brought us to tears,” says Lynne. “Just the memories that the community had and—well, I guess, you would remember if you were in a bowling alley and somebody brought a grizzly bear in to have a hamburger and milkshake with you.”

e community event also coincided with the release of Lynne’s memoir, e Grizzlies and Us, a frank and delightful

Bart the Bear II posing for a big screen moment on the set of Into the Wild

The Great Outdoors, 1988, featuring Dan Aykroyd and John Candy. Photo by Mary Evans/Universal Pictures/ RGA/Ronald Grant, Courtesy of the Everett Collection

retelling of Doug and Lynne’s decades-long journey raising, taming and training a menagerie of critters to be on screen. Bears, wolves, raccoons, skunks, foxes—there doesn’t seem to be an animal that Doug has met that he couldn’t connect with. “ e things he accomplished and the love and trust this man built,” marvels Lynne. “He bonded with Bart I and Bart II, two 1,500-pound bears. at is extraordinary both for the man and for the bear.”

At this point in our conversation, Doug turns the focus away from himself and on Lynne. “She’s the one who wrote this book, and I’m so proud of her for her candidness,” he says. “I think of the honesty that she wrote about life, etcetera, and I don’t think there’s enough candor in the world. My

philosophy is ‘be raw.’” It’s the same philosophy of honesty and integrity that they wish other people might glean from their wild “teachers,” as Lynne refers to the animals in their care in her book. “You have to be totally who you are—totally honest with animals,” she says. “If you put on a facade, they’ll see right through it.”

In many ways, Doug and Lynne are the rst of their kind, and they might be some of the last. “We were so fortunate to be following our dream and being in the movie business with our bear, while we were,” says Lynne. Now, computergenerated graphics have replaced most wild animals on screen, with few exceptions. Naysayers aside (and there were many), there’s also a bit more red tape between a young couple and their dream of raising wildlife (alongside human children) on their private property

The Grizzlies and Us: the memoir is available at vitalground.org

THE

THINGS HE ACCOMPLISHED AND THE LOVE AND TRUST THIS MAN BUILT... HE BONDED WITH BART I AND BART II, TWO 1,500-POUND BEARS. THAT IS EXTRAORDINARY BOTH FOR THE MAN AND FOR THE BEAR.

LYNNE SEUS

Bart the Bear showing Wildlife trainer Lynne Seus some love. (He had a lot of love, as you can see.)

Wildlife trainer Doug Seus bonding with animal actor Bart the Bear, c. 1997

Bart the Bear spends one of his last days lounging in his pond on the Seus’s property in the Heber Valley.

AROUND THE STATE WASATCH BACK

The Wild Ones

The grizzlies in Doug and Lynne’s care (past and present).

BART (I) Bart’s brother Zack preferred a quiet life, according to Lynne. He made a new home at a zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska.

HONEYBUMP and her brother, BART (II), came to Lynne and Doug as cubs shortly after Bart (I) passed away. Their mother had been baited from their den and killed by a hunter, and the cubs were rescued by Fish & Wildlife rangers in Alaska. Honeybump and Bart (II) appeared in Dr. Dolittle 2 and Evan Almighty, and Bart (II) also starred in We Bought a Zoo and Game of Thrones. Bart (II) passed away in 2021

TANK THE BEAR was born in captivity and has a gentle demeanor, according to Lynne. He stole the spotlight as a guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and in Dr. Dolittle 2.

than there was in 1977 when they took on Bart and his brother Zack as cubs from the Baltimore Zoo. Not to mention, compared to the 1970s, there are much higher economic barriers to buying said private property—a farmhouse in Daniels Creek, Heber, Utah (where the median home listing price is now a cool $1.2 million). It’s heartbreaking to realize we’ve lost many of the habitats that support wild, young dreamers and where the odds are slim of ever having another Doug and Lynne Seus.

Lynne still encourages people to defy the odds and “for anyone who is following a dream, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t,” she says. Recently, following their dream led to their starting the Vital Ground Foundation, which preserves and restores grizzly bear habitats. Doug says they have already seen the grizzly make a comeback in extending its range more than has been seen in the last 200 years. “We’re seeing the ‘big

Three-month-old wolf pup Kiska was the Seus’s first “wild one,” adopted in the ’70s while living in Los Angeles. Kiska helped inspire the move to the Rocky Mountains.

Doug with Bart I and Zack at 3-months-old.

open’ coming—I call the big open. e massive, beautiful ground that was once just under crops and now it’s coming back to indigenous grasses and indigenous animals that haven’t been seen for years,” Doug explains with contagious passion. “Anyhow, excuse me, if I may—I’m gonna go shovel poop,” he adds.

A young Honeybump joins the Seus family along with her brother, Bart the Bear II.

Lynne laughs, “ at’s the glamorous side of the job.” Certainly, one of a kind.

VITAL GROUND

Based in Missoula, Mont., Vital Ground is a land trust dedicated to large-landscape conservation for the benefit of grizzly bears, other wildlife and people. As Lynne Seus puts it, “The earth is healthy and whole where it’s wealthy enough for the grizzly. Everything can live where the grizzly footprint touches the ground.” vitalground.org

PHOTOS

Leave the heat behind and embrace summer at Deer Valley Resort. With adventurous trails, gourmet dining, and amenity-packed stays, you’ll experience a summer that’s designed to be different from beginning to end. Plan your trip at deervalley.com

PHOTO BY ADAM FINKLE

The Other Side Donuts

Building dreams & changing lives one sweet bite at a time

BY LYDIA MARTINEZ | PHOTOS BY ADAM FINKLE

WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE OTHER SIDE

DONUTS, you will feel like you are in a colorful rainbow dream world of positivity, fluffy clouds and sprinkles tossed in for good measure. Sequins adorn the walls, and strings of flowers hang from the ceiling.

e donut case looks like a veritable jewelry counter of sweetness designed by Katy Perry in 2010 and a little Lisa Frank

in 1985 thrown in for good measure. Bright blues, reds, greens, nuts, glazed fruit, marshmallows and toasted sugar are all mouth-wateringly on display.

e sta is as warm and welcoming as the decor. ey will delightedly talk about favorite avors and which ones they helped create, and you will invariably end up with more donuts than you intended out of sheer temptation and excellent customer service.

If you wandered in, you might think this is just another ’grammable donut shop. In that case, you might be surprised to learn that the clean-cut, friendly sta are mostly formerly unhoused members of our community who are transitioning into permanent housing through e Other Side Village. Literally, they are coming out on the other side of homelessness into a supportive community. e Other Side Donuts is a social enterprise designed

Nicholas Smith, the general manager of The Other Side Donuts.

WHERE TO EAT

A select list of the best restaurants in Utah, curated and edited by Salt Lake magazine

SALT LAKE CITY & THE WASATCH FRONT

Cafe Niche–779 E. 300 South, SLC. caffeniche. com. The food comes from farms all over northern Utah, and the patio is a local favorite when the weather is fine.

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Arlo–271 N. Center St., SLC. arlorestaurant. com Chef Milo Carrier has created a destination in a small, charming house at the top of the Marmalade neighborhood. A fresh approach and locally sourced ingredients are the root of a menu that bridges fine and casual dining, at once sophisticated and homey.

Asian Star–7588 S. Union Park Ave., Midvale. asianstarmidvale.com, asianstarrestaurant.com The menu is chef driven and not frighteningly authentic or disturbingly Americanized.Dine-in and takeout available. Dishes are chef-driven, and Chef James seems most comfortable in the melting pot.

The Bagel Project–779 S. 500 East, SLC; 1919 E. Murray-Holladay Rd, Holladay., bagelproject. com “Real” bagels are the whole story here, made by a homesick East Coaster. Of course, there’s no New York water to make them with, but other than that, these are as authentic as SLC can get.

Café Trio–680 S. 900 East, SLC. triodiningslc.com Pizzas from the wood-fired brick oven are wonderful. One of the city’s premier and perennial lunch spots. Be sure to check out their weekly specials.

Caffé Molise & BTG Wine Bar–404 S. West Temple, SLC. caffemolise.com The old Eagle building is a gorgeous setting for this city fave, with outdoor dining space and much more. Sibling wine bar BTG is under the same roof. Call for hours.

La Caille–9565 Wasatch Blvd., Sandy. lacaille. com. Utah’s original glamour girl has regained her luster. The grounds are as beautiful as ever; additions are functional, like a greenhouse, grapevines and vegetable gardens, all supplying the kitchen and cellar.

BAMBARA

Casot Wine + Work–1508 S. 1500 East, SLC. casotwinework.com In a town with a dearth of neighborhood bars, Casot is the real deal. Located in the established 15th and 15th neighborhood, this small wine bar is a welcome addition featuring an interesting, rotating wine list from Pago’s Scott Evans.

Chanon Thai Café–278 E. 900 South, SLC. chanonthaislc.com A meal here is like a casual dinner at your best Thai friend’s place. Try curried fish cakes and red-curry prawns with coconut milk and pineapple.

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The Charleston–1229 E. Pioneer Rd., Draper. thecharlestondraper.com

Chef Marco Silva draws from many culinary traditions to compose his classic and exciting menu— artichoke souffle, braised halibut, ratatouille. The setting, in a historic home surrounded by gardens, is lovely: No kids under 12 during evening hours and an indoor dress code.

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Bambara–202 S. Main St., SLC. bambara-slc.com. The menu reflects food based on sustainability and the belief that good food should be available to everybody. Prizing seasonally driven dishes sourced from local farmers, they turn out dishes with a community-minded sensibility.

Braza Grill–5927 S. State St., Murray; 1873 W. Traverse Pkwy, Lehi., brazagrillutah.com. Meat, meat and more meat is the order of the day at this Brazilianstyle churrascaria buffet.

Bricks Corner–1465 S. 700 East, SLC. brickscornerslc.com Bricks is the sole purveyor of Detroit-style pizza in Salt Lake City, baked in a steel pan and smothered in cheese, some might think it resembles a lasagna more than a pizza. You’ll want to come hungry.

Café Madrid–5244 S. Highland Dr., Holladay. cafemadrid.net Authentic dishes like garlic soup share the menu with port-sauced lamb shank. Service is courteous and friendly at this family-owned spot.

Café Med–420 E. 3300 South, SLC. medslc.com Get the mezzes platter for some of the best falafel in town. Entrees range from pita sandwiches to gargantuan dinner platters of braised shortribs, roast chicken and pasta.

While the service has always been top-notch, after a long remodel and several shuffles of the culinary team, this culinary staple is stepping back into the culinary trendsetter realm. With Executive Chef JV Hernandez, the chef team at Bambara is again pushing the envelope.

— LYDIA MARTINEZ

Carlucci’s Bakery–314 W. Broadway, SLC. carluccisbakery.com Plus a few hot dishes make this a fave morning stop. For lunch, try the herbed goat cheese on a chewy baguette.

Carmine’s Italian Restaurant–2477 Fort Union Blvd., SLC. carmines.restaurant

Carmine’s has a robust menu of Italian classics, including housemade pasta, Neapolitan pizza and a wine list expansive enough for picture-perfect pairings.

Copper Common – 111 E. Broadway, SLC. coppercommon.com. Here, owner Ryan Lowder took inspiration from the high-end side of NYC nightlife. Oysters are on the menu and the cocktails are on the highest of ends, but it’s the food that put Copper Common over the top.

Cucina–1026 E. 2nd Ave., SLC. cucinawinebar.com Cucina has added fine restaurant to its list of descriptors—good for lunch or a leisurely dinner. The menu has recently expanded to include small plates and substantial beer and wine-by-the-glass lists.

Cucina Toscana–282 S. 300 West., SLC, . toscanaslc.com This longtime favorite turns out Italian classics like veal scaloppine, carbonara and a risotto of the day in a chic setting.

Curry in a Hurry–2020 S. State St., SLC. ilovecurryinahurry.com The Nisar family’s restaurant is tiny, but fast service and fair prices make this a great take-out spot. But if you opt to dine in, there’s always a Bollywood film on.

The Dodo–1355 E. 2100 South, SLC. thedodorestaurant.com. A venerable bistro and SLC classic. It’s nice to know where to get quiche.

What is a Social Enterprise?

Social Enterprises are businesses that do good while making money— it’s built into how they operate. At The Other Side Village, they’ll serve three key purposes:

• PROVIDE FUNDS TO RUN THE VILLAGES –generating income to help sustain the operations.

• PROVIDING JOBS –Offering meaningful, paid work that fits the skills and abilities of residents.

• BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER connections between the Village and the surrounding community.

to give the “villagers” a place to earn money, contribute to their community, develop a support system, build self-reliance and regain a sense of dignity.

Nicholas Smith, the general manager of e Other Side Donuts, explains, “What makes this place unique is that the people working here have committed to change. ey want to improve their lives and situation and have the community to do so here.”

1. Piña Colada

Lush pineapple meets velvety coconut in this sun-kissed indulgence, capturing the essence of an island getaway.

2. Pink Lemonade

Fluffy dough meets a glossy pink lemonade glaze, with a luscious lemon-curd whipped filling.

Nicholas knows what his sta has been challenged with: making a big life change. He went through the sister program at e Other Side Academy, which helped him journey from a life of addiction, crime and incarceration to being a leader at the academy and now helping develop e Other Side Donuts.

3. The Unicorn Donut

Drenched in swirling rainbow icing and a dusting of edible glitter. It is as enchanting as it is precious.

4. Strawberry Habanero

(Lydia’s Favorite): Lush strawberry glaze meets a fiery habanero kick.

Nicholas also explained that one of the goals was to help the employees who may not have job skills, have physical or mental limitations, or may need extra training to have a place where they are o ered support but also held accountable by their peers. “It’s amazing to see how people start to change and grow and how they will own their opportunities. Especially when they know that it is their peers that they are letting down if they don’t keep their commitments,” he adds. Sweet dreams of change paired with sweet donuts make for a

magical combination. And the donuts are very, very good. e menu is divided into several sections (based on the price and complexity of the donut itself): the classics, the daydreams, the sweet dreams and the cloud nines.

The donut shop opened with its core recipes, but the team constantly comes up with new and seasonal ideas. While you can order online for pickup, it is better to go in and see what new and exciting concoctions they have in the case.

The Classic Donuts are $2 each, and you will find your perfectly glazed donut along with the Utah favorite, a maple bar, and a few extra fun ones tossed in for good measure. The Miss Trunchbull’s chocolate cake donut is dipped in chocolate glaze and covered in mini chocolate chips, a winky nod to the movie Matilda . The Galaxy glaze has a galactic swirl of semi-tart vanilla icing, edible shimmering stars and berry crystals.

The next step up is the Daydream Donuts, which are $2.50 each, and the step up in flavor and creativity is worth more than just two quarters. The grown-up PB&J is a double-filled donut that combines whipped peanut butter, very comfy peanuts on top and fresh jam. You will absolutely want to eat this with a glass of milk. Speaking of milk, the milk and cereal donut is dipped in a milk frosting and topped with cereal for a delightful crunch.

The Sweet Dreams Donuts sell for $4 each and are the stuff that dreams are made of. Flo Rida key lime pie, a s’more donut complete with toasted marshmallow on top, and a creme brulee donut make the list. The Blockbuster is one of the most popular Donuts here. A donut with a Plugra butter glaze and red button popcorn on the top, served in a mini popcorn bucket, complete with a cola soda candy to the side.

And nally, the creme de la creme, the Cloud Nine Donuts, our visionary.

Eggs in the City–2795 S. 2300 East, SLC. eggsinthecityslc.com. A familiar face in a whole new space—the favored breakfast joint has moved to Millcreek. Hip and homey, all at once.

Eva’s Bakery–155 S. Main St., SLC. evasbakeryslc.com A smart French-style cafe and bakery in the heart of downtown. Different bakers are behind the patisserie and the boulangerie, meaning sweet and daily breads get the attention they deserve. Go for classics like onion soup and croque monsieur, but don’t ignore other specials and always leave with at least one loaf of bread.

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Felt Bar & Eatery–341 S. Main St., SLC, feltslc.com. Appropriately named after the building where it resides, Felt’s menu is a wonderful mix of classic and more experimental cocktails, shared plates, filling main dishes and bar bites. The Filet and Marrow Tartare is a must.

Finn’s Cafe–1624 S. 1100 East, SLC. finnscafe.net

The Scandinavian vibe comes from the heritage of owner Finn Gurholt. At lunch, try the Nordic sandwiches, but Finn’s is most famous for breakfast (best Benedicts in town), served until the doors close at 2:30 p.m.

Five Alls 1458 Foothill Dr., SLC. fivealls.com

Five Alls offers a unique dining experience in a romantic, Old English-inspired location that overlooks the valley. The name is in part a reference to the menu’s five courses.

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Franklin Avenue–231 S. Edison St., SLC., franklinaveslc.com. The menu offers intelligent, well-executed plates. There is a burger (a Wagyu burger, actually) but Dungeness crab, as well, and a rotating menu of specials that will delight. The stellar bar program (it is a bar, after all) must certainly be mentioned and experienced.

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Harbor Seafood & Steak Co.–2302 E. Parleys Way, SLC. harborslc. com A much-needed breath of sea air refreshes this restaurant, which updates their menu frequently according to the availability of wild fish. A snappy interior, a creative cocktail menu and a vine-covered patio make for a hospitable atmosphere.

Himalayan Kitchen–360 S. State St., SLC; 11521 S. 4000 West, South Jordan. himalayankitchen.com. Indian-Nepalese restaurant with an ever-expanding menu. Start the meal with momos, fat little dumplings like pot stickers. All the tandoor dishes are good, but Himalayan food is rare, so go for the quanty masala, a stew made of nine different beans.

At $6.50 each, they are each splurge-worthy and unique. Take the beehive donut lled with lemon curd, a spicy honey glaze topped with u y honey meringue toasted and a white chocolate honeycomb. It is both whimsical and a nod to Utah, of course. My favorite donut of the lot (and I tried about 10 of them) was the strawberry habanero donut. It was sweet with a strawberry glaze but with that habanero kick. It is surprisingly spicy without being too in your face about it.

e Other Side Donuts o ers catering, pickups, and a donut wall for events and they have regular in-house events. e next time you’re craving a sweet treat, pick a place where every bite makes a di erence in someone’s life.

WHEN YOU GO

THE OTHER SIDE DONUTS

760 S. Redwood Road | theothersidedonuts.com

Hong Kong Tea House & Restaurant–565 W. 200 South, SLC. hongkongteahouse.yolasite.com Authentic, pristine and slightly weird is what we look for in Chinese food. Tea House does honorable renditions of favorites, but it is a rewarding place to go explore.

HSL–418 E. 200 South, SLC. hslrestaurant.com. The initials stand for “Handle Salt Lake”—Chef Briar Handly made his name with his Park city restaurant, Handle, and now he’s opened a second restaurant down the hill. The place splits the difference between “fine” and “casual” dining; the innovative food is excellent and the atmosphere is casually convivial. The menu is unique— just trust this chef. It’s all excellent.

Indochine–230 S. 1300 East, SLC. indochinesaltlake.com. Vietnamese cuisine is underrepresented in Salt Lake’s Thai-ed up dining scene, so a restaurant that offers more than noodles is welcome. Try broken rice dishes, clay pots and pho.

Kathmandu–

3142 S. Highland Dr., SLC. thekathmandu.net Try the Nepalese specialties, including spicy pickles to set off the tandoor-roasted meats. Both goat and sami, a kibbeh-like mixture of ground lamb and lentils, are available in several styles.

The Other Side Donuts offers catering, pickups, and a donut wall for events, and they have regular in-house events.

The Post District: A New Culinary Hub in Salt Lake City

A locally curated food & beverage destination

BY LYDIA MARTINEZ

THE POST DISTRICT IS UNIQUE regarding new development in Salt Lake City. Where most new builds are somewhat homogeneous, often tearing down and replacing locally owned businesses with cookie-cutter chains, the Post District has gone about hand-selecting tenants who are small, locally owned operations. The developers have curated a list of complementary businesses. Walk around the district, and you will find fine dining, good coffee, quick bites, and even places to enjoy an alcoholic beverage.

1. DANGEROUS PRETZEL

You will find some classics on the menu: a good salty pretzel and a sweet cinnamon sugar pretzel. But you will also find pretzels that are a meal unto themselves. The Spicy Bee Pretzel has hot peppers buried in white cheddar topped with hot honey. The BBK, aka brush before kissing pretzel, is a blend of parmesan herbs and garlic butter for a true date night disaster that is truly delicious. The Bootlegger Pretzel is bourbon maple bacon. And the Devil’s Delight is a nod to pizza with pepper, jack cheese, pepperoni, and sliced salami. Mini pretzel “bombs” are the dangerous version of donut holes.

WHEN YOU GO:

DANGEROUS PRETZEL

352 W. 600 South, Salt Lake City dangerouspretzel.com

2. MELANCHOLY WINE AND COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Melancholy is the new wine and cocktail lounge in the Post District. While most everything in the district is new construction, Melancholy is located in one of the original buildings on site. The location lends itself to an intimate atmosphere. There are only a few seats around the downstairs bar, and upstairs are table tops with seating. It feels like the type of place to go, read a book over a glass of wine solo or for an intimate tet-atet over cocktails.

WHEN YOU GO:

MELANCHOLY WINE AND COCKTAIL LOUNGE

556 S. Gale Street, SLC melancholyslc.com

3. LEVEL CROSSING

Setting up meeting places and gathering people together is why Mark Medura wanted to open up so much more than just a brewery, it was the passion that led him to open Level Crossing’s first location in South Salt Lake (2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake). When it came time to expand to a second location, the Post District was a natural choice. Mark valued being part of a local-focused development rather than a chain-heavy retail space. He loves the community partnerships with other local businesses like Urban Hill.

WHEN YOU GO: LEVEL CROSSING

550 S. 300 West, Suite 100, SLC levelcrossingbrewing.com

4. URBAN HILL

Owner Brooks Kirchheimer and his family have hired the best in the business, namely, Executive Chef Nick Zocco and a supporting cast of service standouts. The food on the plate is bold, the delivery is educated and efficient without being officious or pedantic and the wine glasses are always full of selections from a daring list.

WHEN YOU GO: URBAN HILL

510 S 300 West, Suite 100, SLC urban-hill.com

2

Melancholy is the new wine and cocktail lounge in the Post District.

Kaze–65. E. Broadway, SLC. kazesushiut.com. Small and stylish, Kaze has plenty to offer besides absolutely fresh fish and inventive combos. Food is beautifully presented and especially for a small place the variety is impressive. A sake menu is taking shape and Kaze is open until midnight.

King’s Peak Coffee–412 S. 700 West, SLC; 592 W. 200 South. kingspeakcoffee.com All of King’s Peak’s coffee is sourced directly from farmers or reputable importers. In the end, the result is a better quality coffee.

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Kimi’s Chop & Oyster

House– 4699 S. Highland Dr., SLC. kimishouse.com A high-style, multipurpose restaurant with new digs: It’s an oyster bar, it’s a steakhouse, it’s a lounge.However you use it, Kimi’s makes for a fun change from the surrounding pizza and beerscapes, with dramatic lighting, purple velvet and live music.

Kobe Japanese Restaurant–3947 S. Wasatch Blvd., MillcreekSLC. kobeslc.com Mike Fukumitsu, once at Kyoto,was is the personality behind the sushi bar and the driving spirit in the restaurant. Perfectly fresh fish keeps a horde of regulars returning.

Krua Thai–212 E. 500 South, SLC. kruathairestaurant.co, kruathaiut.com Curries and noodle dishes hit a precise procession on the palate— sweet, then sour, savory and hot—plus there are dishes you’ve never tried before and should: bacon and collard greens, red curry with duck, salmon with chili and coconut sauce.

Left Fork Grill–68 W. 3900 South, SLC. leftforkgrillslc.com, leftforkgrill.ipower.com Every booth comes with its own dedicated pie shelf. Because no matter what you’re eating—liver and onions, raspberry pancakes, meatloaf or a reuben— you’ll want to save room for pie. Tip: Order your favorite pie first, in case they run out. Now serving beer and wine.

Log Haven–6451 E. Mill Creek Canyon Road, SLC. log-haven.com Certainly Salt Lake’s most picturesque restaurant, the old log cabin is pretty in every season. Chef David Jones has a sure hand with American vernacular and is not afraid of frying, although he also has a way with healthy, low-calorie, high-energy food. And he’s an expert with local and foraged foods.

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Manoli’s–402 E. 900 South, SLC. manolison9th.com Manoli and Katrina Katsanevas have created a fresh modern approach to Greek food. Stylish small plates full of Greek flavors include Butternut-squash-filled tyropita, smoked feta in piquillo peppers and a stellar roast chicken.

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Matteo–77 W. 200 South, SLC. matteoslc.com. This family-run Italian restaurant comes with a mission statement: “Food. Wine. Togetherness.” The menu is Inspired by the rustic and comforting recipes and techniques passed down through generations of Matteo’s family and perfected by Chef Damiano Carlotto.

(UP) AND COMING (SOON) TO THE POST DISTRICT

5. OPEN NOW: URBAN SAILOR COFFEE

Obsessed with specialty coffee, Urban Sailor Coffee roasts to order every single week. Well, they started as a small coffee truck, and they have moved on to have multiple locations, including the Post District, Sugar House, and their Marmalade Roastery.

WHEN YOU GO:

POST DISTRICT LOCATION:

570 South 300 West, Suite 100 urbansailorcoffee.com

COMING SOON

SUNDAY’S BEST

The Instagrammable-centric brunch place is set to open in the Post District at some point in the spring or summer. As of print, there was no ETA on the date.

MENSHO RAMEN

Mensho Ramen is a concept that was founded in 2005 in Japan. As a multiaward winning franchise, Mensho is known for harmony and balance in the five main elements of ramen: the sauce, soup, noodles, oil and topping. We can’t wait to taste with dishes like lamb tonkatsu ramen, matcha ramen and wagyu ramen!

CASA DE TAMAL

Another one of our local favorites, Casa de Tamal, just signed a lease for the Post District, bringing tamales, tacos, caldos and parilladas to the area. We can’t wait for them to join the club.

Urban Sailor Coffee has multiple locations, including the Post District, Sugar House and their Marmalade Roastery.

The Post District has focused on hand-selecting tenants who are small, locally owned operations.

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Mazza–1515 S. 1500 East, SLC. mazzacafe.com. Excellent. With the bright flavor that is the hallmark of Middle Eastern food and a great range of dishes, Mazza has been a go-to for fine Lebanese food in SLC before there was much fine food at all.

Millcreek Café & EggWorks–3084 E. 3300 South, SLC. millcreekcafeandeggworks. com This spiffy neighborhood place is open for lunch, but breakfast is the game. Items like a chile verdesmothered breakfast wrap and the pancakes offer serious sustenance.

My Thai–1425 S. 300 West, SLC. mythaiasiancuisine.com My Thai is an unpretentious mom-and-pop operation—she’s mainly in the kitchen, and he mainly waits tables, but in a lull, she darts out from her stove to ask diners if they like the food. Yes, we do.

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Nomad Eatery–1722 Fremont Drive, SLC. nomad-eatery.com Nomad Eatery has reopened inside the Uinta Brewery. Find perfectly crafted classic American cuisine with a craft brew to pair.An oasis for the west side.

Nuch’s Pizzeria – 2819 S. 2300 East, Millcreek. nuchspizza.com A New York-sized eatery (meaning tiny) offers big flavor via specialty pastas and wonderful bubbly crusted pizzas. Ricotta is made in house.

Oasis Cafe – 151 S. 500 East, SLC. oasiscafeslc.com. Oasis has a New Age vibe, but the food’s only agenda is taste. Lots of veg options, but meat, too. The German pancakes are wonderful, but its evening menu suits the space —being both imaginative and refreshing.

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Koyote–551 W. 400 North, SLC. koyoteslc.com. The menu features a wide selection of traditional Japanese dishes, including ramen, okazu and washoku. They also offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The showstopper for the night was the Karage wings.

Oh Mai –850 S. State St.,SLC; 3425 State St., SLC; Other Utah locations. ohmaisandwichkitchen.com. Fast, friendly and hugely flavorful—that sums up this little banh mi shop that’s taken SLC by storm. Pho is also good and so are full plates, but the banh mi are heaven.

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Oquirrh–368 E. 100 South, SLC. oquirrhslc.com Little and original chefowned bistro offers a menu of inventive and delicious dishes—whole curried lamb leg, chicken confit pot pie, milk-braised potatoes—it’s all excellent.

Osteria Amore–224 S. 1300 East, SLC. osteriaamore.com An offshoot of the ever-growing Sicilia Mia group, the food here is not highly original —expect carpaccio, fried octopus, all kinds of pasta and pizza in the nicely redesigned space.

The St. Regis Deer Valley offers exquisite dining as inviting as the mountain ambiance.

Curate your defining dining experience. Multiple on-site venues pair perfectly with globally inspired cuisine and breathtaking views.

Padeli’s–30 E. Broadway, SLC; 2975 Clubhouse Dr., Lehi. padelisstreetgreek.com Padeli’s serves the classic Greek street fare, but these excellent souvlaki come in a streamlined space modeled after Chipotle, Zao and other fast-but-not-fast-food stops. The perfect downtown lunch.

Passion Flour Patisserie–165 E. 900 South, SLC. passionflourslc.com A vegan-friendly cafe located in an up-and-coming neighborhood. They offer coffee and tea lattes and a variety of croissants: the crust is flaky and buttery (despite the lack of butter). They also bake up some deliciously moist custom vegan cakes for any occasion.

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The Pearl–917 S. 200 West, SLC, thepearlslc.com The Pearl is a hip space serving craft cocktails and Vietnamese street food, conceived by the same minds behind Alibi Bar. The menu has items like banh mi sandwiches, caramel pork belly and chicken pho.

Per Noi Trattoria–3005 S. Highland Dr., SLC. pernoitrattoria.com A little chef-owned, red sauce Italian spot catering to its neighborhood. Expect casual, your-hands-on service, hope they have enough glasses to accommodate the wine you bring, and order the spinach ravioli.

Porcupine Pub and Grille–3698 E. Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights. porcupinepub.com

A lodge-inspired apres ski spot and gathering place for a hot meal and a cold beer after a day on the mountain

Provisions–3364 S. 2300 East, SLC. slcprovisions.com. With Chef Tyler Stokes’ bright, fresh approach to American craft cuisine (and a bright, fresh atmosphere to eat it in), Provision strives for handmade and local ideals executed with style and a little humor.

Rodizio Grill–

600 S. 700 East, SLC. rodiziogrill. com The salad bar offers plenty to eat, but the best bang for the buck is the Full Rodizio, a selection of meats—turkey, chicken, beef, pork, seafood and more—plus vegetables and pineapple, brought to your table until you cry “uncle.”

Roots Café–3474 S. 2300 East, Millcreek. rootscafeslc.com A charming little daytime cafe in Millcreek with a wholesome, granola vibe.

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Rouser – 2 S. 400 West, SLC. rouserslc.com . Rouser sparked into the scene in late 2024 in the old Union Pacific Depot Train Station as part of the new Asher Adams hotel. Keeping with the theme, the restaurant boasts charcoal-flavored moments across the menu

Royal India–10263 S. 1300 East, Sandy; 55 N. Main St., Bountiful. royalindiautah.com. Northern Indian tikka masalas and Southern Indian dosas allow diners to enjoy the full range of Indian cuisine.

Ruth’s Diner–4160 Emigration Canyon Rd., SLC. ruthsdiner.com. The original funky trolley car is almost buried by the beer garden in fine weather, but Ruth’s still serves up diner food in a low-key setting, and the patio is one of the best. Collegiate fare like burgers, BLTs and enchiladas rule here. The giant biscuits come with every meal, and the chocolate pudding should.

Sake Ramen & Sushi Bar–8657 Highland Drive, Sandy. sakeut.com. Sake has a focus on modern interpretations of classic Japanese Dishes. They promise their Agadashi tofu “will make all of your problems disappear.”

The Salt Republic–170 S. West Temple, SLC. A modern eatery with a focus on healthful and hearty dishes from local ingredients, prepared in the kitchen’s rotisserie and wood-fired oven, for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Salt Lake City Hyatt Regency hotel.

Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen— 877 E. 12300 South,Draper, saucebosssouthernkitchen. com. The menu at Sauce Boss embodies nostalgia, Southern comfort and Black soul food at its best. The focus is on authentic flavors, consistent quality and the details: Red Drink (a house-made version of Bissap), real sweet tea, crunchy-crust cornbread, fried catfish, blackened chicken wings and collard greens.

Sawadee Thai–754 E. South Temple, SLC. sawadeethaiutah.com The menu goes far outside the usual pad thai and curry. Thai food’s appeal lies in the subtleties of difference achieved with a limited list of ingredients.

Slackwater Pizza–684 S. 500 West, SLC. 209 24th St., Ogden. slackwaterpizzeria.com The pies here are as good as any food in SLC. Selection ranges from traditional to Thai (try it), and there’s an excellent selection of wine and beer.

SOMI Vietnamese Bistro–1215 E. Wilmington Ave., SLC. somislc.com But there’s also Chinese food and a cocktail menu at this stylish Sugarhouse restaurant. Crispy branzino, pork belly sliders on bai and braised oxtail are some of the highlights to the menu, which also includes the standard spring rolls and pho.

Spencer’s–255 S. West Temple, SLC. spencersslc.com The quality of the meat and the accuracy of the cooking are what make it great. Beef is aged on the bone, and many cuts are served on the bone—a luxurious change from the usual cuts.

Stella Grill–4291 S. 900 East, SLC. stellagrill.com

A cool little arts-and-crafts-style café, Stella is balanced between trendy and tried-and-true. The careful cooking comes with moderate prices. Great for lunch.

Stoneground Italian Kitchen–

249 E. 400 South, SLC. stonegrounditalian.com The longtime pizza joint has blossomed into a full-scale Italian restaurant with chef Justin Shifflet in the kitchen making authentic sauces and fresh pasta. An appealing upstairs deck and a full craft bar complete the successful transformation. Oh yeah, they still serve pizza.

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Scelto– 849 E. 9400 South, Sandy. sceltoslc.com. When it comes to delivering stylish dining to our suburbs, Scelto is there. The wine list is very Italian, a good sign, and it has some nice splashes of French. The beef ragu is appropriately simmered for hours, which is the most important and complex part of a good lasagna.

Settebello Pizzeria–260 S. 200 West, SLC. settebello.net Every Neapolitan-style pie here is handshaped by a pizza artisan and baked in a wood-fired oven. And they make great gelato right next door.

Silver Fork Lodge–11332 E. Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd., Brighton. silverforklodge.com. Silver Fork’s kitchen handles three daily meals beautifully. Try pancakes made with a 50-year-old sourdough starter. Don’t miss the smoked trout and brie appetizer.

Siragusa’s Taste of Italy–4115 Redwood Rd., Taylorsville. siragusas.com. Another strip mall momand-pop find, the two dishes to look out for are sweet potato gnocchi and osso buco made with pork.

Skewered Thai–575 S. 700 East, SLC. skeweredthai.com A serene setting for some of the best Thai in town—perfectly balanced curries, pristine spring rolls, intoxicating drunk noodles and a wellcurated wine list.

Table X–1457 E. 3350 South, SLC. tablexrestaurant.com. A trio of chefs collaborate on a forward-thinking thoroughly artisanal menu—vegetables are treated as creatively as proteins (smoked sunchoke, chilecured pumpkin, barbecued cannelini beans) bread and butter are made in-house and ingredients are the best (Solstice chocolate cake). Expect surprises.

Takashi–18 W. Market St., SLC. takashisushi.com. Takashi Gibo earned his acclaim by buying the freshest fish and serving it in politely eye-popping style. Check the chalkboard for specials like Thai mackerel, fatty tuna or spot prawns, and expect some of the best sushi in the city

Tandoor Indian Grill–3300 S. 729 East, SLC; 4828 S. Highland Dr., Holladay; 1600 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo. tandoorindiangrill.com. Delicious salmon tandoori, sizzling on a plate with onions and peppers like fajitas, is mysteriously not overcooked. Friendly service.

Thai Garden–868 E. 900 South, SLC. thaigardenbistroslc.com Paprika-infused pad thai, deep-fried duck and fragrant gang gra ree are all excellent choices—but there are 50-plus items on the menu. Be tempted by batter-fried bananas with coconut ice cram.

Urban Hill–510 S. 300 West, SLC. urban-hill. com. The menu is seafood forward and takes inspiration from Southwest cuisine. Its wood-burning flame grill is unique, and the ember-roasted carrots with salty feta and a New Mexico red chili sauce are a winner. Be sure to save room for dessert.

Beer and Community at Level Crossing Brewery

A hospitality-focused craft brewery

BY LYDIA MARTINEZ

MARK

MEDURA

started in the alcoholic beverage industry in 2008 as a founding employee of High West Distillery in Park City. “Beer and hospitality have always been a substantial passion of mine,” he says. “So there was never another option. There was no hesitancy that I wanted to start a brewery and have a taproom component and hospitality piece to it.” Level Crossing Brewery was founded in 2017 and opened its doors in 2019.

e name comes from Mark’s Pennsylvania Roots. “It’s an old timeworn railroad expression. You need a level crossing to get over the railroad tracks. And I grew up near one that was right next to an old family cottage. It was

the place where all the family reunions, graduation parties, and gatherings took place. So a level crossing to me is a place to meet.”

Setting up meeting places and gathering people together is why Mark wanted to open up so much more than just a brewery. It’s part of his heritage,

THE ‘RED FEATHER’... IT WAS SYMBOLIC TO LEAVE AN EMPTY PLACE SETTING AT THE DINNER TABLE JUST IN CASE SOMEBODY KNOCKED ON THE DOOR...

—MARK MEDURA

literally in his blood. e red feather in the Level Crossing logo is a daily reminder of the priorities. “ e red feather is an old family tradition of mine, an old Polish tradition.

My grandmother would leave an empty place setting at the dinner table,” he reminisces. “And this was for ‘red feather.’ It was symbolic to leave an empty place setting at the dinner table just in case somebody knocked on the door. It meant they were always welcome to sit and get a warm meal. It wouldn’t matter if it was a relative, neighbor or stranger.”

Everything about Level Crossing Brewery, the culture and the values of the company comes down to inclusion and hospitality. When it came time to expand to a second location, the Post District was a natural choice.

Mark valued being part of a local-focused development rather than a chain-heavy retail space. He loves the community partnerships with other local businesses like Urban Hill, which are a natural byproduct of proximity.

Mark Medura has been in the service industry since 2008, now he’s bringing his brand of beer and hospitality to The Post District.

The latest release in Level Crossing’s Red Feather Small Batch Series, the Eternal Pursuit is a complex and malty Belgian Dark Strong Ale.

GO

The Post District | 550 S. 300 W., Suite 100

South Salt Lake | 2496 S. West Temple levelcrossingbrewing.com

Hospitality and customer service are paramount to Mark and his team at both locations. “I want to wow every customer that comes through, whether it’s with a warm greeting or service, our food, and the hope that everything will mesh well together.”

Level Crossing is known primarily for its American ales. Its IPA game is strong, with four or five different versions always available. They offer a range of beers including sours, German lagers, barrel-aged beers and seasonal limited-edition beers.

e barrel-aged program is particularly robust. With Mark’s connection to High West, they o en have really delicious whiskey barrels and have even played around with wine barrels. ey also have their Red Feather series.

ey brew one type of unique beer every other month, and once it sells out, it is out until next year.

Instead of traditional bar food, Mark opted to focus on high-quality wood-fired pizzas and delicious sandwiches. This is a natural extension of his Philadelphia roots and the strong connection between pizza and beer. Plus, there’s something interactive and engaging about the wood-fired oven, creating a unique dining experience. The Level Crossing team makes dough and sauce fresh every single day.

With strong support of community, Level Crossing can be found around town supporting local artists, partnering with restaurants for

pairing dinners and even hosting the Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market beer garden this summer.

Level Crossing offers a range of beers including sours, German lagers, barrel-aged beers and seasonal limited-edition beers.

Level Crossing’s menu focuses on high-quality wood-fired pizzas and delicious sandwiches as well as generous “small” bites.

With beers like Soul Rex, a double IPA, level Crossing’s IPA game is strong, with four or five different versions always available.

PHOTOS BY ADAM FINKLE

WEHN YOU

LEVEL CROSSING

SCANDINAVIAN & AMERICAN CUISINE SINCE 1952

Vertical Diner–234 W. 900 South, SLC. verticaldiner.com. Vertical Diner boasts an animalfree menu of burgers, sandwiches and breakfasts. Plus cocktails, organic wines and coffees.

Woodbine Food Hall & Cocktail Bar–545 W. 700 South, SLC. woodbineslc.com. A cornerstone of the Granary District, Woodbine has a full liquor license with a 21-and-over bar up front and on the roof. Inside the hall beer and wine is available. The Hall has spaces for up to nine establishments.

Yoko Ramen – 473 E. 400 South, SLC. yokoslc.com More ramen! Utahns can’t seem to slurp enough of the big Japanese soup—Yoko serves it up for carnivores and vegans, plus offers some kinkier stuff like a Japanese Cubano sandwich and various pig parts.

Zao Asian Cafe–400 S. 639 East, SLC; 2227 S. Highland Dr., SLC; Other Utah locations. zaoasiancafe.com It’s hard to categorize this panAsian semi-fast food concept. It draws from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese traditions, all combined with the American need for speed. Just file it under fast, fresh, flavorful food.

Zest Kitchen & Bar–275 S. 200 West, SLC. zestslc.com Zest has sophisticated vegan cooking plus a cheerful attitude and ambience fueled by creative cocktails. Pulling flavors from many culinary traditions—the menu is all vegan and changes frequently.

PARK CITY & THE WASATCH BACK

Baja Cantina–1355 Lowell Ave., Park City. bajaparkcity.com The T.J. Taxi is a flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, cheddar-jack cheese and guacamole.

Big Dipper–227 Main St., Park City. bigdipperpc.com. Located in the historical Star Hotel, the Big Dipper brings in a little old world and a little new, serving up old-world inspired French dip sandwiches that have a modern spin.

Billy Blanco’s–8208 Gorgoza Pines Rd., Park City. billyblancos.com Motor City Mexican. The subtitle is “burger and taco garage,” but garage is the notable word. This is a theme restaurant with lots of cars and motorcycles on display, oil cans to hold the flatware, and a 50-seat bar made out of toolboxes. If you’ve ever dreamed of eating in a garage, you’ll be thrilled.

Blind Dog Grill –1251 Kearns Blvd., Park City. blinddogpc.com The kitchen offers imaginative selections even though the dark wood and cozy ambience look like an old gentlemen’s club. Don’t miss the Dreamloaf, served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes.

The Blue Boar Inn–1235 Warm Springs Rd., Midway. theblueboarinn.com The restaurant is reminiscent of the Alps, but serves fine American cuisine. Don’t miss the award-winning brunch. SERVING

801.467.4000

www.finnscafe.net

Open daily 7:30am to 2:30pm

ON THE TABLE DINING GUIDE

Chimayo–368 Main St., Park City. chimayorestaurant.com Bill White’s prettiest place, this restaurant is reminiscent of Santa Fe, but the food is pure Park City. Margaritas are good, and the avocado-shrimp appetizer combines guacamole and ceviche flavors in a genius dish.

Freshie’s Lobster Co.–1915 Prospector Ave., Park City; 356 E. 900 South, SLC. freshieslobsterco.com After years as everyone’s favorite summer food stop at Park Silly Market, Freshie’s has settled into a permanent location selling their shore-to-door lobster rolls all year round.

Ghidotti’s–6030 N. Market St., Park City. ghidottis. com Ghidotti’s evokes Little Italy more than Italy, and the food follows suit—think spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and rigatoni Bolognese. Try the chicken soup.

Grub Steak–2093 Sidewinder Dr., Prospector Square, Park City. grubsteakparkcity.com Live country music, fresh salmon, lamb and chicken, and a mammoth salad bar. Order bread pudding whether you think you want it or not. You will.

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Handle–136 Heber Ave., Park City. handleparkcity.com Chef-owner Briar Handly offers a menu, mostly of small plates, with the emphasis on excellent sourcing— trout sausage and Beltex Meats prosciutto, for example. There are also full-meal plates, including the chef’s famous fried chicken.

2025 DIN I NG AWARD Hearth and Hill–1153 Center Dr., Park City. hearth-hill.com. This all-purposse cafe serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, focusing on bright, approachable American dishes with a kick.

Kuchu Shabu House – 3270 N. Sundial Ct., Park City; 2121 S. McClelland St., SLC. kuchushabu.com The second shabu-style eatery in PC is less grand than the first but offers max flavor from quality ingredients.

Lush’s BBQ – 7182 Silver Creek Rd., Park City. lushsbbq.com Tennesee-inspired BBQ you won’t soon forget. Think sharp vinegar with a hint of citrus and just a touch of sweetness. When the meat’s just coming off the smoker, you’d be hard pressed to find better ribs, brisket or pulled pork anywhere else.

350 Main–350 Main St., Park City. 350main.com Now run by Cortney Johanson who has worked at the restaurant for 20 years, this mainstay cafe on Main Street is seeing another high point. With Chef Matthew Safranek in the kitchen, the menu is a balanced mix of old favorites and soon-to-be favorites like Five Spice Venison Loin in Pho. Amazing.

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Rime Seafood & Steak–2300 Deer Valley Dr. East, Park City, St. Regis, Deer Valley. srdvdining.com Acclaimed Chef Matthew Harris heads the kitchen at this simply brilliant restaurant at the St. Regis—meticulously sourced meat and seafood from his trusted vendors, perfectly cooked.

Royal Street Café–7600 Royal St., Silver Lake Village, Deer Valley Resort, Park City. deervalley.com (Open seasonally) Don’t miss the lobster chowder, but note the novelties, too. In a new take on the classic lettuce wedge salad, Royal Street’s version adds baby beets, glazed walnuts and pear tomatoes.

Sammy’s Bistro–1890 Bonanza Dr., Park City. sammysbistro.com Down-to-earth food in a comfortable setting. Sounds simple, but if so, why aren’t there more Sammy’s in our world? Try the bacon-grilled shrimp or a chicken bowl with your brew.

Sushi Blue–1571 W. Redstone Center Dr. Ste. 140, Park City. sushiblueparkcity.com Find the yin and yang of Asian-American flavors in Bill White’s sushi, excellent Korean tacos, crab sliders and other Amer-Asian food fusions, including the best hot dog in the state, topped with bacon and house-made kimchi.

2025 DIN I NG AWARD Tupelo–1500 Kearns Blvd., Park City. tupeloparkcity.com. Tupelo is a homegrown dining experience that deserves a visit. The menu features some favorites carried over from Tupelo’s inception, like the Idaho Trout and the famed buttermilk biscuits with butter honey, as well as newer dishes such as the vegan-friendly grilled cauliflower steak with herb-chili pesto.

Wasatch Bagel Café–1 300 Snow Creek Dr., Park City. wasatchbagelandgrill.com Not just bagels, but bagels as buns, enfolding a sustaining layering of sandwich fillings like egg and bacon.

Windy Ridge Bakery & Café–

1755 Bonanza Dr., 1750 Iron Horse Dr., Park City. windyridgebakery.com. One of Park City’s most popular noshing spots—especially on Taco Tuesdays. The bakery behind turns out desserts and pastries for Bill White’s restaurants as well as take-home entrees.

Woodland Biscuit Company–

2734 E. State Hwy. 35, Woodland, Park City. woodlandbiscuitcompany.com Breakfast is the real deal here so pile on the bacon and eggs but if you sleep late, not to worry—burgers, sandwiches and tacos are good too.

NORTHERN UTAH

Hearth on 25th–195 Historic 25th St., Ogden. hearth25.com. The charming upstairs dining room is a great setting for some of the best and most imaginative food in Ogden. Handmade hearth bread, espressorubbed yak, killer stroganoff—too many options to mention here—this is really a destination restaurant.

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Table 25–195 25th St., Ogden. table25ogden.com. A bright, contemporary space in Downtown Ogden has a patio right on Historic 25th Street. The elevated yet approachable menu includes Spanish mussels and frites, ahi tuna and a classic cheeseburger.

PROVO & CENTRAL UTAH

Chom Burger–45 W. 300 North, Provo; 496 N. 990 West, American Fork. chomburger.com Colton Soelberg’s (Communal, etc.) low-key high-end burger place has an eye towards infusing highquality ingredients into America’s favorite sandwich. Inexpensive, innovative and delicious burgers and shakes, as we have come to expect from Soelberg who has a knack for elevating comfort food.

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Foundry Grill and The Tree Room –8841 Alpine Loop Dr., Sundance Resort, Sundance. sundanceresort.com The Tree Room is known for its seasonal, straightforward menu and memorable decor, including Robert Redford’s kachina collection. Meanwhile the grill serves comfort food with western style. Sunday brunch is a mammoth buffet.

Strap Tank Brewery–596 S. 1750 West, Springville; 3661 Outlet Parkway, Lehi, straptankbrewery.com. With locations in Lehi and Springville (and soon St. George), Strap Tank provides a much-needed watering hole to the people in Utah County and points south. Reliable American fare and plenty of beers on tap.

SOUTHERN UTAH

Anasazi Steakhouse–1234 W. Sunset Blvd., St. George. anasazisteakhouse.com. Diners cook their own steaks and seafood on volcanic rocks at this stylish and artsy spot that also serves up fondue and cocktails.

Angelica’s Mexican Grill–101 E. St. George Blvd., St. George. angelicasmexicangrill.com

A bright Mexican eatery serving up traditional street food in a cozy space.

2025 DIN I NG AWARD Basalt–1500 E. Black Desert Dr., Ivins. blackdesertresort.com. The high level of quality is apparent in every detail from the table settings to the space design to the food that came on the plate (despite the limited menu). This is an acorn determined to be a mighty oak, like yesterday.

Bear Paw Café–75 N. Main St., St. George. bearpawcafe.com St. George’s favorite breakfast and lunch cafe for more than 25 years! Bear Paw Cafe serves breakfast at anytime of the day. Don’t forget to try the guest favorites, including belgian waffles, hand-crafted pancakes, world-class french toast and fresh crepes.

Canyon Breeze Restaurant— 1275 E. Red Mountain Cir., Ivins. redmountainresort. com. Red Mountain’s Canyon Breeze Restaurant has spectacular views and outdoor patio seating. The menu focuses on whole foods, local meats, homemade baked goods and desserts made from scratch.

2025

DIN I NG AWARD Hell’s Backbone Grill–20 N. Highway 12, Boulder hellsbackbonegrill. com Owners Blake Spalding and Jen Castle set the bar for local, organic food in Utah. Now the cafe has gained national fame. They garden, forage, raise chickens and bees, and offer breakfasts, dinners and even picnic lunches.

THE FOUNDRY GRILL

After a chilly day on the slopes, warm up by the fireplace in the dining room. There are four tables near the hearth, which you can request, as well as a fireplace in the back room that can be reserved for large groups.

—CHRISTIE PORTER

Painted Pony

St. George. painted-pony.com

culinary trends with standards like sage-smoked quail on mushroom risotto. Even “surf and turf” has a twist—tenderloin tataki with chile-dusted scallops.

Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired

Kitchen – 233 W. Center St., Kanab. peekabookitchen.com

Friends Animal Sanctuary, this casual eatery serves vegetarian cuisine—artisanal pizza, local beer, craft cocktails and a rocking patio.

The Pizza Factory

St. George. stgeorgepizzafactory.com

George Pizza Factory, founded in 1979, is one of the city’s main attractions. It was born of a desire to create the perfect pizza parlor, where friends and family could come together over a slice or a whole pie.

Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge–1 Zion Lodge, Springdale. zionlodge.com Try eating here on the terrace. Enjoy melting-pot American dishes like smoked trout salad with prickly pear vinaigrette. And you can’t beat the red rock ambience.

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi–81 N. 1100 East, St. George. sakuraut. com The Hibachi side of the restaurant gives both dinner and a show in one, but if you’re shy about open flames, Sakura also offers tasty sushi rolls.

Tifiny’s Creperie–567 S. Valley View Dr., St. George. tifinyscreperie.com Enjoy the cozy dining room and the comforting, casual French cuisine, featuring classic sweet and savory crêpes.

Vermillion 45–210 S. 100 East, Kanab. vermillion45.com Who would expect a fine restaurant with a French chef in Kanab? But here it is, and it’s excellent.

Whiptail Grill–445 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale. whiptailgrillzion.com Tucked into an erstwhile gas station, the kitchen is little, but the flavors are big—a goat cheese-stuffed chile relleno crusted in Panko and the chocolate-chile creme brulee.

2025 DIN I NG AWARD Xetava/ The Rusted Cactus–815 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins. therustedcactus.com Blue corn waffles for breakfast and lunch are good bets. But to truly experience Xetava, dine under the stars in ecoconscious Kayenta. For a full bar and more tasty bites, visit The Rusted Cactus, also on-site.

Feelin’ Spritzy

Inside The Peery hotel, Spritz! embraces a summertime state of mind with bubbly cocktails and bold style

BY AVREY EVANS | PHOTOS BY ADAM FINKLE

TEMPERATURES ARE FINALLY WARMING UP in Salt Lake City, which can only mean one thing: It’s spritzer season baby. Although, we never stopped enjoying our Aperol Spritz and tall pours of prosecco because we know that spritz season isn’t confined to a calendar; it’s a state of mind. The folks at Spritz! understand this and the bubbles flow year round at this adorable bar inside The Peery Hotel. Wife duo Lizzie and Cailee Jacobs were inspired by their international travels when they constructed a splashy European lounge in the heart of Salt Lake. “I knew I wanted it to be small, super cozy and girly,” says Lizzie. “I

wanted people to walk in and feel that someone took time to design the space, not just slap 10 TVs on the walls and call it a day.” Drawn to bold patterns, mid-century maximalism and intimate atmospheres, the couple was elated to discover an open space inside the historic Peery Hotel downtown. Lizzie wasted no time dressing the compact space in a swath of eclectic furnishings and striking patterns, including a hot pink hallway, a wall of mirrors and a personal gallery collage. While others might view the small square footage as a detriment, Lizzie saw it as an opportunity for serendipitous connections—between single travelers or locals looking to share a spritz.

“There’s something so exciting about strangers sitting side by side and sparking up a conversation,” she says. “That’s the magic of a hotel bar.”

The drinks at Spritz! match the interior’s sunny disposition, focusing on bubbly cocktails that are as crushable as they are cute. “We want to keep up with the trends, so our menu will include rotating spritz options and fan favorites like espresso and matcha martinis.” The bar’s mix-and-match Spritz options include the foundational Aperol Spritz, along with other bright variations like the Midori and Limoncello Spritz. Inclusivity is key at Spritz!, which is why the menu also boasts an array of mocktails, all served

Lizzie and Cailee Jacobs co-own Spritz! inside the historic Peery Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

in elegant wine glasses and adorned with garnishes that are as visually appealing as they are refreshing.

Having been open for just over a year, Lizzie has been elated with the response from the community. “It’s been so rewarding, it’s so fulfilling to have found our people.” And, having dialed in the bar’s cocktail approach, the Spritz! team is excited to work in more weekly events and special gatherings. Hosted each Friday, Spritz! screens an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race and invites local drag queens for commentary. The camp-meets-Campari viewing party is a perfect weekend activity to add to your summer lineup, follow their socials to stay up-to-date with themed parties and meet-ups.

With their playful approach to summer sipping and interiors brimming with

personality, Spritz! is a welcome addition to Salt Lake’s nightlife scene. So, the next time you’re craving an Aperol Spritz (which, let’s be honest, is always), make your way to Spritz!—where every season feels like spritz season.

The Aerie–9320 Cliff Lodge Dr. Ste. 88, Snowbird Resort, 801-933-2160. snowbird.com. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean drinkers can marvel at nature’s handiwork while feasting from the sushi bar. The menu is global with live music some nights.

Back Door On Edison–152 E. 200 South, SLC, 385-267-1161. backdoorslc.com. This watering hole from the owners of Laziz Kitchen serves Lebaneseinspired bar bites and has a promising cocktail menu.

Bar Nohm–165 W. 900 South, SLC, 385-465-4488. barnohm.com. Bar Nohm is more of a gastropub than a sit-down restaurant, with a cocktail menu and Asian fusion sharing plates.

Bar X–155 E. 200 South, SLC, 801-355-2287. barxslc.com. This was the vanguard of Salt Lake’s new cocktail movement, serving classic drinks and creative inventions behind the best electric sign in the city.

Beer Bar–161 E. 200 South, SLC, 385-259-0905. beerbarslc.com. Ty Burrell, star of ABC’s Modern Family, co-owns Beer Bar, which is right next to Bar X. It’s noisy, there’s no table service, but there are 140+ brews to choose from and variety of wurst.

The Bayou– 645 S. State St., SLC, 801-961-8400. utahbayou.com. This is Beervana, with 200-plus bottled beers and even more on draft.

Beerhive Pub–128 S. Main St., SLC, 801-364-4268. @beerhive_pub. More than 200 beers — domestic, imported and local—with a long ice rail to keep the brew cold, the way Americans like ’em, are the outstanding features of this cozy downtown pub.

BTG Wine Bar– 404 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-359-2814. btgwinebar.com. BTG stands for “By the Glass” and though BTG serves craft cocktails, specialty beer and good food, the pièces de résistance are the more than 50 wines by the glass.

Spritz! keeps their cocktail menu fresh and rotating with seasonal bubbly beverages.

WHEN YOU GO

110 W. 300 South (located inside the Peery Hotel) spritzslc.com | instagram @spritzslc

Casot Wine + Work–1508 S. 1500 East, SLC. 801-441-2873. casotwinework.com. In a town with a dearth of neighborhood bars, Casot is the real deal. Located in the established 15th and 15th hood, this small wine bar is a welcome addition featuring a Spanish forward list from Pago’s Scott Evans.

Contribution Cocktail Lounge –

170 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-596-1234. For an escape from the hustle of downtown, pop into the Salt Lake City Hyatt Regency hotel’s cocktail lounge, to enjoy a small bite or a drink from the thoughtful cocktail menu.

Copper Common–111 E. Broadway #190, SLC, 801-355-0543. coppercommon.com. Copper Common is a real bar—that means you don’t actually have to order food if you don’t want to. But on the other hand, why wouldn’t you want to? This bar has a real chef.

The Cotton Bottom–2820 E. 6200 South, Holladay, 801-849-8847. thecottonbottom.com

Remember when this was a ski bum’s town? The garlic burger and a beer is what you order.

Dick n’ Dixie’s– 479 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-994-6919. @dickndixies. The classic corner beer bar where cronies of all kinds gather regularly to watch sports, talk politics and generally gossip about the city and nothing in particular.

East Liberty Tap House– 850 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-441-2845. eastlibertytaphouse.com Half a dozen beers on draft and 20 or more by the bottle, and the rotation changes constantly. The menu does clever takes on bar food classics.

Flanker– 6 N. Rio Grande, The Gateway, SLC, 801-683-7070. flankerslc.com. A little bit sports bar, a little bit nightclub and a little bit entertainment venue, with a parlor and bowling alley, private karaoke rooms and a golf simulator.

Franklin Ave.–231 S. Edison Street, SLC, 385831-7560. franklinaveslc.com. A swanky restaurant and bar by the minds of Bourbon Group. The food is multicultural fusion with roots in modern American.

Felt Bar & Eatery–341 S. Main St., SLC, feltslc.com. Appropriately named after the building where it resides, Felt’s menu is a wonderful mix of classic and more experimental cocktails, shared plates, filling main dishes and bar bites. The Filet and Marrow Tartare is a must.

Garage –1199 N. Beck St., SLC, 801-521-3904. garageonbeck.com. Everyone compares it to an Austin bar. Live music, good food and the rockingest patio in town. Try the Chihuahua, a chile-heated riff on a margarita.

The Gibson Lounge– 555 S. Main St., SLC, 801-258-6000. grandamerica.com. Grand America’s inimitable style is translated into a cushy but unstuffy bar, the antithesis of the current hipster style. You can actually wear a cocktail dress to this cocktail bar.

Gracie’s– 326 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-819-7565. graciesslc.com. Play pool, throw darts, listen to live music, kill beer and time on the patio and upstairs deck.

Green Pig–31 E. 400 South, SLC, 801-532-7441. thegreenpigpub.com. Green Pig is a pub of a different color. The owners use eco-friendly materials and sustainable kitchen practices. The menu star is the chili verde nachos with big pork chunks and cheese.

Hive 435 Taphouse– 61 W. St. George Blvd, St. George, 435-619-8435. hive435taphouse.com

Providing a service to the St. George nightlife scene, Hive 435 also serves up live entertainment, gourmet pizza, sandwiches and favorite cocktails.

Your Guide to Pride

Where to sip and celebrate the entire month of June

BY AVREY EVANS

For Watching the Parade

BAR X & BEER BAR

The Utah Pride Parade, taking place on June 8 this year, spans two miles beginning on 200 S and looping around to the finish line on 700 S. Onlookers pack the 13 blocks in a sea of rainbow and glitter, but the best observation point is right smack in the middle of the route on Beer Bar’s patio. The brew-focused pub decorates its spaces with flags and fanfare the entire month of June and has hosted its own Pride parties in years past. Settle in on their patio with a crisp lager and specialty bratwurst while you enjoy the high-energy procession.

A er the festivities, cool down at sister establishment Bar X. e bar doesn’t open until early evening, giving you plenty of time to roam the festival grounds in Washington Square. Known for its cra cocktails and moody ambiance, it’s a great spot for post-parade happy hour.

WHEN YOU GO:

Beer Bar: 161 E. 200 South | beerbarslc.com Bar X: 155 E. 200 South | barxslc.com

For Clubbing

MILK+

The folks at MILK+ know how to throw a party. Their annual Pride block parties have brought in world-renowned performers like Violet Chachki, Gottmik and Latrice Royale, alongside local legends and DJs. Opening weekend revelry is typically packed with club kids, fashionistas and Swifties so prepare for a crowd and cover fee— though MILK does make full use of their two indoor dancefloors and outdoor space

with additional stages. The celebrations continue all June long with special burlesque performances, gogo dancers and drag artists. Check their site for the latest schedule.

WHEN YOU GO:

MILK+: 49 E. 900 South | milkslc.com

For Drag Brunch

HK

BREWING & WHY KIKI

Queer and woman-owned HK Brewing specializes in kombucha-based bevvys, crushable cocktails, N/A beverages and vibes. Their desert-chic taproom holds a monthly Sip & Slay Drag Brunch featuring host Ivy Dior Stephens and a rotating cast of stunning kings and queens. Order up a Basic B*tch Spritz or HK Mule and practice how you’ll respectfully tip performers after a death drop.

Downtown tiki bar Why Kiki has become a hot commodity for its weekend silent disco and shbowl concoctions, but they pull out all the stops come Pride month. e Sunday drag brunch brings in a large colorful crowd who snap and shout for a lineup of queens, and snack on an explicitly-shaped wa e—naturally. e bar hosts a variety of women-only comedy shows, national drag acts, and themed events paying homage to queer icons throughout the summer; the full schedule is on their site.

WHEN YOU GO:

HK Brewing: 370 Aspen Ave. hkbrewing.com

Why Kiki: 69 W. 100 South | whykikibar.com

For Themed Nights and Shows METRO MUSIC HALL & TRY-ANGLES

You aren’t regarded as a classic gay bar without putting in the work. Metro Music Hall and Try-Angles have earned their stripes through consistently great programming and community-focused events. More of a live music venue than a nightlife hub, Metro offers its stage to a range of local and touring drag artists throughout the year. Expect to see some

The 2025 Utah Pride Parade takes place on June 8 this year.

HK Brewing Collective– 370 W. Aspen Ave., SLC, 801-907-0869. hkbrewing.com. Before the HK Brewing taproom, there was Hans Kombucha, a women-founded and queer-owned brewery. Now they’re slinging ‘booch-cocktails, local spirits, beer, cider and small bites from their taproom and lounge.

Ice Haus–7 E. 4800 South, Murray, 801-266-2127. icehausbar.com. Ice Haus has everything you need from a neighborhood bar: a wide selection of pub fare, regular entertainment and plenty of seating in the beer-hall inspired location. The menu has great vegan options.

Lake Effect–155 W. 200 South, SLC, 801-532-2068. lakeeffectslc.com An eclectic bar and lounge with a fine wine list and full menu. Live music many nights.

Laurel Brasserie & Bar–555 S. Main St., SLC, 801-258-6708. laurelslc.com. Laurel Brasserie & Bar’s food focuses on classic European cuisine with an American approach. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the real star is the Happy Hour menu.

Lucky 13 135 W. 1300 South, SLC, lucky13slc. com. Known for their heaping burgers and intriguing shot selection, Lucky 13 also offers classic fried dill pickle spears. Order with secret sauce and pair with a buttery chardonnay, bright prosecco or crisp lager—you’ll thank us later.

Oyster Bar– 48 W. Market St., SLC, 801-3224668. marketstreetgrill.com. The nightlife side of Market Street seafood restaurant, the Oyster Bar has an is a place to begin or end an evening, with an award-winning martini and a dozen oysters.

The Pearl–917 S. 200 West, SLC, @thepearlslc. The Pearl is a hip space serving craft cocktails and Vietnamese street food, conceived by the same minds behind Alibi Bar. The menu has items like banh mi sandwiches, caramel pork belly and chicken pho.

Post Office Place–16 W. Market St., SLC, 801-519-9595. popslc.com. Post Office offers craft cocktails, multicultural small plates and the largest selection of Japanese whisky in the state. Ask for a “special delivery” if you’re up for a boozy adventure.

Prohibition–151 E. 6100 South, Murray. prohibitionutah.com. Located right outside the city, this 1920s-inspired hotspot takes you back in time to the roaring twenties.

Quarters Arcade Bar– 5 E. 400 South, SLC, 801-477-7047; 1045 E. 2100 South, SLC. quartersslc.com. Nostalgic for all those Gen Xers and gamer geeks, Quarters features retro gaming, pinball and a game called Killer Queen, only one in Utah.

Sayonara – 324 S. State St., SLC. sayonaraslc.com. Neon adorns enclosed booths, scenes from anime project on the walls and the bar serves up high balls and Japanese microbrews. It’s like someone picked up a bar in Tokyo and placed it right here in SLC.

Scion Cider Bar –916 Jefferson St., SLC. scionciderbar.com. Cider has often taken a back seat to its more prevalent siblings, wine and beer, but not at Scion. It’s another soon-to-be favorite bar in the Central Ninth.

RuPaul legends and talented Salt Lake queens grace their halls through Pride month.

In the central ninth district, TryAngles puts on themed events throughout the week catering to niche queer subcultures. e late-night spot also boasts the “cheapest and biggest drinks in town,” so you won’t break the bank in your e orts to celebrate the most prideful month of the year.

WHEN YOU GO:

Metro Music Hall: 615 W. 100 South metromusichall.com

Try-Angles: 251 W. Harvey Milk Blvd. clubtryangles.com

For Feasting

UTAH LGBTQ+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE QUEER FOOD FEASTIVAL AT MOUNTAIN WEST HARD CIDER

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is reprising its Queer Food Feastival this year in partnership with Mountain West Hard Cider. A colorful and delicious celebration of the community, the event brings together local LGBTQ and allyowned restaurants, breweries and distillers. Celebrate the beauty and tenacity of Utah’s queer community in this localized springtime gathering. More information available at utahlgbtqchamber.org

ABOVE: The Queer Food Feastival brings together dozens of delicious food and beverage vendors.

BELOW: Why Kiki? turns its already fabulous drag brunches and shows up to to “Absolutely Fabulous” level during Pride.

WHEN YOU GO:

Mountain West Hard Cider

Friday, May 9

425 N. 400 West mountainwestcider.com

AFTER DARK BAR GUIDE

Seabird Bar & Vinyl Room–

7 S. Rio Grande, The Gateway, SLC, 801-456-1223. seabirdutah.com. Great little locally owned bar in the Gateway with great views, a fun little patio, friendly bartenders and plenty of style.

The Rest and Bodega – 331 S. Main St., SLC, 801-532-4452. bodegaslc.com. The neon sign says “Bodega;” drink a beer in the phone booth–sized front or head downstairs to the The Rest. Order a cocktail, settle into the book-lined library, take a booth or sit at the bar.

The Shooting Star–7350 E. 200 South, Huntsville, 801-745-2002. shooting-star-saloon. business.site. More than a century old, this is genyou-wine Old West. The walls are adorned with moose heads and a stuffed St. Bernard.

Thieves Guild Cidery 117 W. 900 South, SLC, thievesguildcidery.com. In the Central 9th neighborhood, this cidery has put in the work to develop experimental cider and meads fit for an adventurer with a period-fantasy aesthetic to match.

Varley– 63 W. 100 South, SLC, 801-203-4124. varleyslc.com. A craft cocktail bar and lounge situated right next to its companion restaurant The Ivy. The modern aesthetic pairs well with a classic cocktail and conversation.

The Vault–202 S. Main St., SLC, 801-363-5454. bambara-slc.com/the-vault. A quintessential hotel bar, with big windows overlooking pedestrian traffic. Special cocktails may be themed to what’s on stage across the street at Capitol Theatre.

Wakara Bar– 480 Wakara Way, SLC, 801-5811000. One of the few bars on the west bench, Wakara serves craft cocktails and hosts live music, trivia nights, liquor education and even, occasionally, drag queens

Water Witch–163 W. 900 South, SLC, 801-462-0967. waterwitchbar.com. Three of Utah’s leading bartenders join forces in this charming tiny bar. Whether you want a classic drink or a cocktail customdesigned to your taste, this is the place to belly up.

Whiskey Street– 323 S. Main St., SLC, 801-433-1371. whiskeystreet.com. This stretch of Main was once dubbed “Whiskey Street” because it was lined with so many pubs and bars. A 42-foot-long cherry wood bar encourages you to bend the elbow.

Why KiKi– 69 W. 100 South, SLC, 801-641-6115. whykikibar.com. A tropical beach-themed club to get away at with a fruity drink in a tiki glass (or bowl!) or shake it on the dance floor. Don’t miss Taco Tuesday or the drag shows.

Zest Kitchen & Bar–275 S. 200 West, SLC, 801-433-0589. zestslc.com. Zest offers hand-crafted fresh juice cocktails with the same emphasis on local and organic ingredients as the food.

Beers & Brews

Bohemian Brewery–94 E. 7200 South, Midvale, 801-566-5474. bohemianbrewery.com. Enjoy the lagers beloved by Bohemian’s owners’ Czech forebears, following the ancient Reinheitsgbot or German Purity Law.

Bewilder Brewing– 445 S. 400 West, SLC, 385-528-3840. bewilderbrewing.com. In a building decked out with an awesome Trent Call mural, Bewilder Brewing has house-made sausages and a beer list that skews toward traditional German styles.

Desert Edge Brewery–273 S. Trolley Square, SLC, 801-521-8917. desertedgebrewery.com The constantly changing variety set Desert Edge apart from all the others. This classic Salt Lake bar (and restaurant) continues to innovate its brews.

Epic Brewing Company– 825 S. State St., SLC, 801-906-0123. epicbrewing.com. Epic became Utah’s first brewery since prohibition to exclusively produce high-alcohol brews when it opened in 2018. Enjoy them at the brewery 2 ounces at a time or take some to-go seven days a week.

Fisher Brewing Company– 320 W. 800 South, SLC, 801-487-2337. fisherbeer.com. Fisher takes its name from a brewery originally founded in 1884, but the brews and low-key atmosphere are strictly right now. One of the few in town that has cask ale occasionally.

LOCAL DISTILLERIES

Grid City Beer Works–333 W. 2100 South, South Salt Lake,801-906-8390. gridcitybeerworks.com. Grid City does triple-duty as a pub, brewery and restaurant. They also triple the ways they serve their one-of-a-kind beers—cask, nitro or CO2.

Hopkins Brewing Company–1048 E. 2100 South, SLC, 385-528-3275. hopkinsbrewingcompany.com. If you like craft beer served with a focus on sustainability, “The Hop” could be your new favorite watering hole. The vibe fits the Sugar House scene with frequent live music.

Kiitos Brewing– 608 W. 700 South, 801-2159165. kiitosbrewing.com. Kiitos brews are on several menus around town. But if you stop by the brewery to taste, you can play pinball, too.

Level Crossing Brewing Company–2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake, 385-270-5752; 550 S. 300 West, SLC, 885-2954090. levelcrossingbrewing.com. A welcoming bar and community-minded gathering place for trivia and board game night and, of course, hand-crafted beer and wood-fired pizza.

Mountain West Cider– 425 N. 400 West, SLC, 801-935-4147. mountainwestcider.com. With handcrafted ciders ranging from dry to sweet, all named for Utah’s iconic natural features, the people at Mountain West Cider know their craft and their community.

Park City Brewing–764 Uinta Way #C1, Park City, 435-200-8352. parkcitybrewing.com. Their core beers are brewed in Park City. The brewpub is kidfriendly, making it the perfect family après spot.

Prodigy Brewing–25 W. Center Street, Logan, 435-375-3313. prodigy-brewing.com. A familyfriendly brewpub, Prodigy serves an upscale twist on classic brewpub fare and beers.

Proper Brewing Co.– 857 S. Main St., 801-953-1707. properbrewingco.com 1053 E. 2100 South, SLC, 385-242-7186. craftbyproper.com. From the same proper folks who brought you the Publick House, Proper Brewery and Burgers hugely expands the brewing capacity of the original.

A selection of Utah-based distilleries. Call ahead to confirm tasting room hours and availability for tours and private tastings.

• Alpine Distilling—7132 N, Silver Creek Rd., 435-200-9537. alpinedistilling.com

• Beehive Distilling—2245 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake, 385-259-0252. beehivedistilling.com.

• Clear Water Distilling Co.—564 W. 700 South, Ste. 401, Pleasant Grove, 801-997-8667. clearwaterdistilling.com.

• Dented Brick Distillery—3100 S. Washington St., South Salt Lake, 801-883-9837. dentedbrick.com

• Eight Settlers Distillery—7321 Canyon Centre Pkwy., Cottonwood Heights, 385-900-4315. eightsettlersdistillery.com.

• High West Distillery—27649 Old Lincoln Hwy, Wanship, 435-649-8300. highwest.com

• Holystone Distilling—207 W. 4860 South, Murray, 385-800-2580. holystonedistilling.com.

• Moab Distillery— 686 S. Main St., Moab, 435-259-6333. moabbrewery.com

• New World Distillery—4795 2600 North, Eden, 385-244-0144. newworlddistillery.com.

• Ogden’s Own Distillery– 615 W. Stockman Way, Ogden, 801-458-1995. ogdensown.com.

• Outlaw Distillery–552 W. 8360 South, Midvale, 801-706-1428. outlawdistillery.com.

• Proverbial Spirits–4175 Fores tdale Dr., Park City, 435-250-4477. proverbialspirits.com.

• Salt Flat Spirits—2020 Industrial Cir., SLC, 801-828-3469. saltflatsspirits.com.

• Simplicity Cocktails—335 W. 1830 South, SLC, 801-210-0868. drinksimplicity.com.

• Sugar House Distillery—2212 S. West Temple, #14, SLC, 801-726-0403 sugarhousedistillery.net

• Vintage Spirits Distillery— 6844 S. Cottonwood St., Midvale, 801-699-6459. vsdistillery.com

• Waterpocket Distillery—2084 W. 2200 South, West Valley City, 801-382-9921. waterpocket.co.

Red Rock Brewery–254 S. 200 West, SLC, 801-521-7446. redrockbrewing.com. A longtime favorite for tippling and tasting—the pub draws on 45 recipes for its rotating selection.

RoHa Brewing Project– 30 E. Kensington Ave., SLC, 385-227-8982. rohabrewing. com. A friendly local taproom in the heart of Salt Lake’s Ballpark neighborhood. This taproom offers, a variety of draft and high-point beer, cider, wine, canned cocktails and spirits.

Roosters Brewing Co.–253 25th Street, Ogden, 801-627-6171. roostersbrewingco. com. A local favorite in the heart of Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Roosters Brewing Co. offers both a comfortable dining experience in their restaurant and a 21+ tap room.

SaltFire Brewing–2199 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake, 385-955-0504. saltfirebrewing.com

Located in a distilling and brewery hub of South Salt Lake, SaltFire brings tongue-in-cheek labels of its tasty craft brews.

Salt Flats Brewing Co.–2020 Industrial Circle, SLC, 801-828-3469. saltflatsbeer.com. Born in a garage—the Garage Grill to be exact—Salt Flats’ drinkable beers each takes its name from racing and motorsports culture.

Shades Brewing–154 W. Utopia Ave., South Salt Lake, 435-200-3009. shadesbrewing. beer. A mom-and-pop brewery supplying many local restaurants—check the website—stop by their tap room.

Squatters/Wasatch–147 W. Broadway, SLC, 801-363-2739; 2110 Highland Dr., SLC, 801783-1127; 1763 S. 300 West, SLC, 801-466-8855. saltlakebrewingco.com. The original breweries merged to form Utah Brewers Cooperative and are now in the hands of Salt Lake Brewing Company. Squatters and Wasatch are the most-visited watering holes in Salt Lake.

Talisman Brewing Company–1258 Gibson Ave., Ogden, 385-389-2945. talismanbrewingco.com. At Talisman’s friendly tap room, you can stay and drink or pick up beer to take home. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food or order from a nearby restaurant. Dog friendly.

TF Brewing–936 S. 300 West, SLC, 385-270-5972. tfbrewing.com. Brewmaster Kevin Templin has a long history in Salt Lake’s beer scene. Enjoy his meticulously made German-style beer and don’t miss game night.

Uinta Brewing Company–1722 S. Fremont Dr., SLC, 801-467-0909. uintabrewing. com. Founder Will Hamill says, “We make beer. Period.” Uinta produces certified organic beers and beer in corked bottles.

The Dance

In Utah, how you ask is half the fun

BY JEREMY PUGH | ILLUSTRATION BY KIMMY HAMMONS

FOOTLOOSE CELEBRATED ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY last year with a big hullabaloo at its main lming location—Payson High School. So it’s common local knowledge it was shot right here in Utah— Utah County, to be precise. But the lm’s script sets the “Overly Religious Town where Dance is Forbidden” somewhere in the Midwest. e scenery? Utah. Tractors for the chicken ght? Utah. e roller mills? Utah. e way Kevin Bacon asks the preacher’s daughter to dance?

Not Utah.

A careful eye will note that Bacon’s Ren McCormack simply asks Lori Singer’s Ariel Moore if she’d like to go to the dance. ere are no scavenger hunts, piles of M&Ms, fortune cookies or candy hearts to sort through, nor an elaborate balloon-popping ritual on either side of this teenaged rite of passage.

Here, as in the Midwest, high school is punctuated with the requisite occasions for dance and merriment, both formal and informal. But in Utah, the questionpopping portion of these rituals has become high art. It is not enough for a young boy to see a young girl across a

crowded cafeteria, make the long walk toward her and merely mutter, “Will you go to the dance with me?”

ere are rules, formalities to be observed. First, the boy must surprise the “heck” out of her by pasting hundreds of meticulously cut-out paper polka dots onto her parents’ home. (Mc- Bride,

“WELL, HE WENT TO ALL THIS TROUBLE. I MIGHT AS WELL GO WITH HIM.”

— JANEAN MCMURRAY 1988

David, e Polka-dot Maneuver, 1988.) Next, a poorly metered limerick indicating that the young lady has indeed been asked to the dance (and is not the victim of very strange, perhaps deviant, vandalism) is taped to the front door.

It reads: Your house is like a clown’s pants/it would like to go to the dance/on one dot you’ll nd my name by chance/

and then you can tell me if you want to be like the clown’s pants (and go to the dance) (McBride, 1988).

At this point, the girl and her squealing sisters, friends and/or fellow Madrigals will collect every single dot (many of which are on the roof) and hunt for the young man’s name. For the reply, a helium tank is procured and thousands of balloons are crammed into the young master’s bedroom. (McMurray, Janean, e Balloon Caper, 1988.) Inside one of these balloons is a scrap of paper with the word “yes” written on it. ey will not speak to each other until the actual night of the dance, as is tradition.

From the above study, it’s clear that Utah youth are preoccupied with avoiding the humiliating potential of the question (known as the “walk of shame” in less-advanced teenaged societies). e awkwardness of the moment is completely avoided by elaborate (at times, borderline illegal) overtures designed seemingly to shame the askee into answering in the a rmative.

As in: “Well, he went to all this trouble. I might as well go with him” (McMurray, 1988).

Utah High school kids have elevated asking someone to the school dance to a high art form.

Ask more of your bank.

More meaning timely answers, crafted solutions, and resources big enough to make your vision possible. A bank that is dedicated to supporting women in business and delivering more for you while asking less of you.