Pearls&Grit

This is the first part in a new series, “What I Loved” where I jot down some of the best things about the many places I’ve gotten to experience first-hand, as a Touristy Semi-Local. (Is that a thing? Well if it is, I would be it!) Keep your eyes peeled for more! 

Utah

is an absolutely breathtaking place. The vast variety of landscape is awe-inspiring. Here are just a tiny handful of some of my very favorite places that I will forever treasure from my time there:

The incredible, slightly planetary San Rafael Swell

The odd paradox of snow against red clay earth in Moab

The stark, rugged beauty of Canyonlands National State Park

The essence of cozy, safe towns nestled in the shadows of the Wasatch Front

The vibrancy of the fall leaves in the mountains at Big Springs Park, Provo

The serenity of a fresh snow at the Tibble Fork Reservoir 

If those pictures weren’t already enough to convince you that you should love Utah:

• Utah has one of the best park systems, both in public land use and city parks. Splash pads galore! Fantastic playgrounds! Wonderful farmers markets and street fairs! There are so many kids and so many families, the parks are directly proportional to demand.
• Kids can enjoy learning their ABC’s as they drive around, thanks to the ever proud academic letters on mountain sides, or the “Mountain Monograms”.
• There is some really fantastic food in the greater Salt Lake area, thanks to the many start-ups straight from the bright young minds who are eager to make their first mil on a revolutionary idea.
• Completely recreational based venues litter the state: trampoline houses, go-kart tracks, water parks mini-golfing courses…if it is something that would be fun on a date, or for a five year-old’s birthday party, it is commercialized and ready for you to spend your money and have a good time!
• Rivalries run deep. Whichever of the many colleges you may support, you can count on a good ribbing from other collegiate fans.
• There is fantastic mix of Norman Rockwell-type neighborhoods and fast-paced suburban cities, coupled with range land. That gap is narrowing, as more and more people funnel outward, but even now, there is an old-timey feel that begins on the outskirts of the main hub cities. I hope Utah is always able to maintain that unique paradigm. It is one of it’s most appealing qualities.

I loved living in Utah. My eyes loved living in Utah. Everywhere I looked, it was always a feast, whether I was down south, up north, in the middle or visiting the sides. It is the kind of place that makes you feel like crying a little because of the awesome magnificence laid before you, of which you appreciate all the more having left the rat-race of people far away in the cities.

What a wondrous place!

Have you or do you live in Utah? What do you love about this state?