What are the 7 Best Things to Do (or see) in Utah County?

This is a common question for Utah tourists and new residents in Utah Valley. If you come from a “big” city, Utah County may seem, at first, to be a bit boring to say the least.

However, UtahCountyReviews.com has done some research and found a list of seven scenic wonders in “Happy Valley”.

1. BYU (Brigham Young University) – The largest private university in the world or at least close to it.  With over 30,000 part and full time students, BYU is an amazing site to see. Owned by the LDS Church, BYU offers excellent science, art and culture museums, musical and dramatic productions, and sports programs that often rank with the best in the nation.  (Currently the BYU Football team is ranked number 8 nationally!)



(source BYU.edu)

2. Sundance Ski Lodge & Resort – This time of year is the best for hiking in the beautiful scenery of Sundance.  Although snow will be coming soon, the leaves at Sundance are a photographer’s dream.  The resort also hosts musical and cultural programs year-round and offers great mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking during the summer.  If you’re looking for a good starter ski hill in the state with the “best snow on earth”, Sundance is a great fit.



(source)

3. Thanksgiving Point – Jack Nicholas, Mike Weir, Jim Furyk – you ever heard of any of these golfers?  From time to time they can be seen at tournaments at Thanksgiving Point.  Besides golf, the North American Museum of Ancient Life (billed as the largest dinosaur museum in the world) is located here. Other attractions include impressive gardens, an incredible man-made waterfall, a professional quality (and difficulty) golf course, theaters, shops and restaurants.  If you’re going to be around for the 4th of July next year, make sure you stop by for the outstanding fireworks too.



(source)

4. The Provo River – From fly-fishing to tubing, the Provo River is a “must-see”. This is a blue-ribbon trout stream located just minutes from town. It is famous for its large brown trout and is managed for fly fishers. You can also raft on the Provo River.  Be careful though, at times the water can be pretty high and fairly dangerous.  Keep a tight rein on little ones at this scenic delight.



(source)

5. Mt Timpanogos & Timp Cave – Timp is the imposing mountain on the northeast edge of Utah Valley. It offers great opportunity for hiking – the strenuous hike to the top is a favorite annual event for many people. In July and August the mountain is covered with wildflowers. Timpanogos Cave is one of the best in the region and is managed as a National Monument, with public access during summer and early fall.



6. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway – This winding road climbs the back side of Mt Timpanogos, passes Sundance Resort and finishes up down American Fork Canyon. It provides access to Timpanogos Cave, spectacular viewpoints, great hiking and some fine campgrounds.  If you plan to do this, make sure to check the weather report.



(source)

7. Bridal Veil Falls – This two-tiered waterfall is very impressive. It is located along the Provo River just east of Provo and Orem.  If you look closely, you’ll still be able to see a recently burned down trolley ride and restaurant at the top of Bridal Veil.  The word is that there are a few people attempting to restore this once popular tourist attraction.  Any news or feedback from readers?



(source)

There you have it – UCR’s Top Seven Scenic Wonders of Utah Valley!

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Does Utah really want to become a tourist destination?  Do we want to keep tourists out of the state and “bubbleize” our communities?  It definitely appears that way after meetings recently about Utah tourism and liquor laws.

Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty told of a reporter from San Diego who came to Salt Lake City to write a ski story but had such a hard time navigating private club rules that when he met with ski industry officials later for dinner, “guess what we talked about all night. Guess what he led his story with?

“We can’t control the weather. We can’t control fuel prices or what airlines fly into the Salt Lake airport. But we can control our liquor laws,” said Rafferty, contending the $1 billion skiing and $6 billion tourism industries will benefit greatly from making it less confusing for visitors to get an alcoholic beverage.

Utah restaurants, too, said Utah Restaurant Association official Hans Fuegi, who also is on Utah’s tourism development board. “The Zion Curtain issue is very, very confusing,” he said of several provisions – such as a ban on restaurant bartenders handing a drink over the bar to a customer – he thinks should be eliminated.

Representative of Citizens for Families, the Coalition for Ethics and Accountability in Government, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and United Women’s Forum argued against any changes that suggest it is easier to get alcohol in Utah.

“That would have a negative, very adverse effect on youth,” said Valerie Mills of Citizens for Families. “We cannot sell them out for increased hospitality.”

Coalition spokesman Phil Wright added that Utah’s top tourist attraction is the LDS Temple. Most people visiting it “won’t do so with a bottle of Jack Daniels under their arm,” he predicted, encouraging the commission “not to change laws that have served Utah so well for so many years.”

Proposed changes to the state’s liquor laws are expected to be presented to the Legislature in January.

What are your thoughts on the subject?  Do you think Utah’s Liquor Laws should change to invite more tourists or are things ok the way they are?

(Salt Lake Tribune)