Golden Spike National Historic Site

As far back as 1869 Utahns were operating on "Mormon Standard Time"...



What, you think I'm exaggerating?
 One visit to today's historic site will prove that I know exactly what I'm talking about.

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Connecting the east and west lines of the Transcontinental Railroad, the driving of the golden spike was an enormous celebration....when it finally happened.  A combination of rainy weather and labor problems pushed the arrival date of both trains back by two whole days.  Even with the national eye focused directly on Utah, we were insisting on doing it in our own time.

The adventure in visiting the Golden Spike begins in just trying to get there.  You would think the location for the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad would occur close to civilization.  Even in 1869, I'm seriously doubting Promontory, Utah, was a thriving metropolis.  Be assured that when the riders in your car insist you're lost, you're heading in the right direction and will eventually get there.

The visitor's center plays five different movies that can entertain you for over an hour.  Don't, however, drive all the way out there to see the movies.  The highlights of this historic site are the operating steam train replicas and "driving of the golden spike" re-enactment.  The trains are amazing.  The volunteer actors, less than amazing, but at least entertaining.  Even with a year passed from my last visit there, I still have chills down my spine hearing the telegraph operator announce the completion of this major feat in American transportation history.

Directions and Information:
I can't stress enough to check the National Park Service website for directions and train operating hours before leaving home...they seem to be changing all the time.  Then, traveling northbound, take I-15 exit 365, turn right, and follow the signs (approximately 35 miles).

While you're here:  Don't drive all the way out here and miss out on what else the area has to offer.  Check out the ATK Rocket Garden by continuing past the turnoff for the Golden Spike or the Spiral Jetty by continuing straight past the Golden Spike Visitor's Center.

Utah's Mountain Letters: The Bountiful "B"

It was our pleasure to work with 

Max ATV Rentals for this sponsored adventure.

We love hiking to Utah's mountain letters!  As we've ventured out exploring more and more of them, we've discovered two interesting things.

1. Getting from the bottom to top of one can be very, very steep
2. The amount of "hiking" involved in getting to many mountain letters is very very small.

Both of these observations apply to the Bountiful "B".  

Our trip to the "B" was part of a recent opportunity to borrow an ATV for the day. Max ATV Rentals gave us great instructions on getting from their shop to the Farmington/Bountiful Skyline Trail and made sure we understood that after we'd driven there, we should stay on the paved trail in front of the "B".  They repeated that many times.  With the ATV, stay in front of the "B".  Just to clarify a few more times, they threw in a few, "As a beginner, you definitely will not want to go up behind the "B". We tried to follow those directions...we really tried...

Bountiful's large concrete white letter is located literally in a neighborhood backyard...the climb is about 4 steps off the roadway. The "B" is tall and the dirt path around the side is steep.  Of course it was raining when we were there, so it also was slippery.  My husband, B, & P made it to the top, but I decided I just wasn't up for slipping and sliding that day.  They went up, across, and came back down.  They were very happy, and we continued on with our day of backcountry exploring.

Climbing the Bountiful "B"

Following further along on the road that separates the "B" from backyards, we sped higher and higher up into a beautiful fog-filled forest.  The views at every turn were breathtaking. So many bays and inlets branching off of the Great Salt Lake!  On the way up we stuck to the paved motorized vehicle trail as far as we could go.  Although the Farmington/Bountiful Skyline Trail opens up in dozens of different directions when you get to the top of the mountain, we were there before the snow had melted and were turned around by a locked and closed gate.  We'll definitely have to go back and explore what's back there some day.

View of the Great Salt Lake

Bountiful Skyline Trail

Coming back down, we decided to get a little more adventurous.  Afterall, we were on a monstrous ATV that could handle some mud and bouncing around.  Having driven most of the way up, I moved into the backseat and let my husband take the wheel.  Almost immediately, he turned us off the main road and onto a puddle-riddled, tree branch covered dirt trail.  He skillfully crawled over mini boulders and maneuvered some tight turns.  Then it got scary.

We thought we'd find an easy cut-off back to the main road, but one never materialized.  Two times we stopped to consider backtracking the scary trail we'd already covered rather than moving further into scary terrain we hadn't yet seen.  Two times my husband got out and ran ahead to try to assure me we would make it.  He didn't feel comfortable turning around.  He couldn't tell me it wasn't going to get more challenging.  B & P thought for sure we were going to die.  We kept moving on.  

We never did find the road.  We did find an open meadow and could see the road...way over there! And then it hit us.  After following directions to the letter, we'd gone up the trail in front of it, and now were coming down directly behind it!  The kids and I had had enough.  We opted to walk the last little bit while my husband strategically bounded down the rest of the hill.  As often happens, by that point we'd covered the scariest ground, but I was glad to give him the freedom to skillfully drive himself down the gully. He didn't hesitate to show-off with a good manly gun through a mudpit before picking us back up at the bottom.  Then, without humility, we grinned at the dirt bikers staring disbelievingly as we passed by grinning and waving.  

We made it to another of Utah's mountain letters.  We  hiked  the Bountiful "B", and then we rode it. It was an exhilarating way to spend a rainy spring day in Utah. It would be worth doing again, and next time we won't be beginners, so surely the "behind the B" road won't be as hair-raising...surely...?

Directions to the Bountiful "B"

Taking I-15 exit 317, follow 400 N east up the hill.

Be sure to stay right all the way until you get to 1300 E.

Turn left & follow the road around until reaching Eagle Ridge Drive.

Look for the dirt parking lot,  It'll be a short walk from there.

Wave at the neighbors if they're in their backyard!

Want to rent an ATV?

We had a great experience with Max ATV Rentals in Centerville!

Check out their large range of off-road vehicles.

Pick-up and delivery available in the area.

Great prices for a day or a week!

Take note that when we visited the "B", 

there was quite a bit of old electrical debris laying around

It didn't seem dangerous, but was cumbersome to climb around.

This Is My Utah-Summer Concert Venues

Article originally shared by Alyssa at Wumpsee.com.

 Re-posting with updated links.

Music in the Mountains:

 Utah's Spectacular Concert Venues

Utah has become a favorite place for performers and concertgoers alike. The state truly offers something for every person’s taste in concerts and shows, from beautiful outdoor backdrops, to gorgeous indoor venues worthy of the world’s finest symphonies. Wumpsee.com has compiled its top seven venues to attend any type of concert.

Source: Red Butte Gardens

Red Butte Gardens – It doesn’t get lovelier than a concert at Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City. While offering a lineup of quality and diverse talent throughout its concert series, the setting in the foothills of the mountains, near the University of Utah, is simply breathtaking. Red Butte’s concert series has gained popularity, which has allowed it to bring in more popular artists. There are perks for becoming a member, such as advance ticket purchases.

There is much to enjoy before and during the concert. General seating is the call, so you have to get there early and wait in line to enter. But, making the most of it, fans turn it into a bit of tailgating fun. Once you are in the gates, take a stroll around the wonderful gardens, feed the ducks and bring a picnic to enjoy during the show (though they have food for sale).

According to Curt Barnett,

“The crowd is full of fun people there to have a good time 

and you can make friends with whoever is sitting next to you.”

Tuacahn – For our friends in Southern Utah or those longing for an excursion, Tuacahn is a beautiful venue to visit. Set in the heart of Ivins, Utah (St. George’s next door neighbor), and nestled in an amazing red rock canyon, the backdrop of the theater is worth the trip.

“Those beautiful canyon walls seem to help amplify the sound. Gorgeous place.” says St. George resident Curtis Graff.

Tuacahn officials host wonderful plays throughout their season. They also entertain with excellent music and comedy concerts. So, when visiting Southern Utah, get a great, scenic hike in and then head to one of Tuacahn’s outstanding shows.

Abravanel Hall – Home to the incredible Utah Symphony, the beauty and ambiance of this venue are stunning, and the acoustics are spectacular. As you enter you are greeted by an amazing Chihuly sculpture from the 2002 Olympic Games, and exquisite cascading staircases. The ceiling in the hall has dazzling chandeliers and the gold leafing throughout the facility is beautiful. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, near the new City Creek Center, Abravanel hosts remarkable artists from every genre imaginable. It is an ideal concert setting that is relatively large, but the quality of sound brings it in close.

“Some of my favorite, most intimate concert experiences have been at Abravanel Hall,” 

says Amy Barnett of Wumpsee.com.

Kilby Court -This venue is as intimate as it gets, allowing you to stand face to face with the artists. Kilby Court is small, but the price is always right. Most tickets cost about $10. The unusual setting, in an old, converted garage at the end of an alley, makes you feel like you are at a friend’s house for a party and they just happen to know some talented musicians. Generally you will experience indie bands. But you may just catch a cheap concert from the next big thing; they all get started somewhere. Before you attend a concert here, keep your expectations in check; this is barebones entertainment with few amenities. 

 Sandy Amphitheater – Perched on a hill in Sandy, this amphitheater has gained popularity over the years and has become a wonderful place to attend concerts, theater, family events and more. There is excellent seating whether you choose to pay extra for assigned seats or go economy on the grass. The bonus of sitting on top of the hill, besides the great price, is catching a glimpse of one of Utah’s incredible sunsets. While food is available for purchase, you are also welcome to bring a picnic.

It’s another incredible outdoor venue where you can mingle with your neighbors, meet new people and enjoy a great Utah event.

Deer Valley – When the ski season ends, things don’t stop at Deer Valley. High atop the majestic mountains of Utah sits a wonderful amphitheater where the Deer Valley Music Festival takes over when the slopes are dry. This is another place where your picnics are welcome and you may kick back on the lawn and enjoy the outdoors. You may watch the symphony, an opera or a slew of world-renowned artists.

Arrive early to get a good seat on the hill. The higher up you are, the more difficult it is to see the stage. And don’t be fooled by the warm weather. It gets chilly when the sun goes down, so be prepared!

Now tell me, what is your favorite Utah concert venue 

and what show are looking forward to this summer?

More Information: 

 Wumpsee.com provides a daily calendar  

of activities in the Salt Lake Valley.

  

Want to share your Utah experiences or expertise? 

 Click the "Share Your Utah Story" tab above for more information!

Utah's Most Well-Guarded Secret?

There is a hill above a sod farm in Northern Utah.  Running down this hill are two rows of plastic.  Running down both plastics is a trickle of water.  Put it all together and what do you get?  The most unpretentious "water park" you're ever going to love.

So what is it, really?  I'm having a hard time saying.  The best I can come up with is a home-grown slip 'n slide on gigantic proportions and kind of/sort of known as the Wellsville Water Slide or Little Bear River Bottoms.  I got to experience it several year's ago during a family reunion.  Finding any information on the place since then has turned into the deepest research project I've completed since finishing college.  I had to beg family to dig through their photo archives, but the hard work was worth it.  It's a well-kept secret that I want everyone to know about!

Described simply, there are two plastic sheets that function as water slides down the side of a hill above a sod farm in Wellsville, Utah.  One slide (pictured above) requires a leap of faith on the top and then rolls on for eternity.  The other slide is smaller, the "kid" slide, if you will, but pocked with it's own precarious level of adventure.  Across the field and hidden in the trees there is also a Tarzan-style rope swing to further tempt the daring.  That's pretty much it for the entire facility.

And yet, that's all it needs to be!  Available only by reservation, you don't have to worry about long lines or what the little ones in line were doing before you got there. Go with low expectations, know that it'll take a few apprehensive runs before it all feels safe or comfortable, and then get lost in the fun as adrenaline takes over.  By the end of the day your most adventurous inner-self will thank you for setting it free!

Directions and Information:
Like I said, this is one exclusive place!  At least in that information about it is nearly impossible to find.
The official directions are:

"½ mile south of the Wellsville Burger King on Highway 89/91- east side"

 The facility is available for groups by reservation only.  Call 435-770-5226 for more information.

Have a friend that would like this kind of crazy?
Be sure to share this post with them!

Other Photo Sources: Alma Hiatt, Jeanette Hiatt