6 easy to moderate hikes in and around Bryce Canyon

Snowshoeing in February sounds like a pretty sure plan, especially during a frigid winter, right? That’s what my friends and I thought when we planned a Bryce Canyon trip for Presidents Day weekend — but Mother Nature had other plans. Rolling with the weather, we had wonderful — albeit muddy — weekend hiking in and […]
So, you think you can… be a Cougarette?

Utah is known as one of the best training grounds for dance in the country, and no organization showcases why better than the Cougarettes, BYU’s elite dance team. The group has won 12 National Collegiate Dance Team championship titles and three more top-5 finishes. Dancers perform a range of genres—jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, character—and draw […]
Scenic getaways: A long weekend in Sedona

Sedona, Ariz., is a great vacation destination with something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to arts and culture on par with Laguna Beach or Taos, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of vibrant red hills and blue skies. But the biggest draw of Sedona is its spiritual experiences. More than half of Sedona’s annual four […]
The career I never wanted helped me find the life I always did

My career is the greatest thing I never wanted. Graduating from BYU single was heartbreaking. All I’d ever wanted to do was to be a wife and a mother. My life’s priorities and goals are inseparable from my LDS faith, which places marriage and motherhood at the center of a woman’s mortal mission. My closest […]
Midway ice castles captivate the imagination

MIDWAY— Glistening in the clear cold of a January afternoon, a huge structure built entirely from ice looms above Midway’s Main Street. Crowds wend their way through mazes of frozen slot canyons and knobby ice caverns. Is it a transplant from a frozen planet? A set piece from Disney’s Frozen? Step into the Midway ice […]
Adventures in a Utah Winter Wonderland

Now that the snow seems here to stay, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the wealth of winter outdoor opportunities Utah Valley has to offer. Whether your ideal snow day would be spent flying down a ski slope or tromping through the woods on snowshoes, there are activities for all levels just a short […]
The sounds of Christmas: 19 holiday shows in Utah Valley

To many Utah Valley residents it’s just not the Christmas season until they’ve watched “The Christmas Carol” at Hale Center Theater or listened to Michael McLean’s “The Forgotten Carols.” Here’s a look at Christmas concerts and performances in the valley and beyond: Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand Christmas Concert WHEN: Monday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 […]
Thankful for … restaurants

Ah, Thanksgiving — a time of family, friends, gratitude and … dirty dishes aplenty. Even for the most accomplished, kitchen-loving cooks, Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting. If you’d rather let someone else worry about the planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning this year, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a roundup of eateries in […]
Country Farm Fest brings hoe-down hometown fun to Payson

“If you build it, they will come” might seem like a trite line from “Field of Dreams,” but it’s become truth for Amelia Dumas, the creative force behind this weekend’s Country Farm Fest in Payson. Now in its seventh year, the fall festival offers a wealth of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages (including […]
My 40 minutes in the Homestead Crater

Swimming in the Homestead Crater is an other-worldly experience. From the slick, textured walls of the Crater’s beehive-shaped dome to its cloudy, mineral-rich grey waters, I marveled that this intriguing, enchanting gem was practically in my backyard. I felt like we’d gone from Midway to Mars. The Homestead Crater is a natural wonder 10,000 years […]
From ‘The Voice’ to the Rooftop: Q&A with singer Ryan Innes

Musician Ryan Innes has been described as “Michael Buble on Louisiana Liquor and Poor Man’s coke. At one time. Mixed with brotha. And hot sauce on the side.” His soulful voice caught the attention of all four judges of NBC’s music competition series “The Voice” earlier this year. Back from Los Angeles, Innes will take […]
Musicians of all ages and faiths unite as one voice in new Utah Valley performing group

Musicians of all ages will have a new venue for showcasing local talent starting this fall as the Utah Valley Millennial Choirs & Orchestras (UVMCO) opens its doors in Provo. UVMCO will offer six separate programs for performers, including four youth choirs, an adult choir and a symphonic orchestra. The adult choir and symphony are […]
4 great family-friendly camping spots in our backyard

School might be back in session for most of Utah County, but that doesn’t mean summer fun needs to end. Escape into nature for a quick overnight camping trip at one of these quality, local campgrounds — most of which are mere minutes from civilization. 1. Alpine Loop Campgrounds The beautiful Alpine Loop Scenic Byway […]