In 2009, my parents and I headed to Southern Utah to visit Arches and Canyonlands. Utah, is by far, one of the most beautiful states I have ever visited. Seriously, if it weren't for all the crazy polygamists, I could definitely live there. (However, 'Big Love' on HBO was an awesome show.) Salt Lake City is a little blah, but just south is Provo and Sundance, which are absolutely stunning and is where we stayed the first 2 days. It was so wonderful to breathe the crisp air- something you just can't find in Tennessee- and to see a valley covered in green aspen, but the mountains behind still covered in snow.
Sundance is the famed ski resort owned by Robert Redford and home to a "little-known" film festival. Want to know what it looks like? Check out the film 'Jerimiah Johnson', add in some Uggs and Hollywood celebs riding the ski lift and and an over-priced mail-order catalog, and you've got Sundance. But seriously, it was a fantastic place to stay for the night. We slept in a little hillside "cabin", ate some amazing food and took a couple of art classes at the on-site art studios. If you ever have the chance, check out the resort, especially in the off-season when prices are right.
 |
| Sundance's ski-worthy mountains. |
Once leaving Sundance, we headed south for the tiny town of Moab. It's about a 4-hour car ride, but the scenery is absolutely beautiful (if you can stay awake... I'm like a baby in the car and fall asleep pretty quickly). The temperature rises as you drop lower and lower, out of the snow-capped mountains and onto the desert floor. In the course of one day, I went from wearing jeans and a fleece to shorts and a tank top.
On the way into Moab, you actually drive by the entrance to Arches National Park. It has a lovely Visitor's Center that I recommend stopping at before entering, mainly because the park rangers are happy to point out places of interest and help you decide on the best hikes. This is where we stopped and picked up our park pass (required for all visitors) before heading in to town to the house we rented for the week.
 |
| The main road inside Arches National Park. |
This is where I have to give my mom credit for always planning and organizing some wonderful trips for our family. Wherever we travel, she puts together the itinerary, the accommodations, the hikes... it's always fantastic. One of her main sources of info is VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner). With a little bit of research, rental houses can be just as affordable as a hotel, especially when you consider that a rental home gives you the opportunity to cook some meals instead of eating out all the time. Plus, rentals usually include washers/dryers, which means you can travel with less clothing.
Moab is paradise for any active person, but especially mountain bikers, jeep off-roaders, and hikers. There are only about 4,500 permanent residents that live there, the majority of which work in the tourism industry. The locals are either bad ass mountain bikers or batty old hippies. (Seriously, there a no overweight people in that town.) Moab is also home to some great breweries, restaurants and art galleries, one of which I purchased some fantastic art by Jonathan Frank.
Moab Recommendations:
Restaurants:Jail House Cafe (the original town jail that now serves amazing breakfast)
La Hacienda
Moab Brewery
Bike Shop:
Chili Pepper Bike Shop
Art Galleries:
Framed Image Art Gallery
So you enjoy art? Moab Plein Air Festival occurs in October annually. Around 75 talented artists are painting landscapes and these are auctioned off during the festival. Come back some day.
ReplyDeleteAlso, less known activities, rafting the famous Colorado River, BASE jumping and highlining. In September skydivers from across the nation come to jump in the skies above canyonlands.
Moab is for meetings too. Think of Moab for your professional life to return. see http://www.moabutah.info for free help organizing a business meeting or event here.
You crack me up talking about Sundance. Especially the "over priced mail order catalog".
ReplyDelete