I thought I would share with you a few fun things we did over the last few weekends and maybe inspire you for some fun activities this summer. And if you don’t currently live in Utah maybe you’ll be convinced to move here or to at least take a vacation here.

Bell Canyon
At the end of last week my friend Rachel and I took a hike up Bell Canyon, unfortunately I didn’t bring my big bulky camera with me but let me just tell you- it was breath taking. Definitely one of those times you feel lucky to be able to hike and climb so that you can get to such beautiful spots hidden in nature. Bell Canyon is near Little Cottonwood; to get there take 12300 to Wasatch blvd. and follow Wasatch North until about 9800 South and you’ll see a row of townhomes and a parking lot on your right side. The hike starts in residential area but proceeds to a beautiful still reservoir and then continues along a rushing river spilling into waterfalls and streams. My best advice- bring your camera and a friend because you’ll want to take pictures for sure and also the trail gets a bit confusing towards the top and it’s always better to be lost with someone rather than alone!

Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market
Early Saturday morning I hopped out of bed excited to get to the downtown Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market for the first time this year. I usually try to get there early to get the best produce and to beat some of the crowd (and believe me there will be crowds!). I got there around 8:30 am and we still parked pretty far away. I found tons of yummy things I wanted to bring home with me but trying to be wise I only brought a certain amount of cash with me to spend. I saw beautiful fresh figs, cantaloupe, arugula, fresh cherries- red and yellow, homemade soaps, specialty honey, strawberry rhubarb jam, an assortment of baked breads and danishes, fresh goats cheeses, lots of vegetables, lots of herbs, and beautiful plants and flowers. Here is what I decided I couldn’t live without: a large bottle of Olive Oil from Tony Caputo’s stand ($13), a bouquet of the most beautiful fresh flowers you’ve ever seen ($10), 2 stunningly orange zucchini ($1), and a bag a dried cherries ($5).
A few tips for you:
-bring a bag with you
-come hungry because there are plenty of samples and interesting foods to buy and taste
-only bring as much cash as you want to spend and don’t even think about visiting the ATM at the Market
-allow enough time to casually walk around and take it all in
-don’t leave without the fresh dried cherries on the N W side
-pumpkin blossum honey near the NW entrance is another favorite (thanks for the tip Amy)
**feel free to post a comment to add more tips for folks coming to the Market
My cherished goods from the Market

The Alpine Loop and brunch at The Foundry Grill at Sundance
I’ve lived in Utah now for 4 years and I can’t believe it was my first take the scenic drive around the Alpine Loop in Provo Canyon. I’ve been up to Sundance before but hadn’t ever completed the loop down into Highland. I’ve even recommended the drive to tons of people without doing it myself. Now I can officially say that it is as amazing as everyone talks it up to be. The drive is usually open to the public from approximately late May to late October and takes you through Uinta National Forrest along streams with unforgettable views of the glacier peaks of Mt. Timpanogos. We started on the Provo Canyon side for a couple of reasons- we wanted to go to Brunch first at Sundance and also because we’d heard you don’t have to pay the entry fee if you go this way (saving the money to spend it on food). So, we headed south and took the first Orem exit up Provo Canyon hwy 189, then exit for Sundance. We had a leisurely brunch at The Foundry Grill slowly trying all of their buffet offering from Utah Trout with Orzo in a Lobster Cream Sauce to Zucchini Walnut French Toast! I tried to sample a little of everything with out over doing it and I loved every bite! From Sundance just continue on up the mountain for the Alpine Loop (about 15 miles) which will then drop you out at American Fork Canyon in Highland, UT on hwy 92. If you need a place to eat on the American Fork side, try Blue Lemon Bistro on hwy 92, a great place for fresh healthy foods- soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. For your drive, plan the afternoon so you don’t have to rush and my best advice- roll the windows down and enjoy the sounds of the streams along the road.

Salt Lake City Arts Festival
I also went to the annual Salt Lake City Arts Festival on Saturday night. We enjoyed music from a Jazz Band and walked around to all of the artists’ booths. To save some cash I recommend going during a lunch hour when the price to get in is only $5. Or buy your tickets in advance at the Library store for only $7. Plan on riding trax to get there or your bike if you live near because parking is horrendous. The food is pretty good also- cinnamon roasted almonds, lots of ethnic foods, crepes, and tapas, beer and wine on the North West side. We tried fish tacos and a taco salad from Cafe Sabor and enjoyed them both. I especially like Cafe Sabor’s salsa! Then we had to try a dessert crepe – apple cinnamon crepe topped with whipped cream! I enjoyed this year’s expereience at the Arts Festival more than years previous maybe because I stayed to watch the Jazz Band. Last year I got kind of bored with the art after a while and didn’t find the whole experience worth the money to get in. This year we had the pleasure of seeing Lenny Picket play the saxophone and Ken Rosenthal on the piano- both extremely entertaining, making whole experience much more worth while. So, plan on watching one of the comedy or music acts for sure when you go next year!