A recent trip to beautiful Northern Utah left me a quandary-what do I write about first? I was overwhelmed by the region's hospitality and introduction to some of the most lovely cities in the nation.
OGDEN
On the western flank of the Rocky Mountains and against the Wasatch front, is a town not to be ignored. There's a little bit of Paradise in Ogden, Utah. Far enough from the big city to provide country living, it is close enough for those who need to be surrounded by culture of the most sophisticated.
Escorted by their local Visitor's and Convention Bureau representatives, I was able to see much of what Ogden has to offer. It's simply beautiful here. Two rivers run through the town, and within half an hour of here, you can see an abundance of wildlife such as deer, moose, elk, ducks and geese. Also nearby, is a fisherman's dream: fishing for bass, trout, catfish, walleye, pike, crappie and blue gill. Hikers are rewarded by its abundance of mountain trials and views. From its mountain lakes and forests to desert sunsets, it is also a real treat for campers, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. It's even a fine place renowned for snow skiing. There is something for everyone to enjoy here.
Odgen is filled with cultural events as well. Several street fairs and a winter carnival are high points here. They offer theater, symphony and the ballet, along with museums for those historically minded.
Moreover, almost everyone I have met here has been extremely down to earth and friendly. Locals are more than willing to answer questions I have posed about this heavenly region.
My travel partners and fellow journalists were in for special treat on the fourth day of our 5 day adventure. We were able to witness a reenactment of the Golden Spike Ceremony at the National Historic Railroad site. This is where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met on May 10, 1869. The visitors center and museum is open daily from 8:00 a.m.-4:40 p.m. It features a substantial collection of railroad memorabilia, and in the summer, visitors can view the replicas of the two engines, Jupiter and #11p. They are 35 miles west of Brigham City on US 83 at the Promontory Summit.
Then, our posse moved on to visit Hill Aerospace Museum, located on approximately 30 acres on the northwest corner of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, about five miles south of Ogden. The museum was founded in 1981 as a part of the United States Air Force Heritage Program and opened in 1986. It moved to its current facility in 1991. Annually, they have around 180,000 visitors, coming from every state and from many foreign countries. Currently the Museum exhibits over 80 military aircraft, missiles, and aerospace vehicles on the grounds and inside the Major General Rex A. Hadley Gallery and the Lindquist Stewart Fighter Gallery. The museum collection features a wide variety of ordnance, an assortment of aerospace ground equipment, military vehicles, uniforms, and thousands of other historical artifacts. Their collection is outstanding.
LOGAN
Located in gorgeous Cache Valley, Logan, Utah is just an 1.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City. It's also the most scenic route to Yellowstone. I recommend the Logan National Scenic Byway, especially during the fall with all its glory. You can see see a breathtaking view of Bear Lake at the highway summit. The lake is a popular fishing and boating destination in the summer, and a place for revved up snowmobiles in the winter.
One Cache Valley main attraction is the American West Heritage Center, where you can rediscover and relive 100 years of the American West. There are hands on demonstrations in the blacksmith shop, a wonderful kitchen filled with the aromas of baked pies and strudel, and even little tee pees erected for further exploration. The farm is a living history museum, set in 1917. All the traditional ways are closely followed, and guests are invited to jump back in time and learn about food preservation, sheep shearing, quilting, hay making, threshing, and more. Our travel group embarked on a covered wagon ride throughout the center's grounds.
Home to Utah State University, Logan is known for even more outdoor recreation at its finest. In the winter, you can ski at Beaver Mountain Ski Resorts or snowmobile in Logan Canyon. And, just like Odgen, plenty of fishing, hiking and mountain biking awaits you. The University itself offers one of the finest agriculture education programs in the country.
Cache Valley hosts several large events: the Top of Utah Marathon, Cache Valley Cruise-In Car Show, the Utah Festival Opera Company and the Festival of the American West.
Nearby, the Logan LDS Temple, built from 1877-1884, stands today as a monument to Utah's early pioneers. It represents sacrifice, commitment, and a diligent work ethic. The neighboring tabernacle is equally spectacular, and is home to an early 1900-era pipe organ.
