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.

Utah's Logan destination is a peaceful region for those ready to remember simpler times.

BOUNTIFUL

Bountiful is Utah's second settlement and was named for one of the ancient American cities described in the Book of Mormon. Bountiful was settled not long after Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. Perrigrine Sessions explored the area just three days after his arrival. In September 1847 Sessions gathered his family into their wagon and herded 300 head of cattle into the South Davis Valley. Other families moved into the area and began planting crops the following year. Fifty-three families had established farms in the area by 1850.

Because of repeated Indian problems, a fort was constructed of dirt walls, three-quarters of a mile square, with the town site being laid out within its boundaries.

For more than forty years, Bountiful remained a sleepy farming community, but in the 1950s its close proximity to Salt Lake City made it an ideal residential community for suburban commuters. Families started moving from Salt Lake City to the suburbs, causing Bountiful's population to more than double. Its demographics also changed since many of these new residents were professionals (doctors, lawyers, educators, executives) who commuted to work in Salt Lake City.

Bountiful's growth continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s but slowed in the 1980s to only 11 percent. The 1990 census recorded a population of 36,659, revealing that Bountiful had fallen to the position of the second largest city in Davis County. Economic growth remains the city's top priority with downtown redevelopment as its major concern.

The Bountiful Performing Arts Center is a wonderful place to see some of the best theater in the state. They strive to present professional quality, family-oriented stage productions at an affordable price.

The Bountiful Ridge Golf Course is an excellent place to tee off, with its premier 18-hole mountain golf course with a spectacular view of Great Salt Lake and the valley. It is rated 4 stars and a “best value” golf course by Golf Digest.

ANTELOPE ISLAND

The largest of the Great Salt Lake's 10 islands, Antelope Island is part of the Utah State Park System. Visitors can reach the park by boat or via a causeway reopened in 1992 after being submerged for a decade by record-high lake levels.

Recreational opportunities abound. White sand beaches beckon to sunbathers and picnickers. Hiking trails attract those looking for new and unique experiences. A sailboat marina lends a maritime atmosphere to island activities. Bicyclers enjoy the experience of riding out on the causeway in the invigorating salt air to explore the island. Campers come to watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets in seclusion found only minutes away from their urban homes.

From the mainland, its 28,022 acres appear barren and deserted. But Antelope Island is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the Great Basin region. This is a great place to view wildlife. The island was without its namesake antelope for many years, but they were reintroduced in 1993 and can now be seen in many areas of the park. Deer, bobcats, coyotes, many varieties of birds and waterfowl, and a small herd of elk also call the island home.

But most famous are Antelope Island's American Bison, introduced to the island in 1893 and now numbering some 600 animals. The world-renowned herd is managed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and visitors are welcome at the island's buffalo corral and management facilities. During the annual bison roundup each November, visitors can get a close-up look at the bison and the techniques used on a working buffalo ranch.

Visit beautiful and serene Northern Utah and all its glory. Your family will thank you for it.