Last summer was our official first 4th of July in Utah, but we were still in the process of unpacking and getting our house into livable (and cute) condition. This summer we vowed to do something a little more celebratory than stand outside and watch fireworks from behind the clubhouse. We discussed options like heading to Denver (for a little Container Store fix) or an overnight stay in Park City with spa treatments. But in the end, we opted for a fun (and more financially sound) day road trip into uncharted portions of our state.
With an atlas, a cooler, sunglasses, and patriotic music on the XM radio, we headed north with no real destination in mind other than Logan, UT. We had read that there was a restaurant there - The Bluebird - with fantastic milkshakes. And we had also heard that east of there, the drive through Logan Canyon was very pretty. And I'd have to agree that those old-fashioned milkshakes were pretty darn tasty. And our walk along the Logan River Trail in Logan Canyon was almost as refreshing.
From the other side of the canyon, we headed toward Bear Lake which straddles the Utah/Idaho border. What a picturesque spot it was! We enjoyed seeing it from the scenic overlook and then driving south along it.
Next, the adventure took us south and then east again on scenic byways. We came within miles of the Wyoming border, but stayed in Utah all day. Eventually we meandered to Park City (which seemed quite familiar to us after hours of new territory).
Park City was all abustle with tourists in patriotic clothing and moods - a real jolt of civilization after traversing the mountains and valleys of rural Utah. We had heard of a restuarant owned by Robert Redford called Zoom, so we stopped for a burger and salad and a little vino before heading back home.
We still haven't figured out the fireworks situation here in the Beehive State, yet, but I'm sure we'll get our chance someday. We're just so spoiled by our hometown fireworks, we don't want to be disappointed.
It was a fabulous day. We loved having the moonroof open (which resulted in some pretty fun sunburn marks), the radio blaring corny, majestic, and rockin' tunes, and having the capability to just get in the car and go! God Bless the USA!
Susan
I think my Facebook status really put our fun day in a nutshell - "Mountains, milkshakes, nature, nostalgia. Scenic byways. Great Salt Lake, Bear Lake, Utah Lake. Aaron Copland, John Phillip Sousa, Lee Greenwood. Sunshine. Gingham and polka dots. Summer hair. Park City. Zoom. A very happy 4th!"
Sounds like a great weekend. I remember loving the candy counter at the Bluebird when I visited for the first time as a child. I hope they still have it. I think my grandfather worked there when he was in college.
Next year, you'll have to get tickets to Stadium of Fire at BYU. It has been billed as the biggest fireworks display west of the Mississippi (at least it was in the mid-1990s). I don't know if that still holds true, but it's a pretty spectacular event. And, it usually has some pretty good talent lined up to perform.
Posted by: Lanna | July 06, 2009 at 07:30 AM
What a fantastic day! We were in the car all day but it was much less fun.
Posted by: Barb | July 06, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Sunscreen, ladies! Sunscreen!
Posted by: Joni | July 06, 2009 at 06:40 PM