Allow us to introduce you to a mini metropolis that thrives with the good life at the base of canyons with mountains that soar above 11,000 feet: Salt Lake City – population 190,884 in the city proper; 1,153,340 people living in the greater SLC metro area.

If Utah cuisine makes you think about mayonnaise-based casseroles, Diet Coke, and smorgasbord food buffets, you’re so right–it’s all true. But, and this is a huge but, Utah’s food scene has truly grown up as world-renowned chefs and savvy foodies have discovered Utah’s friendly cost of living and killer access to the outdoors–it’s a lifestyle that the most creative and innovative minds have made home for business and family.

Downtown Provo has seen a renaissance with new restaurants, community events and fun attractions. In fact, it was recently named one of the coolest downtown's in America by Expedia. So what makes Downtown Provo so cool?

With the snow-melt comes the quieter side of this mountain town, but the word is out and now the streets that were once vacant during the “mud season” (the term the locals use to describe the time between being able to ski and when the trails dry out enough for summer pursuits) are now bustling with action. With average summer temps in the 80’s, zero humidity and a town that sits at nearly 7,000 feet in elevation, this is the perfect summer getaway.

From the days when it served as “Junction City” and transcontinental railroad passengers filled the streets, to its days as a venue for the Olympic Winter Games, Ogden has always had a diversity and a vibe that led the New York Post to proclaim it, “The OTHER Utah.”

We’ve been living the dream since we ditched city life eight months ago and moved to the Heber Valley, an outdoor playground with bubbling hot pots, bucolic farmlands, five golf courses, three Utah State Parks, 2002 Olympic Nordic skiing venue Soldier Hollow, three sparkling reservoirs and a Swiss-themed mountain hamlet. The valley is chiseled by the Provo River, a blue-ribbon fly-fishing destination with easy access to the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains.

With over 400 miles of trail in Park City it can be a bit overwhelming to pick a ride, let alone pick an appropriate ride for you, your family or friends. With summer officially here, now is the perfect time to highlight some rides in the Park City area that may help you plan your next adventure.

Utah boasts a global reputation for the finest winter recreation on the planet. But when The Greatest Snow on Earth™ melts, it reveals lush meadows full of wildflowers and miles of scenic trail to be explored. With such easy access, there’s no better way to beat the heat of summer than a quick trip to the mountains. Summer is magical at Utah’s ski resorts, and whether you’re in to mountain biking, hiking, camping, live music, great food, or scenic lift rides, there is something for everyone.

Utah is the second driest state in the US, but in spite of that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has done a terrific job of providing both still water and moving water public fisheries. Many fishing opportunities revolve around reservoirs and the tailwaters that flow from them.

Dark skies are as rare as a happy political discussion for most of us urban- and suburban-dwelling citizens, but, lucky for you, Utah’s star gazing access is as quick as an hour away or as a much-needed 4-hour road trip away. Utah is kind that way–she likes to hand out cosmic extravaganzas night after night after night.

Cedar City is no longer just a pit stop along I-15 on your way to St. George or Zion National Park, and hasn’t been for years. Cedar City is a robust and diverse destination with its Shakespeare Festival, bomber mountain biking trails for endless miles, access to jaw-dropping hiking trails, and a food scene that has everything from Peruvian to Thai to Mexican cuisine that no small town should be expected to contain. But Cedar City consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Be prepared to fall in love with your new favorite southern Utah town.

Utah’s incredible scenery is about as diverse as it gets. From the lush, high-alpine scenery of Northern Utah to the stunning red-rock formations and desert vistas of Southern Utah, there’s no shortage of unique scenery to immerse yourself in – and there’s no better way to do it than on a bicycle.

Moab is truly an outdoor recreationalists Utopia...hiking, biking, river running, climbing, canyoneering, rockaneering, zip lining, kayaking, paddle boarding, jeeping, skydiving, ballooning…that’s a whole ‘lotta adventure “ing” options – and the BEST part of all is there are professional guides to safely lead, assist and instruct you and your family in whatever kind of “adventuring” you are up for.

Backcountry travel in the mountains can be incredibly rewarding, but there are manageable risks that every family needs to consider before venturing out for a day of backcountry recreation. Avalanches and sudden weather changes are always possible, and a little bit of knowledge and preparation will go a long way to keep your family safe while traveling through the backcountry.

Life in the mountains and enjoying the outdoors is one of the highest priorities for our family. Whether we’re skiing, hiking or mountain biking, our time on the mountain always brings so much laughter and truly grounds us as a family. We are all so happy when we’re outside!

The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival at Ruby’s Inn is the perfect snowy getaway for families and friends alike.

Planning a family ski vacation can be a bit daunting for a variety of reasons: it’s too expensive (lodging, lift tickets, food, lessons, travel), unsure of the quality of the kids’ ski programs, and is the terrain family-friendly? These may be just a few concerns at the top of the list. Well, we have two resorts in Utah that are PERFECT for your next family-friendly ski trip.

Red rock scenery mixed with fresh snow and less crowds, make Moab the ideal place to go in the "off season."

Unplug, recharge and reconnect with your loved ones on any of Utah's awesome rivers, here we round up our favorite family trips!