Finding the Road

How many times have you been on this date: dinner at say a certain Costa Vida, bowling for the 100th time, and then back to the apartment to "hang out"? How boring and cliche. This web site is for all you adventure seekers who want to mix things up a bit. Here you'll find an array of restaurants, entertainment venues, and other places you've never heard of, but definitely should. These are the unknown, eclectic, unique places that will rock your night (or day) life! And if you know of any of these hot spots, post it!

Check out my Slide Show!

One World Everybody Eats

"I like it because they're not trying to impress, they're trying to help." ~Johnny Evanson

One World Cafe has the most unique and brilliant concept of what a restaurant should be. Its motto is "A hand up, not a hand out," which means anyone can eat. The cafe will never turn down a hungry soul who can't pay and offers to trade their homegrown organic food for some work in their gardens or in the kitchen washing dishes. And they have a complimentary dish every day for all guests.

Oh yeah, this little hippie cafe has no menu or set prices.

Every day One World whips up a new menu from the gardens out back . The day's food is displayed on the big kitchen counter where guests pick out what they like and tell the person behind the counter how much of each dish they want. When you leave, there's a jar where you pay whatever you feel is fair.


The food is organic, healthy and served with a good cause in mind. The setting is a mixture of bohemian decor amidst chic, urban design. The cafe is divided up into several small rooms where you can eat in a variety of settings: on a plush canopied cushion, at a large table for friends, and even in a quiet corner sitting under pictures of Mother Theresa.

One World is quite the experience and takes a certain type of person to fully appreciate the genius of the place. If you're high maintenance, this place is not for you. But if you love trying new, unusual things, One World will definitely meet your standards.


http://www.oneworldeverybodyeats.com/saltlakecity.html

41 South, 300 East
Salt Lake City

BYU International Cinema

Brigham Young University offers an exciting alternative to the traditional movie date. Several times each month, BYU shows numerous international films free of charge. Apparently, it is "the worlds largest and longest-running foreign film program".

BYU International Cinema, sponsored by the BYU College of Humanities, is designed to meet the following three educational objectives:

1. To supplement the curriculum of BYU foreign language classes by providing frequent opportunities both to hear native speakers of such languages, and to experience the art and culture of the countries in which those languages are spoken;

2. To supplement the curriculum of BYU English, film and humanities classes by showing classic and quality films from the canon of world cinema, as well as cinematic adaptations of great English literature;

3. To provide BYU honors students with frequent and consistent opportunities to complete the film component of their Honors Great Works requirement.

This is not just for Humanities students, in fact it is free for anyone. This is a really good date idea, and the movies always leave you with something to talk about.

For additional information on current showings click here

Serve and Have Fun

Not a lot of time? What about multi-tasking? Visiting assisted living centers can be a great way to help others and have fun while doing it. Next time you’re looking for something to do, just check around for the address or phone number of your local assisted living center (aka “Old Folks Home”) and ask if you can come by with a group of people to spend some time with the residents. Activities you might consider are playing board or card games, painting fingernails, reading stories, singing songs, interviewing and recording personal histories, or other ideas that allow you to spend time with some of the residents. Just being with people that are a little more advanced in years can really bring perspective into your own life. Hearing their stories and interacting with them can uncover a treasury of incredible life stories. Provo is a fun place to do this because of the relatively good number of elderly care facilities and a population of younger people who love to serve and to play. Combine them both and you can have an inspiring experience and really feel good about how you spent your time.

Remember the Holidays when you consider visiting facilities. They can be great opportunities for themed activities. Ask the facilities if they have any ideas of what you might do or what’s on their calendar already.

Examples include:

Halloween: Some facilities do trick-or-treating

Thanksgiving: Thankful Turkeys out of toothpicks and gumdrops

Christmas: Christmas carols, Christmas crafts of some kind (gingerbread houses, decorate sugar cookies, etc.)

Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity

It's too easy to get caught up in the busy lifestyle our generation has created for itself, so hard to find a peaceful place to repose. There is a small community of 21 men in Utah who have dedicated their entire lives to feeling and promoting that peace that comes through a life dedicated to serving God.

The Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity in Huntsville, Utah, is probably best-known for its Trappist Creamed Honey. According to the Abbey's Web site:

"Trappist Creamed Honey is a specialty of the Abbey of the Holy Trinity. It is a fine blend of Utah honey and various flavors calculated to satisfy a variety of tastes. It is crystallized to a consistency like that of butter or margarine. It makes a good spread for bread, toast, pancakes or waffles, and is a good topping for baked goods and bagels. It can be used to sweeten coffee, tea and hot cereal."

Don't go there just to buy honey, though, or you'll be missing out on the best part of the experience: getting to understand the life of a monk. The Retreat House in the monastery is open for any man, Catholic or not, who wants to feel the peace of a monk's life. Women who wish for this same experience can go into the Family Guest House when it is not being used by the monks themselves.

Further than this, however, is the option to reserve a private room in the Retreat House for up to 3 days free of charge (although a donation would be wise). The retreater can spend time reading religious books and pamphlets in the Abbey library, or choose to dedicate his time to prayer.

"For newcomers the transition from life in today’s fast-paced and stressful American society to the slowed-down, quiet way of life at Holy Trinity Abbey can be disorienting. Some call it liberating. Although we are not completely cut off from society, we deliberately withdraw from many features of city life, even good ones, for the sake of our religious practices. Monks do not pretend to live in the Middle Ages, free of modern technology and totally self-sufficient, but monks do filter and restrict their contacts with contemporary society."

See the monks praying here.

Utah Symphony

Did you know some of the worlds greatest musicians have come to Salt Lake City just to play with the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall? The best part is that students can go to any symphony for just $8! The Utah Symphony is an amazing activity if you are looking for a good cultural event. You get to dress up all nice and listen to some of the best music around. Look at their website for additional information about ticket prices. Also, take a look at their calendar to see what will interest you the most!
123 W South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

801.533.5626 (general office)
801.533.NOTE (ticket office)

http://www.utahsymphony.org/

The Mayan Adventure

"No Ordinary Dining Experience"

The Mayan Adventure Restaurant is named appropriately. This is no ordinary dinning experience. When you walk in to the restaurant, it feels like you are walking into the Indiana Jones Ride in Disneyland, or the scene of some adventure movie. The hostess takes you down long decorated corridors, past the two story waterfall, to your table.

This dinning experience is equipped with a show every half hour. The lights are dimmed, and your attention is drawn to the huge waterfall. There you will see cliff divers showing their skill by diving into the pool 30 feet below.

Although the experience is fantastic, the food is just alright. The menu consists fairly priced Mexican dishes and mouth watering desserts.

The Mayan Adventure is a must experience in UT.

For more information and directions visit: http://www.themayan.com/

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees is one of the best Holiday activities to get you in the Christmas spirit. Located in the Expo Center in Sandy, this event combines Christmas decorations with the spirit of giving.

The Festival of Trees is essentially a fund raiser where hundreds of trees are decorated with different themes and placed on display to be auctioned off. The themes range anywhere from classic Christmas to Western, Barbie to Star Wars. All proceeds are donated to the Primary Children's Medical Center.

The interesting thing is, each one of the hundreds of trees is inspired by someone's story. There are pictures of the individual for whom the tree is made and numerous volunteers ready to tell you all about the person.

Admission is only $4 for an adult, $2 for seniors and children. But make sure to bring cash, they don't accept credit cards.
For information on directions, volunteering, or facts about the event check out http://www.festivaloftreesutah.com/

See the World Without Leaving Provo

Next time you’re feeling a little “trapped” inside “liitle ol’ Provo, Utah” take a trip to a distant land by transforming your apartment into another country. Pick a country and make it the theme for your evening. For dinner, find a recipe online or from your local library associated with your country and find out what ingredients you need to get. Either get your ingredients before or as part of your evening and gather everything the recipe calls for. While dinner is on the stove or in the oven, do some research on the culture, people, history and famous sites of the country. (Hint: a quick and easy place to find info is the Provo City Library).

If you know of some traditional games or activities associated with the country try some of them out after dinner (i.e. Making Fabrege eggs or building a snow cave for a Russian night; Writing Japanese/Chinese Characters with paintbrushes; Building the Eiffel Tower out of candy; Making a Bedouin Tent in your Living Room). Or if you prefer an easier route, rent a travel film about the respective country and learn about the country through the film. Movies are also an easy way to continue the theme of an evening. You could document the fun you have by making your own travel film about the country and the things you've learned. If you have time: dressing in traditional clothing, listening to foreign music and decorating your apartment all can add spice to the evening.

OTHER HINTS: Provo is a gathering place for people from around the world with various backgrounds, interests, tastes, and cultures. Take advantage of it by making new friends and meeting new people. If someone is from another country or has visited another country invite them over for a cultural night, ask if they could share some things about their culture and country with you. Don't rule out your Professors either, many have traveled numerous places and might even enjoy sharing some of their experiences with you. Ask what fun or tasty dishes they would recommend to make and offer to provide the ingredients if they teach you how to make it.

The BYU Kennedy Center also has guest lectures from various parts of the world that speak on a sundry of topics. Sometimes they take place in the evenings. You might consider working those or other campus sponsored events that into part of your travel itinerary for your night in another culture.

Crandall Printing Museum

For a larger group activity, a fun and educational experience is visiting the somewhat small but amazing Printing Museum located on Provo Center Street (275 East Center Street). The Crandall Printing Museum features replicas of famous historic print shops and printing presses including a re-creation of the world's oldest printing house. Visitors watch as type is cast and a page of the Gutenberg Bible is printed. The experience is sure to be one of a kind and is operated by a few men who are very knowledgeable about the history and development of the printing world.

The museum functions as a tour through time as visitors see everything from the printing of the Gutenberg Bible, significant events of the revolutionary war period, and the reproduction of the Book of Mormon Press in Palmyra, New York. The tour usually takes about two hours but its well worth your party’s time if they are interested in an intriguing educational experience.

It does cost money and they usually like to give tours to groups of appx. 15 or more. Call ahead to schedule an appointment and arrange the prices.

Hours: Weekdays, 9am to 2pm. Group Tours are available at any time, by appointment.
Minimum charge of $45 for group tour (includes 15 visitors). Additional visitors are $3 each.
Cost: $3 per person
Phone: (801) 377-7777

For more information please visit the website: http://www.crandallmuseum.com/

Provo and Salt Lake Cemeteries

For a unique and interesting excursion, visiting the local cemetery can be an as good as time travel. With a little bit of research and some imagination, a trip to Provo Cemetery or Salt Lake Cemetery can make for a fun experience. Have each person choose someone to learn about and then take turns teaching each other about that individual as you search for the grave markers. When you find who your looking for, be sure to read epitaphs and note monuments as you move along.

History can be transformed to real life as you experience these wonderful sanctuaries. And please note, they are sanctuaries so please be respectful.

The links below include lists of prominent people and where they are buried in the cemeteries throughout Utah, specifically Provo and Salt Lake. There are also internet databases in case you want to look up a family name, ancestor, etc.

http://www.provo.org/parks.cemet_main.html

http://history.utah.gov/apps/burials/execute/searchburials

A few prominent figures buried in the Provo Cemetery are Philo Farnsworth (inventor of television); Reed Smoot (LDS Apostle and US Senator); Jesse Knight (wealthy entrepreneur of Utah Valley); Dan Jones (LDS missionary and riverboat captain). A more extensive list of prominent figures and map where they are located within the Provo Cemetery can be found at this link: Provo Cemetery Map

The Salt Lake City Cemetery is the largest and oldest cemetery in Utah. A number of prominent members of the LDS Church, including ten former Presidents of the Church, and also the self-proclaimed bodyguard of the Joseph Smith, Orin Porter Rockwell, are buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery.

Hours of Operations are found on the Salt Lake City’s website, as well as a link to an interesting article discussing people buried in Utah cemeteries that cannot be missed. The article notes findagrave.com as a great resource for locating graves of famous people. A good source for learning more information about prominent people in Utah history.

The Salomon Center

As though Utah wasn't enough of an outdoor state, the Salomon Center provides simulated outdoor experiences for those unable to brave the real elements, especially when conditions aren't ideal for outdoor activities.

In addition to typical activities like bowling, arcade games, billiards, miniature golf and bumper cars, the Salomon Center features wild adventures that most Utahns wouldn't try otherwise, including the largest indoor climbing wall in Utah, Flowrider--an indoor surfing experience, and even a vertical wind tunnel where you can feel like you're skydiving without having to worry whether or not your chute will open.

And that's all just on the first floor. Take the stairs up to the second and you'll find a Gold's Gym with a running track, a weight room, a swimming pool, a sauna and a basketball court (to name a few features). Once you're done working off that last meal, there are two restaurants to refill at: the Pizza Factory and Costa Vida.


Finally, the mezzanine is home to a dance academy, an indoor track and both physical and massage therapy locations.
My first impression of this place was that it was a cop-out for "real" people who like to do "real" things, but as it turns out it's intensely cool. Being less of a risk-taker myself, the Salomon Center is a great place, even if just to ease me into trying out the activities in "real" life.

Salt Lake City Carriage Rides

What better way to see the lights on Temple Square than from the seat of a horse drawn carriage. Half hour rides begin at Temple Square and travel on Main Street throughout downtown Salt Lake and Gallivan Plaza to see all of the many light displays. Rides are $50 a half hour and blankets are provided. Reservations aren't required, but some nights there may be a a bit of a wait.

Although a beautiful way to see the Christmas lights, carriage rides are available year round. Whether you are just wanting to learn a little more about the history of downtown Salt Lake or want to take a date for a romantic ride through Memory Grove, Carriage For Hire is the perfect solution. Because drivers are allowed to go anywhere in the city, they can pick you up and drop you off where ever you'd like. For more information visit the Carriage for Hire website at http://www.carriageforhire.net/

The Pie

Any true pizza lover meets his match in The Pie Pizzeria, one of the best-known pizza places in Utah, and the self-proclaimed home of the 23" giant pie. The original Pie is in Salt Lake, just west of the U of U campus, but you have to look a little harder to find it, as it hides in a cozy, underground lair.

One of the most memorable features of this restaurant are the bricks covered with who knows how many layers of writing from previous patrons, who came, ate and left their mark. Some sign their names, some write insightful or witty lines, and some send messages to the next booth occupant.

To those who haven't tried the food before, a few notes: get the rootbeer. Try a pizza with toppings that you don't usually like, or, if pizza isn't your cup of tea, get a zappi (their version of a calzone), a sub, soup or a salad. Whatever you get, it will be good, as generations of Pie-goers will testify.

The Pie is, in almost a literal way, an underground catacomb filled with the written remains of fellow-pizza lovers. Go to relax, go to read, but, most importantly, go to eat.

Location: 1320 E 200 S, Salt Lake City
Web site: www.thepie.com
(Go Here to see a live video feed from the restaurant!)
Prices: $8.99-35.99 (depending on size and toppings on pizza)
Times: Mon-Thur 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-3am, Sun noon-11pm

I Want to Ride my Bicycle...

Living in Utah Valley provides access to some of the best mountain biking this country has to offer. In less an hour drive from BYU or UVSC you can find literally dozens, if not hundreds, of different trails (for a comprehensive list of all trails visit www.utahmountainbiking.com).

After being here in the valley for about a year I decided it was time to purchase a new bike and begin riding again. That decision is probably one of the best I have ever made. Biking is a great way to stay in shape and take advantage of the beautiful area while you are here. These are the different ways that I like to ride.

This is one of my favorite dirt trails in the area--Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Just head up Provo Canyon and jump on the trail at Bridal Veil Falls park. The scenery is amazing and the trail is good for experienced riders and rookies alike.

Utah Valley has plenty of road for cyclists who want to ride like Lance Armstrong. For the full experience be sure to get yourself a cycling jersey and shorts--you may turn some heads while getting in shape. Be sure to take advantage of the city and country roads in the area. The city is close but nothing beats riding between the cornfields. Both ways are great to ride.

The Provo River Parkway Trail will take you on a leisurely ride from Utah Lake to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. Because the trail is paved and flat this is an easy ride and one that is great for the whole family. If you are gonna ride in the summer time be sure to wear sunglasses and keep your mouth closed or you may end up swallowing enough bugs to feed you for a week.

Thai Ruby

For the most delicious Thai food in Provo, you have to visit Thai Ruby, located at 744 East 820 North in Provo. Although small, the cozy atmosphere is one of escape and tranquility. The menu is full of authentic Thai cuisine that intrigues your taste buds and leaves you wanting to try more. My personal favorite is the red curry and pad Thai, but it's especially fun to go with a group of people and share a little bit of everyone's plate. Don't leave without trying the most delicious thing on the menu, dessert! The mango, rice, cinnamon concoction is unlike anything you've ever tasted! For more information visit their website http://www.thairubyfood.com/

Local Ethnic Food

This post comes after seeking the recommendation of a friend, Derek, on finding the best ethnic restaurants in the area. Not only is Derek an avid Food Network watcher, he also happens to eat our regularly, and he has been testing local eateries for nearly six years now. This is what Derek has to say:

These are my opinions, but I am an expert, so you can consider them fact. Just joking. Here are some of my favorites:
Chinese-
Four Seasons Hot Pot and Dumpling House on University Ave.
-Best authentic mainland Chinese food you can get around here, bar none.
South American-
Se Llama Peru at 368 W Center Street in Provo.
-Anyone who wants to bring back their South American mission memories should go here, diarrhea included.
Mexican-
Maria Bonita at 171 W 800 N. in Orem.
-Best variety, service, and food of any Mexican place in the valley. Miles beyond that Las Tarascas place that always wins awards.
Korean-
Sam Hawk at 660 N Freedom Blvd in Provo.
-Go in there on Friday night and you'll believe me when I say Koreans freakin' love this place, and that is always a good sign.
Japanese/Sushi-
Bangkok Tokyo at 3368 N University Ave just north of Magelby's Fresh in Provo.
-Nobody knows about this place, but they have killer sushi and all the Japanese favorites
Indian
Bombay House at 463 N University Ave in Provo.
-There is no other place better than this around here. Hands down the best place to eat in the valley.
Greek
Ultimate Broiler and Grill on State Street and 300 N in Orem.
-You wouldn't even know it was Greek food if you drove by, but these guys have the best food ever. The owner is a master pastry chef too and makes fresh French pastries every day.
Polynesian-not that anyone would like that food ;) (editor's note—Derek is Polynesian)
Matiki's Island Barbecue directly north of Ultimate Broiler and Grill in Orem.
-There's a reason both BYU and Utah's football coaches eat there regularly. Where else do you think they find those huge Polynesian linemen? Good island food.

I look forward to trying some of Derek's suggestions. I will let you know how it goes.

Adventures in the Country

My wife and I started going on "adventures" when we were first married a few years ago. When bored on Sunday afternoons we would just drive into the country and see what we could see. Sometimes we would just take turns picking a direction and other times we would just pick a dot on our map and go explore. You might be surprised at the wide variety of treasures you could find in the area if you went exploring.




Last weekend we took a drive out to Manti. We discovered many treasures on this trip--the Manti Temple is beautiful and worth a visit--but perhaps most exciting for a city-boy like myself was being stopped in the middle of the road by a herd of sheep.


We found this war memorial near Midway Utah in Heber County. The memorial lists the names of all Heber County residents who have fought in any American war, beginning with the War of 1812. The setting is beautiful as the memorial sits on top of a lonely hill in the middle of this mountain valley. It would be a great place to visit on Memorial Day or Veteran's Day.

Just imagine the little adventures you can have and the treasures you can find with a short drive into the country.

The Velour

The Velour Live Music Gallery is one of the premier local music venues in the Provo area. Located just a block from downtown Provo, it showcases both local and more prolific artists every Monday, Friday and Saturday, and sometimes in the middle of the week. Tuesday night is the designated "Open Mic Night," in which anyone can show up and play for both the audience and the owners. If the owners like your performance, they may schedule you for an actual show.
It's not just for the music that you should go to the Velour, although that certainly is the primary draw. The design of the interior is an aesthetic experience in and of itself, reminiscent of Bohemian-style theater. Some of the prominent features include faux stained-glass windows, red velvet curtains, avant-garde paintings, music posters and album covers, and dramatic lighting. It is a great way to understand the culture of Provo and its creative people.

Cost: varies, usually $5
Location: 135 N University Ave., Provo
Web site: www.velourlive.com
Phone: (801) 818-BAND