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Summer is a time for kids to follow their bliss, and Utah has no shortage of summer camps to help them do exactly that, whether it’s rocking out with a band or going on an outer-space mission. And even though spring has just sprung, it’s time to figure out what that bliss is going to be. Utah’s summer camps are registering campers now, and they fill up fast. Here are eight of our favorite 2024 summer camps accepting applications right now:
Solitude Summer Camps
For one week, children will have the opportunity to learn and play amidst the scenic mountains of Big Cottonwood Canyon. This day camp spans over a week, with activities scheduled from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. During this time, kids can indulge in swimming, hiking, trampoline bungee jumping, climbing, chairlift rides, and arts and crafts. While parents are required to pack their child’s lunch, the campers will be provided with snacks. This camp is perfect for children who enjoy the outdoors and the picturesque landscapes of Utah.
With multiple different types of camps to choose from Wasatch Kids Camp has it all! A field trip based program that allows kids to be out and about in the outdoors. With multiple different locations to pick up from this camp makes sure to make it easy and convenient for yours kids to have a blast. Find what camp suits your kid best: North Camp, South Camp, or Travel Camp!
Dates: June-August, 2024 Cost: Ranges from what type of camp you choose from $350-$800 Ages: 6-16 Location: Multiple locations to drop off, pick up, and explore based on your area of residence Wasatch Kids Camp
Luna Lobos Dog Sledding Summer Camp
If you’ve seen White Fang, you know dog sledding isn’t quite the same as taking a tube down a hill at Sugar House Park, but kids can learn the basics of the sport while bonding with adorable canines at Luna Lobos Dog Sledding Camp. Campers also learn archery and basic outdoor survival skills (they might need them while racing in the Iditarod one day).
Dates: June 12–July 29, 2024 Cost: $285 (full week), $90 (single day) Location: Rancho Luna Lobos, Peoa Luna Lobos Camp
YMCA Camp Roger
This is what you think when you think “camp” — archery, horseback riding, etc. Camp Roger started as a place for boys to swim and build campfires. It became co-ed in the ‘60s, and in the 2000s, buildings were renovated for a new generation. Camp themes range from Wacky Scientist to Wild Wild West. Camp Rogers also offers Little Rogers (one night and two days) for first-timers, horsemanship camps and leadership camps.
Dates: June–August, 2024 Cost: Traditional Camp for ages 8-14 is $715, Mini Camp for ages 7-9 is $440, Little Rogers for ages 5-7 is $215 Location: Uinta Mountains YMCA Camp Roger
Youth Education at U of U
Enroll your children in an engaging summer camp that enhances their educational skills and prepares them for college and beyond. This camp offers various specialized programs to match your child’s interests, including Science, Arts, Math, Engineering, and Sports. Moreover, they provide opportunities to earn extra high school credits, prepare for the ACT, and explore potential career paths and majors. Registration for the summer program is currently open. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Dates: June-August, 2024 Cost: About $200 depending on what camp Location: University of Utah Continue Education
Game On! Sports 4 Girls
Are you on the hunt for an exceptional summer experience for your daughter? Search no more! Game On! Sports 4 Girls presents an extensive seven-week summer day camp that covers the fundamentals of multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, mountain biking, and many more. Each day, your daughter will leave feeling invigorated, empowered and strengthened physically, mentally, and as part of a team. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your daughter’s athleticism and overall growth
Dates: Heber City: June 3-7, June 10-14. Park City: June 17-21, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 29-August 2. Kaysville: June 3-7, June 10-14 Age: 4-14 Cost: Vary from $50-$300 depending on what type of camp Location: Heber City at Southfield Park and Park City at Willow Creek Park, Kaysville at Barnes Park.
Bouldering Project Summer Training Camp
Attention older kids! Here’s an exclusive summer training camp for competitive youths, designed to take your climbing skills to the next level. This camp caters to all levels of climbers, working towards the common goal of enhancing your climbing abilities.
Dates: Youth Training Camps: 7/19-7/21, 8/5-8/7. Youth Summer Adventure Camps: Various dates in June, 2024 Cost: $350-399 depending on program Location: Boulder Project, 660 S 400 W Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT Bouldering Project
Code Ninjas Camp
This summer camp program is perfect for kids who are into all types of technology and STEM. It will turn your kids’ obsession with technology into fun activities that will prepare them for future professions but also allow them to make friends and have fun in a healthy environment. Their summer camps include Minecraft, Youtube, Coding, 3D Printing, Animation, Legos, Robotics, and more!
Dates: June–July, 2024 Cost: $250 –$300 Location: 1957 E. Murray Holladay Road, Holladay UT Coding Ninjas
The 2024 Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards Ceremony
Feb. 26, 2024 Woodbine’s Drift Lounge Photos by Natalie Simpson and Adam Finkle
Salt Lake magazine held its 2024 Dining Awards at Woodbine Food Hall’s Drift Lounge in Salt Lake’s Granary District on Feb. 26, 2024. At the event, Utah restaurants and food service professionals were honored for their contributions to Utah’s culture and excellence in dining. This year’s Outstanding Restaurant winner was Urban Hill, named alongside 14 other excellent restaurants. Special awards went to Margo Provost at Log Haven (The #RandomPink Award), Francis Fecteau of Libations (Wine and Spirit Education), Angie and Drew Fuller at Oquirrh (The Golden Spoon for Hospitality) and Lavanya Mahate for her outstanding community service.
1) Dave Crabbs (left), Kendra Crabbs, Angel Buhler, Chris Buhler, Will Pliler and Tonya Pliler. 2) Outstanding Restaurant of the Year winner Urban Hill’s chef Nick Zocco and bar manager Bijan Ghiai. 3) Jon Butler (left), Janessa Edwards, Lisa Ward and Jeff Ward from Silver Star Cafe. 4) The ownership group of Casa Del Tamal: Samantha Guerrero (left), Carlos Villa, Cristina Olvera, Salma Guerrero, Frida Guerrero and Andres Sanchez. 5) Adrian Waddington (left), Caine Wenner, Emma Roberts and Jordon Strang. 6) Pho 777’s Tien Truong Avila, left, The Truong and Trang Truong. 7) Scott Gardner (left), David Chon and Clifton Reagle from Water Witch and Bar Nohm. 8) Amy and Marco Stevanoni from Veneto Ristorante Italiano .
K. Rocke Design’s 20th Annivesary
Jan. 24, 2024 Glass House in Salt Lake City Photos by K. Rocke Design
K. Rocke Design celebrated its 20th year in business at Glass House, the design team’s showroom. The event featured music food and dancing as well as a performance by mentalist Doug Roy and custom-designed KRD merchandise for guests.
1) The K. Rocke Design Team: Susan Heap (left), Morgan Fuller, Kristin Rocke, Morgan Foster and Sue Wilson. 2) Kristin Rocke (center) with current clients Shruthi Kinkead and Mikisha Haeri
WAREHOUSE Preview
Jan. 11, 2024 The WAREHOUSE in Park City Photos by Venue Communications
WAREHOUSE, a new, premiere community-driven private car and social club, hosted an exclusive preview debuting their 27,000 square feet of world-class facilities. Guests were treated to Proverbial spirits cocktails while viewing club offerings and the rare, impressive car fleet. WAREHOUSE CEO and Co-Founder, Jake Wolf, presented his vision while discussing membership options for displaying vehicles and for those who would simply like to participate in the community. For more information, visit warehousemotorclub.com and on Instagram @warehousemotorclub
1) Caitlin Riviere (left), Jen Francis, WAREHOUSE CEO Jake Wolf, Jenny Hardman and Amy Lyday. 2) Megan Rule (left), Katie Zamarra, Nate Hedrick, Kali Hedrick and Ryan Hawkins
Call For Photos
We welcome your photos of recent social events around Utah. Please send high-resolution photos (.jpg format) to magazine@saltlakemagazine.com with the subject line “Social” and a package of images and event/caption information in a file transfer service we can access. Submissions must be accompanied by names and a description of the event (who, what, when, where, why).
This season, show all those moms and dads out there the love they deserve, Salt Lake-style.
1. Champagne Poppies seed sprouting kit, available at Salt & Honey, $16 2. Chartreuse cross body bag by Hobo Bags, available at Hip & Humble, $168 3. Alice ribbed dress in ivory, by Alex Mills, available at The Stockist, $195 4. Wesley Ankle Boot in light pink by Free People, available at The Children’s Hour Bookstore, $298 5. Tolima Overall Dress with built-in UPF 50+ protection by Cotopaxi, available in-stores and online at cotopaxi.com, $100 6. London Fly sandals in yellow and brown, available at Hip & Humble, $172
7-10. Available at Man Up: Titan International Damascus steel knife $84; local handmade leather footnote/passport book with pen by OSA Leather, $99; The Rosewood – handmade recycled wood watch, $190; Access Denied belt, grey, $39; 11-12. Available at The Stockist: Iron Heart corduroy jacket in olive green, $375; Malick multicolor button-up shirt, $188 13. Fice Loves You t-shirt, available at Fice Gallery, $40 14-17. Available at Man Up: GoWood polarized sunglasses, $59; Access Denied wallet: Crazyhorse Black, $35; Lincoln leather bracelets by MAD MAN, $8; Springed leather bracelet by MAD MAN, $16; 18. Brinco 7” board shorts in Coastal Blue, by Cotopaxi, available in-stores and online at cotopaxi.com, $70
Mother’s Day Brunch
Mother’s Day. The special day when you get to say thank you, and I’m sorry to the person you stressed, tortured, and cherished more than anyone else growing up, and probably still to this day. If your Mother’s Day plans include taking your dear mother out to brunch, here is a list of a few places to do so.
Stanza—The folks at Stanza have put together a great-looking spread for your mother this year. The menu includes delicious Italian favorites, such as Stanza Lasagna and Szechuan Pepper Bucatini Alla Carbonara, alongside classic brunch items like Waygu Ribeye and Eggs and Jumbo Shrimp & Grits.
La Caille Restaurant—Spoil your mother with a memorable brunch at La Caille. Choose from a lavish selection of appetizers and entrees, like the Wagyu Sliders, Seafood Cocktail and Crab Cakes.
Snowbasin—Snowbasin is hosting its famed Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Earl’s Lodge this year, and have added a Saturday date due to high demand. Treat your mother to an array of elevated dishes like freshly carved prime rib, blackened salmon, locally cured charcuterie and more.
Let’s face it, planning for Father’s Day can be hard, and you may feel stuck doing the same thing year after year, but there’s no need to fear!! Your guide to a refreshing Father’s Day Weekend is here!
The Utah Blues Festival—If your father is a fan of some classic blues, the annual Blues Festival is perfect place to celebrate him. Taking place at the Gallivan Center, this year’s fest features acts ike Tab Benoit, Sue Foley, Southern Avenue and more. June 14 & 15th.
Big Cottonwood Brew Fest—Throw back a few cold ones with your old man surrounded by the picturesque views at Solitude. The free event also features live music and tasty food pairings. June 16th, 12 p.m to 5 p.m.
Strawberry Days—This year’s Strawberry Days festival runs from the 15th all the way through the 23rd of June. Visit with your father figure for car shows, carnivals, rodeos, concerts and more.
TopGolf—Golfing is a Father’s Day favorite that offers a casual family friendly experience. TopGolf has offered Father’s Day promotions in the past, check their site for the most recent updates.
Axe-Throwing—For the unconventional dad, spice up the day with a Rage Room or Axe throwing! Prices vary by location.
Climbing—If your dad is the adventurous type like mine, have fun bonding over indoor climbing lessons! Prices vary.
April showers not only bring May flowers but also a new exhibit at Utah’s Hogle Zoo! The 22 million dollar expansion, suitably named Wild Utah, features some of our state’s most elusive wildlife. President and CEO at Hogle Zoo, Doug Lund said, “The Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah exhibit is unlike any other zoo experience. From cougars, desert bighorn sheep, burros, western toads and yellow-bellied marmots, you’ll see Utah’s vast and varied wildlife up close.”
This new expansion may be the biggest news to come out of Hogle Zoo since the zoo announced last May that its longtime elephant residents, Christie and Zuri, would head to new homes in hopes of finding a better quality of life.
The new development spans three acres located on the east side of Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Lund said, “The exhibit opens a new area to enjoy the zoo and new spaces to create champions for wildlife.” The expansion has been carefully designed to include many unique features, including, “animal experiences, hands-on conservation opportunities, and behind-the-scenes access to animal care. [At the exhibit] guests can engage with Utah wildlife like never before,” he said.
Artist renderings of Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah habitat at Utah’s Hogle Zoo (courtesy Utah’s Hogle Zoo)
One of the most engaging of these experiences is the Makers Space. This interactive area allows guests to participate in hands-on projects. These include building bird houses, assembling hummingbird feeders, creating seed pods and planting pollinators, all of which can be taken home afterwards by the participants.
Another interesting section of the exhibit is the Nature Play Area & Interpretive Campsite. Here guests learn how to enjoy Utah’s wildlife and outdoor space responsibly. This education initiative is designed to promote a refreshed attitude towards nature and motivate environmentally friendly behavioral changes. What’s more, the expansion is helping to reduce Salt Lake City’s environmental pollution by using clean, renewable power.
The expansion also includes the Overlook Terrace, which provides a panoramic view of the Wild Utah area, particularly of the bighorn sheep and cougar exhibits.
For the focal point of the expansion, the zoo erected The Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center. Said Lund, “This is where the ambassador animals will reside. These ambassador animals are part of our informal science education enhancement (iSEE) outreach program that teaches second-grade classrooms across the state about Utah habitats, sparking their curiosity and sense of wonder.” Additionally, the center features an interactive kitchen where visitors can learn about the diverse diets that different zoo animals digest and see demonstrations on how zoo meals are prepared.
As added enjoyment (and education), the animal center is also home for the Boreal Toad conservation project—an initiative that houses boreal toads and their eggs. (Due to habitat changes and a fungal disease referred to as “chytrid,” Utah’s boreal toads are in rapid decline and this project aims to reintroduce the endangered species to an environment similar to their original habitat.)
Not only can visitors be fascinated by the array of wildlife within the exhibit, but the beauty of the display, further enhanced by the use of the state’s local flora and topography. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the mural of monarch butterflies on the backside of Markers Space and a second mural of Utah’s pollinators—bees, flowers, etc.—on the east side of The Norma W. Matheson Education Animal Center.
Although the opening date for the exhibit has not yet been announced, it is expected to be sometime in mid May.
Of course, when visiting Utah’s Hogle Zoo, visitors should not miss out on the other exhibits that are found within the vast menagerie. These include African Savanna, Great Apes, Asian Highland, Rocky Shores, Small Animals, Primate Forest and Rhino Exhibit.
The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Visitors can purchase tickets at the gate, but there is a savings of $2.00 if purchased online at their website. Locals can also choose to become annual members which not only provides access to exclusive events and benefits but helps to support the care and wellbeing of over 600 species of animals.
This day, 124 years ago, was a day of horror in Scofield, Utah. On this day, 200 men and boys perished in a dark hole under the mountain. At the time, it was the worst mining disaster in The United States and would become a rallying cry for American Workers.
This is the story of May 1 and the sorrow that followed.
It was difficult to get around the room because the coffin was so big. But they did it. They shuffled and jostled and positioned themselves around the dead man as the photographer told them to hold still. Any movement would blur the image. So they were arrayed around the box, absolutely motionless—as still as the man in the coffin. Nearly every home in Scofield, Utah, would have a 6-foot-long box in the parlor in early May 1900. Families who were a little better off would pay to have a photographer document the scene. Within a short time, the coffin would be in the ground, the families would continue to mourn, and just about everyone in this eastern Utah town wondered how the Pleasant Valley Coal Co.’s mine had exploded on such a perfect May morning, wiping 200 men and boys out of existence.
Mrs. Seth Jones and family and casket at a funeral ceremony following the disaster. Photo by George Edward Anderson (1860-1928), courtesy L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University
124 Years Ago at 10:30 a.m.
On May 1, 1900, Scofield became a town with too many bodies, and nowhere to put them. The Scofield mine disaster ranks as the fifth most deadly mining accident in the United States, and Utah’s worst calamity. Some estimates place the death toll as high as 246. To a certain degree, miners and their families accepted the risks. Today, 124 years later, not much has changed. Miners still gamble every time they go underground. The 2006 Sago Mine disaster, which claimed 12 lives, was a vivid reminder of those dangers.
The Pleasant Valley Coal Co.’s mine was in nearby Winter Quarters at the mouth of the canyon. Sagebrush and scree littered the hillsides. Mineshafts yawned out of the hills, the more productive mines reaching high-quality coal seams. Shafts No. 1 and No. 4 were good ones; at one point the two would be producing more than 80% of Utah’s coal.
The folks at Scofield and Winter Quarters had not had an easy winter. Smallpox and poverty were rampant. The smallpox ran its course and soon abated, but the poverty did not, particularly for the immigrants—the Finns, the Italians, the Dutch. Still, Scofield’s 2,500 people were just beginning to come out from under such dark clouds, preparing to celebrate May Day.
Things looked good. The Pleasant Valley Coal Co. was due to supply 2,000 tons of coal a day to the U.S. Navy. Men trudged to work that morning, many hefting large bags of gunpowder for blasting. There were shouts and teasing, the Finns clustering together, a mishmash of languages and accents bouncing off the canyon walls. They disappeared into the ground, working their way through the warrens and low rooms.
At 10:25 a.m.
The men in No. 1 felt a change in the air. A kind of concussion, a pressure on the chest. Word spread that something was terribly wrong in No. 4. Then the words “Get out” echoed through the caverns. Tools dropped and boots began moving toward the mouth of shaft No. 1, while pushing at their backs was a cloud of dust, debris, and the deadliest thing a mine can throw at you: afterdamp.
Miners fear several things: an accident resulting in injury, followed by time off work and no pay; or losing the job because the company folds or the coal plays out. And of course black lung, a disease from inhaling coal dust. But that’s a slow, protracted death, free of shock and violence. Miners don’t dwell on those. After all, these mines in Scofield had a reputation for being among the safest.
But afterdamp, that’s something else.
Following a mine explosion, oxygen is forced out of the shaft. What’s left behind is a deadly cocktail of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen, utterly irrespirable. Those who survive a fire or explosion are usually wiped out by afterdamp in short order. Rescuers know it when they see it: corpses strewn across the mine floor, untouched by flame or debris, but with handkerchiefs, hats, and coats pressed to their mouths in a futile attempt to keep the afterdamp out of their lungs. One rescuer described the scene in the Winter Quarters mine: “We found bodies of the men in every conceivable shape, but generally they were lying on their stomachs with their arms about their faces. The men died almost instantly when struck by the damp and did not suffer. They just became unconscious and were asphyxiated. Their faces were all calm and peaceful as though they had just fallen asleep.”
One-hundred and three miners made it out of Winter Quarters No. 1. Some 200 did not make it out of the mine at all—that is, until they were hauled out with sheets covering their faces. Some of the dead included young boys who had been working with their fathers.
At No. 4, those who were near the portal were lucky, despite the shattered timbers and twisted mine cars blown out of the hole. They could get to fresh air quickly.
Walter Clark rushed into the mine to find his brother and father. But the afterdamp still hung heavy in the air. He lost consciousness and died.
The Library of Congress maintains archive of images from the horrific mining disaster. Photo courtesy Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
After the air in No. 4 began to clear, rescuers plunged into the mine, scrambling over the tangles of wood, metal, and horses split open by the explosion. They would only find four survivors, one of whom was so badly burned and wailing in pain he begged to be killed. He died the following day. Another miner died on the way to a nearby boarding house, which was to serve as a makeshift hospital. Of the other two survivors, one was put on a train to St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City and would recover. The fourth, Jacob Anderson, emerged untouched.
Some evidence, based on the mine inspector’s report written just after the explosion, suggests that the men had run directly into the afterdamp. They didn’t know from which direction the explosion had come, and in effect, fled straight to their deaths.
As bodies were hauled out of the mine, wives and children drifted up the hill. Some bodies, burnt and mangled beyond recognition, could not be identified. Row upon row of corpses lay on the ground. Some were loaded onto a boxcar and hauled away to be stored at the schoolhouse in Scofield, and news of the tragedy spread across the West. The tally of the dead revealed some horrific numbers: Nine members of the Luoma family died. The Hunters lost 11. In total, 107 widows, 270 children without fathers and three orphans.
A large proportion of these were Finnish families. Life had been brutal enough, with a dangerous oceanic crossing and a difficult trek across the continent to Utah. And there were the slurs and insults. But nothing compared to having the fathers, sons, husbands, brothers and nephews snatched away.
Now, the Undertakers Descended on the Town
Mine safety in the early 20th century was understandably not as advanced as today. Yet it wasn’t primitive, either. Requirements for ventilation, escape routes and levels of noxious gasses were enforced. The state had a mining safety inspector, and in 1897, Gomer Thomas visited the mine, giving it a clean bill of health.
His investigation of the accident was far from conclusive. But after examining singed timbers, debris and charred corpses, he concluded that someone in No. 4 inadvertently ignited gunpowder, touching off an even larger blast when it mingled with the coal dust hanging in the air. Coal dust is highly combustible, but enough water vapor in the air will keep it under control. The air in the Winter Quarters mine, however, had been dry and thick with dust. “The blast shot down along the main and main-back entries of No. 4 mine, gathering combustibles, such as dust, powder, etc., within reach,” Thomas wrote. “Part of the blast shot out to the surface through No. 4 tunnel and air shaft, and part went through No. 1 mine.”
Covered bodies in a schoolroom after the 1900 Scofield mine disaster. Photo by George Edward Anderson (1860-1928), courtesy L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University
In 1936, Federal Bureau of Mines investigator Daniel Harrington—who had also worked at Winter Quarters following the explosion—drafted a report on the disaster, based on extensive research. “Two men, wearing the old-time oil lamps, were making up some cartridges of black blasting powder at a point in their workroom where they had at least three, and probably more, 25-pound kegs of black blasting powder available,” he wrote. “Presumably on making up the charge, the flame of their open light in some way or other came in contact with the granular black blasting powder and the explosion was precipitated with the resultant loss of 200 lives.”
The Finns were destitute. Many were in deep debt to the company, owing money for housing and supplies from the company store. Sometimes, as much as 95% of a worker’s pay had been deducted to pay off these debts. What had been a hardscrabble existence suddenly became unbearable.
Funeral trains rolled out of Scofield, heading east to Colorado and north to Salt Lake City. The mining company provided the coffins and the clothes and forgave families’ debts at the company store. The company also offered $500 to each family, in exchange for agreements to not hold it liable for further damages.
A few days after the explosion, a Lutheran minister came down from Wyoming to preside over the funeral. Mormon officials came to town to conduct their funerals. Even in death, the community remained segregated. That evening, clouds rolled into the valley and the winds picked up. Sheets of rain forced the last of the mourners indoors.
One-hundred years after the horrific mining disaster at the Winter Quarters Mine vestiges and evidence of the event can still be found at the site. The Library of Congress maintains an archive of images and mine schematics (above) from the Federal Bureau of Mines investigation—which wasn’t fully completed until 1936. Photo courtesy Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
The Scofield disaster highlighted the dangers of concentrated coal dust. Up to that point, the chief culprit in mine disasters had been a buildup of methane gasses. Yet after Scofield, miners, companies, inspectors and officials began to look into the possibility that coal dust was more than a minor irritant. But it would take other explosions, more deaths, including a 1924 explosion at Castle Gate, Utah, killing 172, before anyone would take coal dust seriously.
The Scofield explosion also focused attention on the perilous conditions of mine work. Miners in the area staged an unsuccessful strike the following year, but set the wheels in motion for reform. Real change in the industry did not occur until 1933, following a major national strike.
But take a walk through Scofield’s cemetery on a warm, still day, something much like the morning of May 1, 1900. Under the hillsides around you, seams of coal are locked in darkness. Underfoot, men and boys, locked in darkness.
Read More
My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly (Cedar Fort, 1992)
This historical romance, based on the Scofield Mine disaster of 1900, features Della, a young woman who takes a teaching position up in the Utah town above Scofield for a year. She gives up the comforts of bustling Salt Lake City to teach school in the rural coal mining town. When tragedy strikes in the Scofield Mine, Della’s life will be changed forever.
History Of The Scofield Mine Disaster:A Concise Account Of The Incidents And Scenes That Took Place At Scofield, Utah, May 1, 1900 by James W. Dilley (Kessinger Publishing, republished in 2009)
Originally published in 1900, the book provides an account of the events leading up to the disaster, the rescue efforts and the aftermath. Dilley provides detailed information about the mining industry in Utah at the time and the conditions that led to the disaster.
The Next Time We Strike: Labor in Utah’s Coal Fields, 1900-1933 by Allan Kent Powell (University of Colorado Press, 1992)
In the traumatic days that followed the disaster, the surviving miners began to understand that they, too, might be called to make this ultimate sacrifice for mine owners and begin a struggle for unionization. The Next Time We Strike explores the ethnic tensions and nativistic sentiments that hampered unionization efforts even in the face of mine explosions.
Summer in Utah is the best time for a spontaneous weekend adventure. One tried-and-true way to take advantage of the Beehive State’s unique culture is to take a drive along Utah’s section of U.S. Highway 89. From Garden City to Kanab, Highway 89 showcases authentic Utah eateries, historic landmarks, awe-inspiring sceneries and much more—perfect for the whole family to enjoy, or for a couple’s getaway. So load up the car and settle in, let’s explore Highway 89!
Night before:
Begin your trip in the Northern Utah town Garden City, home of Bear Lake and near the Idaho border, check in to Conestoga Ranch (conestogaranch.com) for a glamping experience in a covered-wagon tent. Pick up a quick and easy dinner at seasonally opened La Beau’s (labeaus.com), where they serve Bear Lake’s famous raspberry milkshakes and other small-town fast food.
Bear Lake. Photo by Marc Piscotty / Visit Utah
Day One: Garden City to Salt Lake City (120 mi)
After a night in Garden City, spend the morning in the city. Enjoy breakfast at Campfire Grill Restaurant (campfiregrillrestaurant.com) with a classic American breakfast or some cinnamon french toast. Rent a boat or canoe to spend some time in the water or walk around the lake and see why Garden City is known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.”
After a slow and calm morning in Bear Lake, get on Highway 89 and head down to Brigham City. The small town’s iconic Peach City restaurant (thepeachcity.com), located right on Main Street, is an all-American diner experience and was voted to have the best fries in Utah by KSL Studio 5.
The section of Highway 89 between Brigham City and Willard is also known as the “Fruit Highway.” With an array of Utah-grown produce ranging from peaches to cherries to raspberries, these fresh fruit stands are at their peak in mid-late summertime.
Further down 89 is Ogden, Utah. What was once a rail hub for the Western United States has now turned into its own quirky town, unique to many other Utah cities. Ogden’s iconic Historic 25th Street is currently in the running for USA Today’s best USA main street. With a variety of things to do, from axe throwing to walk-in tattoos to exploring various restaurants, 25th Street brings a lot to the table. Enjoy dinner at Roosters Brewing (roostersbrewingco.com) on the famous street with classic brewery-style foods like Carne Asada tacos, burrata and pesto pizza, and a gorgonzola bacon burger.
After dinner, make your way south to settle down for the night in the state’s capital. Salt Lake City’s Little America Hotel (saltlake.littleamerica.com) promises a comfortable and charming night’s stay, and has been an iconic part of the city’s history for generations.
Day Two: Salt Lake City to Marysvale (190 mi)
Awake to the gorgeous skyline of Salt Lake City and head down to Finns (finnscafe.net), a Scandinavian-influenced cafe, for breakfast. Partake in their famous sourdough pancakes, a traditional Scandinavian breakfast, Wienerschnitzel and eggs or any other breakfast food that the heart may desire.
Natural History Museum dinosaur display. Photo by Marc Piscotty
Finish up in SLC with the Natural History Museum of Utah (nhmu.utah.edu), located on the mountainside of the University of Utah’s campus. Learn about Utah’s rich geological and archeological history from every period of Earth’s history. With regularly changing inventory, there is always something new to discover.
After exploring the state’s capitol, hop back on Highway 89 and head south to Provo. Stop for lunch at Black Sheep Cafe (blacksheepcafe.com), a Native American-owned restaurant that serves a variety of Navajo tacos, a Utah-specific cuisine made up of taco fillings on frybread.
After leaving Provo to venture even further South, Utah’s metropolitan area starts to diminish as its more rural and natural areas start to take over. Take a break in Manti to experience the Pioneer Heritage Gardens and to take a stretch before the remainder of the day’s trip.
Along the route is Big Rock Candy Mountain, take a peek at the seemingly normal mountain, the namesake to an iconic American folk song.
Stop for dinner at Coach’s Dog House in Marysvale. Coach’s offers classic hot dogs and hamburgers for a simple, but satisfying meal to end the long day of driving through the Beehive state. Lay down for the night at the Pine Creek Cabins Resort (pinecreekcabinsresort.com) for a night in one of their cozy cabins, a summertime classic.
Day Three: Sevier to Kanab (115 mi)
Wake up from a peaceful night in a cabin and head just shy of an hour south to Wanderlust Cowgirl Coffee (wanderlustcowgirlcoffee.com) to live out your Wild West dreams. Order coffee, fruity drinks, like smoothies, energy drinks or orange cream, and some breakfast food to gather energy for the long road ahead.
The Narrows at Zion National Park. Photo by David Pettit / Visit Utah
Though Highway 89 does pass through Zion National Park, it does lead to East Zion Adventures (eastzionadventures.com). Before Southern Utah’s blazing sun gets the best of the day, spend the morning canyoneering, jeep touring, UTV-ing or even horseback riding at East Zion Adventures.
Less than half an hour down the road is Thunderbird Restaurant (thunderbirdutah.com) in Mt. Carmel, a great lunch stop to sit, enjoy the view and cool down after a morning out in the desert heat. Enjoy their Carmel Mountain burger or Thunderbird sandwich, with a variety of lunch classics on the menu as well.
Once you’ve arrived in Kanab (a.k.a Utah’s ‘Little Hollywood), indulge fans of old Western films at Little Hollywood Land (littlehollywoodmuseum.org). The museum features information about Hollywood from 1924 to today and gives visitors insight as to why the Southern Utah city has drawn filmmakers for nearly 80 years.
After a day of museums and the outdoors, enjoy the scenery at Wild Thyme Cafe (wildthymekanab.com) in Kanab. Savor the farm-to-table freshness of the restaurant’s high-quality food as you recount the details of your Highway 89 trip.
Take in the sandstone scenery for the last stay of the trip at Cave Lake Canyon Ranch (cavelakes.com). Experience a night of glamping in the ranch’s luxurious tents in Southern Utah’s unique and extraordinary landscape.
Final Morning:
As the trip comes to its close, grab a morning pick-me-up at Taro Coffee Bar (tarocoffeebar.com) while deciding your return route, see what adventures I-15 may bring on the way up North or embark on a whole new adventure.
Though Highway 89 runs from Yellowstone to Flagstaff, Utah’s portion of the US highway brings its own, unique adventures that offer insight into Utah’s culture. From Northern Utah’s delicious fruit to Southern Utah’s Wild West appeal, exploring U.S. 89 offers a new look into these cultural gems.
This Saturday, April 27th we are celebrating our local bookshops, authors and literary figures with Indie Bookstore Day! All day, participating Utah bookstores will be hosting fun events like scavenger hunts, story times and author pop-ups. It’s the perfect time to show your favorite bookshop some love, or get out and explore a store you’ve never been to before.
As you stop by local bookshops, be sure to ask them for this year’s Indie Bookstore Map with a list of participating bookshops in Utah. Reader’s can step up to the challenge of visiting them all in one year to win gift certificates from participating locations.
Participating bookshops include:
Legendarium
King’s English Bookshop
Lovebound Library
Pioneer Book
Marissa’s Book & Gifts
The Book Bungalow
Queer Bee
Under the Umbrella
Weller Book Works
The Printed Garden
Ken Sanders Rare Books
For the full list, grab a map and get your scavenger hunt started!
To give our readers a headstart with their summer reading goals, we asked some of our favorite Utah booksellers to recommend new books from local authors. If you want to get your hands on one of these titles, support local businesses by picking up a copy at your friendly, neighborhood bookstore.
Picks from Anne Holman at The King’s English Bookshop
The King’s English Bookshop 1511 S. 1500 East, SLC. kingenglish.com
Uprising by Jennifer Nielsen Jennifer Nielsen, the current Ambassador for Children’s Literature in Utah, has a new teen historical fiction about a young girl during the Warsaw ghetto uprising in WWII.
The Unwedding by Ally Condie Ally Condie is going in a new direction with an adult murder mystery from Grand Central.
Tales of the Titans, written by Shannon Hale and Steve Orlando, illustrated by Dean Hale, Javier Rodríguez and others This is really fun. From locals Shannon and Dean Hale, a Teen Titans graphic novel that they created for DC Comics, which was out in April!
Board to Death by CJ Connor This queer cozy (“quozy,” if you will!) mystery is set in Sugar House, so local readers will have a blast recognizing the landmarks in the hip neighborhood. It’s low stakes and perfect for anyone looking for a little romance to go with their mystery.
Black Utah: Stories From a Thriving Community by the Utah Black Chamber Published by Utah Black Chamber, this book highlights the stories and experiences of the Black community living in Utah.
Through Love Pain is Healed: 101 Poems of the Heartby Jalaluddin Rumi, translated by Rasoul Shams
Shams is the founder of the Rumi Poetry Club here in SLC and translated and edited this collection of 101 short poems of Rumi, which offers a journey of the heart through various stages.
Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson This fast-paced sci-fi/fantasy thriller comes out of the gate strong and not only does it not relent at any part of the narrative but continues to raise the stakes several times until the tension is nearly unbearable. The world that Gregson has actualized is provocative and fascinating, and his characters are easy to identify with and engaging. It’s as well-paced and gripping as Brandon Sanderson’s best work.
Pick from Courtney Stookey at Lovebound Library
Lovebound Library 145 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City. @loveboundlibrary
Happy Place by Emily Henry This book embraces some complex themes of grief and sadness, and I’ve personally never had a book be so meaningful to me. It inspired me to open Lovebound actually!
This spring, Utah’s fashion aficionados can look forward to a refreshing blend of contemporary styles and timeless aesthetics, all born from the creative minds of local talent. Expect collections that redefine fashion’s ecological footprint while seamlessly blending functionality with flair through a wide array of styles that cater to the dynamic lifestyle of Utah’s residents.
Cashmere three piece (skirt, top, scarf) in lavendar by ZenZee, $350. ZenZee—Maven District 156 E. 900 South, SLC. Sharon Backurz and her amazingly talented team believe in keeping it local with their regular pop-ups and community events. For beautiful handcrafted pieces, upcyled sweaters and trending fashion, follow @zenzeeofficial on IG—you won’t be disappointed!
Fice Gallery, Premier Ivory, men’s button up, $68. Fice Gallery—160 E. 200 South, SLC. Since 2008, Fice has been at the forefront of local streetwear, contemporary art and music. Fice collections are designed by local creatives and through collaborations with bigger names like the Utah Jazz. Check out their IG (@ficegallery) for more information on upcoming art galleries, shows and the latest in streetwear.
Gigi Pip Dakota Triangle Crown hat, dark gray, $129. Gigi Pip—360 W. 300 South, SLC. Starting from the design room right here in the good ol’ SLC, Gigi Pip hats go through as many as 70+ steps prior to arriving at your doorstep. WOW. Check out their IG (@gigipip) for the latest in what’s trending (and their gorgeous photos).
House of Tenebris—3345 S. 300 West, South Salt Lake. Self-taught, husband and wife duo Rachel and Adrian Prazen’s beautiful geometric designs definitely stand out in a crowd. For the past 12 years they have been creating modern avant-garde jewelry out of metal, wood and leather etched with acid and an old press. Follow them @houseoftenebris on Instagram and be sure to set an appointment to check out their studio.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: House of Tenebris, Stone and metal earrings, $85. Acid etched, brass cuff bracelet, $100. Adjustable gold-tone ring, $75. Brass plate necklace with blue stone, $150.
O.C. Tanner Jewelers—15 S. State St., SLC.For over 90 years, O.C. Tanner Jewelers has been creating beautiful, ethically sourced, jewelry right here in Salt Lake. They feature international name brands along with local jewelry artisans. Check out their Instagram (@octannerjewelers) to stay up-to-date on their impressive collections.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Confetti multi-color diamond necklace, 18K rose gold, $3,760. rown pavé diamond ball necklace, 18K rose gold, $1,540. Diamond circle necklace, 18K rose gold.
O.C. Tanner, Sethi Couture: TOP: Diamond Bangle in 18k Yellow Gold.$5,400, Rose cut diamond scroll bangle, 18K white gold, $5,600 MIDDLE RIGHT: Chanel set brown diamond bangle, 18K rose gold, $4,900, Chanel set brown diamond bangle, 18K rose gold, $4,900, BOTTOM LEFT: Bezel set diamond bangle, 18K rose gold, $$5,900. Rose cut brown diamond scroll bangle, 18K rose gold, $5,200.
Every year, Salt Lake celebrates our favorite Utah things in our “Best of the Beehive” issue. It’s our cheeky love letter to the food, drinks, activities, places and more that make our state special. In 2024, we want to hear from you. From old favorites to new upstarts, from Logan to St. George to everywhere in between, what is your personal Best of the Beehive? Fill in the survey below and get ready for the 2024 edition of Best of the Beehive this summer.
