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May 09
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Hogle Zoo Says Goodbye to Elephants Christie and Zuri

By City Watch

Utah’s Hogle Zoo announced a groundbreaking decision earlier this week to pause its historic 100-year care of elephants. Current residents of the zoo, mom Christie (36) and daughter Zuri (13) will be transferred to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums(AZA) accredited facility. An official date for the transfer is yet to be released but officials anticipate they will be relocated by the fall. While zookeepers and zoo goers alike are heartbroken to say goodbye to Christie and Zuri, the move is ultimately best for the pair’s quality of life.  

Utah’s love affair with elephants began 1916 when Salt Lake school children decided to do a fundraiser in order to purchase one from a traveling circus for the local zoo. Her name was Princess Alice. 

Princess Alice and Prince Utah at Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Princess Alice was a favorite, drawing visitors from around the region. But Alice didn’t take well to captivity. She became known for her daring escapes, rampaging around the surrounding Liberty Wells neighborhood, knocking down fences, and hiding from searchers for hours. The repeated escapes, although charming, alarmed neighbors and prompted the zoo to relocate to its current location at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in 1931.

Princess Alice remains memorialized in a statue of her visage that is hung in the elephant enclosure at the Hogle Zoo. 

“Much has changed since 1916 when Princess Alice became the first elephant to live in Utah….Zoos’ focus on species care and conservation is more important than ever. The world’s African elephant population declined from 1.1 million in the 1970s to approximately 450,000 today, with an estimated 100 elephants killed every day. Utah’s Hogle Zoo, with the support of the community, has funded worldwide conservation projects to secure important habitats, build ranger stations in East Africa, and form anti-poaching scouting teams.” Utah Hogle Zoo

African Elephant Zuri at UHZ. Photo courtesy of Hogle Zoo

Despite being one of the few AZA accredited zoos in the United States, there are some necessities that the Hogle zoo has been unable to provide for Christie and Zuri. Elephants benefit greatly from the social dynamic of multigenerational herds which is not possible at the Hogle Zoo’s current facility. Despite expert staff and revolutionary training, attempts at artificially inseminating Zuri have failed due to poor samples. Transferring another bull to the facility would require significant restructuring which would take a minimum of five years to complete. By this time Zuri could age out of her prime reproductive window. 

Utah also isn’t a conducive environment for Christie and Zuri. African elephants naturally inhabit tropical forests, grasslands, and savannahs. They are not built for Utah’s cold snowy winters. In fact The Journal of African Elephants listed the Hogle Zoo as the 10th worst zoo for African elephants in North America. 

In regards to what species the Hogle Zoo will have in the future, CEO and President of the zoo Doug Lund had this to say, “The process is guided by what is best for animal wellbeing, guest impact, and the most effective way to contribute to saving wildlife.” 

For updates on Christie and Zuri the public should folllow hoglezoo.org and @hoglezoo.

May 09
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How Do You Climb Kilimanjaro?

By Adventures, Travel

One step at a time (and lots of training)

Last December, I climbed Kilimanjaro. Most of it anyway. My story of (almost) climbing the tallest mountain on the African Continent starts with my father who left us too soon. He was 58 years old when he died of a heart attack. He was in top shape, and losing him so early cast a shadow over my view of fitness and health, sometimes asking “what does it matter?” But my dad would remind me that being in good health is essential for experiencing the world with whatever time I have. When I was invited to climb Kilimanjaro it was daunting but something I knew my dad would want for me. 

Getting Ready  

Climb Kilimanjaro
Photo courtesy of Mary Ruth Harris

I contacted nutritionist and trainer Jeff Sproul of PureFitness and Nutrition. When I said the word “Kilimanjaro” he responded with a prescription for weekly sessions of strength training and nutrition check-ins that kept me accountable and on track. Sproul offers a low-key, non-judgemental approach to fitness. And I’m proof he can work with anyone—a middle-aged mom (like me) or youngsters who want to run Spartan races. 

I also fell back on my yoga practice. Core Power Yoga has some of the best yoga instructors and attending those classes provided a lot of necessary perspectives, flexibility and meditation material that would be invaluable on the most difficult portions of the climb. 

I had been paired with World Wide Trekking by a colleague, who had trekked with the outfit before. Traveling with a local guide, Dean Canidale (WWT’s lead guide and founder), and my local friends made it feel safe to go. So off I went, carrying a worn photo of my father and I standing on top of a peak in the Wind Rivers, smiling and wearing unintentionally matching flannel and khakis. That image kept me going.

On Kilimanjaro

There are five different ecological zones to pass before reaching what is affectionately called “the roof of Africa,” Kilimanjaro. Over the next few days, it was misty. The clouds seemed to rise straight from the ground, swirling above us, behind us and around us. I couldn’t see ahead. I couldn’t see below. I asked our guide, Dean, to move the clouds so we could see the landmark Kilimanjaro Lava Tower. Magically, he waved his hands and they did! (But Dean also started the Human Outreach Project, a non-profit that gives back to locals in the communities he visits around the world. He specializes in miracles.)

Generally, I have a hard time asking for help. When we scaled the Breakfast Wall (the most technical part of the trek), I was struggling but still stubbornly resisted. At one point, I couldn’t see above me and felt panic rising. At that moment our guide Happiness (yes, that was her name) said, “Mary, take the hand of Happiness.” I took her hand. Her hand was strong, warm and soft. We smiled and my fear retreated. I climbed up. 

Climb Kilimanjaro
Photo courtesy of World Wide Trekking

Comes the Wind

The wind was trying to tell me something. It was trying to say something so much so that it rolled over my tent one night. It kept on howling and beating dirt and grime into my clothing, eyes, ears and nostrils. It made it hard to communicate, walk or breathe. It brought frustration. On the highest camp in the middle of the night, the wind made machinery-like metal noises as it hit the tents and shook them violently for hours. 

I remembered a Core Power Yoga class in the night while the tents shook. The class put me into a position called warrior three where the body is stretched out long horizontally, and one leg is standing firm vertically. As we held the pose and sweat dripped from my body, the instructor said “Mary! You’re making the T like tenacity, do you have tenacity? Do you know what it means?” Gasping, I said, “I don’t know?” She walked by and continued class. Those nights on the mountain, in the wind, I truly learned what it meant. And wind, it turns out, has greater tenacity than us mere humans. After several days, Dean made the hard call to abandon our summit attempt. We slumped back down never setting foot on the top of Africa’s roof. 

Once home, it was hard to explain what it was like. I had a lot to recover from and reflect upon. I called Christine Stockham, LMT, NBT-HWC, the founder of Harmonic Alignments, LLC. Not just a masseuse, she is an integrative bodyworker. I scheduled a 2-hour customized treatment session. She has many techniques, and she is magical. The massage, aromatherapy, and more, let the air out and helped me start understanding the experience.

I still don’t know what the wind was trying to tell me. I’ll wonder for years to come. I’ll consider the vision, purpose, trust and direction I learned from my father and how it helped me find the tenacity to turn away from something I wanted so much.  

May 08
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Kilby Block Party 2023: Know Before You Go

By Kilby Block Party, Music

As the temperatures start to rise and the days grow longer, we know that summer is just around the corner. And for many of us, that can only mean one thing—festival season! The much-anticipated Kilby Block Party is back, bringing with it a fresh lineup of the best indie bands that Salt Lake has to offer. To help you make the most of your time at the festival, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

What To Expect

There are a few things to keep in mind when attending the Kilby Block Party. Firstly, if you’ve attended the festival before, you can expect it to be much larger this year as it is being held at the Utah State Fair Park, the biggest venue the festival has ever used. This means larger crowds and longer lines.

Secondly, it’s important to bring water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day. I recommend bringing a Camelbak. Remember to empty your water bottle before arriving, as there will be refill stations available at the festival. Also, keep in mind that there will be limited shade, so make sure to bring sunscreen!

Thirdly, use Uber! There will be limited parking and driving may lead to unwanted headaches. However, if you do choose to drive, keep in mind that there will be no re-entry once you leave the festival grounds, except for 3-day GA, VIP, and SUPER VIP ticket holders. Lastly, expect plenty of food trucks, booze and a whole lot of fun!

Festival Logistics

When and Where– The Festival’s gates open at 12pm and run till 10 pm each day. It’s located at the Utah State Fair Park, where there will be limited parking. You can purchase a ticket for the premium lot here, if not, the secondary lot is paid on-site and is first come first serve. 

Wristbands– There will be two options to exchange your tickets for wristbands. If you want to skip the line you can receive your wristband on May 11th, from 5 pm to 9 pm at the following locations:

  • Kilby Court: 741 Kilby Court, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

  • Blue Gene’s: 239 S. 500 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84102

  • The Depot: 13 N. 400 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84101

If these times and locations don’t work for you, you can always exchange your ticket for a wristband when you arrive at the festival. 

  • North Entrance: 300 N. 1050 W.

  • East Entrance: 200 N. 1080 W.

Please do not lose your wristband! There are no exchanges and if you lose it and you will have to purchase another ticket.

Allowed Items– Like most festivals, there is a list of items that are permitted and prohibited for attendees to bring. To help you prepare, here are some of the items that you are allowed to bring with you: 

  • Bags: The Kilby Block Party has specific guidelines regarding bags. Clear bags are permitted but must not exceed 12” x 12” x 6” in size. Alternatively, small bags that are not clear are also allowed but can only have one pocket and must not exceed 4.5” x 5.5” in size. 

  • Water: Reusable water bottles and hydration packs are permitted but they must be empty when you arrive at the gates. However, there will be multiple areas at the venue where free water refills will be available

  • Other items permitted: Polaroid and Film cameras, e-cigs, strollers, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, earplugs and portable chargers.

The Lineup

Friday– Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dominic Fike, Japanese Breakfast, Cuco, Remi Wolf, Lucius, Ritt Momney, Frankie Cosmos, Jean Dawson, Alice Phoebe Lou, Deerhoof, Westerman, Julie, Momma, NoSo, Miya Folick, The Plastic Cherries, Homephone and Sunhills.

Saturday– The Strokes, Run The Jewels, Hippo Campus, Caroline Polacheck, Goth Babe, Alex G, Osees, Weyes Blood, Gus Dapperton, Indigo De Souza, Dreamer Isioma, The Moss, Wallice, Tamino, Grave Ives, Tanukichan, Sunsleeper, Kipper Snack, Hi Again, Anais Chantal and Josh Doss & The Cancers.

Sunday– Pavement, Pixies, The Backseat Lovers, The Walkmen, Surf Curse, Duster, Faye Webster, Crumb, Ethel Cain, Wednesday, Kate Bollinger, Spill Tab, Mannequin Pussy, Deeper, Tolchok Trio, Worlds Worst, Fonteyn, Backhand and Musor.

Acts I’m Looking Forward To

I’m looking forward to Hippo Campus the most, performing Saturday from 6:25 to 7:25. If I were you, I’d go see them. I’m also looking forward to The Strokes (Saturday, 8:45-10:00) and the Pixies (Sunday, 7:45-8:45). Lastly, for all you Euphoria fans go see Elliot, better known as Dominic Fike, perform on Friday at 7:20 to 8:20. Happy festival-ing!

Take a Look at Last Year’s Kilby Block Party

Photography by Natalie Simpson, Beehive Photography


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We’ll be posting daily recaps of the festival on our site and socials. Check back for all our thoughts throughout the weekend!

Read more of our music coverage and get the latest on the arts and culture scene in and around Utah. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.

May 08
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Where to Take Your Mother to Brunch This Mother’s Day

By Eat & Drink

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 Italian Bistro & Wine Bar

The folks at Stanza have put together a great-looking spread for your mother this year. 

The Brunch menu includes Eggs Benedict, Steak & Eggs, and a Duck Confit Hash that might have me convinced to be there. Sunday May 14th from 10 am to 3 pm. Make your reservations here.

801-746-4441
454 E 300 S, Salt Lake City

The Salt Republic at The Hyatt Regency

This year treat the mother figures in your life to a beautiful, celebratory brunch. On Mother’s Day, The Salt Republic at The Hyatt Regency will host a sumptuous brunch featuring culinary delights such as Made-To-Order Omelets, Brioche French Toast, Chicken n’ Waffles, Croque Monsieur, Caramelized Peach Pancakes with salted caramel and cinnamon streusel, Sweet Pea Risotto, Aji Amarillo Braised Chicken and much more. Seafood dishes include a Cold Smoked Salmon Bagels and Lox Station and a fresh seafood station featuring king crab, jumbo poached shrimp, Bloody Mary cocktail sauce, local hot sauce, and lemon. Open to both guests of the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City and locals, the upscale lobby-level restaurant is an ideal place to celebrate a memorable Mother’s Day. Pricing starts at $70 per adult and $35 for children 12 and under. Children under 4 eat free. Tickets are available here. Sunday, May 14, from 10 am to 3 pm,

170 South West Temple, Salt Lake City

La Caille Restaurant

Make Mother’s Day delightful at La Caille Restaurant.
Let us lavish Mom with the best Food, Drink, and Service with a family style brunch.
Menu items include a Seafood Cocktail, Blueberry Brioche French Toast, Wagyu sliders, and more, on top of the stunning grounds. This is a Mother’s Day Brunch you don’t want to miss. May 14th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Adults $125 and children 4 to 12 $60. Make your reservations here.

801-942-1751
9565 Wasatch Blvd Sandy

Log Haven

If a dinner is more your mother’s style, don’t skip Log Haven’s Mother’s Day Sunday Supper. With a menu packed full of delicious creations by Chef Dave Jones, you won’t want to miss this.
Reservations required. Adults $83.00 Children $49.00

801-272-8255
6451 Mill Creek Canyon Rd., Salt Lake City

Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club

For Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 12, Flanker is offering $5 mimosas and bloody marys, $125 Veuve Clicquot bottles, as well as live music, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Follow it up with shopping for something nice for mom during a stroll around the Gateway.

801-683-7070
6 N. Rio Grande St., Suite #35, Salt Lake City

Harvest Restaurant

Celebrate mom with a delicious brunch at the award-winning Harvest Restaurant! Our popular Mother’s Day Brunch contains a variety of salads, bread, entrées, breakfast items, desserts, and a chef’s carving station. Space is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended. For reservations, call 801.768.4990. Saturday, May 13, 10 am – 2 pm. Adults: $47.95, Children (6-11): $22.95, Children (1-5): $2 per year.

3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi
Located at Water Tower Plaza

Urban Hill

Urban Hill is presenting a Mother’s Day buffet-style brunch for the women you cherish most. Relax in their inviting dining room while Chef Nick Zocco and the team present a menu overflowing with familiar brunch favorites. From charcuterie & cheese boards to smoked salmon to sweet candied yams and stacks of blueberry pancakes, the wide selections of this hearty feast are sure to satiate every palate. And when the time comes to raise a glass to Mom, say cheers with For the Love of Honey – a citric sipper made with Espolòn blanco tequila, saffron honey and bay leaf bitters. 
Sunday May 14th from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Seats to this special event cost $75/per adult and $35/per child and can be reserved by calling 385.295.4200.

510 South 310 West, Salt Lake City

Hearth and Hill

And over in Park City, the group is presenting a Mother’s Day unlimited buffet brunch at its award-winning flagship bistro Hearth and Hill, the kitchen team will be pulling out all the stops for this feast, with a DIY parfait station, shrimp cocktails galore and juicy prime ribs cooked to order. To toast the brilliant women in your world, order your drink of choice from Hearth and Hill’s extensive cocktail offerings, curated wine list or specialty beer selections; beverages offered a la carte. A kids menu is also available to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family, with tickets priced at $29.95/per kid and $59.95/per adult.  Sunday May 14th from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Reservations can be made here. 

1153 Center Drive, Park City

Escala Provisions Company

Enjoy Mother’s Day breakfast and lunch specials at Escala Provisions Company this year, including candied salmon salad, croque madame, and smoked brisket hash. Start the day with huevos rancheros, The Centric Benedict, vegan hash, or apple pie buttermilk pancakes, or dine midday on soups, salads, tempura battered fish & chips, The Cuban, mushroom ramen, decadent desserts, and a full menu of wine, beer, and spirits. 
Sunday May 14th

3551 North Escala Court, Park City

KITA
Devour Mother’s Day Brunch at KITA with an incredible spread of seasonal favorites like eggs benedict, banana bread French toast, spring onion soup, pan seared salmon & asparagus, build-your-own omelets, and a variety of desserts. $90 for adults, $40 for children 12 and under. Reservations are available on OpenTable. Sunday May 14th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

2417 West High Mountain Road, Park City 

POWDER at Waldorf Astoria Park City

Delight in a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet from POWDER at Waldorf Astoria Park City with lively action stations of made-to-order omelettes, crepes, carved ham, and prime rib. Choose from dishes like acai bowls, chia seed parfaits, eggs benedict, shakshouka, a variety of soups, salads, seafood bar, roasted pork loin, salmon, and a special kids’ buffet. $110 for adults, $55 for children. Reservations are available at 435-647-5566 or OpenTable. Sunday May 14th.

2100 Frostwood Blvd., Park City

Riverhorse on Main

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day Tapas Brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. paired with a brand new list of summer cocktails and live music from Teresa Cooke. $95 for adults, $65 for kids 12 and under. Reservations are available on Resy. 

540 Main St., Park City

Stein Eriksen Lodge

Indulge in a lavish Mother’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy a variety of soups, salads, sushi, smoked fish, shellfish, mussels, action stations of sesame crusted tuna, omelets, waffles, and bananas foster crepes, and savory entrees of avocado toast and poached eggs, grilled Double R Ranch strip loin, sage-citrus roasted chicken, balsamic grilled eggplant, a special kids’ buffet, and Chef Stevie-Ray’s dessert display. $85 for adults, $35 for kids 5-12. 

7700 Stein Way, Park City

UTOG Brewing

UTOG Brewing is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch, featuring an exclusive menu full of tasty things like Steak Oscar & Eggs, Red Velvet Pancakes, Chilaquiles, Biscuits and Gravy, and more. Sunday May 14th from 11 am to 2 pm. Reservations required info@utogbrewing.com

2331 Grant Ave, Ogden

May 06
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Why Is Everyone In Utah Talking About Pornhub?

By City Watch

Pornhub blocks Utah web traffic, Utahns search for a workaround and an adult film industry group sues Utah after the State’s new age restriction law goes into effect

On May 3, 2023, Utah’s new age verification law went into effect and Utahns visiting Pornhub found they had lost access to the website. Rather than the adult website’s homepage, they were greeted by a message explaining why Pornhub has blocked Utah residents from accessing its content. And… many, many Utahns responded by searching for an immediate workaround to the ban.

PR and marketing service Culture Currents Institute looked at Google Trend data immediately following Pornhub’s ban on Utah users, and it found that Utah’s Google search volume for “VPN” saw a dramatic rise. Virtual Private Networks (VPN) can disguise the users’ location from a website or network and trick it into thinking the user is accessing from somewhere else—in this case, not Utah. 

If you’ve found yourself asking, “If getting around Pornhub’s Utah blackout is as easy as subscribing to a VPN, what is to stop people from using a VPN to get around online age verification all together?” you would not be the first. In fact, the relatively simple circumvention of the age verification requirement is one of the problems raised by critics of the new law, and more websites could follow Pornhub’s example—block Utahns from accessing their sites rather than comply with the new law. 

Where did this law come from? 

This past legislative session, the Utah State Legislature passed S.B. 287, “Online Pornography Viewing Age Requirements.” The law went into effect May 3, 2023, requiring websites with “a substantial portion of material that may be harmful to minors” to verify the age of their users, and makes them legally liable if they don’t. 

Ostensibly, the purpose of S.B. 287 is to prevent minors from consuming material that the State of Utah deems harmful to minors, specifically. As such, The law applies to sites with more than 33% of their content falling under the potentially “harmful to minors” umbrella as a way to prevent people under 18 years old from viewing those sites. 

Which materials are harmful to minors, as defined by Utah law?

  • Material that the “average person, applying contemporary community standards,” would find is designed to appeal to “the prurient interest”

  • Material that depicts nudity, sexual acts, etc. “in a manner patently offensive with respect to minors”

That definition has already raised the potential for thorny legal predicaments following its application toward banning books from Utah school libraries. 

When it comes to verifying users’ ages, websites have a few options for methods of verification, as detailed by the law. It’s not as easy as having users fill out a birthdate:

  • A digitized information card 

  • An independent, third-party age verification service that checks the users’ information against a “commercially available database”

  • Any method that relies on checking user info against commercially available “public or private transactional data”

Critics of the law have pointed out that the definitions and prescribed methods for age verification are vague and could infringe on users’ privacy and put the security of their private information at risk. Alison Boden, Executive Director of The Free Speech Coalition (FSC), the trade group for the adult entertainment industry, says in an open letter to the sponsor of S.B. 287, “The law is so vague—and the requirements for compliance so contradictory—I cannot figure out how FSC members can follow this law.” The FSC has also set up a site where its members can redirect Utah users, if they, like Pornhub, decide to block Utah web traffic. So, more Utah-specific online blackouts could be coming. 

Why did Pornhub block Utah?

For Utahns trying to access Pornhub, a video message from Cherie DeVille, a member of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, replaces the usual home page. DeVille explains, “While safety and compliance are at the forefront of our mission, giving your ID card every time you want to visit an adult platform is not the most effective solution for protecting our users and, in fact, will put children and your privacy at risk.” And, it seems like users would have to verify their age every time they want to use the site because the new law also forbids sites like Pornhub from retaining personal info acquired through age verification.

Future online blackouts might not be limited to sites with “adult” content. Another new Utah law, S.B. 152, requires that social media platforms both verify the age of all users and get parental consent before allowing access to minors. This law, too, could mean that social media sites will need age-verification systems that use government IDs.

Unlike other states who have passed similar age verification laws, critics say Utah lacks a form of digitized ID, despite it being mentioned in the law as a potential method of age verification. While the State of Utah has a Mobile ID app that Utahns have the option to opt into, the electronic ID is set up to use in-person at some credit unions, the Salt Lake International Airport and some DABS Liquor Stores, but Utah’s digital ID program does not appear to be equipped for online age verification at the moment. In a message to its members, FSC explains, “Unfortunately, the Utah legislation does not provide a straightforward way to comply…And the other compliance methods required by the legislation don’t align with the current offerings from most if not all AVS (age verification service) providers.”

Pornhub and FSC are pushing for device-based verification and restrictions, rather than sweeping age verifications. “In 1997, the Supreme Court ruled that age-verification requirements like the one instituted in Utah are unconstitutional so long as other less intrusive methods—such as device-level internet filters—are available,” says FSC on its website. The FSC points to a Pew Research study that shows those digital tools are underutilized by parents, even though they are widely available. The study found that only 39% of parents report using parental controls for blocking, filtering or monitoring their teen’s online activities. 

“We believe that the best and most effective solution for protecting children and adults alike is to identify users by their device and allow access to age-restricted materials and websites based on that identification,” says Pornhub’s message to Utah users. “Until a real solution is offered, we have made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in Utah.”

Meanwhile…The adult film industry sues Utah

FSC has outlined the compliance issues it has with Utah’s new age verification law, but, in the lawsuit they filed against the State, the FSC focuses first on the First Amendment. “The Utah law restricts adults’ access to legal speech and violates decades of Supreme Court precedent,” says Boden. “We are fighting not only for the rights of our members and the larger adult entertainment community but for the right of all Americans to access constitutionally-protected expression in the privacy of their own home.”

The legal complaint against Utah says the law violates the First Amendment in a number of ways:

  • Imposing a content-based restriction on protected speech, which, the complaint argues, doesn’t actually accomplish its stated purpose of protecting minors who can easily obtain “harmful materials” in other ways

  • Compelling providers of online content to place an age-verification content wall over their entire websites unconstitutionally labels them as “adult businesses” 

  • Requiring an approval method as a condition to providing protected expression is a prior restraint on speech

The filing seeks to have the courts pause any enforcement of the law while the plaintiffs continue legal proceedings to have the law deemed unconstitutional.

“We wrote to Utah during the legislative process raising these issues and asking for a dialogue around workable solutions, but were ignored,” says Boden. “Adult websites don’t want children accessing their content any more than the State of Utah does. But the solutions put forward in S.B. 287 put an unreasonable burden on free expression that we believe are meant to have a chilling effect for all Utahns.”

May 04
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Staycations & Vacations: River Retreat Lodge

By From Our Partners

Master fishermen and adventure-seekers alike flock to the recently re-imagined River Retreat Lodge in Irwin, Idaho, just a hop and a skip away from Idaho Falls.

Formerly known as the Old Irwin Lodge, Elizabeth Douville and her family purchased the 5-acre property from its previous owners in October 2020. The secluded lodge features six outdoor-themed suites, each with unique vintage displays from canoes to national park signage. The property also features a museum-quality staged lodge where guests can enjoy gourmet breakfast in the Great Room, and a fully landscaped garden, complete with a gazebo and stunning mountain sunset vistas.

 After a round of renovations on those six rooms, the lodge had its grand re-opening in July of 2021 and emerged as a reimagined bed and breakfast primed for customized fly fishing and outdoor adventure for all visitors.

“We are locals and outdoor adventurers at heart, so we try to be accomodating. We live on the property so we are only a minute away.”

Elizabeth Douville, Innkeeper and Manager

 “One of the biggest draws here in Swan Valley is our proximity to that scenic south fork of the Snake River,” says Douville. “Everyone wants to catch that trophy trout, and this area is a favorite of many fishermen.”

With the motto ‘Revel in Adventure, Retreat to Serenity,’ the River Retreat Lodge team acts as your adventure concierge for the duration of your stay at their secluded lodge. 

“Our main goal is to help people find adventures, and we will do so without a fee,” Douville says.

 Sitting just 30 minutes from Palisades Reservoir and within two hours of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, River Retreat Lodge is in the ideal location for outdoor connection.

 “We do host events here and work with a lot of local vendors,” Douville says. “We can source just about anything to help people host an unforgettable retreat, and are happy to recommend the area’s top talent to guests who aren’t flying blind as they plan.”  

 Douville and her team are pros at utilizing their many contacts to create entirely customized outdoor-oriented retreats for all types of guests, from wedding parties to retirement retreats. They can host flyfishing clinics, offer locally catered dinners, recommend bespoke hiking itineraries and even coordinate rentals for days of reservoir dipping through their partners in Alpine, WY. ■

1591 Old Irwin Rd., Irwin, Idaho | 307-248-3864 | riverretreatlodge.com

May 04
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Staycations & Vacations: Under Canvas

By From Our Partners

Immerse yourself in iconic Southern Utah with a one-of-a-kind experience at ULUM Moab, a new, luxury outdoor resort from the minds behind Under Canvas. From the sun-drenched lobby, to the airy patio, to the seemingly endless open spaces surrounding the resort, ULUM Moab reflects nature inside and out. During the day, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy national park exploration assisted by an Adventure Concierge. Come nightfall, high-end relaxation, al fresco dining and acoustic music awaits.

ULUM Moab offers an elevated outdoor hospitality experience, with safari-inspired suite tents featuring ensuite bathrooms, private patios, and high-end West Elm furnishings; a full-service restaurant with a Southwest-influenced menu and al fresco dining; dipping pools, a yoga deck, and daily complimentary, wellness-focused programming. Steps from the property is Looking Glass Rock, an exceptional natural rock arch and focal point around which the property was designed.

“ULUM reflects the splendor of its natural surroundings with a focus on connection, well-being and approachable adventure for refined travelers looking to bridge quality and comfort with the restorative virtues of nature.”


May Lilley, Chief Marketing Officer of Under Canvas. 

 “Our mission is to inspire connections to extraordinary people, places and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” says May Lilley, Chief Marketing Officer of Under Canvas. “Immersing guests in the grandeur of Utah’s unique natural landscape while also enjoying high-end amenities including Parachute bed linens and robes, Aesop shower products, a daily yoga flow and even a morning latte.”

ULUM Moab has been thoughtfully designed to illuminate and embrace the landscape it inhabits. Nature lovers can commune in high style with peace of mind thanks to the company’s “Mindful Approach” to sustainability. This commitment to celebrating and protecting the natural environment comes to life through its low-impact development practices and innovative design (which features organic materials such as local stone and polished concrete) and its work with The Nature Conservancy. 

For the ultimate adventure, take your Southwest journey a step further with an unforgettable road trip along the breathtaking 1,100-mile Grand Circle. Along the way, in addition to ULUM Moab, you can stay at five uniquely wonderful Under Canvas camps (including Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon) and visit some of the most epic national parks in the country.

 ULUM Moab 147 S. Looking Glass Rd., La Sal, Moab, Utah 84503 

 888-969-4858 | ULUMMoab.com | @ulumresorts​

 

May 04
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Staycations & Vacations: Form Derm Spa

By From Our Partners

When you’re out having fun in the sun, trust the professionals at Form Derm Spa to help your skin stay hydrated and glowing. Master aesthetician Daphne Garcia shares her top tips for maintaining healthy skin while traveling:

Form Derm Spa

Form Derm Spa

The Prep

The road to glowing vacation skin starts before you even embark. If you have a few months to gear up, Garcia has a few tricks up her sleeve to promote healthy skin ahead of time.

“Laser resurfacing can reverse the signs of aging, address pigment concerns and tighten the skin; while micro-needling with a PRP add-on will have your skin cells performing at their most youthful for the duration of your trip.”

For more timely treatments, the exfoliating and moisturizing Hydrafacial® is a popular choice to minimize the chances of breakouts while traveling, while dermaplaning can soften fine lines, and removes vellus hairs from the face for smooth product application.

“Another quick add-on for a makeup-less look is your classic wax, lash lift and tint,” Garcia says. “That gives you that ‘I just got out of the pool, and I still look like this’ confidence.”

“Many people want that makeup-free glow, whether it be with preventative care, lash lifts, or simply tinted SPF for their fun in the sun.” 


-Daphne Garcia, Master Aesthetician

On The Road

While en route, dryness is the ultimate skin enemy, particularly when flying. “Dehydration risk is high due to decreased fluid intake plus that cabin air drying out the skin, which can affect your skin barrier function.”

Garcia encourages mid-flight touch ups of hyaluronic acid serum, paired with a ceramide moisturizer to prevent that trans-epidermal water loss in the air. Most FormRx serums and products are TSA compliant, for storage in carry-ons and hiking bags alike.

Vacation Savers

For sun protection, Garcia says that mineral-based SPFs and regular reapplication are key. “Mineral SPFs physically block UV rays from penetrating the skin, whereas a chemical SPF requires a chemical reaction to prevent exposure.”

 Hats, sunglasses, and UV protective clothing are also crucial to shielding other parts of the body. Take special care to look after care the neck and chest areas.

 Other products in this pro’s travel bag include quality salicylic acid cleansers to break down oils and pollutants, mineral-based SPF powder brushes in every possible bag, and a vitamin C antioxidant serum to increase SPF efficacy. Just in case, FormRx’s Curing Nectar is also always on hand to treat sunburn and irritation.

801-513-3223 | Formdermspa.com | @formdermspa

Cottonwood: 6322 S. 3000 East., Salt Lake City, Mountain View Village: 4531 W. Partridge Hill Lane, Riverton, City Creek: 50 S. Main St., Salt Lake City

May 04
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Staycations & Vacations: Resort Management Group

By From Our Partners

Summer is in full swing! Have you been anywhere on vacation yet? If you haven’t already, now might be the time to start planning your perfect summer vacation getaway. A great vacation can come in all sizes and shapes and many different locations. Some might prefer to take a trip to the other side of the country, others might prefer to explore a part of Utah that they’ve never seen before —or would like to see differently. Here are three fantastic locations represented by Resort Management Group to consider when planning your perfect summer retreat.

Bungalows Key Largo

When you picture a tropical vacation in the Florida Keys, you might be imagining something very similar to a stay at Bungalows Key Largo. Set right on the water, with many resort amenities directly overlooking the bay, the views at the resort are breathtaking and unforgettable. The resort’s exclusive, intimate feel among guests is also celebrated and enjoyed by many. To some, this is paradise.

Every once in a while, it can be nice to escape Utah’s mountainous terrains and head for a wildly different climate. That’s exactly what adult travelers headed to Bungalows Key Largo can expect. The all-inclusive resort, reserved only for adults, features idyllic luxury resort amenities that are exclusively for registered resort guests. No outside guests are permitted, creating a very private, intimate environment.

Resort Management Group

Resort Management Group

The accommodations at Bungalows Key Largo truly must be seen to be believed. Each room is its own stand-alone 900-square-foot bungalow with a spacious outdoor patio that includes a large soaking tub and outdoor shower. If that wasn’t enough, a couples massage in the waterfront tiki hut that overlooks the bay may make you think you’ve truly found paradise.

This summer, the welcoming staff at Bungalows Key Largo are especially excited to celebrate the 4th of July with an amazing firework show and live band performances scheduled for the occasion. However, all year round, the sunset cruise aboard the resort’s luxury catamaran, enjoying views in the Florida Keys is nothing short of  spectacular.

Direct flights from Salt Lake City to Miami, followed by a one hour drive to the resort, make it easy to find this tropical adventure.

99010 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, Fla. | bungalowskeylargo.com, @bungalowskeylargo

Capitol Reef Resort

Located at the doorstep of Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef Resort features many of the glamping accommodations that have taken social media by storm. Whether you choose to spread your nights in a covered wagon or a tepee, you’ll be doing so in style – and with a surprising amount of comfort.

Vacationers from around the world flock to the world-renowned Red Rock region of Utah to visit Capitol Reef National Park. Luckily for Salt Lakers, this member of the state’s Mighty 5 National Parks is no more than a four-hour drive away. Located just a mile away from the National Park, Capitol Reef Resort has a wide array of room types for every type of family and explorer looking for a memorable stay. You might prefer to try something different from a regular hotel room and take advantage of Capitol Reef Resort’s luxury glamping options such as standalone cabins, Conestoga wagons and tepees. Surely, we’ve all seen how much glamping has dominated Instagram lately.

Resort Management Group

Resort Management Group

If staying in luxury glamping accommodations isn’t enough to make your social media followers green with envy, participating in one of the unique activities offered by the resort will. Scenic horseback rides and Jeep safari excursions highlight the menu of activity options at Capitol Reef Resort but the staff recommends the llama hikes alongside Wilderness Ridge Trail as the ‘can’t-miss’ adventure.

Resort Management Group

Capitol Reef Resort currently has some great summer packages and deals available on its website. Future guests are encouraged to reserve early. Between taking in one
of Utah’s most cherished natural landscapes, glamping in a Conestoga wagon and going for a hike with a llama, a stay at Capitol Reef Resort is sure to be one of the most unique vacation choices around. 

2600 E. Highway 24 Torrey, UTAH 84775 |capitolreefresort.com | @capitolreefresort

Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole

While the aesthetics at the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole may make you feel like you’ve entered a long-ago time and place, you actually haven’t gone that far at all. The resort is a five-hour drive from Salt Lake, putting it just far enough out of reach to feel like a real vacation, but close enough that you still feel the comforts of familiar territory. Saddle up, it’s worth the drive.

If the tropics aren’t your thing, you long for a simpler time and you’re feeling particularly Western, the Rustic Inn at Jackson Hole, set right in the heart of the valley might be the trip for you. The five-hour-long drive to the unique boutique resort is long enough to feel like a real vacation but close enough to make it easy for a weekend getaway. However, once you arrive, you may feel as if you traveled through time, back to the days of the Old West.

No matter the season there is always something exciting to do at Rustic Inn. Depending on the time of year you might enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting experience, a race through the snow on a dog sled, or a horseback ride to channel your inner cowboy, just to name a few. The folks at the resort highly recommend a wildlife tour with Backcountry Safaris to observe the Wyoming wildlife in their natural habitat.

Resort Management Group

The name, Rustic Inn, may suggest a complete throwback to the Old West, however, modern luxuries such as the spa’s one-of-a-kind eucalyptus steam room and the enormous hot buffet breakfast each morning hardly feel like ‘roughing it.’ The wranglers that gave the area its rich history would likely be jealous of the guests enjoying the Rustic Inn Bar and Bistro’s locally sourced menu and extensive wine offerings from the cellar. 

475 N. Cache St., Jackson, WYoming | rusticinnatjh.com, @rusticinnjh

May 04
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What’s Next for Junior’s Tavern?

By After Dark, Eat & Drink

Junior’s Tavern has been downtown’s one true and good neighborhood joint since the ’70s. It’s a place that begs you to grab a bar stool, order a beer, and settle in for above-average bar chatter, like an actual good conversation. The usual suspects sitting next to you could be gray-haired intellectuals, booted construction workers coming off shift, women stopping in for a quick fernet fix, and maybe even a few high-powered city officials and media types. A few things you won’t find? Overpriced cocktails, douchey frat brothers and snooty influencers insisting their “phone eats first.” Yep. Junior’s is a real bar, just that. And it’s earned the devotion of countless regulars, some who have been visiting for 30-plus years. 

As downtown’s nightlife scene has erupted with flashy new clubs and presumptuous mixology trends, Junior’s has remained a constant. It’s such a fixture that, understandably, when owner Greg Arata announced his retirement earlier this year, Juniors’ regulars began fretting. But Arata, being Arata, wouldn’t pass the torch to just anyone. Both he and new owner Bob McCarthy insist Junior’s will remain a bar for the people. 

Junior's Tavern New Owner
Junior’s owner Greg Arata (Photo by Adam Finkle)

“It was time to call it a career,” says Arata, who has been working behind the bar since 1975 when Junior’s sat across from the old Salt Lake City Library (now the Leonardo). Forty-seven years and one move later, Arata rang up the one person he knew would maintain the spirit of Junior’s. 

“In 1992 I met Greg, and I walked right up to him and said ‘I want to buy this bar,’” says new owner Bob McCarthy. “Every time I saw him for the next 20 years I asked him the same thing, it became a joke between us until he reached out to me six months ago and said, ‘OK I’m ready.’” McCarthy, who also owns Stoneground and The Garage on Beck, doesn’t take his new ownership role lightly and is quick to reassure skeptical regulars. 

“I don’t want to replace Juniors’ heart and soul, and I don’t want to shock the people that have been coming here 15, 20, 30 years,” he says. “Without them, Junior’s doesn’t exist.” 

McCarthy says he wants to enhance the things that make Junior’s great. “I like to unearth things, find out what used to happen there, what bands played there, what were the glory days like, and bring them back to life,” he says. While paying homage to the bar’s storied past, Junior’s will also receive some much-needed modern updates. For customers, this will look like updated bathrooms and a garage-style entrance to the patio. But rest assured, McCarthy is running any big changes past the employees (all of which have stayed on through the transition) and the regulars at the bar corner, who’ve dubbed themselves the “North Enders.” “I’ve created the ‘North End Coalition,’” McCarthy says. “I come to them with ideas and ask their honest opinion.” 

Ultimately, Junior’s will remain the same-old friendly bar for the foreseeable future, as McCarthy isn’t planning any significant changes for the next two to three years. And Arata is confident Juniors’ new ownership is a step in the right direction. “Change is hard, and takes a while to get used to,” Greg adds. “I have a lot of faith in him.” McCarthy is determined to earn that same trust from Junior’s faithful. His plan? “For now I sit, I listen and I get everyone comfortable.” As for Arata, you’ll likely still find him posted up at the bar’s north end in the afternoon, but mostly his plan is this: “Now, I’m just gonna live!” 

Junior's Tavern New Owner

Bobby Junior’s  

Bargoers might notice an alteration to Junior’s sign in the next few months. McCarthy, whose full name is Robert McCarthy Jr., plans to add an arc above the existing signage to read “Bobby Junior’s’.” “It signifies a transition,” says McCarthy “It’s an homage to moving forward.”

If you go…

Junior’s Tavern
30 E. Broadway, SLC
801-322-0318