Utah is probably one of my favorite places to visit. I had a chance to live in Utah for 10 years as a child and loved it. The state is absolutely gorgeous and the geography is so varied. It ranges from the majestic mountains to the rugged and beautiful canyons and arches. Most of my travels to Utah have consisted of the Salt Lake area so that is the area this page will be focused on.
Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is truely a gem of a city. Salt Lake is going to be the home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games (HOORAY!!). Some of the major area attractions include Temple Square, the Great Salt Lake, Hogle Zoo, and the Utah State Capitol. One of my favorite places to go downtown is Trolley Square.
It is a group of enclosed trolley barns that have been renovated into shops and restaurants...it's really unique! Salt Lake is the home of the Utah Jazz, and of course no trip to Salt Lake would be complete without going to see at least one Jazz game! *grin*
One of my favorite things to do in Utah is driving up the many canyons...they are just gorgeous! Big and Little Cottonwood canyons offer beautiful secenary and are a great place to hike or have a picnic.
Park City is a favorite destination for many people. Once a mining town this little town is a mecca for skiers. It also offers some great shopping and dining. Deer Valley is another great ski resort that is just up the road from Park City.
The Utah Winter Sports Park is going to be the site of several events during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Bobsled, luge, and skijumping are a few of the events to be held here. You can watch people train or even try a few sports out yourself! They have programs for ski jumping or you can take a ride in a bobsled or an "Ice Rocket" (similar to a luge..pictured to the right). Jody and I did not do this; we prefered to leave it to the professionals...but it was a lot of fun to watch!