If you are a resident of Utah you know that the 24^th of July is a big holiday – so many festivities – fireworks and thing to do. On this day Utah celebrates the pioneers who came across the plains risking life and limb to settle this great state.

If you are visiting during that time take advantage of all the wonderful festivities!

The Days of 47 Family Fun Day provides an excellent opportunity to bring families together to celebrate Utah’s great heritage at This Is The Place Heritage Park.

Pack a picnic and join the fun. Enjoy the many activities throughout the park, which include:

The Days of ‘47 Rodeo games, train rides, petting corral, and pony rides, educational crafts and art garden, magic show, carnival games, pioneer Demonstrations, live music, dancing, entertainment and a Native American exhibit.

The mini King and Queen competition will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 are welcome to compete for a chance to win the crown and ride in the Youth Parade.

If you would like to visit us – we have some great specials on full accommodations give us a call! 1-800-762-7606

For more information and the official website go to:

http://www.daysof47.com/

The true creation of a popular cocktail can be traced to the nineteenth century. One early written reference to the term “cocktail” (as a drink based on spirits with other spirits and additives) can be found in an American magazine, The Balance, published in May 1806. It stated that a “Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters…”

Cocktails once made with the finest of liquors – spirits and ingredients started to go down hill over the years – for the sake of saving money -with the use of pre-mixed concoctions, artificial flavors and colors.

Now there is a real revolution going on in the cocktail world, a return to the real cocktail with the best ingredients. Some clubs – and bartenders are making their own, going back to the original cocktail – that of past times using real fresh fruit, organic sugars and infused liquors, mixing small batches, shaking or stirring by hand.

Restaurants and clubs all over the country are getting with the program – including Utah!

If you would like to partake in some of these delicious artisanal cocktails – and great food we might add (right here in Salt Lake City) – check out the links below.

Wild Grape Bistro

481 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 746-5565

The Wild Grape Bistro has now been open for over a year. Chef’s Phelix Gardner and Pete Hines are back to back winners of the 2009 and 2010 Utah’s Top Chef Competition at the Utah Home Show sponsored by Channel 4. Best New Restaurant award from Salt Lake Magazine, Mentioned in Best New Restaurant and Best Wine List categories Salt Lake City Weekly, Best Kept Secret Utah Business Magazine, Written about in Sunset Magazine, Salt Lake Magazine, City Weekly, Enterprise, Examiner, Avenues Monthly Paper plus several other publications.

Pago

878 South 900 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84102-3608
(801) 532-0777

Built in 1910, the Woodman Building features original brickwork throughout adding old world charm to the renovated space. Reclaimed wood tables compliment the historic quality of the brick. Additionally, green-building techniques punctuate the restaurant, complimenting the sustainable food and beverage offerings.

Pago is a meritage of contemporary and old world design aesthetics. This combination allows our guests to experience Pago as both their familiar neighborhood restaurant and watering hole with an urban flare. Pago is a great place to grab a casual Belgium beer and an artisan sandwich or to have a multi-course meal paired with one of the 20 wines by the glass.

Make sure and check out our beautiful rentals – we have vacations rentals – temporary housing and monthly rentals – check us Out!  http://saltlakevacationrentals.com

From the dinosaurs in the north to the petroglyphs in the south – it is full of the history of mysterious civilizations long ago and was a stomping ground for dinosaurs when they ruled the world!

Did you know that more than 100 of the 900 valid dinosaur species were discovered in Utah? Utah’s geologic record reaches back 160 million years.

In fact as a child I was fascinated with fossils and would climb a small mountain to find trilobites and worm trails left in sandstone.

Northern Utah has some of the most fascinating places to visit:

Beautiful “Flaming Gorge”, “Nine Mile Canyon”, “Dry Fork Petroglyphs” and more.

To plan an amazing day in Northern Utah check out this website – and while visiting come stay with us!

Centrally located and an amazing place to stay “WFSA” is comfort and style…

http://undiscoveredutah.com/

One of the little known jewels here is Utah is called Antelope Island – it is an island off the great salt lake that is filled with sites and sound (not to mention smells LOL) like you may not have ever seen before. Take your binoculars, and pack a great lunch or enjoy a bison burger at “Buffalo Point Burger” while watching the bison!

You may actually spot buffalo strolling along the beach, or a mule deer, bobcats, jackrabbits, coyotes or pronghorn antelopes… How much fun is that – take your cameras!!

If you love to hike or bike then this place is just up your alley – there are 20 miles of trails for hikers, road cyclists and trail bikers.

If you are a bird enthusiast – then you cannot miss going to this place. Antelope Island is full of what you are looking for – burrowing owls, long-billed curlews, California gulls and more.

So come stay with us and take a trip to Antelope Island – hike, bike, take a picnic and just drive… there is something there for everyone to enjoy.

For more information go to:

http://utah.com/stateparks/antelope_island.htm

I have found a treat for those of you staying or living in Utah! This looks like fun for the whole family – The Great Salt Lake Bird Festival is in its 12^th year and going strong! Only a hop, skip and a jump from Salt Lake City, and a unique experience on the shores of the Great Salt Lake (north) of the city.

Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
May 13-17, 2010

Welcome to the 12th Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
Farmington, Utah

We welcome you to the 12^th Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival. Utah offers varied opportunities to see birds and other wildlife from the shores of Great Salt Lake to the impressive Wasatch Mountain Range. Great Salt Lake Bird Festival is the premier bird festival in Utah. Our guides are experienced and well-qualified in their knowledge of birding. Several field trips offer “Behind-the-Gates” opportunities beyond those generally available. More…

Photo by: Ann Neville

As a little girl I was enthralled by the Story of Anne Frank (the book is called “The Diary of Anne Frank”) – the history of this young girl is something that everyone should know about. Here in Utah we are having an exhibit that is free – I would say take the whole family and learn about this courageous young woman…

ANNE FRANK:

A HISTORY FOR TODAY

Shows April 13 — May 11, 2010

This FREE National Exhibit opens at the Salt Lake City Public Library (210 East 400 South adjacent to TRAX stop).

School and Group Tours must be reserved by contacting the Jewish Federation of Utah: annefrankexhibit@ShalomUtah.org or (801) 581-0102.

The life history of Anne Frank and her family is the leading thread running through “Anne Frank: A History for Today.” The family’s story is juxtaposed against world events before, during and after the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. The exhibit includes photographs of the Frank family and the other occupants of the Secret Annex and shows how people were persecuted by political decisions and by the actions of individuals. Implicit in the exhibit are the themes of scapegoating, bullying, anti-Semitism, racism, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Visitors are challenged to look for ways to resolve differences without violence and to learn about human rights laws and standards as defined by such documents as the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights and Convention on the Rights of Children. Finally, visitors are encouraged by docents to learn about current events and take an active role in their community and government.

Exhibit is bilingual: English/Spanish

Appropriate for elementary, middle school, high school grade levels and above

The Anne Frank Center suggests 90-minutes for group tours and discussion.

We have a really amazing, one of a kind, coffee-house right here in SLC. Not a chain but an original – what a fun place to hang out. I went at noon on a Saturday and found a really great place to have a cup of coffee – lunch and just enjoy the live band they had playing.

The prices are very reasonable – and there is no cover charge so you can go in get a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the live music – or try one of their delicious entree’s.

The place has a trendy, artsy feel. Sometimes hard to find – especially when we are talking about an internet cafe – which it is.

They are able to combine – an alternative vibe with a twist – great art – Jazz – and delicious food.

And being a coffee aficionado - I loved it all…

If you are in the Salt Lake City area – or staying with us here at WFSA visit Sugarhouse coffee – for a delightful treat.

To see what is happening at Sugarhouse Coffee – go to this website, and while you are at it, look at the sample menu – you may find yourself spending a lot of time just hanging out at Sugarhouse Coffee!

Easter activities abound in and around Salt Lake City.

Don’t be late for the egg hunts; most start promptly and end about 30 seconds later as the kids feverishly scoop up the goods.
April 3, 2009 – Things get a little wet and wild at Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center’s underwater Easter egg hunt, and participants can stick around after the hunt for some free swimming.

April 4, 2009 – Jordan Landing’s Easter Eggstravaganza offers children’s fashion shows, arts and crafts, and an Easter egg hunt for kids ages 10 and under.

April 4, 2009 – Families can head to The Gateway for a Spring Spectacular featuring games, crafts, music, an Egg-O-Pault, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

April 9, 2009 – The Willow Wood Care Center hosts its annual Easter egg hunt and holiday social, featuring an egg hunt for children ages 10 & under, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and refreshments for all.

April 10, 2009 – The Lehi Area Chamber presents an Easter community event at the Hutchings Museum. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny, decorate eggs and bonnets, and do all sorts of other activities.

April 10, 2009 – The Bells on Temple Square Easter Concert is held at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Tickets are required for this free event.

April 10, 2009 – Riverton teens can take part in an after dark flashlight egg hunt at the Riverton City Park softball field.

April 10, 2009 – Teens can hunt for eggs under the cover of darkness during the teen flashlight egg hunt at the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center. Free pizza and soda are available prior to the hunt while supplies last, and free ice skating is offered after the hunt.

April 10, 2009 – Murray Park also hosts a teen flashlight egg hunt. Pizza, drinks, and donuts are provided while supplies last.

April 10, 2009 – Another flashlight egg hunt for teens takes place at Centennial Park in West Valley City.

April 10, 2009 – An after dark volleyball game and candy hunt for teens is held at the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center Park and Pavilion.

April 11, 2009 – The City of South Salt Lake holds its annual Easter egg hunts, including one for developmentally challenged children, at Granite Park Junior High.

April 11, 2009 – Cottonwood Heights’ Easter egg scrambles take place at Butler Park. Kids can visit with the Easter Bunny before and after the egg hunts. Families should plan to stick around after the hunts for a kite festival (weather permitting).

April 11, 2009 – Riverton children can take part in the egg hunts at Riverton City Park, where they can meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for thousands of candy, toy, and money-filled eggs.

April 11, 2009 – Engh Gardens hosts a kids’ Easter celebration featuring a storytime, activities, and an Easter parade.

April 11, 2009 – Kids through age 12 can join in on the egg hunts at Centennial Park.

April 11, 2009 – A fire engine horn marks the start of the egg hunts at South Jordan City Park.

April 11, 2009 – Kids can head to Kearns High School for age-specific egg hunts.

April 11, 2009 – Borders stores nationwide are hosting a Kids’ Spring Fling, offering kids opportunities to dress up in their Easter best, parade around to the tunes of Kidz Bop, make springtime crafts, join sing-alongs, and enjoy a storytime full of Easter tales.

April 11, 2009 – Macey’s grocery store in Providence hosts an Easter celebration featuring balloon twisters, a hunt for hidden Easter treasures, and other activities for kids and families.

April 11, 2009 – The Magna VFW Post #7398 hosts age-specific Easter egg hunts at Magna Park (also known as Copper Park).

April 11, 2009 – Easter egg hunts for kids of all ages (even adults!) are offered at Hollywood Connection. The day also features cookie decorating, face painting, and discounts on ride wristbands.

April 11, 2009 – Herriman youth get a chance to take part in egg hunts at Butterfield Park.

April 11, 2009 – The Easter Bunny is on hand when Draper holds its annual Easter egg hunts at Draper City Park.

April 11, 2009 – Kids can take part in an egg hunt at Murray Park’s softball field, and then head over the Pavilion #5 for an egg decorating activity.

April 11, 2009 – After the egg hunt and egg decorating in Murray Park, families can walk to The Park Center (the rec center inside Murray Park) for an Easter egg splash in the leisure pool. This hunt is free for members of The Park Center, and only $1 for nonmembers.

April 11, 2009 – The Dimple Dell Fitness and Recreation Center hosts an egg hunt with a watery twist: Easter egg dives for kids ages 0 to 13. Advance registration is required, and admission is only $1.

April 11, 2009 – Egg hunts are held in West Jordan’s Veterans Memorial Park at 9am sharp.

April 11, 2009 – Kids can meet on the west lawn of the Redwood Recreation Center for an Easter egg hunt. This is more of a scramble than a hunt, so don’t be late!

April 11, 2009 – Hill Aerospace Museum hosts its second annual Easter egg hunt.

April 12, 2009 – Park City Mountain Resort offers Easter egg hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny to celebrate spring and bring its ski season to a close.

April 12, 2009 – The Canyons is also hosting mid-slope Easter egg hunts. Hungry hunters can head to The Cabin for an Easter brunch; reservations are required and fees apply.

April 12, 2009 – Snowbird hosts a non-denominational Easter sunrise service on Hidden Peak, followed by an egg hunt on the Chickadee Run. Arrive before 6:20am for the best chance at catching a tram ride to the service. Easter Brunch is served in the Cliff Lodge’s Atrium Restaurant and Aerie Restaurant; call for brunch reservations.

April 12, 2009 – Kids should arrive early to meet the Easter Bunny and take part in the Easter egg hunt at Brighton.

April 12, 2009 – The Easter Bunny skis down the bunny trail, and then visits with children during Solitude’s annual slope-side Easter egg hunt.

April 16, 2009 – Families can head to Kearns Library for Pascua/Easter, an opportunity to play Easter games, make spring crafts, and learn about the origins of some of the unusual traditions associated with Easter.

Easter Carnival

Presented by Wheeler Historic Farm at Wheeler Historic Farm

April 3, 2010

Enjoy this full day of over 50 vendors, bounce houses, food, fun, Easter bunny, games at vendor booths,
etc. at the Wheeler Historic Farm.

Tickets are inexpensive at $2.00 a piece and it is an all day event!

For a map and more information click here.

 History —

Historic wheeler Farm – One of a Kind

The Wheeler
Farm Story…

Began on June 17, 1886, when Sariah Hankinson Pixton married Henry Joseph Wheeler and together they made their home on this seventy-five acre farm.

Helping Henry run the prosperous dairy enterprise, Sariah and the six Wheeler children each assumed a portion of the chores around the farm. Everyday there were cows to milk, eggs to gather, and wood to chop. Churning butter, making soap, trimming wicks, and cutting ice were just a few of the many necessary tasks.

In 1969 Salt Lake County purchased the 75 acres which comprise today’s farm. Wheeler Historic Farm was placed on both the Utah State and National register of Historic Places in 1976. Originally started as a 1976 project of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution, the restored museum farm evolved during a decade of historical research, reconstruction, and restoration. The restoration was a challenging project. Some buildings were in excellent condition and easily restorable while others were in ruin or had been completely destroyed. Restoration and furnishing the buildings is a continuing responsibility.

The Farm is a restoration of the turn-of-the-century dairy farm of Henry J. Wheeler. Maintaining the farm presents to the public the history of Utah family agriculture. It is a representation of the rural lifestyle in Salt Lake.

For more information on Wheeler Farms and the events taking place access there website at: http://www.wheelerfarm.com

The Penguin Encounter exhibit is sure to become the most popular exhibit at the aquarium. There are 17 species of penguins in the world, and we’re happy to welcome Gentoo penguins to The Living Planet Aquarium! Gentoo penguins live in a cool climate of the Falkland Islands, just off of the coast of Argentina. They eat small fish & krill, love to swim and live in highly social colonies (or waddles) often with other species of penguins. In this special habitat, an acrylic window and dramatic vantage points will offer guests nose-to-beak viewing as penguins splash, dive and “fly” underwater.

The Penguin Encounter is free with aquarium admission.

For more information please access this link:

http://www.nowplayingutah.com/event/detail/440656199