Tuesday, November 30

Vacation in My Home State of Utah (& a CD Giveaway!)

When I am deciding where to go on a vacation, there are certain things I weigh. If it's some place I've never been, that is a bonus. Hot on my list are New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and New England. (I've been to NY, but only once.) I also like to go to places I've been but want to go back because there are things I didn't get to do the last time I was there. This includes New York, Costa Rica, and Europe (I know, that last one is a doozie.) I also like to go on vacations that are very different from where I live. Beaches and tropical islands, for example. And last but not least, I like to go somewhere to visit a friend or family member. Any time I can combine several of these things, the better.

But many of the things people travel near and far to do and see are right in my backyard. For example, I've skied and snowboarded in many states and two countries, but I still think this area has some of the very best winter resorts. In 3 minutes I can be at a quaint family ski resort, Wolf Mountain. In 10 minutes, I can be at Powder Mountain, which until Blackcomb and Whistler (in British Columbia) combined, offered the most acreage of North American ski resorts. And in about 20 minutes, I'm knee-high in powder at the glamorous and extreme Snowbasin, home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games downhill. And that's not counting all the Salt Lake City- and Park City-based resorts like Snowbird, Alta, and Deer Valley, which are about an hour away from where I live.

Of course, cross country skiing, snow-mobiling, snow shoeing, and sledding abound in snowy, mountainous country like this. And that's just the winter stuff! One day I'll tell you all about the amazing adventures you can have in the warmer months here in Utah. But for now, tell me what fun, exciting, and/or relaxing things people like to do this time of year where you live. I'm feeling particularly fond of my home state, and to celebrate, I'm giving away a signed copy of "I Believe You," a folk/jazz/inspirational CD by Utah native and fabulous skiier (and my dear friend and yoga teacher), Danielle Vaughn. Leave a comment to be entered. My middle son (pictured above) will choose a winner on Friday, December 3. Good luck!


6 comments:

Lauren Baratz-Logsted said...

I've been to Utah! Greg and I went so he could ski there once. Can't remember the exact year but it was the one when The Brothers McMullen was a big deal at Sundance.

Wendy Toliver said...

Sundance rocks. I can't believe I forgot to mention that. January, folks! :) And I LOVE teh Bros McMullen. We were talking about it over breakfast Sunday.

Stephanie Kuehnert said...

Sounds like you and I have a lot of the same criteria for trip planning. I haven't been to Utah, but would love to come and see the salt flats one day!

Wendy Toliver said...

Oh yes the infamous salt flats! You should also swim in the Great Salt Lake, which is quite the experience. :)

Amanda Ashby said...

Did you say NZ and Australia???? Sara and I will so be holding you to that!!!!!!!!!!!

In the last fifteen years, we've moved country so many times that we never quite manage a vacation! However, right now, since it's coming up to summer, we will just be chilling at the beach eating ice creams!!!

Sara Hantz said...

We're waitiing for you in NZ with open arms!!!