Weekend Events

It's the weekend, and its time to get out there and have some fun. I have looked over everything going on this weekend in Utah Valley and here is your list of must does. It's a big weekend and there is lots going on, so grab the kids, husband, roommates, or friends and get out there.


Baby Animal Birthday Party (May 17-18,)
Come meet all the new baby animals at Thanksgiving Point as they celebrate their annual Baby Animal Birthday. Where else can you get up and close to these adorable little animals?

Lace and Grace Wedding Expo (May 17-18)
Way to get engaged, but now what? The new Lace and Grace Wedding Expo at the Riverwoods that's what. Learn about every aspect of your wedding. Talk to wedding consultants and elite wedding industry leaders in this two day event.

 Utah Pasifika Festival 2013 (May 17-19)
I know we have talked about this one before, but come on it's Polynesian culture at its best. There will be ethnic dancing, musical selections, and food. Events start at 6:00 pm Friday and go until 10:00 pm then start back up again on Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Utah Valley University Auto Expo and Swap Meet (May 18)
Cars on display and the largest automotive swap meet in Utah, it draws people from all over the northwest. This UVU event is hosted at Thanksgiving Point and welcomes thousands of spectators and has more than 700 car entries. So boys it's time to be men and look at cars.

Try a Trail with the County Commissioners (May 18)
This week trail is a special one, it's the Grand Opening of the Murdock Canal Trail. Events happen all day long starting at 8:00 am in Orem (1200 n 800 e orem). Events include continental breakfast, Arbor Day tree planting, prizes, and businesses booths.

Sundance Author Series (May 18)
Come listen to Douglas Brinkley, author of Cronkite. Walter Cronkite was known as "the most trusted man in America." Millions across the nation welcomed him into their homes, first as a print reporter for the United Press on the front lines of World War II, and later, in the emerging medium of television. Yet he was a very private man. Few know the full story of his life. Drawing on unprecedented access to Cronkite's private papers as well as interviews with hi family and friends, Douglas Brinkley now brings this American icon into focus as never before. Ticket Price includes: brunch in t he Tree Room Restaurant, a copy of Cronkite, a seat at the discussion, attendance at the book signing, and gratuities.

Mother's Day

It's the last minute, do you need idea's for Mother's Day? Look no further we have everything you need to make your mom cry with joy this year.

Gift Ideas
What do you get the women who gave you life? Start by looking at the Holy Cow Boutique this weekend. Located in the old Pleasant Grove Recreation Center. With 65 unique vendors you are bound to find something for even the pickiest of mothers. Want something a little more traditional, stop by the Outlets at Traverse Mountain. They have everything from Le Creuset to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. To many good options at the Outlets? Pick her up a gift card and give the gift of shopping.        

Mother's Day Brunch 
Let someone else get the food ready for Mother's Day brunch this year. We have some great options for you to pick from. Starting at Thanksgiving Point on Saturday, May 11. This amazing meal will be put on by Harvest Restaurant from 10 am-2 pm. Executive Chef Jason Merryweather's brunch buffet is truly spectacular. Then on Sunday head to Sundance Resort's Foundry Grill from 9:00 am -5:00 pm. Sundance offers amazing food in a truly stunning environment. Another Sunday option is the Provo Marriott Hotel and Conference Center Brunch from 10:30 am-2:30 pm.  

Activities 
Now that you have your gift and are well feed, it's time for some fun. Take a hike on one of Utah Valley's many trails. Explore the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point (closed on Sunday). Head out to Utah Lake for some boating and a picnic. Take the family to La Nay Ferme in Provo for their Mommy and ME Healthy Hands-on Cooking class. Go horseback riding at Sundance and take in all that nature has to offer.



Whatever you choose to do, make sure to tell your mother you love her and a special thank you.

Utah Valley Spring Bucket List

We have two months left of Spring, so its time to start checking things off that bucket list.

1. Utah Pasifika Festival 
 May 17-18, 2013
Celebrates the Polynesian cultures of Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, and more
2. Utah Valley University Auto Expo and Swap Meet
 May 18, 2013
Among the largest car shows in Utah and includes local car clubs and unique private collections
3. Pony Express Days
 May 24-June 1, 2013
PRCA Rodeo, carnival, grand parade, Demolition Derby, Chris Cagele Concert and much more
4. Springville Art City Days
June 1-8, 2013
 Hot air balloons, Rodeo, fireworks, free concerts, and Parade
5. 9th Annual Utah Lake Festival
June 1, 2013
 Free fishing, recreational opportunities, food, and sailing demonstrations
6. 39th Annual Scottish Days and Highland Games
June 7-8, 2013
Watch Highland Dancing, piping and drumming competitions, and performances
7. Orem Summerfest
June 14-15, 2013
Car show, movie in the park, parade, and a craft fair
8. 91th Strawberry Days & Rodeo 
June 16-22, 2013
Strawberries and cream, rodeo, carnival, parade, and much more
9. The Princess Festival
June 18-29, 2013
Come dress up as a princess for this one of a kind festival

TRAX Airport Line is Open

What we have all been waiting for is here, the new TRAX airport line is open and ready for business. What does this mean for you? It means no more bumming rides off your friends and family to Salt Lake International. The 6-mile TRAX Green Line extension to the Airport connects to the FrontRunner at 500 W. North Temple. So now you can get on the FrontRunner in Utah County and ride UTA to the Airport.

Let’s get down to details here; the line will operate from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm weekdays, 6:30 am to 11:30 pm Saturdays, and 10 am to 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Trains will run every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends. It takes about 20 minutes from Temple Square to the airport.   

Comment below about your experience on the FrontRunner/TRAX to the Airport.

Weekend Events

Lets start this weekend out in Lehi. Our friends at Thanksgiving Point have a lot going on now that the gardens are open.

 Lamb and Wool Festival

Have you ever dreamt of working on a farm? Have you ever watched the movie babe? Then this festival is for you. OK so the animals may not talk to you, but you will get up and personal with sheep dogs, ducks, sheep, and others of our four legged friends. Enjoy sheep dog demonstrations, duck herding, sheep shearing, wool crafts and other spring traditions. 

Thanksgiving Point Annual Tulip Festival

The Tulip Festival is the sure way to know its spring, and this year is no different. With 250,000 tulips spread throughout the 55-acres of gardens. Talk about awe-inspiring. What more could you want; well I’ll tell you music, food, storytelling, and vendors. And the Tulip Festival delivers it all. 

The Utah Valley Women’s Expo

Ladies leave the kids at home with the husband for this one. This is two days of everything you could want.  They have great clothes, beauty products, home items and décor, exercise helps, seminars from nationally prominent women, money saving ideas, career guidance, scrap booking, women’s health, makeovers, hairstyling, bags, good demonstrations, gift ideas, heavenly spa samplings, door prizes, vacations, family activities, good food, and much more. (Hold on my hands or tired from typing that list of fun stuff…ok I’m back). So grab the girls and get going. For free tickets head on over to http://bit.ly/16KPMpy

Hello Dolly at the SCERA

Who doesn’t like a good musical? I know I do. This turn of the century adventure is a good time from start to finish. Who will find love, who will be left alone, and who will sing and dance their way into your heart? Don't miss the opening night (April 19). 

Book Fair coming!

Come enjoy the Books Are Fun book fair held right here at:

Health and Justice Building Thursday, April 25th 10am to 4pm Friday, April 26th 9am to 3pm

Come visit the New Books Are Fun Book Fair in the convenience of your workplace. With over 250 great titles at unbelievable prices, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list!

Product categories include:

Children's Story Books, Cookbooks, General Interest Books, New York Times Best Sellers, Stationery & Scrapbooking, Music Collections, Gifts for all ages, Early Learning Products, and Children's Educational Products.

First run, top quality products from the world's leading publishers:

Time Life, Simon & Schuster, Dorling Kindersley, Harper-Collins, Penguin, Random House, Reader's Digest, Rodale, Disney, Publication's International, Thomas Nelson, Peachtree Publishing and many more!

For more information and a great video of what your fair will look like... click here!

Restaurant Spotlight: Porter's Place

This past week we have been out and about in Utah Valley! Weeks like this are our favorites because we discover so many UV gems that we should know about.  Let's just say, our weekend dinner plans are set for the entire summer after seeing so many authentic UV restaurants alone. Porter's Place, the well-known historic restaurant located just off Lehi Main Street, is one of these new discoveries that we can't get enough of.  Here's what we found out during our interview with the incredible owner:

1. How did you get involved in the restaurant business?
Growing up I worked in restaurants, specifically the "Idaho Cafe," but actually ended up being a miner. I was working in the mine one day when someone asked me if I had any children.  I proceeded to tell them that I had a son named "Porter" (after Porter Rockwell, of course). When I told him this, he said that I had to see the Lehi Restaurant called Porter's Place. After visiting the restaurant, I called up the owners and they were actually in the process of selling it. I soon became the new owner and have been here now for years.

2. Do you have a specific connection with the history of Porter Rockwell?
Absolutely, that is why I wanted in on the restaurant altogether.  Years ago, I watched a 1940's film "Brigham Young" and became fascinated with Porter Rockwell (played by Don Carradine). I went on to read dozens of books and study his history.  One that I read was "Man of God, Son of Thunder" that I found at Deseret Book.  Later in 1988, I filmed a documentary on Porter Rockwell and surprising Lloyd Newall (narrator of LDS conferences) played narrator.

3. What is your favorite part about the restaurant?
Definitely the history part of Porter Rockwell and the decor we have on the walls.

4. Where do you get all of the decor?
All over the place. We have so much more that we have in storage, but simply don't have a place to put it! One of the interesting paintings we have hanging is actually a portrait of Hyrum Smith that originally hung in the St. George temple.  One of the photos of Porter Rockwell is also a popular piece.  It was painted by a BYU art student in 1970 who now is a popular artist for the LDS church.

5. It seems like this is a very historical site, do you have any films shot here?
Tons! We have had a variety of films and music videos that air on network TV shows, USA networks, and even Disney Channel.

6. What about famous guests who come in to dine?
Steve Young and some of the Utah Jazz players have dined with us.  We also have several church officials come in, including Dallin H. Oaks.

7.  Has the menu changed over the years?
It has stayed primarily the same.  We serve good, traditional food at great prices.

8. Is there a favorite menu item?
We have a reputation for being a great steak house, in addition to our special buffalo and elk selections.  One of our burgers is called the "Destroying Angel" and is a good 1 lb. serving size.

9. Has the restaurant won any awards?
Actually, City Weekly gave us the award for "Best Celebration of Mormon Muscles," interestingly enough.

10. Any other favorite decor pieces you could tell us about?
One thing that people like to read is the "Proclamation of the Utah War" that we have hanging.  Also, the last picture of Porter before his death, our bar that came out of Montana, seats at our bar from a horse-drawn carriage, and a cash register that dates back decades. 

After visiting with the owner and seeing all of the history hung on the walls, we were fascinated with restaurant.  If you are looking for a special place to eat that has a unique, cultural feel, you have to go to Porter's. We were so impressed with the passion this restaurant owner has and enjoyed every minute of our visit. Click here to find more information on store hours, driving directions, etc.