2014 Utah Valley Fall Bucket List

Don't just count the days, make the days count!
Now that summer is coming to a close, we're getting ready for fall!

"Don't you just love New York Utah Valley in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils." - You've Got Mail 

Rather than mourning the end of warm days, barbecues, and time spent poolside, let's savor the fun of fall! Crisp air, cute cardigans, and pumpkin EVERYTHING!

How else can we make sure we live fall to the fullest? Why a Fall bucket list of course!

What are your favorite fall activities? What do you plan to do this fall? Have we missed something really important/fun? Tell us in the comments, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

Utah Valley Loves Cycling!

In the past 7 days, Utah Valley has hosted 2 very big events in cycling!

 The first was the Hotter Than Heck Century which took place on Saturday (August 2nd) in Lehi. It was hosted at the Adobe building and included teams and individuals from throughout Utah (and even some from out of state). The ride is a 30 year old tradition and event organizers made special effort to step it up this year. The cyclists rode either 30, 60 or 100 miles (individually or in teams) around Utah Lake. The rest stops featured a plethora of fruits and sports drinks to keep the riders well-fueled for the long, hot ride. Upon returning, cyclists were given a completion metal and a meal catered by Iceberg.

To learn more about the Hotter Than Heck Century Ride or to find out about other rides/races organized by Utah Endurance Sports, visit their website here.

The second cycling event was none other than Stage 3 of the Tour of Utah. We had the wonderful opportunity to see the riders off at the starting point (IM Flash Technologies in Lehi). The Tour of Utah boasts that it is America's Toughest Stage Race and it includes a number of professional cyclists from around the world (many of whom have previously competed in events such as the Tour De France, Vuelta a España, Tour of Japan, and the Brazil National Time Trial). Fans gathered on either side of the track to cheer on their favorite teams as they started the 3rd stage of the race which ran from Lehi down the West side of Utah Lake, and back up to Tooele where it ended at the Miller Motorsports Park.

Learn more about the Tour of Utah (and follow the results of the next 4 stages) at the Tour of Utah website.

The SCERA Presents: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Goin' Courtin' has never been as much fun as in this rip-roaring stage version of the popular MGM movie. 

Set in the 1850 Oregon wilderness, Seven Brides tells the story of Millie, a young bride who plans to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage. But her plan backfires when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides.

Bursting with rambunctious energy and some of the best dancing scenes in musical theatre, Seven Brides is boisterous fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical. Directed by Jerry Elison. Music Direction by Martha Glissmeyer. Choreography by Penny Colvin. 

You could win 2 tickets to see the production at the Scera Shell Outdoor Theater, August 1-16, 2014. 
Enter Below (Winner will be announced via Facebook & Twitter tomorrow at 5 pm):

Take a Hike: Y Mountain

Hiking Y Mountain is pretty much a rite of passage not just for BYU students, but anyone residing in the valley under the ever watchful Y.

The Y is representative of Brigham Young University and it's one of the reasons why students and locals often refer to BYU as "The Y." At 380 feet high and 130 feet wide, the Y is even larger than the letters of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, CA. The large concrete block is lit up 5 times per year for freshman orientation, homecoming, Y days (spirit week), and graduation (April/August). 

The hike itself varies in difficulty depending on who you ask. Those who are more seasoned hikers or are in good shape will tell you that it's easy. They may even describe it as, "fun" and "awesome" and "a good warm-up hike." However, those among us who tend to limit our physical activity to leisurely walks from the couch to the fridge, might see it as being a little more challenging. They might say things like, "We're only at the 2nd turn!?" and "Geez, I can't breathe!" 

Personally, I fall into the second camp. But if I can make it up to the Y, anyone can (even small children can be seen in tow behind their parents and older siblings).

I will note that a lot of the challenge lies in 2 aspects of the hike:

1. It's fairly steep.
2. Because its steep, there are a lot of switchbacks to get to the top. This means that although you aren't hiking vertically, the hike takes longer than you might anticipate when you first start out. (The first time I hiked the trail, I repeatedly lamented that it felt like the Y wasn't getting any closer and it felt pretty counter-intuitive to be walking away from the Y on some of the switchbacks).

Yesterday, I hiked the Y with my husband and my dog (yes, dogs are allowed on the trail but they are required to be on a leash at all times). Neither my dog nor my husband had ever hiked the Y so I was interested in getting their opinions. I had hiked it once before with my roommate during my sophomore year of college. I must have been in much better shape back then, because I don't recall much of a struggle. 

My husband and dog enjoyed the hike, they were able to walk the steep trail without any trouble (and the same goes for just about every person we saw along the trail). I, however, struggled a bit. Hikers across the mountain probably heard my complaints during our hour long trek (for the record, it probably doesn't take that long to hike if you're not constantly stopping to catch your breath). 

Luckily, this hike is unique and regardless of its level of difficulty, its well worth it just for the view of the valley along the way:

Despite my complaints, as I walked off the mountain I told my husband, "That was fun. We should do that again soon!"

Have you hiked the Y? Did you enjoy it? What level of difficulty would you say it is? Comment below to share your thoughts!

We Love Utah Valley Parks

There are so many places to go, people to see, and places to eat here in Utah Valley. One of the greatest things about our County is the great outdoors. We are so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful and majestic mountains that offer plenty of fun outdoor activities for the whole family.

This month we want to recognize all the great parks both local, state, and national that the Valley has to offer. Please use the image below and share with us on Facebook or Instagram what your favorite parks are! And be sure to use the hashtag #VisitUtahValley so we can find your pictures. We can't wait to hear and see all of your answers!

Weekend Roundup: Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

BINGO

I love winning, so I'm assuming all of you love winning too. So we put together a little something something for you all so you can enter to win two tickets to Stadium of Fire! That's right it's time for some BINGO. Lets talk rules of the game: sign up by send us an e-mail at utahvalleycvb@gmail.com with "BINGO" as the subject line. We will then send you a bingo card with different Utah Valley attractions on it. This is where things get fun, after you have your card go out and take photos of yourself at those attractions. Then post your image to social media using the hashtag: #VisitUtahValley. Once you have a BINGO, send us an email (by midnight on June 12, 2014) with links to your posts. Remember BINGO is 3 locations in a row. The winner will be announced on Jun 13th. Remember that your privacy settings must be set to public so we can see your photos.

#VoteProvo

I don't know if you picked this up yet, but I love to win. Provo City is up for the Best Town in America Contest and is one of the final 8 cities. We want to show the world how much we love this area and I personally wouldn't mind if we won. To vote go to voteprovo.com and click on the Vote button next to Provo. For more information check out our friend Mayor John Curtis's blog. He is even doing a giveaway!  

Utah Valley Electro Dash 5k

Are you free tomorrow night? Do you want to do a 5K with neon lights and dance music to coax and entice you along the course? I knew you would. The Utah Valley Electro Dash 5k is being held in Downtown Provo this Saturday, May 31, 2014. The first laser strikes at 8:30 pm. Each runner gets a t-shirt, race number, glow glasses, and a glow bracelet in their race packet. Race starts at 45 E Center Street in Downtown Provo. For more information click HERE

Utah Pasifika Festival

Are you ready for a weekend of delicious food, fun entertainment, and a taste of the Polynesian culture? May 23-25 the Utah Pasifika Festival will be taking place in Downtown Provo around 100 East Center Street. 

The Utah Pasifika Festival strives to, "share, cultivate, and foster their Polynesian heritage and values by providing ways to: nurture a spirit of respect and appreciation for all cultural segments within our local communities; preserve and portray traditional and modern Polynesian art forms (dance, music, crafts, language); promote education and awareness of current and relevant issues; and celebrate the diversity in the world around them." 

Walk around enjoy the different vendors that are set up to help educate and teach about the Polynesian culture. Enjoy delicious Polynesian food that will also be available all weekend long. Don't forget to check out the main stage for a variety of entertainment! 

One of the best parts, they are doing weekly giveaways on their Facebook Page leading up to the event! Currently they are giving away a $40 gift card to Ohana Grill...sign me up!! 

Weekend GIVEAWAY: Tulip Festival

Come welcome spring this April & May by visiting ThanksgivingPoint's 10th Annual Tulip Festival! Enjoy seeing over 250,000 tulips in 137 varieties spread throughout the 55-acre Thanksgiving Point Gardens. The Tulip Festival is something like you've never seen before and is redesigned each year to create a new display.

In addition to the thousands of tulips you'll see, on Fridays and Saturdays the Tulip Festival includes music, vendors, and food. Enjoy themed weekends at the Tulip Festival including, Art Days, Dutch Days and a Swing Dance Party at the Waterfall Ampitheatre. You won't want to miss it!

When:

April 18 - May 3, 2014 (closed Sundays)

Where:

Thanksgiving Point Gardens

Take I-15 to exit #284 in Lehi and proceed west on Clubhouse Drive. Cross the bridge and take an immediate right onto Garden Drive and proceed to the Gardens area.

Admission:

$15 Adult

$12 Child (ages 3-12)

$12 Senior (ages 65+)

*25% discount for military with valid ID

*Free for children ages 2 and under and Thanksgiving Point Members

For more information please visit Utah Valley.com 

Enter below for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Tulip Festival! 2 Winners will be announced on Monday, April 28, 2014. 

Utah Valley Marathon

Spring is supposed to be here (although you wouldn't guess it by the weather we're having) which means it's almost summer, which means it's almost short and swim suit season, which means I should have been working out all winter long so my legs were ready to be debuted. Oops. 


For all of you who are much better people than me and know how to say no to Swig's sugar cookies, the Utah Valley Marathon is just around the corner! I know lots of you participate in this because they sell out of spots EVERY year! 

The Utah Valley Marathon will be taking place again this June on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Cascading waterfalls, the Provo River, and Deer Creek Reservoir will offer you runners a tranquil running adventure. The majestic mountains in all directions offer an extraordinary running experience. The race begins in Wallsburg, Utah, running into Provo Canyon and features much of Utah County's diverse scenery. The race will finish in historic Downtown Provo. The course offers ease for beginners and a potential PR for experts. The Utah Valley Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. 

It's not too late to register! It costs $105 - through May 14, 2014 and $115 - through June 10, 2014. 

I know lots of you have been training for this amazing race! I'm sitting here writing this post while enjoying a Reese's egg. Now accepting applications for a trainer...

Here's a fun video from the race in 2011: 

Hotter Than Heck Utah Valley Century

For 30 years, there has been a century ride around Utah Lake. This year, they're taking it up a notch…or two.

The 2014 ride itself will be similar to previous years, including options to ride 30, 60, or the full 100 miles. For the first time they will be awarding cash and gift prizes for individuals and teams. 

For those new to a “century” ride, a century is 100 miles. If you’ve never done one before, now’s the time! The beauty of a century like this is that you can stop as often as you want to rest, hydrate, eat, look at something other than your front wheel, and see tons of other riders just like you who are resting and eating. If you’re not ready for the full century, you can complete the 30 or 60 mile course!

They're upgrading feed stations and the sponsors will be competing for “Best Rest Stop.” They will be putting together a pre-ride dinner and a show at Thanksgiving Point for anyone who’s excited to mentally prep while ‘keeping it chill’ the night before (it’s going to be amazing).

The race will be taking place Saturday, August 2nd and will begin and end at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. The weather has been great these past few days, so start training now! Click here to see a map of the course. Visit Utah Endurance Sports for more information and to register for the race! 

Utah Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proud partner of Utah Endurance Sports and would like to thank them for all of their hard work in prepping for this amazing race and for helping with this blog post! 

Deals: Ski, Dine and Stay the Utah Valley Way

We all know there is so much to do in Utah Valley. From the great outdoors to shopping, festivals, and dining, Utah Valley really has a little bit of everything for everyone.

This season we are offering you a discount for lodging and ski tickets! When you sign up on our site here, you will receive 20% off your stay and $10 off tickets to Sundance Ski Resort. What a deal!

This offer is only available until February 28 so hurry and book your ski trip now! We'll see you on the slopes :)

Top Sledding Locations

The snow is coming down hard and you know what that means...sledding! Or tubing, snowball fights, snowmen, snow shoeing, snow angels, etc. Whatever you like doing in the snow, we have the perfect snowfall for winter activities right now. We have narrowed down our top 4 locations for all of these activities.

1. Jolley's Ranch at Hobble Creek Canyon, Springville
Located just seven miles from I-15 in Hobble Creek Canyon. You'll find nearly five miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is a tubing and sledding hill and parking areas for snowmobilers. Ski and snowshoe equipment is available for day rental, as well as tubes for the tubing hill. There are heated restrooms and a warming shelter.
Hours are:
Monday - Tuesday: 3:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday - Sunday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Check our website for pricing. 

2. Rock Canyon Park, 2620 N. 1200 E., Provo
Probably one of my favorite hills, this park is free and is a longtime local favorite. Warning, it is typically pretty crowded with teenagers and college students. Families with smaller children may want a different park. 

3. Peeteetneet Academy, 10 S. 600 E., Payson
Another local favorite that draws huge crowds on weekends and holidays! 

4. Tibble Fork Reservoir, American Fork Canyon 
This area is perfect for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Steep runs make for high speeds and intense sledding and tubing rides! 

Where are some of your favorite sledding spots? 

It's the holiday season

Growing up, one of my favorite traditions around Christmas time was driving through different neighborhoods to see all of the lights. There is something magical about seeing houses and buildings all lit up with a glow around them from the snow.

To fulfill this Christmas tradition we headed over to Thanksgiving Point to see their Holiday Lights display. Even though it wasn't houses that were lit up, they have an impressive display set up in Electric Park. The best part...you get to stay in the warmth of your car while looking at more than one million lights! For those who are brave enough to face the cold temperatures, they also offer trolley and carriage rides that take you through the lights. Make sure to reserve a spot before you go though!

The ride takes place at Electric Park and is a little over a mile long. When you pull up make sure to dim your headlights and tune in to FM 100.3 so you can enjoy all your favorite holiday songs while gazing at the twinkling lights and illuminated trees.

The start of the light display

We were in awe with just how many lights there were and how well done all of the displays were. It truly was magical!

They even had displays for each of their attractions. We saw a giant lit up T-Rex! I don't know where else you would find one of those.

After driving through the lights, we parked the car and went to see what all was going on by the Deli and boutique. So glad we did; they had ice sculptors and reindeer! While you are walking around don't forget to pick up some hot chocolate at the local vendor!

Who You Gonna Call....

I suggest pressing play while you read the rest of this post. 

Just when I thought I had experienced all the typical Halloween activities, I was proven wrong once again. Saturday night C and I went on a trip that can pretty much only be explained through our pictures. 

We traveled out to Camp Floyd to participate in some ghost hunting. Yes, ghost hunting. We arrived around 7PM when the sun was just about down. It was the perfect eerie setting for this small and possibly haunted town. Our adventure started in an old school house where we watched a presentation on ghost hunting and learned different techniques. They showed us what to look for in pictures and showed examples of previous participants photos. After that, they shut off the lights to all the buildings and we were on our own for a ghost hunt. Now the reason I told you to play the song above is because that is what was going through my head the entire night. I was a ghost buster!! 

Here are some photos from our ghost hunt. The grey orbs are considered to be the presence of ghosts. You can decide for yourself if they really are...

Our first attempt at catching ghosts. C thought it was my camera that had the blob, but then it disappeared...

Ghost on top of the school???

One group member wanted a moment of silence to try and reach out to the ghosts. Notice how all the orbs gravitate toward her.

I had no idea who was coming out, but I snapped a photo and it was the lady who called out to the ghosts. Coincidence that the giant orb is by her? 

We tried talking to them too. Looks like a couple of them showed up

I couldn't resist a cute couple shot :)

Camp Floyd only puts on two ghost hunts each year and unfortunately the other session is already filled up. But check out this site so you have it on hand for next year! You'll want to hurry and book your trip before they fill up! 

Folklore, Ghosts, and Biking

Recently I think I came across one of the coolest Halloween activities Provo has to offer. And yes I am fully aware that I say things like that often, but if you only check out one activity this Halloween, this is the one you need to do!

A coworker of mine overheard someone talking about a ghost tour of Provo and told me about it so I did what anyone else would have done, I did some research on Facebook. And sure enough I found the Provo Cycling Ghost Tours. Reading one post about this activity was enough for me to book our adventure.

This is Provo Cycling Ghost Tour's first season being open and they did an amazing job! Derik and Max, the two who started this awesome tour, were inspired by Salt Lake's ghost tour. Realizing that Provo didn't have anything like this, they hit the books. They spent hours in the archives at the library researching the history of Provo and stories and events that have taken place in the area. Hats off to these two because they had some crazy stories to share. All that research paid off.

So here's how the Ghost Tours work - you head over to this link here and sign up for the tour. They take place every Saturday through October at 10PM. You meet at the statue at Memorial Park in Provo (800 East Center Street) with your bike. And don't worry, if you don't have a bike or can't find a friend who will loan you theirs, you can rent one from them for $2. Best part of this tour is the price tag. It's $3 a person or $5 for a couple. AMAZING deal people! They accept cash only at the start of the tour. The online registration is just to reserve your spot.

Once everyone has arrived, they hand out glow sticks to put on your bike and your ghost journey begins! The tour takes about an hour and a half and is approximately a 5 mile ride. Don't worry if you're out of shape like I am, there are no hills you have to bike up; it's a super easy ride. They take you to 6 stops along the way with a story to share at each location. My favorite part...they have a ghost detector that everyone gets a turn holding! It will flash red when a ghost is present.

Red light = ghost. All you need to know. 

This was my "hurry and look at me! A ghost is here!" picture

Unfortunately being on a bike didn't allow me to take very good notes, so Max and Derik were kind enough to remind me of some of the stops:

• Mental Hospital
• Peay Apartments
• Provo Cemetery
• Provo Industrial District
• Motel Inn

After all the cycling around, they even surprised us with Krispy Kreme donuts and Apple Cider. Needless to say we were all ecstatic. 

Food is always a good surprise

Now I would say this activity is appropriate for ages 13 and up. Mostly because you bike for awhile and the stories are creepy. We honestly had the best time last Saturday night. It was so different from anything else that Provo had to offer. Provo Cycling Ghost Tours, I can't wait to do this again next year! 

A Pirate's Life for Me

I feel like Colby and I haven't blogged in a while. I'm so sorry. But we have cooked up quite the treat for you this month! All of our dates have a "haunted" theme to them. We discovered some crazy things you can do here in Utah Valley for Halloween that we had never heard of. And when I say crazy, I really mean it; just you wait for all these blog posts this month!

This week we discovered an activity that if you can't find a babysitter for your kids, they can come too. We heard about CLAS Ropes Halloween Adventure Cruise and thought we'd go check it out. I'd also like to throw out that all the couples that were "too busy" to come really missed out! Colby and I had so much fun.

CLAS Ropes is located on Center Street in Provo down by Utah Lake. When you arrive, they have a Halloween movie playing while you wait for your group to be called, along with concessions for purchase.
 

We had about a 30 minute wait, so we grabbed some popcorn and enjoyed the movie. The captain (tour guide) of your boat announces your group name and you follow him down the path leading to the dock. The dock was covered in lights and spider webs; prepping you for your adventure on the boat.

I didn't know this, but the river you float down is actually the Provo river. CLAS Ropes has decorated the river banks with over 100 hand-carved pumpkins that reflect off of the water. Not to mention all the amazing light work they did along the river. This truly is a unique boat adventure. Your captain shares scary stories and songs and a pirate even comes to attack your ship. Luckily, the pirate is a pretty nice guy, and brings candy with him to share :)

The boat can accommodate up to 40 people so don't be surprised if there is a small wait to get on! You can also reserve an entire boat for your group for just $175 Tues-Thurs, or $195 Fri, Sat, and Mon. The ride costs $8.00 per person to ride. You can find a dollar off coupon on their website here. The ride is open now until October 31. They are open 6:30pm-9pm M-Th and 6:30pm-10pm Fri & Sat.  

Best captain ever

12 Days of Halloween

Tis the season for pumpkin carving and candy buying. Apple cider and haunted frights! In case you get bored with these traditions, we've got 12 ideas for your family that will make this October an unforgettable one.

1.   Hee Haw Farms Fall Activities

September 28 – November 3

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=625

Halloween fun for everyone! From a 12 acre corn maze, to picking your own pumpkins, to the Haunted Hayride and Cornevil Night Terrors. You’re sure to find an activity to please even the scariest of beasts!

2.   The Haunted Forest

October 1 – 31

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=581

The Haunted Mansion! Here you will meet the Crypt Keeper and Crazy Annie…just good old fashioned entertainment – with a terrifying twist of course! And if you're feeling really brave, test your luck with the Haunted Forest's new Psycho Manor!

3.   Cornbelly’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival

October 2 – November 2

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=397

Whether Utahn’s are finding their way out of the corn maze, exploring the Pumpkin Princess Playland, blasting pumpkin cannons, mining for gems, picking out the perfect pumpkin, tip-toeing through Insanity Point’s haunted trails, or trick-or-treating with local mascot characters, there is unforgettable fun and memories for folks of all ages

4.   Odyssey Dance Theatre: Thriller!

October 9 – 12 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=4121

This show has it all – frights, amazement, scares and lots of laughs. Come and join this spectacular Halloween tradition and see what everyone is talking about – Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Thriller!

5.  Country Farm Fest

October 10 – 19

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=3255

This family-oriented event showcases Utah artisans and provides an arts and crafts fair, children’s activities, live entertainment, and heritage demonstrations (blacksmithing, sheep shearing, soap making, etc.). The Farmers Market offers a variety of seasonal local bounty, arts and crafts. Enjoy the Pumpkin Weigh-off, and Pumpkin Carving and Costume contests the entire family can participate in.

6.   Pumpkin Festival on Heber Valley Railroad

October 10 – 30

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=3572

The whole family will enjoy our annual Pumpkin Festival trains. Your ticket includes a 45 minute train ride where you will be entertained by witches and mummies, and even Dracula! At the depot you can take a trip through our (family friendly) haunted car, have fun in our Misty Maze, and get your face painted! You also get to select a pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch and take it home with you!

7.   Sleepy Hollow @ The Old Spaghetti Factory

October 12 – 26

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=3124

What could be more fun than dinner and show?! Choose one of three fantastic menu options from The Old Spaghetti Factory’s menu. Chit chat with Ichabod Crane and Katrina, even the Headless Horseman, as the characters introduce themselves and mingle with the crowd.  Dinner will be served throughout the performance. You’ll laugh, cry, and hum along with our amazing actors and singers till it’s time to go home!

8.   Halloween Adventure Cruise

October 1 – 31

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=276

Fun for the whole family! Come enjoy an adventure riverboat ride on the lower Provo River.  It is like a hayride, but a boat ride.  There are over 100 pumpkins reflecting off the water, with a scary story and song.  A pirate attacks the ship and hands out candy.

9.   Sundance Resort’s Halloween Lift Rides

October 24 – 31 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=1379

Sundance Resort’s Halloween Lift Rides offer the perfect autumn treat. Whether soaring through the autumn skies with your little ghosts and goblins or just a moonlight ride for two, the new Sundance Lift Ride promises you a new Halloween tradition

10.  Pumpkin Parade

October 25 – 26 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2645

We will be lining our streets with fun and fantastic pumpkin scenes! Local artists will be turning pumpkins and squash into creative, cute and captivating displays! We will also be giving away free pumpkins for you and your family to carve.

11. Pumpkin Carving Contest & Pumpkin Walk

October 26

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2792

Come walk through the gardens and enjoy the fall colors and crisp Autumn air, as well as the pumpkin entries from the pumpkin carving contest. Fun activities for all members of the family. Be sure to dress up for a free donut for each person wearing a costume!

12. Evermore Pumpkin Fest

October 31

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=4119

Join us for the 1^st Annual  Evermore Pumpkin Fest, which helps support the Utah Food Bank. All proceeds from the event will go towards the food bank and we are looking to create the largest pumpkin display in Utah! 

GIVEAWAY: Sundance Resort

Let's have an honest moment right now...we all love the price tag of free. There are so many times I find myself getting something I have no interest in simply because it's free (or on a really good sale). How many of you have experienced this? I'm sure I can't be the only female, or male, who has fallen for corporations tactics to get me hooked. It works on me every time.

So now to the free part of this post. We have 2 tickets to Sundance to giveaway. Yes, free tickets to the beautiful Sundance. These tickets are good for a lift ride until October 13. All you have to do is comment below with your name AND email address and we will select one lucky winner on Monday, September 30 at noon.

I could go on and on about how much I love Sundance and how gorgeous it is up there and list out all the other amazing things you can do up there, but I'll spare you those details and keep this post short :)

All Things "Fuh"

We're back! Sorry for lack of posts the last few weeks. We've been on vacation and had crazy busy schedules. But we're back and we have even more awesome date night ideas for all you awesome couples out there.

Friday night was one of the funnest and most entertaining nights I think we've had in a while. We went on a triple date with some of my old roommates and their husbands. The whole night was spent in laughter. I couldn't have asked for better company!

About a month ago we were having a girls night and I was telling my friends about this blog segment and that I needed some more ideas. We started brainstorming and came up with quite the concept...alphabet dates. The idea is to pick a letter and have all the activities start with that letter. We went with the letter F. Now you are probably asking yourself why in the world would you start with that letter. Well, that's a question we can't even answer. Sorry.

To start our night off we had a traditional Vietnamese dish called Pho. It's pronounced "fuh" which is why we decided it worked for our first alphabet date night. We went to Pho Plus in Orem to try this yummy dish. They also have a new location that just opened off of Center Street in Provo. Before you get freaked out by the name, Pho is just a bowl of beef broth with fresh rice noodles, onions, cilantro, and your choice of meat. It also comes with a plate of bean sprouts, lime wedges, jalapenos, and herbs. What's neat about this dish is that everyone gets to make it their own. It comes with the basics then you can add some of their sauces to make it spicier if you wish. It was interesting how different everyone's bowl tasted.

I'm going to be honest, I don't think I would ever crave Pho, but I would keep going back because of the experience you get when you are there. And don't get me wrong, Pho was delicious, I just don't think I would ever crave it like I do ice cream sometimes. Another plus, it's pretty cheap. For a regular bowl it was only about $7. A couple pointers about ordering at Pho Plus....

1. A regular is plenty - the bowls are ginormous there

2. A couple could share the large, but then you couldn't each make it your own - that's your call

 

Part two of our triple date consisted of something else I've never tried before...frolfing. Yes, that is a term. Frolfing is the term for frisbee golf and who knew there was a brand new course right here in Utah Valley?! We went to the new course at Utah Valley University. It was gorgeous! The course is free to use, you just need to provide your own equipment. The course is located on the west side of the campus, right next to the baseball field (where the Orem Owlz play). The trickiest part of this course is how close to the pond some of the targets were. My friend's husband already had the frolfing equipment we would need, including a "golden retriever" in case some of our discs went into the pond...and of course they did :)

 

Here are a few highlights of our frolfing experience:

 

199 ft is a lot harder than you'd think

A successful find with the golden retriever

 

Getting a few pointers from the husband

Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen?!

 

The final part of our date included a treat us girls loved getting when we were in college, Frozen Hot Chocolate. We made our own instead of going to DQ and you can find the recipe we used here. The recipe was easy to make and more importantly it was absolutely delicious!

 

K&B, T&M...thanks for a super fun night and awesome memories. Can't wait for our next alphabet date!