(Bridal Veil Falls)
As a kid, my only reference to Utah was watching Donny and Marie Osmond on TV. Later, shows like Sister Wives (don’t judge) showcased the state’s stunning landscapes in the background of the Brown family drama. Still, visiting Utah had never crossed my mind—until our 25th wedding anniversary.
My husband and I wanted to experience something entirely different, which was no small feat given how much we’ve traveled. Then it struck me—Utah would be fresh, unique, and visually spectacular. I’m thrilled to say it exceeded our expectations. No matter where we drove, we were surrounded by breathtaking views.

We explored three regions: Provo, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. If you enjoy shopping, art, and history, as I do, you’ll likely find all three destinations a delight.
Art and Shopping in Provo
Our first stop was The Shops at Riverwood, where we ate a delicious lunch at La Jolla Groves, then proceeded to explore shops like Jos. A Bank, Bath and Bodyworks and more. Being a bibliophile, Moon’s Rare Books caught my eye and, of course I had to venture inside.

What I experienced was an amazing collection of books set amidst a lovely, pleasingly aesthetic backdrop. Reid Moon is the owner and collector of the artifacts at Moon’s Rare Books, and it’s said that he’s a storyteller who enjoys the history behind the items that he’s collected over the past three decades. All I know is that it was the coolest bookstore I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.




Brigham Young University Museum of Art
Our next stop was the Brigham Young University Museum of Art, a destination so impressive that you’ll marvel at the fact that admission is free.
The BYU Museum of Art houses a diverse collection of more than 18,000 works, which include American, European and religious art, with a large portion reflecting the university’s connection to The Church of Latter-Day Saints.



Bernard Sleigh’s altarpiece depicted above is said to be a message of hope and was initially commissioned for a women’s prison in London.
Salt Lake City





The Temple may have been a disappointment, but there was plenty to do in Temple Square , like listening to a daily organ recital in the iconic Mormon Tabernacle, or shopping at the nearby City Creek Center, which features upscale stores like Louis Vuitton, and such other well-known brands as Nordstrom, GAP, Lush and Macy’s.




The etching above depicts a man with a shattered mind, exploding in multiple directions. The deeply traumatized person’s memories lead to a kind of rupture of the self and a shattering of the brain.

Portrait of My Anxiety, by Margaret Curtis, shows a knitter tied up in knots while the world burns outside. Curtis is an artist who hails from Bermuda and her work can be seen in galleries across the United States.




Visitors can take advantage of free guided tours, which last between 45 minutes and one hour.




Ogden reminded me of an old-west town with its painted horses everywhere and its retro feel. A visit to Historic 25th Street will take visitors through the small town where they will be reminded of a simpler time.




I particularly enjoyed the antique automobiles on display at the station.


Those who visit the area are likely to see the Eccles family name more than once. The family members were influential business leaders in Ogden who were instrumental in the success and prosperity of the town.

The Great Salt Lake
On our final day, we returned to Salt Lake City to explore the Great Salt Lake, otherwise known as the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
By this time, we felt like we had covered a lot of ground, but there really is quite a bit to do in the area, so I hope that this overview gives you somewhat of an idea of what’s in store if you decide to visit the beautiful areas of Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden.


Thanks for the post, Stephanie! Utah sure is an interesting and beautiful state.
Thank you for your post. Moon’s Bookshop sounds worth a special visit. Just over a year ago, my wife and I visited Utah, also for the first time. We spent a few days in the South, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. I attach a picture of the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park at sunset. It really is that colour and does look just like the picture on the Utah vehicle licence plate.
Beautiful!