How to be a Tourist in Downtown Ogden!

Whether you are a Ogden local or visiting from SLC, it’s fun to be a tourist sometimes.  Downtown Ogden has a lot to offer so head on over to 25th street and start exploring.

Take the Train  

First thing first, don’t drive to Ogden, take the train! With free WiFi and comfy seats, it’s the perfect way to visit in style. The train runs frequently from SLC to Ogden and although it takes a bit longer to arrive it’s worth the wait when you get to see horses and beautiful trees while avoiding highway traffic. Check outhttp://www.rideuta.com/for schedules and rates.

Visit Union Station

Union Station has four museums in one plus an amazing gift shops and one delicious restaurant. Learn all about Ogden’s gun history at the Browning museum or see some fabulous classic cars at the car museum you can can view cool model trains at the train museum and then embrace Utah’s rugged history at the cowboy and western museum. The Shop At The Station is worth checking out; they have incredibly unique finds and at a great price PLUS all proceeds go to the Union Station Foundation. If you stop in Union Grill be sure to try the bread pudding.

Create A Historic 25^th Street Bucket List

Ogden’s Historic 25th street always has something fun going on, and Visit Ogden put together an awesome list to keep you busy! Pick your favorites and create a bucket list of things to do and see how many you can get done in a day or a weekend.

Go Geo-Caching iin Downtown Ogden

Download the Geocaching app, pack some snacks and water and head out in search of the many hidden treasured in downtown Ogden. There are little treasures that are easy to find, Virtual treasures that require a bit of research on Ogden History and hard to find treasures that require a good eye and comfy shoes. Test out your navigational skills and discover new places at the same time! Find all the downtown Geo-cachesHERE.

Watch the Sunset on the Rooftop of Alleged

There’s no greater view of downtown Ogden than the rooftop of Alleged and sunset is the best time to enjoy it. Grab a cocktail named after a famous Ogdenite and relax to the sound of local music. Come on a Thursday for Geeks who Drink or the weekend for dancing or live music.

See a Concert or a Free Movie at Ogden Amphitheater

During the summer, you can  catch some awesome free concerts and movies so be sure to check out http://ocae.org/ to stay updated on events.

Take a Walking Tour

There are some beautiful buildings in Ogden and Visit Ogden makes them easy to explore with these handy walking maps HERE. Explore 15 iconic buildings on 25th Street, 25 hikes on Ogden trails and 15 beautiful homes on Jefferson Avenue Historic District. You can learn about the eccentric history of the Eccles Historic District or take a tour of the ‘Trails To Pioneer Days’ painted horses. http://www.visitogden.com/things-to-do/walkingtour

Spend the Night

There’s so much to do in Ogden and only so many hours in the day so stay the night and make it a weekend! Ogden has some fantastic places to stay from modern hotels likeThe Marriott and The Hilton to Historic buildings like the Ben Lomond and theHampton Inn. Check their deals sections for packages that include dinner at a local restaurant!

How to Make Your Own Fire Pit!

Hello Friends,

I wanted to share how to make your own fire pit so you can enjoy smores from your own backyard this summer! Follow these easy steps and you'll be on your way to relaxing in your own backyard campsite!

I love what a fire pit does for any yard or garden. It brings family and friends together and makes any garden into a warm, welcoming place to let go of the stress of the day. Plus, let’s be honest, it feels like camping, and who doesn’t love that? Here’s how to build a back yard fire pit step by step, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. A quick trip to the home improvement store, a little hard work and you could be roasting marshmallows tonight!

Supplies

*Stone pavers, bricks, cinder blocks or other non flammable building materials

*Sand or gravel

*Shovel

*Rake

Step One:

Decide where you want your fire pit to sit, and what dimensions you would like. Make sure you choose a spot at least 25 feet away from structures or overhanging trees. An average fire pit is from 36-45 inches across and 12 inches high.

Step Two:

Mark the center of the fire pit, the easiet way is with a stake. Then tie a string half the total diameter you want the finished pit to be. In other words, if your pit will be 36 inches across, make the string 18 inches. Tie the other end of the string to another stake or stick, and pulling the string taut, walk around the stick marking a prefect circle. This is the outline of the fire pit. Or if you choose, use marking spray paint as shown in the photo.

Step Three:

Dig out the entire hole a few inches deep. This is to remove any flammable materials under the pit, and also to give space for the non flammable layer. Now start placing the stones around the perimeter of the pit. Stack the stones in a second layer until the stones or bricks are at least 12 inches tall.

Step Four:

Fill the fire pit with several inches of sand or gravel to prevent fire embers from burning into the ground. Add another row of stones if necessary to keep the edge of the pit at least 12 inches above the surface of the sand.

That’s it! Pull up some chairs, find some great roasting sticks, and call the neighbors… you have just built a back yard fire pit!

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

June Events Coming Up!

Hello Friends,

Summer is right around the corner and I don't know about you, but I am ready to trade this rain in for some sunshine! There are a couple fun events coming up that I wanted to share with you.

Friday, June 3

Ogden Music Festival @ 5PM

"In nine years, the Ogden Music Festival has grown into just the kind of thing you're looking for to start your summer off on a high note, whether its high, lonesome bluegrass or some hot licks on the fiddle. Set in an oasis just minutes from downtown Ogden, Weber County's Fort Buenaventura is Utah's oldest settlement and provides camping, walking and bike trails, the Weber River, and the perfect spot for our growing community of friends of acoustic music.Working together with the hundreds of artists, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and logistical teams, it's our collective dream to promote and celebrate Ogden's arts, culture, and natural beauty to residents and visitors, alike. Kids, 16 and younger, are invited to attend the festival for free, with the hope that their experience with live, traditional music performed in an outdoor setting will inspire this next generation to keep these traditions alive. Kids will love Todd's Musical Petting Zoo and other music and outdoor-themed crafts and activities.Generating its own unique culture and spirit, we find that festival goers not only fall [further] in love with their favorite performers and many previously unknown, but also the company and natural environment around them. There's plenty of melodic flavor to go around for all to enjoy during the festival, so be there, take part, get involved, and soak up every last bit of it!OFOAM's Mission is to bring live music to Ogden and provide free music education opportunities for youth. We have two amazing festivals in two beautiful Weber County Parks and kids 16 and younger are always free to participate in everything we do!" -OFOAM 

www.ofoam.org

First Friday Art Stroll @ 6PM
Come join us this coming Friday is Ogden's First Friday Art Stroll!

It is held year round on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 PM Ogden's First Friday Art Stroll features exciting exhibit openings, artist receptions and live music.

This event is all FREE of charge so plan an evening of discovery. Enjoy the journey. We hope you are inspired, delighted and challenged along the way.

There are galleries located at Union Station 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT; Historic 25th Street; Weber State University 3964 West Campus Dr; and Neighborhood Galleries.
www.ogdencityarts.org


Historic 25th Street Car and Motyorcycle Show @ 5PM
Free Admission to Public; $10 to register vechiles. Located on Historic 25th from Wall to Washington Blvd.
www.historic25carshow.com 

Saturday June 4

Ogden Fitnees Expo starting @ 8AM
All Natural Body Building Show featuring CrossFit Competitions, Arm Wrestling, Super Hero 5k Run, and a Strong Man Competion.
www.ogdenfitnessexpo.com

Monday Night Movies at Ogden Amphitheatre

Join us on Monday June 13th, 20th, 27th and through July, and into August. The Movie plays for FREE under the stars! Brind the family, the blankets, and the snacks. Enjoy!

                     

Ogden Farmers Market
If you haven't been to Ogden's Historic 25th Street Farmers & Art Market,YOU ARE MISSING OUT! Hop out of bed early each Saturday morning, from June 25th to September 17th, as the market goes from 8am-1pm.Try out the local vendors, or grab a bouquet
of freshly picked flowers!There is something for everyone - from the local honey and produce, to the collectible art and handmade goods.Don't forget about the wide variety of musical performances each week.
farmersmarketogden.com


Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

How to Keep Your Home Cool, While Keeping Your Bill Low!

Hello, Friends,

Summer is coming, and the slowly rising temperatures are proof of that. Luckily, we haven’t quite reached the hottest parts of the year, so you still have a bit of time to prep for the scorching sun.

The easiest way to beat the heat is by cranking your A/C up so that your house is a cool 68 degrees. Not only would that be an extremely comfortable temperature to be in, but it would also send your electricity bill higher than the mercury in the thermometer.

A growing consensus says that 78 degrees is the best place for your thermostat to be: it’s a cool enough temperature to keep you comfortable, and it’s a warm enough temperature to keep your electricity costs down.

Here are five things you can do to welcome the incoming heat.

Close the blinds and the curtains

It’s no secret that the sun’s to blame for a hot home, so doing your best to keep the sun out of your house is the first step to keeping your house cool. Sure, drawing the curtains or shutting the blinds won’t stop the sun’s heat, but creating shade within your space will help the temperatures down.

In fact, according to an article published by Family Handyman, you can save up to 7 percent on your energy bills by keeping the sun out of your house using blinds and curtains. Not only that, but keeping your blinds and curtains closed can lower interior temperatures by up to 20 degrees.

Don't turn your A/C off when you leave the house

It's common practice by a lot of people to shut their A/C off completely when they leave the house. After all, if you’re not there to use it, why would you have the cool air running all day, right?

Actually, it’s a bit of a balancing act when it comes to energy conservation when you’re out of the house. You don’t want to shut off the A/C completely, but you don’t want to cool an area where no one is there to enjoy the cold air.

When you leave your house, set the thermostat to 82 degrees. That way, your A/C unit won’t have to go into overdrive to cool your house back down, but it will still be saving energy because it won’t be at the 78-degree level.

Do the heavy cleaning at night

Dishwashers and laundry machines use quite a bit of hot water, so consequently, they give off a lot of heat. The dishwasher uses hot water to get all of the caked-on food off of your dishware, and then it uses heat to dry the dishes off. Pair that with the heat that comes from washing a load of laundry using hot water and from drying your clothes on high heat.

Plan on doing laundry on nights when you don’t run the dishwasher and save yourself the sweat (and the money) by avoiding morning cleaning.

Take advantage of the weather and have a cookout

The heat stoves and ovens create can warm your house up in a hurry. Once the oven door opens up, all 325 degrees that were kept inside cancel out all of the work that your A/C did to cool your house down.

You can use this as an excuse to break out the grill and have a cookout. By cooking outside, you not only keep the hot air in the oven that you would have used from heating the house, but you can also give your A/C a break and set the thermostat to 82 degrees while you’re all outside with the family.

Give your A/C unit the tune-up it needs

Even after doing all of this, you are still going to want to use your A/C unit. In order to get the best out of your air conditioning, both financially and temperature speaking, you may want to give your A/C a tune-up.

Professionals at places like SameDay Heating & Air can come out to your place and take a look at your A/C unit, checking for proper operation and functionality of the most important gadget you’ll need this summer. For more information on getting an A/C tune-up, visit SameDay’s website


Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

Best Camping Spots in Utah!

Hello Friends,

It is getting warm enough out to start planning camping trips! Nothing beats relaxing in the summer sun with the ones you love! Utah has a lot of great places to camp whether it be for just a night or two, or for extended stay, we've got you covered! Here are a list of the Top 14 camping sites in Utah! Enjoy! Happy Camping!

Boulder Mountain

One of the largest high-elevation plateaus in the United States, Boulder Mountain is dotted with numerous lakes, excellent scenery and unlimited primitive camping opportunities. Part of the Dixie National Forest, the Boulders are laced by thousands of miles of dirt roads that are excellent for four-wheel-drive and off-highway vehicles. The Boulders are also excellent for pack trips by horse or llama. Several outfitters and guides offer pack trips into the Boulder backcountry. Four improved campgrounds are located on the east side of the mountain range, south of Teasdale. However, the campground at Lower Bown Reservoir has no culinary water.

Mirror Lake/Hwy 150

Hwy. 150 from Kamas to Evanston, Wyo., offers numerous camping opportunities along the west side of the Uinta Mountains. These campgrounds are very popular, so if you want to obtain a campsite, reserve it early. Mirror Lake Campground is one of the most popular along Hwy. 150. At an elevation of 10,000 feet, you have ample opportunity to breathe in some clear alfresco. Fish the lake by boat or from shore, or hike one of the nature trails. There is plenty to do in this beautiful alpine setting.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park offers spectacular contrasts of red rock cliffs, blue skies, juniper and pinyon pine trees, and a sweeping 3,000-acre expanse of sand dunes. The park is perfect for camping and off-highway vehicles. Facilities include 22 camping units, modern restrooms, showers, a sanitary disposal station, and a resident park ranger. The park is located about 22 miles northwest of Kanab in the southern part of the state.

Goblin Valley

At one time Goblin Valley was recommended as a national monument. While it was never designated as such, it was designated as a state park by Utah Parks and Recreation. Located 35 miles northwest of Hanksville in the southeastern part of the state, Goblin Valley is a favorite because of its geological wonders - scores of intricately eroded creatures, haunting rocks and coves. Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts prefer the area because adjacent to the park there are hundreds of miles of dirt roads to explore. Facilities include a 21-unit campground, modern restrooms, hot showers, and a sanitary disposal station. Water is limited, however, so bring plenty.

Jordanelle Reservoir and State Park

The Rock Cliff campground at Jordanelle offers a wonderful variety of wildlife viewing and scenery for the visitor, along with a boardwalk trail system and plenty of fishing opportunities nearby. Located along the Provo River just before it enters Jordanelle Reservoir, this scenic camping area offers recreational opportunities to visitors year-round. Campsites are set back away from the parking areas. Carts are available to pack your camping gear to and from your vehicle. A gentle trail system was designed to help you reach your campsite with little effort. Ambitious beavers frequent the area, and considerable evidence of their handiwork abounds among the trees along the river. Be careful of high water in the Provo River during the spring as the snow melts in the upper drainage.

Lake Powell/Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Lake Powell is a boating Mecca for recreationists from all over the country. With thousands of miles of shoreline, the lake is unsurpassed for boat camping. There's plenty of opportunity to enjoy solitude on some lonely beach. However, the developed campgrounds and facilities are superb, albeit crowded on summer weekends. Opportunities abound for all kinds of water sports, including boating, skiing, jet skiing, and even kayaking. Fishing is exceptional from April through October. In wintertime, the temperament of the lake changes: it is moody, often stormy, even threatening, but always beautiful. Many consider the lonely winter scenery to be Powell's best.

Skyline Drive

This narrow roadway, mostly bumpy dirt, begins at Hwy. 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon and follows the ridgelines south to I-70 in Salina Canyon. It's a rough and tumble ride, requiring four-wheel-drive in places. Along the way it passes through beautiful forest and past scenic alpine lakes, and provides incredible views in every direction. There are marvelous primitive camping opportunities along the roadway on top of the mountains, and very nice developed campgrounds along streams or adjacent to lakes in many area canyons.

American Fork Canyon

Called the "Alpine Loop," American Fork Canyon offers extraordinary mountain vistas reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. In the fall, the autumn foliage is spectacular. However, because it is so popular, the canyon has been turned into a fee area. Even to drive the loop requires a fee - unless you don't plan to stop for sightseeing. There are many campgrounds available. Opportunities for scenic viewing and photography are abundant: waterfalls, rugged terrain, glacial snow, and wildflowers. Timpanogos Cave National Monument is located in the canyon, offering a great hike and an interesting tour through the cave. Cascade Springs Scenic Highway, a 7.5-mile paved road off of the Alpine Loop, offers additional camping opportunities and great sightseeing. At the Cascade Springs Interpretive Site, large springs of water cascade down the mountain in a series of limestone terraces and pools. Boardwalks wind through the area allowing for wildlife viewing.

Zion National Park

Towering canyon walls and sculpted monolithic mountains await you at Zion National Park. However, the Zion Canyon scenic drive has become so popular the National Park Service has restricted private vehicle access severely, instead offering mass transit into the area. Cars must be parked in Springdale or at the park Visitor Center, with a shuttle providing transportation into the canyon. There are two campgrounds in the park; both are open all year. South Campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Watchman Campground is available by reservation from April 15 through October. Both offer tent and trailer sites, RV hookups and flush toilets. If you want to camp in the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry permit and pay the fee at the visitor center. The park also features a lodge and restaurant. Zion National Park is located east of St. George in the southwest corner of the state.

Currant Creek Reservoir and Recreation Area

Located 40 miles southeast of Heber City, Currant Creek offers a beautiful campground with 103 units. The campground is surrounded by pines and aspen. Facilities include culinary water and modern restrooms. Currant Creek Reservoir offers great fishing, and there are numerous hiking and horseback riding trails. The Forest Service has provided special campground facilities to keep riding stock.

Bear Lake State Park

One of the deepest lakes in the state, Bear Lake is nestled in the Rocky Mountains on the border of Utah and Idaho. Its deep blue waters are loved by outdoor enthusiasts of all types. The lake offers waterskiing, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing for record cutthroat, mackinaw, and whitefish. Bear Lake's Rendezvous Beach on the south shore offers 136 campsites - 46 with utility hookups, a group pavilion, modern restrooms, and hot showers. The wide, sandy beach provides excellent camping, picnicking and watercraft activity, and is a popular area for family reunions. Bear Lake Marina also has 13 campsites, a group pavilion, disposal station, modern restrooms, hot showers, and a visitor center. Six primitive campgrounds are available on the east side of the lake (bring your own drinking water).

Snow Canyon State Park

Because of southern Utah's moderate winter climate, Snow Canyon is a popular spring and fall destination. Red and white sandstone cliffs capped by black lava rock offer excellent hiking, camping and photographic opportunities. Facilities include a 35-unit campground, modern restrooms, hot showers, electric hookups, a sewage disposal station and a covered group-use pavilion. Snow Canyon State Park is located 11 miles northwest of St. George, in the southwest corner of the state.

Bryce Canyon National Park

The result of monumental interplay between earth, water and time, Bryce Canyon is an enchanting destination with uncommon beauty. Unfortunately, millions have discovered that beauty. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular times to visit the park. You can hike or horseback ride the many trails. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the winter at the park. Bryce offers two campgrounds and a lodge. The campgrounds have more than 200 campsites, but do not offer RV hookups. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekends and holidays are generally the most difficult time to find an open campsite. No firewood gathering is allowed, so bring your own wood for campfires.

Smith and Morehouse Reservoir

For alpine camping in close proximity to the Wasatch Front, you won't find anything prettier than the campsites at Smith and Morehouse Reservoir. It's just far enough away to be "away," yet it doesn't take "forever" to get there. The campground features 34 units, culinary water, toilets, and handicapped facilities. The reservoir offers great fishing, while the surrounding mountains offer plenty of hiking opportunities. Smith and Morehouse Reservoir and campground are located east of Kamas.

For more information please reference http://utah.com/camping/best-campsites

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

Fun Ogden Events Going on This Weekend!

Hello Friends,

I just wanted to talk about some upcoming fun events we have going on here in Ogden. Now that the sun is shining the whole family can enjoy so get out and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Safe Kids Day Makes Injury Prevention Fun!

Bring the kids to Newgate Mall on May 14, 10 AM-4 PM for Safe Kids Day! This is a FREE event starts outdoors behind Burlington Coat Factory and continues inside the mall. Safe kids day and healthy kids day promotes injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and health and wellness. For more info, contact Safe Kids at (801)-399-7181 or 

visit facebook.com/safekidswebermorgan.


Take A Step Back in Time with A Historic Scavenger Hunt!

Weber Heritage Society and the Ogden City Landmarks Commission celebrate National Preservation Month with the annual Historic Property Scavenger Hunt!
Get your scavenger hunt brochure beginning April 25 with maps and clues to find 12 historic properties in Ogden. Return your completed entry by May 17 for prizes. Brochures available at Ogden City information desk (2549 Washington Blvd., 2nd Floor lobby), select downtown locations, and www.ogdencity.com. Winners announced May 19 at the annual joint meeting of Weber Heritage Foundation and Ogden City Landmarks Commission.

Ogden Marathon

On May 21st, Ogden's Marathon returns! Whether you're an athlete, volunteer or cheering spectator, there's something for everyone at this event.
More than 8,000 running enthusiasts will descend down Ogden's scenic canyon and experience our unique town from the soles of their feet. Other participant options include running a 5 K, teaming up with your buddies for a Marathon Relay, or joining Mayor Caldwell for the annual Mayor's Walk.
Register at getoutandlive.org

Birdhouse Competition & Exhibit at Ogden Nature Center

The Ogden Nature Center presents For the Birds....an outdoor exhibit of handcrafted and whimsical birdhouses. The exhibit runs from April 8 through June 25, 2016 and is open 9am-5pm Monday through Friday and 9am-4pm on Saturdays.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Members are free Ogden's Heritage Festival Heritage Fest is a cultural day of discovery featuring the museums and fun activities for the whole family.  Performances, Activities, Food, Fun! Open 10am to 5pm, Saturday, May 14th at Ogden’s Historic Union Station.  2501 Wall Avenue, Ogden. Visit UnionStation.org for more information and performance line ups

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

Ogden's Marathon Offers Something For Everyone!

Hello Friends,


It is that time of year again, where it's time to get out and enjoy that beautiful sunshine! If you're looking for something to do in Ogden you're in luck!

On May 21st, Ogden's Marathon returns! Whether you're an athlete, volunteer or cheering spectator, there's something for everyone at this event.

More than 8,000 running enthusiasts will descend down Ogden's scenic canyon and experience our unique town from the soles of their feet. Other participant options include running a 5 K, teaming up with your buddies for a Marathon Relay, or joining Mayor Caldwell for the annual Mayor's Walk.

Register at getoutandlive.org



Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

Our Cinco De Mayo Luncheon was a Success!

Hello Friends,

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has had a good week. The weather has been nice with the exception of today. Yesterday we celebrated Cinco De Mayo, with our annual Cinco De Mayo Client Appreciation Luncheon and let me just tell you, we had a blast! We have the best office staff and agents around! I just wanted to share a few pictures. If you'd like to see more fun events like this one, visit our ERA Skyline Real Estate page! Thank you for all of your help!

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

Ogden's First Friday Art Stroll May 9th!

Hello Friends,


Come join us this coming Friday is Ogden's First Friday Art Stroll!

It is held year round on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 9 PM Ogden's First Friday Art Stroll features exciting exhibit openings, artist receptions and live music.

This event is all FREE of charge so plan an evening of discovery. Enjoy the journey. We hope you are inspired, delighted and challenged along the way.

There are galleries located at Union Station 2501 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT; Historic 25th Street; Weber State University 3964 West Campus Dr; and Neighborhood Galleries.


 For more information visit the website www.ogdencityarts.org.


Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline