6 Staycation Ideas that You Can Enjoy, Right Here in Utah!

Hello Friends,

Are you in need of a vacation, but you don't want to put the kids in the car for long hours or be stuck in crowded lines? Take a look at these 6 staycation ideas that are located in Utah. Utahns love to load up the family and head to Disneyland – it’s fairly close and it’s a fun family vacation. However, it’s expensive, crowded and exhausting. This year, do something different! Take one of these Utah staycations. You’ll find something here for every budget, time frame and age group.

     

     1.The Homestead Resort in Midway

This staycation is perfect for a quick weekend getaway, and The Homestead offers a special Utah Rate - ask for it when you book.

Soak, scuba or swim in the crater.

Golf at Crater Springs Golf Course and dine at the restaurant or grill onsite.

     2.    Lake Powell

As long as you love our family enough to spend some time in close quarters, a houseboat vacation on Lake Powell can be the perfect staycation.

There’s a houseboat vacation for most budgets, and you can add on small watercraft rental for even more fun. Ask for “locals” discounts to save even more.The rental company will give you a quick lesson so you can drive the houseboat, then you’ll spend the next week exploring the 96 canyons and 2,000 miles of shoreline that Powell offers.

3. Lagoon

Before you roll your eyes...yes, I know that Lagoon is tiny compared to Disneyland. And it doesn’t have princesses and Mickey walking around for photo ops. It also doesn’t have hour-long lines, and it’s small enough that you can navigate the park without completely wearing out your six-year-old. Two-day admission to Disneyland for ages 10 and up = $195. One-day admission to Lagoon = $53.95, and if you go during their bounce back dates, you’ll pay just $10 for the second day.

Cool off at Lagoon-A-Beach. Admission to the amusement park also gets you into the water park.

Stay overnight at Lagoon’s campground. The cost is $32-$44 per night, depending on the type of site. If you stay six nights, the seventh night is free.

      4.    Ogden

There's so much to see and do in Ogden. Start with Historic 25th street, where you'll find restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and entertainment.

Cheer for the Raptors at Lindquist Field.

Catch a wave at Flowrider (2261 Kiesel Ave), or fly in an wind tunnel at SkyDive Ogden (3463 Airport Road).

      5.    Camping In The High Uintas

Head for the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, which leads you right into a beautiful part of the high Uinta mountain range. The byway takes you past several small lakes, including Mirror Lake. Wonder how it got its name?

 There are camping sites at each of the lakes along the byway. Stay in an RV or a tent. You can reserve your spot in advance.

     6.    Utah’s National Parks and Monuments

This staycation is really flexible, depending on your time frame. If you just have a weekend, explore one park. If you have 2 - 4 weeks or more, try to visit several!.

There are five national parks in Utah: Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches and Capitol Reef. This is Zion National Park, Utah’s most popular.

Also visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument and the Dixie National Forest. The Southern part of Utah offers several amazing state parks, including Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Dead Horse Point, Escalante Petrified Forest, Goblin Valley, Goosenecks, Kodachrome Basin and several others.Each of these parks or monuments offers tons of hiking for all skill levels. You’ll find stunning scenic overlooks, fishing, camping and other recreation opportunities unique to each park.

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

12 Distinctive Kid Friendly Activities, That You Can Only Do in Utah This Summer!

Hello Friends,

Summertime is almost here. Kids will be looking for fun things to do, while their parents will want them to do something interesting and educational.

While there's always a park or swimming pool, we suggest trying one — or all — of these 12 adventures that are distinctively Utah.

Antelope Island State Park

This island filled with bison, pronghorn and bighorn sheep is a Utah treasure. There's a great visitor center, hiking, biking, backpacking. And it's the best way to see the Great Salt Lake.

Where • 4528 W. 1700 South, Syracuse

Open • Seven days a week, 7 a.m.-10 p.m..

Admission • $9 per vehicle ($6 seniors); $3 cyclists and pedestrians

Online • stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island

Heber Valley Railroad

The historic, restored engines and passenger cars are like stepping into a movie or TV show. This weekend, Friday-Monday, that will be especially true: Thomas the Tank Engine from "Shining Time Station" will be in Heber.

Where • 450 S. 600 West, Heber City

Open • Times and tours vary. Check the website for more information.

Admission • $8-$30; family packages available

Online • hebervalleyrr.org

Hill Aerospace Museum

This indoor-outdoor museum features more than 90 aircraft and missiles. Kids will be fascinated, as will adults.

Where • 7961 Wardleigh Road, Hill AFB,

Open • Seven days a week, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Admission • Free, but donations accepted

Online • hill.af.mil/library/museum

Hogle Zoo

The most distinctively Utah thing about this zoo is its location — a 42-acre site at the mouth of Emigration Canyon.

Where • 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City

Open • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week

Admission • $9.75-$12.75

Online • hoglezoo.org

Lagoon

Utah's amusement park is part of the state's history. It opened in 1886; it includes the Pioneer Village (filled with historic buildings); the wooden coaster dates to 1921. It's a local tradition.

Where • 375 Lagoon Drive, Farmington

Open • Now open weekends and Memorial Day; open seven days a week June 7-Aug. 25; times vary.

Admission • $29.95-$49.95 day pass; season passes available

Online • lagoonpark.com

Natural History Museum of Utah

This is where you'll find the dinosaur bones. Learn about American Indians. Discover gems and minerals. And look into the future. Fascinating for kids and adults.

Where • 301 Wakara Way (on the University of Utah campus), Salt Lake City

Open • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day but Wednesdays, when it stays open until 9 p.m.

Admission • $8-$11

Online • nhmu.utah.edu

Ogden Nature Center

This 152-acre nature preserve features walking trails, bird blinds, live bird exhibits, picnic areas, tree houses and more.

Where • 966 W. 12th St., Ogden

Open • Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission • $2-$4

Online • ogdennaturecenter.org

Rocky Mouth Trail

There are plenty of places to hike around Salt Lake City, but this trail is perfect for small children. The start is a bit steep, but the trail only rises 200 feet and is one-quarter mile long. Best of all, there's a waterfall.

Where • Near 11248 S. Wasatch Blvd. (directly east of the LDS chapel)

Open • Seven days a week, dawn to dusk

Admission • Free

Online • sandy.utah.gov/government/parks-and-recreation/city-trail-system/

This Is the Place Heritage Park

Relive Utah's pioneer days. It's hands-on history with a variety of activities, including many aimed at younger kids.

Where • 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., Salt Lake City

Open • Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission • $7-$10

Online • thisistheplace.org

Tracy Aviary

Not all cities have a bird zoo. It's very hands-on with shows and interactive activities in addition to the exhibits. Plus, you can make a day of it and let the kids play at Liberty Park.

Where • 589 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City (in the southwest corner of Liberty Park)

Open • Seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission • $5-$7

Online • tracyaviary.org

Utah Olympic Park

Relive the 2002 Winter Olympics on the bobsled ride by hurtling down a mountain at 80 mph pulling 5 G's. This is not a kiddie ride — you have to be at least 16 and weigh at least 100 pounds — but it's an experience you won't get in Texas. The park also features adventure courses (ropes, ziplines), chairlift rides and more.

Where • 3419 Olympic Parkway, Park City

Open • Weekends and Memorial Day through June 2; then open daily June 8 to Sept. 2; 1-5 p.m. Sundays; noon-5 p.m. other days.

Admission • $75 per person for the bobsled ride; $40 per person for an Adventure Pass that offers the choice of three of the following activities: Summit Course, Canyon Course, Discovery Course or Drop Tower plus unlimited rides on the scenic chairlift; season passes available.

Online • utaholympiclegacy.com/activities/summer-comet-bobsled-ride

Wheeler Historic Farm

E-I-E-I-O! This is a chance for kids and their parents to visit a farm without leaving the city. Milk a cow. Feed the ducks. Have a picnic.

Where • 6351 S. 900 East, Murray

Open • Dawn to dusk seven days a week.

Admission • Free — but there are fees for some of the activities ($1 to milk a cow, $2 for a wagon ride, etc.)

Online • wheelerfarm.com

Thanks so much, Have a great weekend!

__ERA Skyline Real Estate

This Summer’s Guide to All the Farmer’s Market in Weber & Davis Counties

Summer is the perfect time to stroll local farmers markets. Visit one (or all) of these open-air markets and find produce, sweets, ethnic foods, fine arts and crafts, hand-made jewelry and more.

DAVIS COUNTY

Bountiful Farmers Market

• When: 3 to 8 p.m. or dusk Thursdays, June 16 through Oct. 13
• Where: 100 S. 100 East, Bountiful
• Contact: 801-721-1642

Layton F.E.S.T. (Farmers, Entertainment, Shopping and Trucks)

• When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays, July 15 through Sept. 30
• Where: Layton Commons Park Constitution Circle, 437 N. Wasatch Dr., Layton
• Contact: 801-336-3900

Syracuse City Farmers Market

• When: 4 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays, July 6 through Sept. 28
• Where: Founders Park, 1904 W. 1700 South, Syracuse
• Contact: 801-614-9672

USU Botanical Center Farmers Market

• When: 5 to 8 p.m. or dusk Thursdays, July 7 through Sept. 22
• Where: 875 S. 50 West, Kaysville
• Contact: 801-451-3403

WEBER COUNTY

Harrisville Farmers Market

• When: 5:30 p.m. Fridays, June 24 through Sept. 2
• Where: Harrisville City Park, 1350 N. U.S. Highway 89

Hooper Farmers Market

• When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, July through August 
• Where: Hooper City Offices, 5580 W. 4600 South, Hooper

Farmers Market Ogden

• When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 25 through Sept. 17 (Community yoga starts at 8 a.m., by donation.)
• Where: Ogden Municipal Gardens, 343 Historic 25th St., Ogden
• Contact: 385-333-7119 or  info@farmersmarketogden.com 

Ogden Valley Open Market

• When: 5:30 p.m. to dusk Thursdays, July through September
• Where:  2405 N. State Rd. 158, Eden
• Contact: 801-686-8483

See a map of all the farmers markets below.

Ogden Music Festival Starts Tonight!

Hello Friends,

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!

Refund Policy: 

·      Requests for refunds received on or before May 2 will be honored at 100% 

·      Requests for refunds received on or before May 19 will be honored at 50%

·      There are NO REFUNDS after May 19. No extensions or exceptions.

WHEN

Friday, June 3, 2016 at 5:00 PM - Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 7:00 PM (MDT)

WHERE

Fort Buenaventura Park - 2450 A Avenue, Ogden, UT 84401 - View Map

Everyone have a fun and safe weekend! We hope to see you there!

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

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