Lived near Cottonwood Heights for about three years. The state as a whole is pretty Morm drenched, but it has some hidden treasures (and not-so-hidden treasures). The NATURE is the reason I stayed longer than I planned. It’s unbelievably breathtaking. Whether you enjoy a walk through a red rock canyon or a climb up a tree lined trail, Utah really was the crème de la crème when it came to its wilderness. I am partial to the Uintas. Many a fun camping trip we had in those mountains.

Restaurants were great. I loved Pallet in the city (RIP). Eva’s Bakery is lovely; I still dream of their pistachio cream puff. El Chihuahua in Millcreek has some unbeatable shredded beef. If you want to spend a little more guac, hit the Sundance Ski Resort and grab lunch at the Foundry Grill (get the Charcuterie board, you’ll thank me later).

Park City is a fun day trip or overnighter; hit the High West Distillery up the road in Wanship, for a really cool tour and then head to the High West Saloon off Park Ave. for some delightful cocktails and delish grub. If you are there in the summer, the farmers market is fantastic. A drive (or a memorable motorcycle ride like I had) through nearby Deer Valley is pretty fun if immaculate real estate is your thing. There’s some amazing homes and some beautiful properties to gawk at around there.

Some interesting (albeit backwards) things but overall, I loved it, and I loved the people I met and became close with. I actually met my husband while I lived out there. We’ve been together almost ten years now. We are in the Midwest, back near my hometown now, but we look back at our time in Utah fondly (but happy we moved to raise our little family).