Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Shopping in Provo Is the Best for All Ages

Fashion to footwear, handbags to hats - if you want it, there’s a store in Provo that has it! Shopping in Provo is a rewarding experience, no matter your age or shopping list. You’ll find your favorite name brands and a selection that covers all the bases when you go shopping in Provo, and to help you out, we’ve put together the following list of the best places to shop in the city.

Shopping in Provo


Provo Towne Centre


Grab new pair of shoes at Famous Footwear, a dress at Charlotte Russe, or catch a movie at the Cinemark theatre - Provo Towne Centre has it all! From big department stores like JCPenney and Dillard’s, to shops that teens and college students love like Pacsun and Zumiez, you'll find it here. If you get hungry, there’s five different dining options, including a Panda Express and a Red Robin! Clothes for him and her, music, footwear and much more make Provo Towne Centre one of the best places for shopping in Provo. The Provo Towne Centre is located at 1200 Towne Center Blvd in Provo, and you can find a complete directory of shops on their website.

The Shops at Riverwoods


If you prefer your shopping trips with a hefty side of entertainment and dining, then The Shops at Riverwoods are where you need to be. Offering a collection of quality stores like Williams-Sonoma, Zions Mercantile Co., Katie Waltman Jewelry and more, The Shops at Riverwoods offer options that break the mold of typical shopping centers. There’s also a dozen different dining choices, including Tucanos Brazilian Grill, The Happy Sumo, and for dessert, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! To top things off, the Gazebo Stage features live music and events, making your shopping trip hard to beat. And did we mention that The Shops at Riverwoods are located on riverfront property? When it comes to shopping in Provo, The Shops at Riverwoods provide an unforgettable experience. Visit their website for more information, or call (801) 802-8430. The Shops at Riverwoods are located at 4801 N. University Ave. in Provo.

University Place


Located just minutes away in Orem, University Place boasts over 150 options for shopping and dining, ranging from Banana Republic and Eddie Bauer, to H&M and Pacsun! You’ll find clothes and gifts for the whole family, refreshing pit stops like Starbucks and Orange Julius, and much, much more! Whether you need your shopping fix, or just want watch the latest blockbuster in RealD 3D at the Cinemark theatre, University Place is a must for shopping in Provo. University Place is located at 575 East Univ. Parkway in Orem, UT. More information can be found online or by calling (801) 224-0694.

Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Stay at Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast


The only thing better than a successful shopping trip is a relaxing stay in a bed and breakfast afterwards. Located only minutes from the best shopping in Provo, Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast provides the most inviting, relaxing accommodations in town. Our rooms feature amenities like king-size beds, two-person jetted tubs, and more. After a refreshing night’s sleep, wake up to a delicious gourmet breakfast, featuring options like our strawberry-stuffed French toast, Greek yogurt, and more! Explore the city, head to any of the nearby Provo hiking trails, or simply sit back and relax - there’s no rush when you stay with us. Contact us today online or at (801) 374-8400, and plan your Provo getaway today.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Provo 4th of July is One of the Best Holidays to Spend With Us

It’s no question that 4th of July is one of the most anticipated holidays in Provo. With carnivals, concerts, marathons, and one-of-a-kind vendors, you almost won’t have enough time to do it all! The best part is, Hines Mansion is right in the middle of all the fun and we can give you some great information that will make your Provo 4th of July the most memorable yet.

Provo 4th of July Activities


The festivities begin on July 1 with numerous events. Freedom Days, a 3-day long carnival that takes place in Downtown Provo, provides great entertainment and rides along with art exhibits, unique vendors, live entertainment, and a whole lot of food. It's one of the best events of the Freedom Festival, and a great activity for the whole family.  



The Balloon Fest also begins July 1 and is celebrating its 32nd birthday this year. More than 25,000 spectators gather to watch several hot air balloons rise majestically into the air. Then the Hare and Hound competition begins as top pilots from around the world race to drop bean bags on targets left on the ground. Make sure you get there by 6:30 a.m. to watch the balloons inflate!



Don’t miss the Colonial Fest to experience some of the richest days of America’s history. Tour the museums, visit Colonial artisans, join in great debates, and see the replica of the Mayflower at an interactive exhibit. Exhibits also include a blacksmith, broom maker, gunsmith, potter, bee keeper, and so much more. There’s something for everyone in the family to see!



The night of July 2 is arguably the most popular activity of the festival, The Stadium of Fire. This massive concert has become the largest event of Provo 4th of July and one of the United States’ premier patriotic celebrations. It attracts more than 40,000 people a year and is televised live to more than one million military men and women who are stationed overseas. This year’s concert is featuring three-time Grammy Award-winning country music icon Tim McGraw! Tickets start at only $29.



On the 4th of July, the day begins with Freedom Run, which consists of your choice of either a 10k, 5k, or the Mayor’s One Mile Fun Run. Runners are decorated in patriotic garb and costumes as they run through the streets of Provo. A crowd favorite is Uncle Sam running on his stilts. The run has improved significantly over the past few years and is anticipating over 5,500 runners for 2016.



After the run, the Grand Parade begins! Reigning as the largest parade in Utah, this march highlights the streets of Provo with giant balloons, professionally crafted floats, and hundreds of local and national performers. The parade boats nearly 30,000 spectators a year and celebrates patriotism through creative designs, music, and dances.



The perfect end to a perfect day will consist of a gorgeous fireworks display! Guests can even use their own fireworks purchased from local stores and fireworks stands.


Never Miss A Second of the Fun When You Stay at Hines Mansion


Provo is definitely the place to be for 4th of July! With so many festivities, you won’t want to miss a second of them! Stay in luxury and comfort right in the middle of it all at Hines Mansion, a historic bed and breakfast  in the heart of Provo. Check out our lovely guest rooms and find out how why we’re the best choice for accommodations for your Provo 4th of July! Contact us today online or at (801) 374-8400.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

These 5 Provo Hiking Trails Are Fun, Exciting and the Best

It’s no secret that some of the best hiking trails in the United States are in the West. From Colorado to California, hikers can find an abundance of scenic treks, for any skill level. The state of Utah is no exception to the reputation, especially in Provo. Provo hiking trails have something for everyone, from short trips to strenuous hikes. If you want to experience the best of Utah natural beauty, then grab your gear and head to any of the fun Provo hiking trails listed here - enjoy!

These 5 Provo Hiking Trails Are Fun, Exciting and the Best


1. Y Mountain Trail

Named after the iconic BYU “Y” that’s easily visible from Proov, the Y Mountain trail is a popular choice among locals. Only 2.4 miles in length, the trail offers great views of Provo and the surrounding area. Y Mountain trail is dog-friendly too! The trail feature plenty of switchbacks, and climbs 980 feet in elevation.

2. Timpanogos Cave Trail

Take your adventure underground and explore the Timpanogos Cave trail! Located at the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, the Timpanogos Cave trail is 3.5 mile out and back trip that takes you through one of the area’s most beautiful features. Reviewers on AllTrails note that while the hike is steep, the trail is paved and the views are worth it.

3. Stewart Falls

What’s better than a hike that takes you to an incredible waterfall? Not much, if you ask us! The Stewart Falls Trail isn’t very hard, covering just over 4 miles out and back. The falls are on Mt. Timpanogos, a popular hiking destination itself. Once you’re there, you can stand back and admire the waterfall, or walk underneath it! When it comes to scenic Provo hiking trails, the Stewart Falls Trail ranks high.

4. Mt. Nebo Summit

For the more experienced hiker, the Mt. Nebo Summit is the hike of choice. Mt. Nebo measures just shy of 12,000 feet, higher than any other peak in Utah County. The hike is almost nine miles long, and the change in elevation is not for the faint of heart, as the trail gains over 3,600 feet in elevation. However, once you’re reached the peak, your hard work will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Wasatch Mountains. Mt. Nebo is less than hour south of Provo

5. Rock Canyon Trail

Looking for a trail that will provide more of a challenge than an easy hike, but not enough to leave you completely exhausted? The Rock Canyon Trail is your Goldilocks of Provo hiking trails: not too short and not too long, covering 5.6 miles round trip. It’s the best way to explore Rock Canyon Utah, an area popular with hikers and rock climbers alike! Rock Canyon is only a few minutes from Provo, and the trailhead is at the end of North Temple Drive.

Stay at Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast


Located in downtown Provo, Hines Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers guests beautiful, relaxing accommodations, with all the amenities that you would expect from an award-winning bed and breakfast. Our tastefully decorated rooms include features like king- and queen-size beds, flat-screen TVs, and two-person jetted tubs. After a long day exploring Provo hiking trails, there’s no better way to relax than a stay at Hines Mansion. Contact us today at (801) 374-8400 or online and make your reservation. While you’re at it, read our blog for more exciting things to do in Provo!