Where Art Lovers Need to Go in Utah

There is nothing more an art lover enjoys doing than traveling, taking in all things beautiful that America has to offer. If you are an art lover and are wondering where you want to explore next, Utah offers several exciting collections. Utah is home to many nationally renowned museums and theatres. Here are our top 9 places to visit in Utah if you are an art lover.

Art at the Main 

The perfect way to begin any trip is by checking out the local art scene. If you find yourself in Salt Lake City, take a drive over to Art at the Main. Art at the Main is home to dozens of local artists of the Salt Lake area. Nestled in the atrium of the Main Public Library, Art at the Main offers an enchanting experience. Soaring roofs and windows makes the gallery space come to life with light. The Art at the Main is run as a cooperative between Utah artists. Also, if you want to get your hands dirty with your art, presentations and classes are often offered throughout the week. Furthermore, during the holiday season, the art gallery comes alive with a thriving local market where locals sell their art.

The Soap Factory

If you find yourself in Provo, Utah, and are looking for a unique experience, The Soap Factory will do the job. Soap is definitely a unique medium to express artistic talent. The Soap Factory is home to dozens of one of a kind and breathtaking soap bars. Also, if you are feeling adventurous, the Soap Factory can provide ingredients for you to make your own soap work of art.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden 

Nothing is more impressive than working with stone. Sculptors have always been a cornerstone, no pun intended, of the art world. If you find sculptures and other stone artistry enchanting, then the Gilgal Sculpture Garden in Salt Lake City was made for you. Nestled in the middle of a city park, Gilgal Sculpture Garden contains twelve iconic sculptures. The Gilgal Sculpture Garden was created in the mid-20th century by the photographer Thomas Child. Child wanted to create an art installation that encouraged the patron to work with their hands.

Hale Centre Theatre 

If you like a good underdog story, look no further then the Hale Centre Theatre of West Valley (Sandy, UT). When the Hale Centre Theatre opened in 1985, they played there first show to a crowd of only twenty-five audience members. The audio of the show was produced by placing an old cassette player to a microphone. However, these days the Hale Centre Theatre is a world-class theatre that hosts award-winning shows. Also, the Hale Centre Theatre is considered one of the most state-of-the-art theatres in the United States. A unique theatre in the round, its twelve-month production schedule offers shows any time that you visit.

Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School

It wouldn’t be Salt Lake City without some unusual places to go. If you enjoy your art on the weird side, you will enjoy Ralphael Plescia’s Christian School offerings. For over fifty years, Ralph Plescia has been fascinated by the more unusual stories found in the Bible. He then takes the inspiration from the Bible to carve weird and sometimes frightening sculptures into the walls of the school. People from all over the country have traveled to see the haunting stonework in the hallways of this historic school. You may only attend a tour every Friday or Sunday. However, if you are desperate to see the school, Mr. Plescia will be more then happy to set up an appointment.

McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery

Park City, Utah, is home to one of the most impressive photography galleries in America. The McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery specializes in nature photography. With the breathtaking landscape photos, you will be taken back to a much simpler time. Also, due to size, the McMillen Fine Art Photography Gallery offers a more intimate experience between the viewer and art.

BYU Museum of Art

As one of the largest art museums in the Mountain West, this museum has held past exhibits of artists like M.C. Escher, Carl Bloch, and Norman Rockwell. It is a four-story building that is over 100,000 square feet, designed by architect James Langenheim. This inspiring place has a mission statement that says it all: "We hope your experience in the Museum will nurture a more reflective mind, a capacity for deeper inquiry, a stronger commitment to excellence and integrity, and heightened appreciation for others and their ideas." If you're an art lover in the Provo area, you do not want to miss this. Check out the link to see what exhibits are currently on display.

Anderson Tower Monument 

The Anderson Tower Monument acts as a perfect reminder that sometimes your artistic endeavors may not succeed. Robert Anderson began work on the tower in Salt Lake City in the year 1884. Mr. Anderson was interested in honoring the ancient castles of England and Scotland, and so constructed a replica of the style. At the end of the construction, the tower stood at 54 feet. Unfortunately, the public lost interest in the tower. For this reason, the tower was knocked down in the year 1932. In later years a monument was constructed to symbolize the hard work and inspiration of Robert Anderson. It is important to know that this monument is hard to find, and we would recommend you research a route beforehand.

The Tabernacle 

You can't have a list of things to do in Utah without mentioning The Tabernacle, home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (which has been referred to as "America's Choir"). The Tabernacle is a massive cathedral-like building that is built to be so acoustically sensitive, a pin dropped from the pulpit can be heard at the back of the hall. Sunday mornings at 9:30 am the Tabernacle Choir holds their weekly music program "Music and the Spoken Word." Thursday rehearsals are free admission and generally start at 7:30. They perform with mastery that any art lover is sure to find wonderful.


Utah is an excellent getaway to scratch that artistic itch. From museums to historical sights, you will never run out of things to gaze in amazement at. What are your favorite places to visit when you go to Utah?

The 8 Best Outlets and Malls in Utah

From serene deserts to strange rock formations, Utah is a wonderful and majestic place to explore. While you spend days planning activities add these 8 malls and outlets into your schedule. Some of them are modern, some take you back in time, but all are down-right impressive! Most of these options also include world-class dining and fun activities for the whole family. These are not in any special order but here are the 8 best shopping outlets and malls in Utah.

1. City Creek Center- Salt Lake City, Utah

This premier hot spot is located just off I-15 in the heart of Salt Lake City. With world-class shopping and dining options, City Creek should be at the top of your list. Some of the featured stores listed here are: Lululemon, Albion, Kendra Scott, Fabletics, and so many more. Bring the kids to City Creek and enjoy activities such as feeding the fish, and Minecon at the Microsoft store. Even if you are having a friend’s night out, your group can decorate cakes at Albion with The Blonde Who Bakes. The events at this mall are ever-growing and should not be missed!

2. University Place- Orem, Utah

With a tagline of, “Unlike Anything Else in Utah Valley”, this four-generation owned shopping destination is a landmark in Orem. Not only does this shopping center have entertainment accompanied by retailers and dining, but it also has a two-acre outdoor space - The Orchard - that is used for events all year. Bring the little ones to their Kid’s Place and let them roam around the playground or even play in the splash pad! When you are ready to relax, enjoy this center’s large water-fountain or enjoy a meal at one of their many dining options.

3. The Shops at Riverwoods- Provo, Utah

After you spend the day going to Bridal Veil Falls at the south end of Provo Canyon, you will want to head to the Shops at Riverwoods to refresh. This center is equipped with unique stores and a handful of dining options. You can even hit the beach? Provo Beach is a 50,000 sq. ft. place where you can surf, eat, and play! You can also wind down in a float spa at True Rest Float Spa. From beautiful waterfalls to unique malls, Provo is a great place to spend the day and the Riverwoods is the icing on the cake!

4. Outlets Park City- Park City, Utah

Formerly known as Tanger Outlets, this shopping center is home to over 65 brand name stores including Michael Kors, Nike, Fossil, JCrew, and many more. Families can stop in at the Children’s play area and take a rested break from shopping. If you want to engage in some physical activity, this outlet also offers bike-sharing. The electric bicycles are available for rent so you can explore the rest of what Park City has to offer.

5. Station Park- Farmington, Utah

With first-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, this beautiful display of a shopping center is set to impress. Meet up with friends at Fountain Square which is strategically placed North of Cinemark theaters. From there, shop at one of the name brand or one-of-a-kind stores or enjoy a fun activity such as painting pottery. When you get tired from shopping, Station Park also boasts a Hyatt Hotel and gourmet eateries. Customers are especially excited to eat here now that P.F. Chang’s has opened. If you happen to visit this place in the winter, you can enjoy an outdoor skating rink! Station Park is a one-stop-shop and should be on the list of places to visit!

6. The Shoppes at Zion- Saint George, Utah

Nestled against a hill in the gorgeous southwest desert is The Shoppes at Zion, with over 30 premium shopping and dining options. You will find a store for every person in your family here and within budget! The Shoppes at Zion is a great place to stop by while you are out enjoying the beauty of Saint George and with this shopping center being close to Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park your options for entertainment are endless.

7. The Shops at South Town- Sandy, Utah

This newly renovated shopping center prides itself on being a one-stop-shop. With over 100 options for dining, retail, and entertainment, there is something for everyone. The Shops at South Town have a blend of unique stores as well as known retailers like H&M, Macy’s, and HomeGoods. Take a break from shopping and enjoy the Dining Terrace or head to the Round 1 Bowling and Amusement for family fun. Make sure to check out their website for coupons before you go. On your way into this magnificent shopping center, look around and see the breathtaking view of the mountains, it is sure to impress!

8. Gardner Village- West Jordan, Utah

This one-of-a-kind shopping center is like taking a step back in time. Located in the Salt Lake Valley the Gardner Village reflects the early Utah pioneer mill industry. However, you will still find trendy clothing options at one of the many small shops. What is great about Gardner Village is you can bring family and friends here to create lasting memories doing fun-artistic activities like candy making, sewing, and furniture painting. You can also host an event in one of their four venues including the Gardner flour mill. The historic atmosphere of Gardner Village will leave you wanting to go back in time more often.




Red rocks and the Salt Lake are well-known in Utah but now so are these 8 best-shopping outlets and malls. Whether you want to stay close to central Utah or venture down towards the southwest corner of the State, you will be pleased with any of these shopping experiences. From the busy central life of City Creek, the Fountain Square at Station Park or time warp of Gardner Village, you can ensure you will make unforgettable memories while exploring the great land that is Utah.

5 Great Places to Enjoy Art House Cinema in Utah

If you mention Utah to the average person, the first thing most will probably think of is gorgeous red rock, snow sports, or Mormons. The Beehive State is a popular destination for many. Outdoorsy types in particular flock to the area for the opportunity to explore the incredible landscape. Film lovers, on the other hand, likely consider Utah the capital of art house cinema. The Sundance Film Festival, America’s largest independent film event for the last 41 years, is held primarily in Park City. Just a short drive from Salt Lake, Park City has made Utah somewhat of an oasis for independent filmmaking.

Art house (independent) films are created outside the influence of Hollywood and the mainstream filmmaking system for a variety of reasons. Major studios are generally unwilling to finance projects with niche audiences or hyper-specific topics. It is difficult to make a profit on films few people will want to see. However, they have grown in popularity over the years. This rise in popularity can be partially attributed to the Sundance Film Festival, which has brought independent film not just to Utahns but Americans everywhere.

Here are some places in Utah where anyone can start their independent film journey:

Salt Lake City

One of the first places you should look is in Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah. The Salt Lake City Film Society is a nonprofit community for art house cinema that provides access to independent film, documentaries, and international film. Their goal is to use cinema to educate about cinema. They currently have two locations, the Broadway Centre and the Tower, each with their respective strengths.

Broadway Centre Cinemas

Located in downtown Salt Lake at 111 E. Broadway, the Broadway Centre is known for showing films that may not be available anywhere else. You can always find a variety of interesting events on their calendar, including special guests, premieres, and celebrations like Summer Late Nights. If you are at all interested in an independent or limited release film, your best bet of seeing it in theaters is a visit to the Broadway Centre. Besides unique films, this theatre is also popular for its unique concessions offerings and quirky aesthetic.

You can find movie times and future releases at the Broadway Centre on the Salt Lake Film Society’s website.

Tower Theatre

If you’re looking to shake things up, head on down to 9th East & 9th South and visit the Tower. This historic theatre is the oldest cinema still in operation in the Salt Lake Valley, making it a must-visit in more ways than one. While the Broadway Centre shows more traditional independent films, you might be craving something different. The Tower has you covered. Here you can watch titles a little more on the wild side, though that does not mean all its offerings are considered grindhouse. For example, it often offers classic films on weekends.




If you’re not interested in sticking around Salt Lake City, don’t worry. Try these other locations:

Cinema 502

Want to go even further away from the mainstream? Try visiting Cinema 502, on Historic 25th Street in Ogden. This cinema, named for its incredibly small square footage, is already marked by its choice to only show independent films. It goes a step further to distinguish itself by maintaining a cool, old school vibe and a cozy 27-seat theater. Cinema 502 can be rented out for private parties or visited for film screenings even the Broadway and Tower aren’t playing. Its showings primarily consist of independent animation, documentaries, and foreign films.

Utah Film Center

The Utah Film Center is an organization that brings independent movies to different venues throughout Utah including West Jordan, Ogden, Orem, and Moab. You can follow them on social media or simply visit their webpage to keep up with their latest offerings. Over 86% of their programming is free in an effort to bring local communities together through the power of film. Throughout the year they host two film festivals, Q&A sessions with visiting artists and professionals, and school programs to help students learn about storytelling. One of their most widely known events is Damn! These Heels, an LGBTQ-centered film festival that has been running for over 16 years. You won’t find another organization so dedicated to promoting arthouse films and the artistry of cinema anywhere else in Utah.




Still looking for more options? This last one might surprise you:

Mainstream Theaters

With the rising popularity of independent films, you will be pleased to find that you can sometimes catch a showing at non-specialty theaters near you! If you aren’t located near an art house cinema, don’t worry. Many large theaters are catching onto the trend of indie film and dedicating some of their early morning or late night showings to these movies. Be sure to regularly check showtimes near you in order to catch a showing or two without going too far out of your way.

While it might be more exciting to visit a unique specialty theater, you can rest assured that no matter where you buy your tickets, you are supporting the art of independent filmmakers when you go see an art house film. The importance of storytelling and representing the underdog, so to speak, has not been lost to the past. We are no longer relegated to only watching films produced by the mainstream film industry. There are still countless individuals and many organizations dedicated to letting artists speak their voice and promoting their work as widely as possible. On your next night out, lend them a hand and make an effort to find an art house showing near you.

The 9 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Utah

Utah’s beauty is often understated. With sprawling National Forests, breathtaking deserts colored red, and glistening lakes, a trip across the state will take your breath away. Big cities may attract large crowds of tourists, pouring over monuments and capitals, but in between these metropolises, there can be hidden gems with unique shops and lovely sights.

With the grand landscape in Utah, many of the small towns are brimming with beautiful natural structures, and that wonderful ‘home sweet home’ feeling waiting to welcome tourists:

1. Springdale
Springdale is a tucked-away town that helps welcome hikers to one of Utah’s most popular National Parks. The town is at the foot of Zion’s National Park, among red rock cliffs carved by the Virgin River.

Shops and restaurants make up a large portion of the small town, hoping to appeal to the backpackers and adventures traveling through. Most of the city’s revenue is brought in through tourism, which only creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

2. Mona
Mona is a small town in Utah with a population around 1,500. Nestled at the very base of Mount Nebo, it is a great place for small climbing excursions. Their downtown has many locally-owned businesses to support and the entire town is pristine with bouquets lining street corners.

This town is rather famous for lavender-covered hills that make up violet paths up to Mount Nebo. There are multiple farms that all visitors can enter (most for free) for a relaxing day among beautiful, fragrant lavender.

3. Torrey
The scenery of Torrey is truly amazing, framed by many natural and individual rock formations lining its silhouette. Most visitors come for the extended trails and sights of Capitol Reef National Park, or when participating in the Tour of Utah bike race. Between these two activities, thousands of visitors are warmly welcomed yearly.

Torrey houses less than 200 people, but their intricate pioneer past is obvious due to the various historic structures still standing throughout the small town.




4. Green River
The name of this small village says it all - a great river runs through the city’s majestic surroundings. Less than 1000 people call this Green River home, so it is truly a place that can take you away from the hustle of regular life. The fruit in abundance is melon, and some say you’ll never taste one as sweet than in Green Rivers rolling hills.

Featured in town is the John Wesley Powell Museum which is filled with boats that voyaged along the river. These river paths can lead through the Gray and Desolation Canyons, and planning an excursion is possible at most times of the year because storms are irregular in the area.




5. Midway
Midway is rich with Swiss immigrant heritage, and it's Midway’s Swiss Days which fills the streets with thousands of guests each year. This August festival showcases local food vendors and live performances.

Scuba diving is also a popular activity for the town, one of the few places this is possible so far from the coast. Standing towards the center of town is the Homestead Caldera, a geothermal hot pool. From the beautiful mountain views to the range of fun activities, Midway is a must see along your way.

6. Moab
Moab is one of the most visited small towns in Utah. The most notable sight is the rock formations found in Arches National Park. This small town is a great place to rest for those visiting the nearby Canyonlands National Park.

This is a true southwestern city. Though Moab has an old-timey welcoming feel, the downtown area is renowned for its modern dining and shopping. There are crowds of young people running homemade clothing shops and even specialty coffee shops.




7. Heber City
Right in the heart of Utah’s mountains is the town of Heber City. This is an area of Utah where all activities are centered on the outdoors. From boat tours and paddle boarding on the water to hiking and horseback riding through the surrounding wilderness, lovers of the outdoors will love Heber City.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad Line is a great option for a day excursion; at the top is a clear view of what people call the "Utah Alps." These beautiful views that surround Heber City are easily the splendor those experienced when first settling the Wild West.




8. Garden City
You can find Garden City along the edges of Bear Lake. The winters can be harsh and make the town a little less exciting, but in the warmer months many festivals and events spring up to take advantage of the huge lake. Known as the Caribbean of the Rockies, for the beautiful color of the water, the summer is all about spending time on and around the water, but the surrounding wilderness is something to see.

In August, there is a festival for the raspberry harvest, featuring more raspberry recipes than you’ll know what to do with. The Pickleville Playhouse is known all over Utah for its outstanding community theatre productions. The combination of an exciting day on the water, followed by dinner and a show, leaves nothing to be desired.

9. Brigham City
Brigham City can give visitors enough activities to comfortably stay in town for weeks. The Wellsville Mountains are great for those looking for a nature escape, but in case the city life is missed, this town lies only 60 miles from the capital of Utah.

There is the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge with many different species and learning information on the local habitat surrounding the river. If time allows, several monuments exist with the center of town, including the Golden Spike National Monument. Peach Days festival is a highlight of the city’s events, a multi-day appreciation of the town's famous peach harvest.




Leave the city life behind by becoming entwined with nature at one of the many beautiful small towns Utah has to offer. Small places like these offer stunning secluded scenery and a secluded comfort the big cities will never be able to compete with.

Utah Culture & History: Native American Tribes

Utah is home to some of the Americas' original Native American tribes and cultures. There are five major tribes that have all maintained their strong legacies. They include the; Dine (Navajo), Goshute, Paiute, Ute, and Shoshone. Since the ancient days, Utah was well known for its sacred places, dwelling sites, and fascinating rock art messages.

Utah’s tribes still actively live bound by their ancient cultures. They usually invite visitors from other cultures to view them as they come together during the tribal and other gatherings.

If you are looking forward to viewing some free exhibits of their traditional crafts displays such as beadwork, baskets, and carvings, you can get them on display at the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts.

Preserved remains of Ancient cultures – Rock Art & Remains

Utah is well known by American culture lovers as a home of intriguing Native American rock art. It comprises two types; the pictographs – painted on stone, and which even after thousands of years still remain colorful, and the petroglyphs – which were incised into stone walls and boulders.

Because the exact meanings of the rock arts are still unknown, they have often been assigned to different time frames and cultures based on elements of artistic style. The Native American rock art varies widely, from themes depicting successful hunts, to mythic figures which are considered to represent deities and ceremonial practices.

The rock art is also seen to represent other scenes such as domestic life, common and fantastic animals, among other things.

The place where the ancient cultures made their homes and resided, often referred to as habitation sites can be quite obvious. For instance, there are granaries which are well preserved – mainly because of their weatherproof positions below the cliffs.

In southern Utah, you will find many sites where stone dwellings and places of worship have been well preserved, stabilized, and are interpreted to modern-day visitors.

But that is just a mere section of all of it. When you check the Utah Museums page, you will find several other collections and interpretive opportunities scattered in museums statewide. If you are looking forward to spending some quality time in Utah exploring the ancient culture, the local visitor information centers should give you the required head start on getting information related to any specific area of the state.

However, keep in mind that all the Native American relics are protected by the federal law, and touching or taking any of them is strictly prohibited.

Southeast Utah

You will find Wolf Ranch in Arches National park which has some of the finest rock art in the region. The Newspaper Rock is filled with a panel consisting of hundreds of figures and designs crafted onto the southwest-facing cliff.

The ‘bulletin’ stone board has over 350 distinct ancient petroglyphs dating to more than 800 years ago. A perfect example is the figures riding horses and shooting arrows – which are considered a portrayal of Ute Indians who obtained horses in the 1600s. There are also other more recent images attributed to the Ute culture which date from the 19th Century.

The BLM administered site is on State Route 211, and you can easily access it from US 191.

Another place of interest is the Edge Of The Cedars State Park and Museum in Blanding. It interprets the remnants of the ancient Puebloan village with its ceremonial kivas dating between 700 and 1220 A.D. The park strongly showcases the Indian civilization, its transition, and how it flourished in southeastern Utah. The museum houses a collection consisting of various ancient artifacts and pottery – which makes it the regional archaeological repository for southeast Utah.

More remnants of Pueblo culture dating between 300 A.D and 1300 A.D. may be seen on the Trail of the Ancients, which is a 100-mile loop route in the southwest of Blanding.

Grand Gulch Primitive area, accessible via south of the junction of state routes 261 and 95 is another sighting containing hundreds of cliff dwellings. The BLM, however, requires visitors to obtain a permit before being allowed into the rugged area. The area is only accessible on horseback and through hiking trails.

The Hovenweep National Monument near the Colorado border offers visitors solitude as they get to enjoy the sightings consisting of ancient fortress and tower ruins. There are five prehistoric rock art panels near the town of Bluff which are shown on the Bluff walking tour map.

Monument Valley was set aside as a Navajo Tribal Park in 1959. The park is a repository for Navajo archeology, Navajo arts, and crafts. A simple self-guided scenic drive will give you an overview of the park’s most famous formations. If you are looking forward to an in-depth exploration into the Tribal Park, you will require to hire a Navajo Guide at the visitor center.

Southwest Utah

A trip toward the southwestern side of Utah will lead you to Ansazi State Park and Museum – where you will get to see a preserved ancient village of one of the largest Ansazi communities.

Although the village remains largely unexcavated, there are many artifacts that have been uncovered and are on display in the museum.

There’s even a life-size, six room replica of an Answanzi dwelling which gives the visitors a perfect idea of how life was almost a thousand years back.

Also in southwest Utah, there are more petroglyph sites in BLM-administered Parowan Gap, 10 miles northwest of Parowan and Johnson Canyon, 9 miles east of Kanab. You can also find pictographs at Sand Springs, 20 miles northwest of Kanab.

Eastern Utah

There’s the Range Creek Canyon that shelters pristine Fremont Indian rock art and ruins in the rugged Book Cliffs. The federal government purchased the area in the year 2004, and it is now open to limited public visitation. Little is known about the Fremont people and archeologists are still actively studying the place in order to piece together the mystery of their culture.

At Dinosaur National Monument, there are more rock sites. Although some are quite obvious, there are others that require both maps and a willingness to hike.

Dry Fork Canyon is on the lower portion of the Red Cloud Loop north of Vernal and has some of America’s most impressive petroglyph panels.

If you decide to tour these sides, Nine Mile Canyon, a BLM national Scenic Backway is a place you should not miss. The Canyon walls are covered with petroglyphs and pictographs, and will no doubt leave you with one of the best experiences. You should, however, take time to pick up a copy of a detailed self-guide brochure before you embark on this trip.

Central Utah

There’s the Fremont Indian State Park and museum located at the Hw 89/I-70 junction which is 24 miles southwest of Richfield. It has a wide collection of Fremont Indian artifacts from nearby Five Fingers Hill. Follow the short, maintained trails and they will lead you past several impressive panels of rock art figures.

The interpretive center focuses on the evolution of Fremont Indian Cultures between 500 A.D and 1300 A.D.

Northern Utah

It's not much of a tour, but you will be impressed by the rock art created by members of Fremont Culture which was found on the Islands of the Great Salt Lake, and other areas of northwestern Utah’s Deserts.