UTAH FUN, BOTH NIGHT AND DAY

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

After a day activities, couples often look for a little evening free time fun. A microbrewery tour to sample the local suds. A little nightclub hopping, enjoying a cozy jazz club or a rocking DJ dance club.

But in Utah?

Just what is the current status of liquor purchases in Utah? The good news is that yes, you can buy a drink in Utah. The bad news is that you may find it just a little more complicated than bellying up the bar at home.

The rules break establishments into three categories: restaurants, social clubs serving food an drink which are membership-only private clubs, and taverns. Restaurants are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages from noon until midnight to customers intending to dine. Membership-only private clubs can serve alcohol from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. with or without a meal, but you must become a member of that club (about $5 for you and up to five guests for a two-week period) to partake. Beer-only taverns are open to the public and may or may not serve food.

The liquor laws haven't deterred a rich nightlife from developing in the cities and ski areas, however. Couples can enjoy just about any type of live music in bars and lounges around the state (over 300 in Salt Lake City alone). Fine cuisine has also developed and over 90 downtown Salt Lake City eateries feature all types of cuisine, including many ethnic dishes from around the globe. It's just a hint of the international flavor the city will enjoy as host of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

But the fun-loving nightlife found in the Beehive State is just one aspect of this destination. Outdoor recreation, from mountain biking to snowboarding for active Generation Xers or hot air ballooning to horse drawn sleigh rides for those looking for quieter fun, is available year around.

SALT LAKE CITY

Home to 765,000 residents, Salt lake City offers 11,000 hotel rooms and over 300 restaurants. Tucked into the Salt Lake Valley, this city was founded by Mormon leader Brigham Young 150 years ago. When he sighted the valley, the leader's words were "This is the right place!"

It's a sentiment that has been echoed by many vacationers who find the city easily accessible (at least half of America's population is located within a 2-1/2 hour flight) and home to good fun ranging surrounding ski areas to a busy nightlife scene. Comedy clubs, jazz festivals, and concerts such as those at the Zypher, the premier music showcase in the city, draw a crowd most nights. Others look to the 12th largest Symphony in the nation, or the historic Capitol Theater, which showcases Broadway musicals and shows.

LOGAN

Ninety miles north of Salt Lake City lies Logan, a destination known for its outdoor recreation and for its inexpensive rates.

Five golf courses, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing keep even the most active couples busy. Beaver Mountain ski resort, with 22 ski runs, is a top draw for many winter travelers who find the resort less crowded than its southern neighbors. Beaver Mountain is also the least expensive ski resort in the state. Logan Canyon is also noted as one of the most challenging rock climbing areas in the US for sports climbing.

OGDEN

Thirty-five miles to the north of Salt Lake City International Airport lies the city of Ogden, nestled between the capital city and the Wasatch Mountains.

The attention of the world will be focused on the Ogden area during the 2002 Winter Olympics when the downhill ski events are planned for nearby Snowbasin and women's hockey competition will take place at a 2,000-seat arena in Ogden.

This northern Utah destination also tempts active couples with year-around outdoor adventure including hiking, horseback riding, rockclimbing, cross country skiing, downhill runs, snowmobiling, and golf. Wildlife watching for eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, and deer is a popular activity. Anglers can test their luck at numerous streams for bass, bluegill and other catches. At Antelope Island State Park over 600 bison roam freely while at the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park far larger creatures, albeit models, roam the grounds. Over 100 life-size dinosaur reproductions fill this Jurassic destination.

PARK CITY

Since its founding, Park City has been one of Utah's most fun-loving destinations. "Park City is the only town in the state of Utah not founded by Mormons--it was founded by miners and the military," explained Shawn Stinson, spokesperson for the Park City Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It has always had a reputation as a getaway--it had a red light district at the turn of the century."

The red light district has been replaced by fine art galleries, top notch restaurants, and exclusive boutiques, but the fun-loving spirit remains. Travelers find attractions for all activity levels, from the new $45 million Utah Winter Sports Park with everything from Nordic ski jump to bobsleds (which in summer months run on wheels) to horseback rides to snowshoeing. Today Park City is home to 6,900 residents as well as the US Ski Team. Transportation around the town is easy, thanks to a free city wide bus service that runs year around.

After a day of activity, couples find activity both on and off the slopes. "Quite a bit of the sophistication found throughout the US is coming to Utah and we're finding it in Park City," said Stinson. Two microbreweries serve up local suds and numerous night spots offer everything from jazz to R&B to rock. "We've also begun to focus on our art and culture," Stinson noted. Shoppers will find numerous art galleries throughout the town.

UTAH COUNTY

The fun of the slopes and the beauty of the mountains combined with the seclusion of a more remote getaway bring some planners to Robert Redford's Sundance Resort, located just outside the city of Provo. The rugged wilderness around Mount Timpanagos drew the actor to this location in the early Sixties and eventually he developed Sundance, a complex of cottages and mountain homes tucked in the wilderness. South of Sundance lies the community of Provo, home of the Brigham Young University.

ST. GEORGE

In the southern reaches of the state, lovers will find a more rugged beauty, a place rich with national parks that offer year around recreation. The city of St. George, population 40,000, enjoys the warmest climate in Utah. Here the atmosphere is semi-tropical with summer days averaging in the 90s and winter months usually topping out at 60 degrees (although winter sports can be found nearby at Brianhead Ski Resort.)

"St. George is the gateway to one of the largest concentrations of national monuments in the US," said Penny Shelly, Executive Director of the Washington County Travel and Convention Bureau. Zion National Park, carved by nature from Navajo sandstone, and Bryce Canyon National Park, with 13 natural amphitheaters, are two nearby scenic attractions.

St. George is located 310 miles south of Salt Lake City or 120 miles north of Las Vegas. Skywest Airlines, part of Delta Connection, services St. George from either city. Attendees can also opt to drive from Las Vegas (two hours), following a scenic route that winds through the rugged Virgin River gorge.

Couples find a variety of outdoor activities in the St. George area. Trips to Zion and Bryce national parks, Lake Powell, golf on nine courses, and even casino action just 30 minutes away in Mesquite, Nevada keep travelers active year around. The Zion Canyon Cinemax Theatre shows the giant six-story screen production of "Treasure of the Gods" at the 500-seat theater near the park entrance. A popular summer activity is the outdoor musical drama "UTAH!" about the state's early days.