Mormon Life - U.S.

Destination: Mesa Verde

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Adrienne Bass
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: In southwestern Colorado, near the Four Corners region in the United States, is a beautifully preserved monument to American history. But it’s not the American history you typically think of—on the cliffs of Mesa Verde, you can find evidence of an ancient people in the adobe cliff dwellings built six hundred years ago.

In 1888, on a snowy December day, two ranchers in southwest Colorado set out in search of stray cattle. Richard Wetherill and his brother-in-law, Charles Mason, decided to rest their horses for a bit on a mesa top while they stretched their legs and walked to the rim of the mesa. What they saw shocked them. Across the canyon lay an ancient cliff dwelling sheltered under the rim of an alcove.

That sandstone habitat is now known as Cliff Palace and has since been excavated and preserved in the Mesa Verde National Park. People from all over the world come to witness for themselves the evidence of this well-preserved ancient life. What two cowboys stumbled upon over one hundred years ago is now considered one the most popular archaeological sites in the United States.

Mesa Verde provides so many opportunities for exploration and discovery. Nearby lay the communities of Mancos and Cortez. Both offer lodging, restaurants and shopping as well as two very different histories of the establishment of the Church in their respective areas. Mancos's history involves a rich pioneer heritage while the Church in Cortez has evolved slowly.

The first LDS member to enter the Mancos Valley was Joseph Stanford Smith who arrived with his family in 1881. They settled south of the town of Mancos in the Weber Valley. Other Saints arrived rapidly, and four years later a fund was created to build a meetinghouse. Albert Farnsworth, the presiding authority, announced at the beginning of July that a new building was to be built by July 24 - Pioneer Day. This ambitious project reached its potential (minus doors, windows, and a complete ceiling) and the Saints celebrated Pioneer Day at the new church. A mere 12 years after the initial arrival into the Mancos Valley, membership had reached 250 Saints. Today, the number of Church members has risen to 2,000.

In 1926, elders came to a community just north of Cortez called Lakeview. At the time, only three families were involved in the Church. They worshipped in each other's homes, the city library, a lodge, and even the schoolhouse over the next several decades, until enough members lived in Cortez to build a meetinghouse. These early Saints struggled to keep the Church going. However, in 1951, a building was constructed for the 100 members who lived in the Cortez area. As these Saints continually work to strengthen the wards, growth continues, and the area now includes over 1,600 Church members.

Those who live in the shadow of Mesa Verde love this land, and so do the many who discover its sites and learn about the people who once lived there - the Ancestral Puebloans.

For the Adventurous Climbing ladders, crawling through tunnels, and scaling a 60-foot open rock face are just some of the activities that await explorers at Mesa Verde. Sites for the adventurous to discover include Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Knife Edge Trail, which all require visitors to have stamina and sure-footing.

Your first and necessary stop after the main entrance, however, is the Far View Visitor Center, where a Park Ranger can assist you in planning your visit. Purchased tickets for guided tours are required for three of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde: Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House (see "For the Family," below). But these dwellings are well worth the extra effort to see them.

Cliff Palace offers an exciting look at the largest of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. To reach and exit the site, you must climb up and down five 8- to 10-foot ladders and manage some narrow passageways. With more than 150 rooms, this site provides a brief look into Ancestral Puebloan life. Old, smooth stones are displayed showing the constant chore of grinding corn for flour, and 23 kivas - rooms intended for religious rituals - are a reminder of ancient traditions. Visitors are allowed to walk along the front of the dwelling and take as many pictures as they want. Children can maneuver this site with help and supervision, while very young children can ride safely in a backpack carrier. Park rangers can help decide if your children are able to visit this site.

Visiting Balcony House requires an even more adventurous spirit. To get there, visitors must climb a 32-foot ladder, then crawl through a narrow rock tunnel and ascend an open face rock wall (which has toeholds for support). Balcony House is set inside a cliff that sits high above the bottom of the canyon. Inside one of the structures at this site are rare, authentic wall paintings which visitors are able to view. Only older children with direct supervision and young children in carriers should come along. While Balcony House might sound intense to get in and out of, be aware that countless people maneuver this site unharmed.

To complement your adventure, consider staying at Morefield Campground, which is open for campers early May to early October. Tents, trailers, and RVs are all allowed with other convenient accommodations. Several trailheads begin at Morefield Campground, such as the Knife Edge Trail. This two-mile round trip hike follows along part of the old main access road that dates back to 1914. The road was steep and narrow, hence the name "Knife Edge Road."

After a day of adventurous exploration in the park, take this trail out to watch the sunset over Montezuma Valley. The views will astound you as you look out into the clear, endless landscape.

For the Family If hiking is fairly new to your family, or your children are small, Mesa Verde still has possibilities for you, including Spruce Tree House, a hike to view petroglyphs, and sites at Wetherill Mesa.

Spruce Tree House (located on Chapin Mesa) provides an excellent opportunity to explore a cliff dwelling without a guided tour (with the exception of early November to early March). Going down to the site is fast, but be prepared to utilize the benches provided at various locations on the way back up—it can get steep at times. Once at the site, a park ranger can tell you about the culture and architecture of the dwelling, or you can explore for yourself. Spruce Tree House offers a unique opportunity to enter into what a real kiva might have been like. In this kiva, excavators have reconstructed a roof over the top. You can climb down a short ladder and even take pictures of this room with your children.

As you are leaving Spruce Tree House, the trailhead to Petroglyph Point Trail branches off the paved pathway. The trail is 2.4 miles round trip and displays a wall of petroglyphs painted by Ancestral Puebloans. On this hike, views of the canyons and abundant wildlife will amaze you. Lizards thrive and scurry along the trail as you make your way on this scenic walk. Deer are also prevalent at Mesa Verde, as are many species of birds. On rare occasions, a herd of wild horses roam the nearby plains and can be spotted as they graze on grass. The pinon and twisted wood of the juniper trees dot the landscape. Although the Pony Fire of 2000 left some areas scorched and barren, many trees and varieties of plant life still exist.

On the other side of the park lies Wetherill Mesa, where you can find the Long House, Step House, and Badger House dwellings. Once you travel about 45 minutes from Far View Visitor Center, a tram will take you around the sites (a self-guided hike to Step House and the Badger House Community is also available if you are not visiting Long House). Of these sites, Long House offers the most interactive and intimate view of the cliff dwellings. A hike up a long, steep staircase, a few turns, and two 15-foot ladders allows visitors access into the site (access is not allowed in any of the other cliff dwellings). Children will enjoy the unique opportunity to walk around a portion of Long House and touch ancient pottery and toys left behind by Ancestral Puebloan families.

A More Leisurely Visit Mesa Verde is not just about hiking and climbing. You can still see cliff dwellings and discover remains of ancient life at a more relaxed and leisurely pace. A visit to the museums and use of the auto tour can easily allow people of any ability to enjoy Mesa Verde.

Far View Visitor Center and Chapin Mesa Museum display a history of the people who lived here for over 700 years. A bookstore and nearby gift shop to the museum are also excellent places to learn about Mesa Verde. After visiting the Museum, take a short walk to a shelter that overlooks Spruce Tree House. The shelter provides a place to snap some pictures and examine at a distance this remarkable and lasting structure.

Next, try the Mesa Top Loop - an auto tour with 12 stops. Some of the highlights on this self-guided tour include Square Tower House Overlook - an overlook that allows you not only to see the site, but also enjoy the panoramic view of the Navajo Canyon below - and Sun Temple. Sun Temple, an unfinished structure believed to be one of the last built by the Ancestral Puebloans, has a paved trail circling around the building with a place to peer into two small windows to view the inside of the temple. As you walk the short distance around Sun Temple, there are multiple opportunities to see Cliff Palace across the canyon. The next few stops on the auto tour show several other cliff dwellings not accessible to the public and only visible from Mesa Top Loop Road.

Mesa Verde offers endless opportunities for exploration. Just as Richard Wetherill and Charles Mason unexpectedly came across this ancient treasure, you might also discover something new for yourself.

Visit nps.gov/meve for information on seasonal closures and other Mesa Verde features.

Destination: Vancouver

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:00:00 -0700

by Kim Grant
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: It was once a land where only the brave dared go and the hearty dared live. Now, with a tamed but still robust existence next to sea and mountains, visitors can enjoy adventure of any kind in Vancouver. Over the past century, Vancouver has become a thriving metropolis that has managed to maintain aspects of its wild and rugged past while providing visitors with a tranquil, yet modern perspective. And as the host city of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, thousands of visitors from around world will soon discover all the charm and beauty that Vancouver has to offer.

Though the environs of Vancouver have probably been inhabited for thousands of years, its "modern" history would begin as explorers and fur traders from the east began to move west into the vast wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. In 1827, British fur trader and explorer James McMillan set up a fort on the site and called it Fort Langley, named after a Hudson Bay Company director (Hudson Bay Company had been the first to set up fur trading posts). In 1871, British Columbia, assured by Canada that its entry into the commonwealth would result in the development of a railway system, joined the Confederation.

A little known piece of Church history in the area is that Brigham Young sent a scouting party to Vancouver Island in 1845, and afterwards sent a formal petition to Queen Victoria seeking permission to establish a Mormon colony there. Young's request was ignored by the Queen, and so the first record of a Mormon residing on the island is 1875. Since then, the Church in British Columbia has grown to seven stakes.

From fjords to forests, high-rise hotels to art centers, Vancouver has much to offer its visitors. See for yourself how the past and present have been fused together in this tiny province nestled between a rugged bay and snow-capped mountains.

Outdoor Thrills

False Creek False Creek is a narrow inlet located between the towers of downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, and Granville Island. If you are looking for an outdoor escape without leaving the urban energy of the city core, kayaking on False Creek is an excellent option, with its close-up views of passing yachts and sailboats, as well as fast-paced downtown life. Start your journey at Granville Island, which you can find just under the Granville Street Bridge, across from downtown Vancouver. Most routes are rated "easy" and perfect for beginners. Plan on taking at least three hours.

Whale Watching Southern British Columbia is one of the premier areas in the world for whale watching. For a large part of the year, this involves killer whale sightings. Tour companies only operate during the late spring to early fall.

To whale watch, most visitors tend to go to Victoria, Vancouver Island, where many operators are based. Others can be found in Steveston, a quaint fishing village with plenty of other attractions you'll want to see. There is a considerable amount of regulation being placed on this activity, however. Its popularity is disturbing the natural activity of the whales, and the government is trying to find a way to accommodate this growing tourist industry with the needs of the animals. Be sure to call ahead to find out about availability.

English Bay Depart to the sandy shores of Jericho Beach to explore spectacular English Bay. Just twenty minutes by car from the city center, Jericho Beach offers a front-row seat to some of Vancouver's most impressive scenery -- the downtown skyline, North Shore Mountains, and an open expanse of ocean.

Harbour Centre Tower At the Harbour Centre Tower, you can go up to the Vancouver Lookout to get an unparalleled, 360-degree panoramic view of the Great Vancouver area, the North Shore mountains, and even Vancouver Island on a clear day.

Good Eats Since Vancouver is home to people of many different cultures, dining can be an especially flavorful experience. Depending on your mood, you can visit Chinatown, Little Italy, or Little India for a dish that's sure to please. If you're willing to wait in line, Stepho's on Davie Street offers Greek food with generous portions at a reasonable price. The hummus on homemade pita alone may fill you up!

You may, however, want to splurge a little and enjoy a harbor view. The Boathouse near English Bay has some of the best chowder, while the Five Sails overlooks the harbor near Stanley Park. If you're going to be traveling anytime soon, you might want to visit The Cannery, an excellent seafood restaurant on the Burrard Inlet. This historic landmark, which has excellent views of the harbor and a location removed from crowds, will be closing after the 2010 Winter Olympics are over.

If your budget is tight, fish-and-chips stands abound in Vancouver, and you won't find better fare outside of Great Britain. At many locations, you don't have to settle for the traditional cod. Tempt your taste buds with options like halibut or salmon.

One such "stand" near Granville Island is Go Fish, a quaint, outdoor . . . well, shack, where you can sit and enjoy the harbor view while munching on locally caught and battered fish. Remember that they're closed on Mondays -- to go fishing! If you like your fish fresh, you have a variety of options -- from the Lobster Man on Granville Island to on-the-boat options in Steveston, where you can pick out your own kicking crab or lobster wholesale and have it cooked to order.

Shopping Whether you're interested in touristy trinkets or trendy styles, Vancouver is a shopping mecca. To satisfy the average tourist, there's one place you really need to go: Granville Island. Not only will you find numerous shops featuring original British Columbian artists and boutique-style clothing, but it also boasts a large public market. Since parking can be difficult, arrive early and grab a fresh tart or organic muffin at one of the cafes. Then stroll past stalls selling everything from exotic fruits and locally grown nuts and produce, to handmade purses and herbal medicines. Of course, they also have their own fish market. (Try the candied salmon. You may get hooked!)

The upper-crust head to the Oakridge Centre, just fifteen minutes from downtown and a short drive to the airport. Here you'll find luxury shops with major brands such as MaxMara and Hugo Boss. So enjoy -- or simply window shop if your pocketbook can't handle it.

The Olympic Spirit In February and March of 2010, Vancouver will welcome the world as it hosts the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. While the opening and closing ceremonies, along with events such as speed and figure skating, curling, and hockey, will be hosted in the downtown area, look for outdoor events like downhill skiing and bobsled in the outlying regions of Richmond, Whistler, and Cypress Mountain. And since many of the ski resorts will stay open to the general public, you can experience your own thrills on the slopes.

But sports aren't the only draw. The Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad will provide an explosion of the arts in theatres, galleries, village plazas, and downtown streets. There will be more than six hundred ticketed and free performances and exhibitions in sixty locations in Metro Vancouver and along the Sea-to-Sky corridor, including circus acts, comedians, dancers, musicians, theatre performers, visual artists, and even a unique digital art exhibit. Don't miss this unique chance to be treated to exhibits and performances from many nations.

Four Places You Must See Vancouver boasts a unique blend of history -- ancient, modern, and natural. See for yourself what it has to offer in addition to ideal winter sports venues.

Stanley Park This beautiful 1.5 square mile park was set aside shortly after British Columbia claimed Canadian status on April 6,1886. Being one of the few urban parks to be naturally landscaped (rather than designed by an architect), Stanley Park has a unique beauty. It is located on a majestic peninsula, and you can enjoy the scenery by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, renting some bikes, or merely stretching your legs on 120 miles of hiking trails.

Gastown Undoubtedly the heart of Vancouver is Gastown, named for an old prospector nicknamed "Gassy" Jack Deighton for his tendency to tell stories. The town maintains the old-world charm on which it was founded, featuring cobbled streets and quaint restaurants and art galleries. Don't miss the old steam clock, which puts on a "show" every hour. Check out the many shops, several of which feature unique Aboriginal works.

Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park Looking for something a little more adventurous to do in Vancouver? You'll get the thrill of a lifetime when you cross over this 450-foot bridge that hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River. The novelty of the bridge has lent itself to the creation of a theme park, which includes a "treetops" adventure; in this attraction, you walk among the thousands of beautiful Douglas Firs surrounding the area, using suspension bridges and platforms. You can then peruse the largest privately owned totem pole exhibit and enjoy a display of arts and crafts while learning more about the heritage of the First Nations people. Visit capbrige.com for ticket prices and hours of operation.

Victoria, Vancouver Island No trip to Vancouver would be complete without taking the short ferry ride to Vancouver Island to visit the city of Victoria. From here, you'll have a chance to meander through the beautiful, world-renowned Buchart Gardens, open daily during the summer. After all that walking makes you famished, you may want to experience Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel tea room. Best if arranged in advance, you can pick and choose from a variety of classic items such as English tea scones, crumpets, and delectable finger sandwiches.

A New Temple The Vancouver British Columbia Temple is the 133rd announced temple of the Church. Nearly completed, the temple's beautiful stained-glass windows, single steeple, and gold-leafed angel Moroni are all in place. An open house will be held between April 9 and April 24, 2010, with a formal dedication taking place on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This will be the seventh temple in Canada.

During a visit to the Lower Mainland in 2006 to examine potential temple sites, President Gordon B. Hinckley declared of what became the temple's location, "Here is where we are going to build the temple." The site was not among the available properties, which had all been found wanting. The 11-acre parcel, just east of 200 Street, was assembled from three smaller parcels, none of which were for sale and one which had only recently sold. But the Church eventually acquired each of them. The land is at the highest elevation in the Township of Langley.

Nauvoo for Every Season

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by Dean Hughes
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Many people don't know the beauty and activity they're missing in Nauvoo's off-season. Read on to find the best ways to enjoy this historic town, not only during summer, but at any time of year. Chances are, you've already visited Nauvoo. And if you have, chances are even greater that you came in the summer. You were in town when the historic village was busy with tourists. You took in the pageant, or saw a production by BYU performers, or attended shows put on by the Young Performing Missionaries or senior missionaries. Pioneer Pastimes entertained your kids, and you rode a wagon pulled by horses or even oxen. You may have been with a group, and you did a three-hour trek with a handcart.

All that's great. And anyone who hasn't been in busy, exciting Nauvoo in the summer, really has missed out. But those of us assigned to year round missionary service feel a little sorry for those who haven't seen the "other" Nauvoo: the autumn or spring Nauvoo; or even Nauvoo in the middle of winter.

Nauvoo is a place that deserves several visits in a lifetime, and travelers really ought to think about making some of those trips in the "off season."

Beautiful Autumn and Blossoming Spring

The Mississippi River valley in October is an experience to remember. The autumn colors can be intense, and the clear air, the sunset on the river, the great flocks of migrating geese - it's all perfect for taking pictures. There's also a wonderful sense of peace and ease. If you've visited Nauvoo in summer and experienced the humid Illinois heat, you can imagine the pleasure of walking the old streets in gentle or even crisp temperatures, with all the trees in color.

In the fall, tourist lines disappear. It's easier to make your way through all the historic sites. The missionary tour guides can take time to answer questions or even chat a little - if that's what you would enjoy. Traffic on the highways is quiet and hotels are readily available.

There are some fun surprises that time of year, too. Nauvoo is well known for its "Halloween Walk." It's worth attending just to see Mulholland Street lined with ornately carved jack-o-lanterns, and to share the fun of a small-town celebration. Or what about coming earlier in the month for October conference weekend? Quiet walks, between sessions, make for a truly contemplative time. Many of the missionaries attend a taco dinner fund-raiser right after the Saturday afternoon session. It's a nice event, put on by the Catholic Church, and you'll have a chance to experience one of the interfaith bridges that have been built in Nauvoo.

Fall is a great time of year to stop in at the Land and Records Office, find out where an ancestor lived, and then go searching for the site. You can wander out to Ramus or to the Morley settlement, if that's where your family member lived, and enjoy a country drive when great combines are cutting corn and soybeans. You can search for relatives any time of year, of course, but the fact is, Nauvoo should be savored, not gulped, and fall is a time when it seems natural to take things a little more slowly and gently.

Spring is much the same, as the gold and green colors return to the trees, and the farmers begin to harrow and plant. It's a good time to cross the river and drive the loop through Fort Madison and Keokuk. You can stop at Montrose, where the Saints landed on the shore of the river after the exodus from Nauvoo. There's a spot near Montrose where many of the pioneers stopped on a bluff to take one last look back at their beloved temple. The temple has returned now, and it's just as majestic from the view across the Mississippi. You can stop your car at the same spot those pioneers stopped their wagons, get out in the pleasant spring air, hear the songbirds all around you, and experience what your third or fourth great grandparents must have felt. Chances are you didn't do that when you visited last time. You were in too much of a hurry. This time you can take the time to think about the past, probe your own feelings, and enrich your experience.

Off-season visits offer great opportunities to get to know local people. Folks in Nauvoo wave as you drive by in your car; they stop on the sidewalk to talk; they know how to take time for one another. In summer, with so many in town, that sort of thing is made difficult, but in April or November, the small-town life re-emerges. Your heart might actually slow its pace a beat or two if you find out that not everyone rushes from one thing to another all day long. You also might find it comforting to know that the people who inhabit Nauvoo - the town we love - are people we will also love once we take the chance to get to know them.

Early spring is when the ice breaks up on the Mississippi. Yes, the river does freeze most years, and when it finally cracks and flows, you'll see some of the drama of this great mile-wide river. In fact, a wonderful idea is a drive to the south, with stops in Mark Twain's Hannibal on the Missouri side and historic Quincy on the Illinois side, not to mention other old towns from Mormon history.

On Palm Sunday an interfaith choir sings an Easter Cantata. You'll find Latter-day Saints well represented among the Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans and Community of Christ members. That's nice to experience - this combining of faiths and voices.

Cold and Memorable

So fall and spring are great, but winter is very cold, with the wind coming off the river. Maybe you're hesitant about that. And yet, anyone who has lived in Nauvoo through a winter knows that to understand the full experience of the early Saints, a winter visit is part of the whole picture. In February the missionaries in Nauvoo commemorate the exodus. Latter-day Saints know the stories of that icy crossing, but to feel it deeply, there's no substitute for being there. Those who join the march only walk about a mile, but it's usually a frigid mile, and being part of the procession, perhaps dressed in pioneer clothes, is a heart-changing experience.

It's not all hardship in winter either. Christmas in Nauvoo is charming, with the historical sites decorated in red ribbons and greenery, with jingling bells on carriage-horse harnesses, and with the little town all fitted up for Christmas. It's a time for live nativities, story-telling in the sites, a mission choir performance, caroling on the temple steps on Christmas Eve, and a wonderful, old-fashioned atmosphere. Americans often complain about what Christmas "has become," but this is chance to be reminded of the simplicity we long for. It's a great time to bring children, out of school for Christmas break, and let them acquire a taste for "Christmas past."

And here's a bonus - something you probably haven't thought of: bald eagles in flight. The birds move downriver in winter to stay ahead of the ice. From December through February, into March, hundreds of eagles gather in the trees. They sweep down to fish when the water is open, or move below the dam at Keokuk, only a few miles from Nauvoo, when the ice is on the river. Other birds gather along the river this time of year, too, so if you're a birder - or you just love the majesty of the eagles - it's an added treat to see them. People travel from many miles to see the birds each year.

These off-season months also offer an excellent time to travel to Springfield to visit the Lincoln museum and library and other Lincoln sites when they are not so busy. Empty nesters can have a wonderful, relaxed time, and families can use long weekends or school breaks to get the most out of a trip.

Symbol for the Saints

Am I romanticizing all this? Cold is cold, after all, and Nauvoo's cold penetrates to the core. In fact, if you happen to visit when a freezing rainstorm has struck, you may not dare to leave your hotel room. And yet . . . some days, as we drive past the temple when it's lighted in the evening, or we glance out across the Mississippi at sundown, or we turn off Partridge Street onto Parley, we say out loud to each other, "We actually live in Nauvoo." It's a privilege for my wife, Kathleen, and I to be missionaries here because Nauvoo is a symbol to all Latter-day Saints. It's the place the Saints had to give up, but what we know is that in surviving those tough, early times, they were refined and strengthened.

They became who we are - or at least who we want to be.

When our church rebuilt the temple, our members said to the world, but especially to ourselves, We haven't forgotten our past. We can return to it, and we can discover in the "City of Joseph" who we were meant to be. And who we can be is represented partly in that ice-covered river and those cold winds off the water.

If winter tells us what the Saints suffered, autumn and spring tell us what they had to give up, and why their hearts were broken. With all that, the temple on the hill tells us what devotion means, both then and now. Nauvoo Hotels

It's great fun to visit Nauvoo in summer. Everyone should have that experience. But I recommend the full range of experiences that can only come with return visits at other times. Come see us. Missionaries often have to sit and wait for visitors during the off-season months, but they will welcome you with a full heart if you give them the chance. And you will return home with a heart just as full. What you'll also take home is an understanding you couldn't have gained any other way.

Destinations: Mid-coast Maine

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by Sunny Jane Morton
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Which U.S. state boasts three thousand miles of shoreline, one of the most visited national parks, and rich regional culinary delights? California? Wrong coast. Try Maine, one of the hotter (or should we say cooler?) places to enjoy the sand, surf, and sails. People don't accidentally discover Maine. It's not on a major thoroughfare; in fact, Maine is at the end of the road for northeast U.S. travelers. Or the beginning of the road, as Mainers prefer to think. Their zip codes actually start with zero.

Anyone who has been there can tell you that Maine is worth every mile you drive, fly, or sail off the beaten path to reach it. The mid-coast region alone, between Portland and Bar Harbor, offers high-seas adventure, rugged scenery, and delicious regional dining on par with any vacation spot you'd find in warmer climes.

Portland The jumping-off point to mid-coast Maine is Portland, just an hour and a half north of Boston. This three-mile wide peninsular city has perfect "little-big city" appeal, with a compact city center, a working waterfront, and pedestrian-friendly Victorian neighborhoods.

Though the city's name describes itself, some visitors are surprised to find that Portland is one of the most active ports on the Eastern Seaboard. Tall cranes dominate the docks. Major cargos come ashore here: fish, oil, imports, and thousands of cruise ship passengers.

But all this activity doesn't keep visitors from enjoying the water. Portland's docks gradually give way to the Old Port warehouse district, a vibrant dining and shopping thoroughfare accessible by land and sea. Here you can stroll cobblestone streets, pick up a unique and beautiful souvenir at the Maine Potters Market, or choose among several local eateries offering the fresh catch of the day.

Latter-day Saint visitors may enjoy Old Port's many restaurants most at lunchtime, when lobster rolls are plentiful and drunken tourists are not. Look for regional menu favorites: seafood chowders, lobster, and creative concoctions made with wild Maine blueberries, artisanal cheeses, and other foods from local organic farms.

If you visit Portland during the annual Old Port Festival in early June, you'll find the streets full of Mainers selling handmade arts and crafts, while popular regional bands entertain crowds.

Though Portland is a fun visit, you'll want to keep moving northeast, or you'll miss out on some of the best Maine has to offer. Follow I-295 north to Highway 1. You'll hug the major contours of the coast, cross tidal coves, and intersect byways that will drop you down to lighthouses, beachfronts, and villages set like jewels along the dark ribbon of rocky shore.

Boothbay Harbor With an estimated three thousand miles of coast (counting coves and island frontage), Maine provides more shoreline than you can ever hope to explore. In the mid-coast area, long, skinny inlets thrust like fingers into the mainland every few miles. Tiny islands fill these tidal waterways.

Just over an hour northeast of Portland, you'll find Boothbay Harbor, a popular stopover for those who can't get enough of white sails, bright blue skies, faded wooden piers, and dock-front dining.

Visitors to Boothbay are drawn like magnets to the boardwalked waterfront. Lean against the wooden rails with the breeze against your face. Within minutes, even the most determined landlubber will want to head to sea.

Fortunately plenty of boats wait to indulge you. Re-live history on a two-hour cruise on the schooners Eastwind or Lazy Jack, where you'll ride low in the water and feel the sails billow directly over your head. Or weigh anchor with the Harbor Princess, as a certified naturalist narrates a whale-watching excursion on the open sea. You're almost guaranteed to glimpse a whale's misting spouts and dorsal fins, as well as harbor seals and sea otters.

You'll work up an appetite at sea. The locals recommend lunch on McSeagull's waterfront patio. For a tasty but casual seafood dinner, try the Lobster Dock. The Throwdown crab cakes, featured by Food Network's Bobby Flay, are not to be missed. Youngsters will be relieved to see kids' fare on the menu as well (and parents will be relieved to see that it's inexpensive). For dessert, the Greater Boothbay Ice Cream Factory will satisfy your sweet tooth with its small-batch creamy blueberry ice cream.

At the end of the day, several Boothbay bed-and-breakfasts and inns offer proper New England hospitality. Or try ocean-front camping on a nearby island at Gray's Ocean Camping; they'll even supply the lobster for your Dutch oven dinner.

Penobscot Bay An hour northeast of Boothbay on Highway 1, you'll spot Penobscot Bay, safe harbor for some of Maine's famous windjammers (historic wooden "tall ships"). Board the two-masted J & E Riggin for a short - or extended - cruise in the comfortable, protected waters along the coast between Boothbay and Bar Harbor.

More than a dozen lighthouses dot the shore and islands of Penobscot Bay. A visit to one of these solitary sentinels offers a glimpse of history and spectacular views, whether you squint into sunlit waters or watch foamy waves break suddenly out of the foggy sea.

Halfway around the bay - just before the Penobscot River delta - you'll find the Penobscot Narrows Observatory. Take a one-minute, high-speed elevator up 420 feet for breathtaking vistas from the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world. You can access this observatory through historic Fort Knox (see "Four Places You Must See," below).

Renting a sea kayak is a highlight of any Penobscot adventure. From the fishing village of Stonington on the bay's western tip, you can paddle around the Deer Isle archipelago. Half of its sixty granite-and-spruce islands are open to picnickers. Families and beginners may want to push off early in the day, when the waters are calmest. A sunset trip in a tandem kayak offers couples the perfect blend of adventure and romance.

Acadia National Park The one place in Maine you must visit is Acadia National Park. Any one of its natural attractions - mountains, island, and the sea - are alone worth the drive. Taken together, they are stunning.

History and Geography Acadia National Park encompasses nearly 50,000 acres on Mount Desert Island and nearby shores in the middle of coastal Maine. Parts of the area were explored by Sam Champlain in 1604. In the mid-1800s, Hudson River School painters advertised the area's breathtaking vistas, and tourism began in earnest.

A few of the wealthy who first summered on the island spent years reclaiming the land from commercial and private abuse. In 1919 the national park opened. Acadia now rates consistently among the most visited national parks in the United States.

Mount Desert Island is shaped roughly like a lobster claw. Both halves of the "claw" are ridged with low mountains that constitute the highest headlands on the eastern seaboard. The 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain is the highest point in the park and a much-touted spot for giving climbers the opportunity to be the first in the U.S. to watch the sun rise.

Getting Around It's possible to see breathtaking sights at Acadia without leaving your car. Just stop at the Visitor Center at Hulls Cove to pick up maps and self-guided tour information.

The popular 20-mile Park Loop Road on the eastern side of Mount Desert Island winds past Sand Beach, beneath the Champlain Mountain cliffs, along the shore, and past Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Eagle Lake, and several mountain peaks.

An alternate way to get the "condensed tour" of Acadia is to hop aboard one of the green and white buses that run regularly through the park. The driver-guide will give you a running narrative and stop at several of the most photogenic locations.

Happy Trails If you've got even an hour to spare, you'd do well to park your car and take in the views on foot. Fifty-seven miles of carriage roads and 120 miles of hiking trails lead to pristine shores and up rugged mountainsides.

With only a short walk, you can reach one of several dramatic destinations: the Ocean Path along Frenchman Bay, the top of Beech Cliffs overlooking Echo Lake, and the summit of Gorham Mountain. You can also take a self-guided nature walk along the beautiful inland Jordan Pond.

More aggressive hikers can crest any one (or two, or three) of several mountain peaks sized perfectly for climbing in a half-day or less. The trails themselves make for interesting footing, as ladders and intricate stone stairways may appear around any bend.

Looking for a challenge? Not afraid of heights? Hike the Beehive Trail on Champlain Mountain. A steep climb includes narrow ledges and vertical iron ladders drilled into the cliff face. At the top, you'll catch your breath as you take in several of the great Acadia sights at once: Sand Beach, Otter Cliffs, Gorham Mountain, Great Head, and, of course, the open sea.

Bar Harbor Most visitors start or end their visit in the resort village of Bar Harbor on the east side of Mount Desert Island. Think of this as Acadia's "downtown" district. Plenty of restaurants, lodging, and shopping will entertain those who love their creature comforts.

Bar Harbor has some of the best food in the state. It can be pricey, but even the budget-conscious can find fresh, delicious, local food. Stop in at Adelmann's Deli for a quick breakfast, bagged lunch, or affordable lobster roll. Try Gringo's for fresh Mex, fruit smoothies, and jalapeno brownies. The Mainely Maine Snack Shack serves up lobster or crab rolls and fried haddock along with burgers, all in a fast-food environment.

The Fish House, Cafe Bluefish, Maggie's Restaurant, and others offer a higher-end experience with creatively dressed seafood and other regional specialties. (If you want to sample the fine restaurant fare but balk at dinner entree prices, try a place that's open for lunch, like the Fish House.)

Though Bar Harbor may seem like the end of the line for mid-coast Maine, it doesn't have to be. Take a cruise to watch marine life or see the shoreline from the sea. Or catch some marine life yourself on a working lobster boat or fishing expedition. You can even take a ferry southwest to Portland or take a short jaunt across the Atlantic to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Four Places You Must See History buffs will love touring Maine's interactive sites. Learn about Maine's past through these historical adventures.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum

Learn about Maine's unique narrow gauge railway system aboard a scenic ride along Casco Bay in Portland. ("Narrow gauge" refers to the distance between the rails, which is shorter on this track than standard U.S. tracks.) A single ticket lets you ride all day in antique rail cars pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. If driving a locomotive has always been your dream, you will be pleased to learn that Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers Guest Engineer days, where you can learn to be the conductor. It's pricey, but it's also the chance of a lifetime.

Maine Maritime Museum

In Bath, you can tour a historic shipyard that tells the story of Maine's shipbuilding industry. On ten acres of galleries and exhibits, you can see artifacts, paintings, life-size models, dioramas, and more as you learn the ins and outs of maritime life. Watch boat builders at work, or learn how to build a boat yourself. Tour a fishing schooner and clipper ship. Kids can even play on Pirate Paradise, a pirate playship belonging to the museum. While in town, upload a free iTunes narration of a walking architectural tour of historic downtown.

Burnt Island Living Lighthouse

Ever dreamed of living a charming life as a lighthouse keeper? Now you have the chance to look more closely at that life. In July and August, take a living-history tour of the island lighthouse from guides who portray the lighthouse keeper and his family. Climb a spiral staircase into the lantern room; peek into the restored keeper's home; take a nature walk; and even try a little sport fishing.

Fort Knox State Historic Site

Explore a meticulously restored fortification and its parade ground, soldier's quarters, lines of batteries, and two Rodman cannons. Originally built during the Aroostook War to protect important Maine harbors from the British, it never actually saw battle.

Learn about the daily life of a militiaman and many combat strategies such as the fire-heated cannonballs launched at wooden enemy ships to set them aflame.

Destination: Boston

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by Joanne Packard
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: One of the most storied cities in the U.S., Boston has adventure waiting around almost every corner. Whether it be rich history, rich food, or rich culture, the Cradle of Liberty has something for everyone. Established in 1630 by Puritans, Boston was one of the first cities in the New World. It was originally called Trimountaine, in honor of the three large hills within the area, but was later renamed for Boston, Lincolnshire, from which several city leaders came. The city quickly established itself as a community based on Puritan values of hard work and education, and as a morally strict community - punishing the city's first "criminal," Thomas Morton, for little more than practicing a less-constrained form of Christianity.

Then, in the wake of increased English control of the colonies in the 1770s, Boston became a hotbed for revolution. The colonists' rebellion resulted in the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and several of the Revolution's early battles. After the Revolution, the city would become a financial and cultural powerhouse; its harbor, schools, technology, literature, and arts combined to make it one of the most influential cities in the United States. (It would also continue as a center for revolutionary thought: in the 1800s, it became a center for the abolitionist movement.)

The area was home to most of Joseph Smith's family, and many prominent leaders of the early Church came from Massachusetts; it was also home to one of the first missions in the Church. However, when the Saints were called West in 1847, the Church's history in the area was largely put on hold until after World War II.

The first members to return to the area were not missionaries, but scholars coming to study in Boston's great universities. When the future Apostle John A. Widstoe attended Harvard in the late 1890s, at least sixteen other Latter-day Saint students were also attending. These LDS students made up the majority of the Church population in the area for years - in 1930, only ten permanent families attended the Boston branch. Starting in 1937, though, when the New England States Mission was established, the Church saw growth. During the 60s alone, membership more than doubled.

Today, Boston has a strong Church population, a temple, and (because of education and tourism) a booming economy. It is in the top twenty most popular places to visit in the country - read on to find out why.

History, for 200

Missing the historical sites in Boston would be like visiting the Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa. And while simply walking around will expose you to much of the city's gems, a couple places hold extra interest for the history buff.

Harvard

A trip to the Athens of America wouldn't be complete without a visit to the nation's oldest university, so head down and take one of the tours given by Harvard Unofficial Tours (harv.unofficialtours.com). Established in 2006 to provide visitors with the authentic Harvard experience, these unconventional tours are given by two students (wearing "Hahvahd" shirts) and are full of authentic insight, theatrical staging, and jokes. By their own admission, they are to official tours what the Daily Show is to national news programs. The tour is seventy minutes and starts in Harvard Square, right outside the T-Station.

Harvard's 265-acre botanical garden - the Arnold Arboretum - is another great stop. Free guided tours show you all the beautiful trees, fruits, and birds your heart could desire. Go to their website (arboretum.harvard.edu) to find out when certain species can be viewed throughout the year.

USS Constitution

With all the city's harbors and boats, make sure to visit the USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), one of the sixteen sites on the Freedom Trail (see "Four Places You Must See," below) and the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Almost as old as the Constitution itself, this ship was commissioned in 1794 and has served the country continually since that time. Serving variously as a warship, a school ship, a patrol ship, and now as a monument to U.S. naval history, the USS Constitution facilitated dozens of victories and helped to make the U.S. Navy a formidable force. Thanks to renovation and constant upkeep, the ship can even sail on her own power.

Though the ship is currently under renovation to more closely resemble its 1812 appearance, tours of the decks - except the spar - are still available. The renovation will be completed in September 2009. After you've toured the vessel, check out the USS Constitution Museum (run privately).

To Market, To Market

Aside from history, Boston has some great markets, where you can feel all the bustle and excitement of the city's modern inhabitants and enjoy some excellent food.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace (also on the Freedom Trail) has historic significance - it served as Boston's commercial center for centuries - as well as contemporary charm. With national stores like Ann Taylor Loft and Harley Davidson, area favorites like Boston Pewter Company and Local Charm, and great restaurants like Union Oyster House (the United States' oldest restaurant), the market could fill a day with window shopping and people watching. And as the fourth most popular site to visit in the U.S., you know you can't be wrong in stopping here.

Just two miles away is Newbury Street, another famous market area that has eight blocks of boutiques, beautifully manicured displays, and dining. Built around renovated brownstone buildings, the area has distinguished itself as one of the nicest shopping areas in the country. As a guide to Newbury's boutiques, you can generally find the more expensive shops closer to Boston Public and the less expensive shops towards Massachusetts Avenue. And with windows to fill your eyes and savory scents to fill your nose, you need not spend money to have an enjoyable time.

Not far from Newbury Street is the Museum of Fine Arts, so swing by for a little lesson in culture. From March to August of this year, the museum is showcasing Italian art - both modern and Renaissance (including work from Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese).

For Families with Young Children

History may be fascinating to some of your group, but young children can only listen to tour guides and refrain from touching for so long.

Near both the Faneuil and Newbury marketplaces are a couple nationally recognized places where children can get their brains and hands working. The Boston Children's Museum includes several hands-on exhibits that help children to learn about and respect the world around them; exhibits include access/ABILITY (highly interactive exhibit that encourages disability awareness), Kid Power (teaches about healthy living by explaining "power in" and "power out"), and fifteen other exhibits. Nearby is the New England Aquarium that, living up to its reputation as one of the best aquariums in the country, also peaks the wonder of the young and the young at heart.

Last but not least, the Museum of Science literally envelops visitors in the wonders of the natural world - in the butterfly garden, visitors can walk among free-flying butterflies from around the world - and there are over four hundred other options to choose from. So when the mystery of the past loses its thrill, try this one-of-a-kind museum for a little more action.

Four Places You Must See

When it comes to Boston, where do you start? You could spend all day, every day sight-seeing and still not witness everything. With that in mind, count on these four places while making your plans - you won't want to miss them.

Boston Temple

Dedicated in October 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Boston Massachusetts Temple became the one hundredth operating temple, completing President Hinckley's goal to have one hundred temples operating by the end of the year 2000. More than 82,600 people attended the open house, and an estimated 16,800 members participated in the dedicatory sessions.

The steeple with its angel Moroni - a cause of concern for neighboring communities, who protested zoning violations in court - was finally put in place on September 21, 2001.

Freedom Trail

Do you see that red brick line running through the city? Follow it. When you do, you'll be taken to sixteen historically significant sites covering 250 years of American history, including the Boston Common Park, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church. The Granary Burying Ground (called "America's Westminster Abby") is one specific site you don't want to miss - in this cemetery, you'll find burial plots for Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Mother Goose is also buried there.

The various sites are open at different times on different days, but most are open between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. See thefreedomtrail.org for a complete list of sites, operating hours, and tour options.

Fenway Park

Baseball fans, get yourselves ready for a treat. On top of all the candy, onion rings, and polish dogs you could want, Fenway gives you the possibility of creating hands-on memories. After you get your fill of Fenway's hall of fame, head down to Autograph Alley where you can get a former Red Sox player, coach, or personality to sign your ball free of charge, or hunt for your own space on the Green Monster to immortalize your name.

Tours are available around the ballpark during both off-season (children 3-15, $6; adults, $8) and the regular season (children 3-15, $10; adults, $12). As the place where Babe, the Kid, and Ted Williams all lived and played, even Yankees fans are sure to love Fenway.

The Duck Tour

It may not be a place, but it's the most original tour you'll ever be on. Board the "Duck," a World War II-style amphibious vehicle, which will take you to all the best sites in Boston - whether they're on land or in water. See historical sites, beautiful architecture, parts of the Emerald Necklace (Boston's string of parks), and modern hubs of the city with your ConDUCKtor. Tours are available from 9:00 A.M. to an hour before sunset and last about eighty minutes.

For your information . . .

How to Speak Bostonian

Boston is known for its rich past, but there also happens to be an abundance of accents in the area—the most common being the Eastern New England accent. Dominated by broad as and dropped rs, Boston son Mark Wahlberg has worked hard to get rid of his accent, but can be seen using it in several movies. Say these phrases out loud and you'll get an idea of the local flavor:

"How ah yah?" (How are you?) "Go pahk yah cah." (Go park your car.) "Gid ada heah!" (Get outta here!) "My fothahz bizzah." (My father's bizarre.)

Likewise, here are some terms common in Boston that might be useful for the average tourist:

Bubbler (drinking fountain) Carriage (shopping cart) Frappe (milkshake - milkshake in Boston refers to a drink of milk and syrup, not including ice cream) Jimmies (chocolate sprinkles) Spa (convenience store)

A City of Firsts

Among other things, Boston claims the fame to having the first U.S. public school (Boston Latin School - est. 1635), first U.S. college (Harvard - est. 1636), first U.S. subway (Tremont Street Subway, precursor to today's "T" - 1897), and first community health center (Columbia Point (now Geiger-Gibson) Health Center - 1965).

Destination: Utah Valley

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by Lacie Hales
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Utah Valley offers countless choices for family-friendly day trips, romantic getaways for two, or even exciting destinations for the adventurer in all of us. The variety is endless and changes with each season, bringing new elements to be enjoyed and explored. Utah Valley is a place near and dear to many Latter-day Saints, if not for their personal visits to the area, then for its history - so deeply intertwined with Church history. And though it has many historical sites to explore and appreciate, this community nestled between the Wasatch and Uinta Mountain Ranges is also home to breathtaking natural wonders and entertaining attractions.

Long before the LDS pioneers arrived, Utah Valley was inhabited anciently by numerous Native American tribes, the most early being the Desert Archaic people. Then, at the time of European expansion, when the Spanish explored Mexico and the southern U.S., five distinct tribes inhabited Utah: the Northern Shoshone, the Goshute, the Piute, the Dine, and, of course, the Ute.

Until the Mormon pioneers arrived in the 1800s, the area was an unsettled territory of Mexico and was mostly inhabited by natives and fur trappers. Then in 1847, the pioneers arrived in Salt Lake Valley and began carving out an existence. In 1849, Brigham Young began sending settlers to establish cities in Utah Valley. Provo - named for Etienne Provost, a fur trapper - was one of the first and largest settlements, and was a center point for many of the other cities established in the 1850s. Since then, Utah Valley has been a place for the beauty of nature and progress to exist hand in hand. Making a trip to Utah Valley can satisfy your need for adventure, culture, and history all in one vacation.

Each season has a different forte for showing off the natural beauty of the valley, but many activities and locations can be enjoyed year-round. The versatility of Utah Valley's recreation is one reason it is an ideal place for a getaway, no matter where you live.

All Things Outdoors

Utah Valley is a world-class outdoor adventure destination. With abundant mountains and trails, rivers, lakes, and campgrounds, make sure to bring your gear so that you can experience the best that Utah has to offer!

Hiking

There are hundreds of miles of trails just waiting to be hiked in the mountains surrounding Utah Valley, and springtime, as well as summer, offers beautiful wildflower displays to be enjoyed from a hiker's perspective. Some of the best trails include Mount Timpanogos Trail (moderate difficulty), Box Elder Canyon Trail (high difficulty), and the Alpine Loop trails: Box Lake (1 mile), Stewart Cascades (2 miles), Big Springs (4 miles), and Bear Canyon Trail (2 miles).

Canyons

Summer heat is no reason to have lazy days. Canyons offer ways to escape the heat in cooler temperatures and shady trails. You can choose from destinations like Vivian Park - one of several parks located a short drive up Provo Canyon - for a family picnic, or choose from over fifty trails of varying difficulty for some serious mountain biking. Provo River Parkway is a paved trail that runs from Provo to Bridal Veil Falls that can be used for hiking, biking, or rollerblading.

Camping

If you want to extend your trip to longer than just the afternoon, there are ample places to camp in the valley. The Uintah National Forest and Utah Lake State Park both offer campgrounds, and there are RV parks located in Provo and Springville. Utah Lake State Park also offers a full marina, boat launching sites, and beaches to lounge on.

Fishing

Utah Valley is home to some great fishing spots. Payson Lakes, at the south end of the valley, is a beautiful recreation area, centered on three lakes. It's a great picnic spot and a good place to teach the kids how to cast their first lines.

For those who are a little more experienced, Provo River is considered one of the top ten fly-fishing rivers in the United States. You'll find many a flyfisher there on the weekends, fully decked in waders. Some other favorite holes include American Fork Creek, Hobble Creek, and Spanish Fork River.

Local Attractions

If you want to be outdoors, but would like a more manicured experience, there are several options for your entertainment. Seven Peaks water park in Provo offers water fun for the entire family, including a wave pool, a lazy river, and multiple tube and body slides. Scera Waterpark Centers are also available in Orem, Provo, American Fork, Lehi, and Pleasant Grove.

Utah Valley also has a couple incredible golf courses. For a golf experience unlike any other, try Cascade Golf Course in Orem, where the mountain nine will give you a run for your money. As beautiful as they are difficult, these nine holes are manicured on the mountain, so make sure to take plenty of extra balls - if you miss the green, you may not find your ball ever again. Hobble Creek Golf Course also provides a uniquely green and lush experience, as the entire course is nestled in a canyon.

Fall and Winter

Just when you think it can't get any better with camping and hiking, the cold front comes in. But fall brings its own set of outdoor attractions. This time of year, the canyon trees really show their best colors. And with the falling temperatures, it's a great time to take scenic drives through the mountains. Nebo Loop starts in Payson and takes you through the Wasatch Mountains to Nephi. And don't forget to check out the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival during the first week of September.

One of the most popular reasons for visiting Utah Valley comes each winter. Being home to the "greatest snow on earth" gives Utah plenty of bragging rights, and Sundance resort is just a short trip up Provo Canyon and offers great skiing. (Look at "Four Places You Must See," below.)

But downhill skiing isn't all there is to do in the snow. At Sundance, Soldier Hollow, and Wasatch Mountain State Park, there are trails open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, as well as places to snowmobile.

Historical Sites

Utah Valley has plenty of historical sites available for touring and exploring. Native American inhabitants were the first to appreciate the natural beauty of the valley and its surrounding canyons, and some of their history can be found in the North American Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi, or near Sundance resort.

There are multiple pioneer museums, located in Spanish Fork, Provo, Pleasant Grove, Springville, and Alpine, and several parks that feature Pioneer-era cabins, as well as a little-known Civil War historic site - Camp Floyd - located roughly twenty-five miles southwest of Lehi.

The history behind Camp Floyd begins with President Buchanan, who, before the Civil War, sent a third of the U.S. Military to Utah in an attempt to divert attention from the tensions between the Northern and Southern states. Their mission was to put down a rebellion going on in Utah, but the troops arrived to find it was nonexistent. Brigham Young made a deal that the troops were not to stop in Salt Lake, so they continued to Utah County and built the fort. Eventually, though, the tensions between the North and South escalated to the Civil War, calling the troops back east.

Camp Floyd offers tours and activities such as candle making, pioneer games, and even an era rifle demonstration. The Stagecoach Inn, part of the state park that includes Camp Floyd, was a stop for the Pony Express.

Culture and Performing Arts

Utah Valley is also home to a wealth of culture and class. While you're in the area, be sure to take a stroll through Historic Downtown Provo. This area, a registered national historic site, features a mix of old architecture and unique shopping and dining experiences. On the first Friday of every month, the galleries located in this historic area host a Downtown Gallery Stroll from 6:00-9:00 p.m. to show off local artists and their work, and often include live music and refreshments.

The area also has some spectacular art venues. With the help of donations, the Brigham Young University Museum of Art has come to own some incredible pieces, including Carl Bloch's "Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda." The sculpture garden there is also beautiful, especially during spring. In Springville, the Springville Museum of Art gives "Art City" its nickname; there you can see various pieces, including several from LDS artist James C. Christensen (who is also featured in this issue). Aside from the museums, there are multiple galleries, including the Terra Nova Gallery and Window Box Gallery in Provo.

Performing arts also have a strong tradition in Utah Valley. To view some of the better shows, visit the Scera and Hale Center theaters, which provide year-round opportunities to experience everything from Shakespearean classics to musicals from Andrew Lloyd Webber to comedies that highlight the unique culture of the valley. Utah Valley's schools are also known for their generation of Broadway professionals, which can bee seen in BYU's and UVU's stellar pre-professional productions. And this summer, Utah Valley University will join the Sundance Institute in bringing back the summer theater program. Though details are still pending, it will likely happen in July.

Four Places You Must See

Utah Valley boasts surrounding beauty in many forms. Check out these four places to enjoy the best of nature, as well as the majesty of two LDS temples.

Provo Utah Temple

Dedicated in February 1972, the Provo Utah Temple was the first temple built in Utah County and was the fifteenth operating temple. It is adjacent to the Missionary Training Center, and close to BYU campus. The temple, a sister building to the Ogden Utah Temple, offers sessions in eight languages, and is often called one of the busiest temples in the Church.

The building originally had a gold spire, and the angel Moroni statue wasn't included, despite being in the building plans. As part of a renovation in 2003, the spire was painted white, and Moroni was placed atop it.

Mount Timpanogos Temple

President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Mount Timpanogos Temple in October 1996 as the forty-ninth operating temple and the second in Utah County. The temple gets its name from Mount Timpanogos, which can be seen east of the temple grounds.

When the angel Moroni statue was placed on top of the building in July 1995, a crowd of an estimated twenty thousand people surrounded the temple to watch. The crowd, which filled the streets, cheered and spontaneously began singing "The Spirit of God" when the statue was in place.

Thanksgiving Point Gardens

Just past Lehi off I-15, the trademark Thanksgiving Point Water Tower draws visitors in to explore the charity-funded institute. Thanksgiving Point offers unique shopping and dining experiences, an eight-screen movie theater, and a museum that offers the largest collection of mounted dinosaurs in the world.

With springtime just around the corner, this is a great time to check out the gardens at Thanksgiving Point - fifteen themed gardens that spread over fifty-five acres, including the Butterfly Garden, Rose Garden, and Secret Garden. And from April 17 to May 2 of this year, Thanksgiving Point will host the Fourth Annual Tulip Festival, with thousands of bright flowers to enjoy. This is a gorgeous setting where families can enjoy music, food, gardening demonstrations, and hundreds of beautiful tulips. The festival will run 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday; admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Sundance Resort

This resort offers year-round activities and enjoyment. Famous for its ski runs and film festival in the winter, Robert Redford opened the resort as a way to give people the chance to help conserve and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. During spring and summer months, the resort is home to hiking and biking trails, fly fishing, and horseback riding. Also during summer on various nights of the week, Sundance hosts the Outdoor Film Festival when the sun goes down; they also host the Sundance Theatre Lab for playwrights and theater directors. Visit the events calendar at sundanceresort.com to find out the line up. And don't miss the opportunity to take a moonlit ride on the lift during the full moon each month!

A couple more places to visit . . .

Legendary Caves

Timpanogos Caves is a national monument that was first discovered in American Fork Canyon by Martin Hansen in 1887. As Hansen was tracking a mountain lion, he discovered the entrance to Hansen Cave, one of three limestone caves in the monument (the other two: Middle Cave and Timpanogos Cave). All three caves are connected by a series of man-made tunnels and rest at the top of a mile-and-a-half long trail. Around 70,000 visitors each year come to experience the beautiful surroundings from the 2,740 foot-high viewpoint.

Aside from the beautiful view from that height, the variety of formations in the caves continues to intrigue visitors. One of the most famous formations is the Heart of Timpanogos Cave, due in part to its captivating legend. According to legend, the Heart belongs to Timpanac, a Nez Perce brave, and Ucanogos, a Ute princess. They loved each other, but because of jealousy from other braves, Timpanac was killed on the mountain. Ucanogos, unable to bear the separation, lay down on the mountain and died. The Great Spirit took her body to protect it, and now she is known as the Sleeping Woman, and the mountain takes on her figure. The Great Spirit took the hearts of the lovers and locked them away in a cave as the heart of the mountain.

The park is open from mid-May to October, depending on snow conditions, and guided tours through the caves are available for $7 or less.

Bon Appetit!

Utah Valley offers more than 600 choices of restaurants. The diversity ranges from five-star dining to fast food, covering classical American dining to the exotic dishes of India and Korea. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to enjoy these Utah Valley favorites.

Fine Dining

These two are the top rated restaurants in the valley; both have received rewards and were given top ratings by Zagat, a prestigious consumer guide to restaurants all over the country:

Chef's Table (Orem)
Tree Room (Sundance Resort)

Family Favorites

These time-tested favorites of Utah Valley locals are sure to please the family at dinnertime:

Los Hermanos, Mexican (Provo, Lindon)
Art City Trolley (Springville)
Pier 49 Pizza (Provo, Springville, Spanish Fork)

Global Cuisine

With the missionary culture predominant in Utah Valley, there are more authentic foreign restaurants than you would expect. Here are some of the best:

India Palace(Indian; Provo)
La Dolce Vita (Italian; Provo)
Thai Chili Gardens (Orem)
Maria Bonita Mexican Grill (Orem)
Osakas (Japanese; Provo)
Sam Hawk Korean Restaurant (Provo)
Bamboo Hut (Hawaiian; Provo)
Tango House (Argentine; Provo)
Tucanos Brazilian Grill (Provo)

Destinations: Fall Foliage

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:04:00 -0600

by Kiku Beaufort and Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

The best way to celebrate the autumn season is to wrap up and head outdoors to enjoy the beauty of fiery fall leaves. A trip to any one of these destinations will enhance your fall experience, immersing you in nature during this magical season. Most people think of New England as the only place to enjoy the turning leaves of fall. Although they are popular for good reason, there are other destinations just as spectacular, some that might be a little closer to home than you thought. *New Hampshire* This state is fully equipped for leaf peepers. New Hampshire stakes its rightful claim as one of the best places in the world to see the changing leaves its rolling hills are covered in forests of maples, birches, oaks, and ashes. You can take in the view from the tops of the trees in a gondola or chair lift that rides up a mountain. Or you can see the leaves from the comfort of your car, or even from the window of a train as it winds its way through the colored hills. In the car, you can take advantage of the fourteen officially designated scenic drives that cover almost nine hundred miles of beautiful, rolling countryside. The earliest leaves to change color are in the north, usually mid- to late September. You can drive through the Great North Woods or rent a paddle boat or canoe to travel around the Connecticut lakes. A little further south in the White Mountains, numerous mountain resorts offer foliage views from a gondola. Rides are available on Wildcat Mountain (which also has a half-mile-long zip line if you are feeling adventurous), Loon Mountain, or Cannon Mountain. Also tucked away in the White Mountains is the Conway Scenic Railroad. You can wind your way through the leafy mountains while enjoying dinner on the train. Trains are also available from Meredith, Lincoln, or Weirs Beach. If you would like to see the leaves on foot, hike Mount Major. It is a moderate hike right up until the end where it becomes quite steep. But it's worth it because the view is spectacular. For lodging, try the Wentworth. It is a historic hotel right on the Kancamagu Highway, New England's most scenic fall foliage drive. If you're with the family be sure to pick out a festival or two to stop and enjoy. Try an adventure at a corn maze or pumpkin patch. At the Keene Pumpkin Fest in Keene, New Hampshire, you'll be able to decorate pumpkins and visit a petting zoo. It is usually held near the end of October. *Vermont* While you are in New Hampshire, you might as well make plans to see the leaves in the state's main competitor, Vermont. According to the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, "From the last week in September through the Columbus Day weekend, Vermont has the highest rate of occupancy for any time of the year." This is a tip for you to make your plans and reservations early; Vermont is busy in the fall, but for good reason. The Stowe Mountain Resort is a popular destination for leaf viewing. The mountain is accessible by foot, by gondola, and by car. The gravel road that takes you near the summit costs about twenty dollars per car. The Green Mountains have by far the most popular and renowned leaf viewing sites. Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, and Mount Snow are winter ski areas that provide lifts to the summits of each mountain to see the foliage. Be sure to check when each is open because some lifts only run on the weekends. If you?d prefer a more private leaf-viewing experience, Somerset Reservoir is the place to go. It is right in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, and you can rent a boat if you'd like to go out on the water. For family-friendly activities, follow the "cheese trail" and see different guided tours of farms. You can visit the animals, and watch cheese or maple syrup being made. You can also jump on a wagon for a hay ride.For somewhere to stay, look at the Green Mountain Inn located in Stowe. *Colorado* Because it's higher in elevation, prime time for fall foliage in Colorado is from mid-September to early October. The Maroon Bells Mountains in Colorado are quite possibly the most photographed mountain range in the U.S., especially during their fall glory. Known for their quaking aspens, during autumn these mountains are a mixture of flaxen leaves and purple peaks. The route from Gunnison to Crested Butte, then to Keebler Pass and over through the Ruby Range is another with stunning scenery. Weaving through the canyons you'll see brilliant colors as far as the eye can see. Flat Tops Trail is a stretch of 82 scenic miles full of lush valleys and majestic Rocky Mountain peaks. The road skirts through two of Colorado's lesser-known--but just as brilliant--passes, so it's the perfect path if you want to avoid the fall foliage crowds. Cedaredge is a good city for lodging, with lots of fun fall festivities. Their AppleFest each October welcomes the fall harvest with activities like a scarecrow contest and plenty of apple eating. *Arizona* Red rock and desert isn't the only landscape in this southwestern state. San Francisco Peak in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff is the Navajo's sacred mountain of the west, and it puts on a spectacular show of color in the fall. From mid-September to the end of October, you can enjoy ruby-colored maples mixed with golden aspens, willows, and ponderosa pines for a perfect picture of shimmering hues. For a great scenic drive, try Schultz Pass Road. You'll weave in and out of forests and get great views of the San Francisco Peak. Take US 180 and drive north of Flagstaff until FR 420 where you turn east. Follow this route up Shultz Pass to US 89, where you turn right to head back. The Peaks Loop is another great drive, and it has plenty of beautiful hikes, places to rest for lunch, and great views of millions of yellow leaves. The abundance of aspens makes the peak look as if it has Midas's touch, shimmering gold just about everywhere the eye can see. To get there, take US 89 northeast from Flagstaff until FR 418. Turn west until you get to FR 151, then turn south to US 180. For something a little different, head over to Sycamore Canyon where the ski resort opens their chairlifts for a ride over the fall foliage. You'll experience the leaves from a unique aerial view. Need a place to stay? Try the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. With floor-to-ceiling windows, it enhances your fall foliage journey. Plus, it has five hundred acres of private forest with two miles of hiking trails. *North Carolina and Tennessee* The Great Smoky Mountains are nestled on the North Carolina and Tennessee border and are part of the U.S.'s most visited National Park. What makes the Smokies so breathtaking during autumn is the diversity of trees. There are more than one hundred species of trees, each turning a fiery red, goldenrod, or burnt orange during the fall months. The National Park's back roads are quiet and austere, great for missing the throngs of people who flock to the mountains from mid-October through early November. Or you might consider going a little before peak season in mid-September when some of the higher leaves begin turning color. Whether you choose an auto tour, like Clingsmans Dome Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous hike, like Appalachian Trail or Inspiration Point, or a trip to a hidden waterfall, the Great Smoky Mountains are a beautiful fall getaway. LeConte Lodge is the closest accommodation and you'll enjoy being so close to nature you can hear the sounds of nature in the night's stillness. *Texas* The Southwest also has a spectacular showcase of leaves, and if you can't get away early in the season then this is your perfect destination. The leaves turn colors starting in late October and lasts until past Thanksgiving, usually reaching its first peak about the second and third week of November. The trees are a different mix than the previous locations because of the difference in climate. The leaf-viewing will be a mix of hickory, native red and sugar maple, sweet and black gums, white and red oaks, dogwood, sassafras, and staghorn sumac leaves. There are also pines that mix in with the leaf-bearing trees, creating a beautiful contrast--a sea of green with bold color spots. The East Texas Tourism Association offers weekly updates on the color and where to see it at its best. The 2,208-acre Lost Maples State Natural Area is a good place to start. If you can spare a few days before your leaf viewing activities, take the family to the State Fair of Texas. This usually runs during the end of September and into the beginning of October. The Fair hosts twenty-four days of amusement rides, concerts, art viewing, food, and livestock. The Lodges at Lost Maples is the perfect getaway for the family. Rooms include beautiful hardwood floors, living rooms, and lofts with bunk beds for the children. Each morning you wake to freshly baked peach muffins, pumpkin bread, and juice served right to your door. If you're looking to get into the city for a day, San Antonio is about an hour and a half drive away. The San Antonio Temple, dedicated in 2005, is on the north side of the city. You'll pass Six Flags Fiesta Texas on your way, which is open weekends through October and the fourth weekend in November. *Oregon* Although the East Coast is the most popular area to see the leaves change, the West has some gems as well. The best time of the year to see the foliage in Oregon is between mid-September and mid-October. The Columbia River Gorge scenery is breathtaking. The leaves are mixed in with spectacular views, including thirteen different waterfalls sprinkled throughout the Gorge area. The most famous of these waterfalls is the Multnomah Falls, plummeting 620 feet from an underground spring on the side of Larch Mountain. The display is especially dazzling thanks to the mixed variety of leaf-bearing and needle-bearing branches. The Gorge is home to firs, pines, big-leaf maples, cottonwoods, Oregon ashes, and vine maples. Stay right near the Gorge at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. You won't even need to leave the hotel to enjoy beautiful fall views. The hotel is home to Simon's, voted Oregon?s Best Restaurant. Right near the hotel is Wah Gwin Gwin Falls that cascades 208 feet to the river below. For some things to do in the city, Portland is about an hour drive away. Located a little ways west of downtown is the Portland Japanese Garden. The 5.5 acres of calm, beautiful landscaping were designed to be in perfect harmony with nature. The Portland Temple is fifteen more minutes south between the suburbs Lake Oswego and Tigard. *Switzerland* For a more memorable fall getaway, try the Swiss Alps, arguably the world's most beautiful mountain range. As summer leaves, so do the throngs of tourists and high prices, leaving autumn with nothing but the tranquility of crystal clear air, soaring peaks, and brilliant foliage. In most areas the snow hasn't fallen yet during the fall months, the weather is crisp and cool, and the wildlife is abundant. Late September through October offers the best views, as the larches are just turning yellow and the bilberry shrubs--which cover the hillsides--are turning scarlet with the season's first frost. One of the best locations for autumn hiking is the 60-mile stretch of Alps through southeast Switzerland, beginning at the St. Moritz resort. Samedan is a quaint village just down the valley from St. Moritz, and from the village is an eighty-three-mile network of trails in the surrounding mountains. Because of Samedan's high altitude--5,575 feet above sea level--the sun is still shining during the fall months, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors. Two and a half hours southwest of Samedan is Malcantone, a village with a hilly landscape ripe with ancient chestnut trees. The old gnarled trees cover the countryside and there are many paths through the hillside forests, perfect for an afternoon stroll during autumn. *Fall Foliage: Church History's Best Backdrop* While you're taking in the foliage this fall, why not combine the trip with a tour of the Church history sites? Cooler temperatures and less humidity make fall a particularly good time to enjoy the Northeast and the Midwest. Three tours are available this October to provide the perfect fall backdrop for your Church history experience. * Murdock Escorted Tours will host the "Autumn in New England" Church History Tour October 6-12. The tour begins in Boston, travels through sites in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and over to Niagara Falls. Go to murdockescorted tours.com to learn more. * The BYU Alumni Association's fall foliage Church history tour will spend October 7-15 visiting sites in New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, including Palmyra, Fayette, Niagara Falls, Kirtland, Independence, Liberty, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Far West, Nauvoo, and other sites. Visit alumni.byu.edu/tours for more information. * Latter-day Tours will take two trips accommodating those who can only go for five days, and for those who want a longer tour, a ten-day trip. The five-day tour starts in Manchester, New Hampshire, on October 20 and will highlight sites important to Joseph and Emma Smith's family such as Sharon, Vermont, the gravesite of their first baby, and Emma's childhood farm, then the Peter Whitmer Farm, the Grandin Building, Hill Cumorah, the Joseph Smith Homestead, the Sacred Grove, the Palmyra and Kirtland Temples, Martin Harris Farm, the Newel K. Whitney Store, and the Isaac Morley Farm, as well as Niagara Falls and the Erie Canal. The ten-day tour starts in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 6 and will visit Independence, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Far West, the Amish town of Jamesport, Nauvoo, and Carthage, as well as the sites the five-day tour covers. Check out latterdaytours.com for details. *Fall Foliage Information* Make sure you really see the best leaf-viewing spots by contacting fall foliage hotlines in the following states for a daily color update. * New Hampshire: o foliage.visitnh.gov o 1-800-258-3608 * Vermont o 1-800-837-6668 * North Carolina and Tennessee o 1-800-697-4200 * Colorado o 1-800-354-4595 * Texas o tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lostmap/foliage.htm o 1-800-791-1112 * Oregon o 1-800-547-5445

Destinations: Romantic Getaways

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:00 -0700

by Kiku Beaufort
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Planning a romantic getaway this Valentine's Day? Whether you're a couple that enjoys hitting the slopes or relaxing on the beach, here are five unique destinations you're sure to love. Romance can be defined in many different ways. And while each of the following destinations can be equally exciting and romantic, one may appeal to you more than the rest, depending on your lifestyle. Check out these venues to decide which makes the best romantic getaway for you. h3. Venice, Italy Venice is still considered a classic city of romance. In February, half of the tourists are gone, and the markets are still open. However, there is a busy surge of tourists in this city during the end of January and beginning of February for the Carnival of Venice. If you want to enjoy countless concerts, plays, and productions that celebrate Venice and don't mind the crowds, try catching the carnival. You'll understand why Venice is celebrated for its decorative porcelain masks. But if you'd rather wander the city undisturbed, plan the trip a little later in the month. The best thing about Venice is that once you are there, everything is easily accessible by foot. Markets, museums, and other attractions in the city are all within walking distance because no cars are allowed on the island. The city itself is a beautiful maze of twisted walkways interrupted every so often with canals and quaint bridges. Be sure to catch a gondola ride from one of the many gondoliers parked in the canals around the city. And peek into some of the glass shops--Venice is known for its gorgeous glass creations. You can purchase jewelry, dishes, vases, or almost anything you can imagine. Some of the most famous art galleries are located in the heart of Venice. Gallerie dell'Accademia contains the most important collection of paintings of the Venetian school by artists Bellini, Giorgione, Tintoretto, and Titian. For modern art lovers, you must schedule a stop at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Guggenheim had a personal collection of various artists' pieces, which are now on display for the public to enjoy. There is more than art on display in Venice, so check out the glass museums, naval museums, and music museums as well. Whatever you do in Venice, it will be a magical vacation. The charm and accessibility of the city make it a top destination. h3. Sedona, Arizona A masterpiece of the Southwest, Sedona is a perfect place to see the beauty of red rock formations, experience Native American art and culture, and relax in a cabin for two. In fact, Sedona is revered by USA Weekend as one of the top ten most beautiful places in the U.S. For the adventurous couple, Jeep tours and hot air balloon rides offer exciting ways to view ancient Indian ruins, rugged canyons, and dramatic red rock formations. You could even plan a day trip to the Grand Canyon, which is only two hours away. If you prefer a slower pace, Sedona has several spectacular golf courses to choose from. There are also more than thirty art galleries sprinkled throughout the city that range from traditional Southwestern style to works of modern art. For the ultimate day of relaxation, try one of the luxurious day spas in the area. Many offer breathtaking views or private creek-side cabanas. No matter what you prefer, Sedona has it all. It is the perfect getaway from life, worries, and cold weather. h3. Aspen, Colorado A winter wonderland nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen has plenty of romantic atmosphere. Whether you and your love want to escape to a cozy cabin with a great view or enjoy some world-class skiing, you can't go wrong with a trip to Aspen. There are four ski resorts close to the town--Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass. They are all connected by a bus service so you can visit all four on the same lift ticket. Aspen Mountain provides the intermediate and more advanced skiers a prime day of skiing. Buttermilk, on the other hand, is tailored to the beginning skier and is set up with a two-mile-long terrain park for snowboarders. Aspen Highlands is a mix of the two with more than fifty percent of its seven hundred and ninety acres crafted to satisfy expert skiers. Snowmass is perfect for the intermediate skier with over half of the resort's runs geared toward those with beginning or intermediate skills. You can also explore the beauty of the Colorado wilderness on snow shoes, snowmobiles, and cross-country skis. As for lodging, snuggle up in a cabin in the woods or reserve a condo right at the foot of the ski mountain. Whatever the case, February is a prime time to hit the slopes in Aspen because the snow is at its best. h3. St. Lucia, Caribbean If your idea of a Valentine's Day vacation includes basking in the sun on a white sandy beach, plan a trip to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Voted the best wedding and honeymoon destination in 2002, 2003, and 2004, this tropical haven exudes romance. Although the island is small, St. Lucia is packed with things to do, including diving, snorkeling, yachting, wind surfing, and hiking. There are several beautiful beaches to choose from, but Anse Cochon Beach and Reduit Beach are among the most popular. Anse Cochon Beach is located near Souifere on the southwest side of the island and is only accessible by boat, which makes it more secluded and more romantic. It features a shallow reef that is great for snorkeling. Reduit Beach is located near St. Lucia's capital city, Castries. It's a favorite among tourists because of all the amenities provided right along the beach front. There are opportunities for almost every water sport, as well as plenty of restaurants. With its beautiful beaches, nineteen thousand acres of rainforest, and twenty-nine miles of trails sprawling across this emerald gem, St. Lucia is a luxurious, relaxing, and exotic getaway. h3. San Francisco, California San Francisco is a bustling city with a romantic feel. In fact, the Romance Writers of America voted San Francisco the most romantic city in the United States for six years in a row. Take a leisurely stroll down one of the city's beaches--not for a swim but for a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Both Baker Beach and Ocean Beach provide a stunning view, each from different sides. You may also want to consider chartering a sailboat to take you around San Francisco Bay for the afternoon, or longer. Boats are available for rent with a skipper who can guide you around the bay and even drop you off at Angel Island for a romantic picnic. Some traditional San Francisco activities include riding a cable car, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Ghirardelli Square where delicious Ghirardelli chocolates are made, having a bite to eat in Chinatown, touring Alcatraz prison, and walking or driving down Lombard Street. Beyond the classic activities, there are plenty of opportunities to personalize your romantic sightseeing. San Francisco is famous for its seafood, so be sure to stop by one of the many restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf. After a romantic dinner for two, why not enjoy a concert? San Francisco has both an excellent symphony and chamber orchestra. Go to sfsymphony.org or sfchamberorchestra.org for more information.

Destination: Disney

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:58:00 -0700

by Sharon Zenz
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Disney has long been known as "the happiest place on earth." If your family is planning a Disney getaway, here are some keys to the kingdom that are sure to make your trip even happier. Since the opening of Disneyland more than fifty years ago, Disney has been finding new ways to make your life a little more magical. Disney now has parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, and Paris, but the fun doesn't stop there. If staying in one place isn't your style, you can hop on one of the Disney cruise ships and enjoy a little magic while touring exotic locales. Whatever your pleasure, Disney has something for everyone. From FastPass to specialty tours, we've got your trip covered from beginning to end. h3. Walt Disney World The first big decision to make in a Disney World vacation is where to stay. *Pros and Cons of Disney Resorts* Off Disney property, vacation rentals compete fiercely, and you'll usually spend less than you would for a Disney property. Generally, hotels will offer free breakfast, ranging from donuts to buffets. They will also have shuttles available to Disney parks and other area attractions. On Disney property, you'll pay a bit more and lose the free breakfast, but gain time and a host of perks Disney reserves for those in its resorts: Magical Express airport pickup and luggage handling, package delivery, and extra hours in the parks (an hour early, or up to three hours past closing) when lines will be shorter. Being closer also makes it easier to take midday breaks. *Specialty Tours* Disney World offers several specialty tours, all offering backstage glimpses tailored to different interests. These tours aren't free, but after taking one, you may conclude that the extra cost pays off in much bigger dividends than you'd expected. With Epcot's Aqua Tours, for example, there is a two-and-a-half-hour program that includes a photo and a T-shirt, and offers guests ages eight and up the opportunity to swim in The Seas enormous salt water tanks. Epcot provides all of your gear (except swimsuits), and an instructor is there to make sure you and the animals are safe. You don't need to swim well; you'll be wearing flotation devices. Before the swim, you'll learn about the animals and their natural habitats, and be briefed about the rules. (For instance, you may not reach out to sea turtles, a protected species.) After you're suited up, you have about thirty minutes in the water. Hold still and the animals might actually bump against you. You can even wave through the windows to guests inside. Some other great tours are: Family Magic, which includes a scavenger hunt through the Magic Kingdom for twenty-five dollars per person, and Backstage Magic--a seven-hour adventure tour of EPCOT, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney-MGM Studios for two hundred dollars per person. This tour includes lunch and does not require park admission. There are also VIP tours where guests can design their own tour for the cost of approximately seventy dollars per hour, with a minimum of three hours and a maximum of eight. h3. Disneyland Many hotels are within walking distance of Disneyland, and others provide shuttles (some free, some inexpensive). Most provide free breakfast. Staying at one of Disney's hotels gets you no closer, but still offers perks such as extra hours, package delivery, and a private entrance to California Adventure. As at all Disney parks, the busiest time is midday. You can use at least part of those hours to roam Tom Sawyer's Island (Disneyland) or Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (California Adventure) where you don't have to wait in lines. If you want to watch Fantasmic!, an all-new twenty-five-minute festival of lasers, lights, dancing fountains, and magical special effects, you'll need to stake out a spot at least an hour ahead of time. The best and most comfortable spots go fast. *FastPass* Whether you choose Disneyland or Disney World, Fast Pass is a great way to get on your favorite rides in half the time or less. This little trick allows you to insert your ticket into kiosks at popular attractions and receive a pass with a return time on it. At the designated time, you return and join a shorter line. If it truly is a "must do," get a FastPass early in the day; at some attractions, the day's allotment will be gone before lunchtime. *Character Encounters* The character dining experiences, like the Wonderland Tea Party, take reservations, as do the nicer restaurants. If you have your heart set on somewhere in particular, make a reservation early, preferably before you even leave home. The most popular dining, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, can be filled months in advance. If you're not good at planning in advance, your best bet is to visit at lunchtime. Space for breakfasts and dinners goes quickly, but you will sometimes be able to walk in with no reservation and little to no wait when you go at lunch. Be sure to pick up a map in each park. "Character Greetings" are marked, showing where you can meet Mickey or other favorites. Some are available all day, and some only during certain hours. It may mean standing in line, but it guarantees a hug from Pooh or a photo with Buzz. *PhotoPass* One of the newest additions to the parks is Disney's PhotoPass. The first time your photo is taken at one of the parks, usually just after you enter, the photographer will hand you a card. Every time you or a family member gets a photo taken after that, the photographer will scan your card. The photos are immediately available for viewing on the Internet or for purchase at any Disney photo shop. h3. Disney Cruise Lines Disney Cruise Lines are a fantastic way to experience Disney magic without having to fight the crowds. These cruises offer a wide range of accommodations to cater to different budgets, timetables, and tastes. All of them offer great shore excursions and awesome onboard entertainment. Cruise rates can be steep, but the magical entertainment, great food, fireworks, and a private island may be worth the price. While buying tickets early is the best option for park-goers, you'll find that cruise rates will often get cheaper the closer you get to the departure date. Booking online less than ninety days in advance can be your best bet if you're looking to snag a deal. Whether your Disney vacation is once in a lifetime or one of many, you're sure take home priceless memories that will last forever. After all, Disney is in the business of creating magical moments for all their guests, including kids and kids at heart. h2. A Very Disney Christmas *While Disney is loads of fun any time of year, it has a little something extra during the holidays. With five million lights in Disney World alone, your Christmases are guaranteed to be absolutely magical when you spend them with Disney.* From mid-November through early January, all the Disney parks are decked in Christmas garb, Christmas music fills the air, and many rides are completely made over for the holidays. If you're planning to celebrate Christmas with Mickey and his friends this year, here are a few things you can look forward to. h3. Walt Disney World *Magic Kingdom:* Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party On select nights over several weeks, the Magic Kingdom closes to the general public early, and partygoers purchase a ticket to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Disney rolls out special entertainment, parades, fireworks, characters, and photo opportunities exclusive to the event. On these nights, you could easily spend the evening going from event to event without going on any rides, but since the lines for the rides are often short (about five minutes), it's the perfect time to head for your favorite attractions. As an added bonus, parties also include free treats! *Disney-MGM Studios:* Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights Started in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1986 when a father strung up 1,000 red lights for his daughter, this family tradition grew until the neighbors complained. They eventually moved the whole thing to Walt Disney World. Now you can enjoy millions of dancing lights as you stroll down New York Street, along with a little Florida snowfall--talk about magical! And, of course, it wouldn't be complete without a visit from Old Saint Nick. *EPCOT:* Candlelight Processional The Candlelight Processional is not to be missed--a mass choir, joined by a fifty-piece live orchestra and a celebrity narrator, tells the story of Christmas through words and music in a beautiful performance at the America Gardens Theatre. h3. Disneyland *Santa's Reindeer Roundup* During the Christmas season, Frontierland becomes a West Pole, where Santa hangs out with Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer. Kids can visit with Santa and then go to the workshop to make souvenir crafts and play fun holiday games. *Christmas Fantasy Parade* At night, Santa can be seen riding down Main Street in his sleigh. Santa is joined by all your favorite Disney characters along with nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and dancing snowmen. And the whole thing is topped off with magical snowfall. *Haunted Mansion Holiday* If you're up for some spooky fun, the Haunted Mansion is a must-see at Christmas. The entire ride is made over for the holidays with characters and scenes from The Nightmare Before Christmas, complete with music. *Disney Cruises* If you're set on going on a cruise over Christmas, this is a great option. You can enjoy all of the Christmas festivities on land for a few days before setting sail on a three or four day cruise with Mickey. This way, you get to keep playing without all the lines, and you can let the kids go to age-specific activity areas while you rest up for a bit. On board, you can enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, complete with Christmas carols and appearances by several of your favorite Disney characters. And Santa Goofy has special surprises for all of the children on Christmas Day. Disney's private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay, also has plenty of holiday decorations, a tropical Christmas tree, and a winter wonderland display.

Destination: Southern Utah

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:40:00 -0600

by Alice L. Beesley
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: People come from all over the world to see the wonders of Zion National Park in Southern Utah. Zion National Park and most of its highlights--Angels Landing, Great White Throne, Altar of Sacrifice, West Temple Mountain, Virgin River, Kolob Canyon, and the Three Patriarchs to name a few--were named by early Mormon pioneers. In 1854, the Church established an Indian mission in Santa Clara, just two miles north of the valley of St. George, Utah. During the next few years, experimental farms were set up in the St. George area. While touring the farms in May of 1861, President Brigham Young predicted that the area would soon be settled. Five months later, over three hundred families were called by Church authorities to what was called the Cotton Mission. At the time, the leaders of the Church were looking for ways to be self-sufficient and they decided that growing cotton would aid members in several ways, especially during the Civil War. Although the early settlers managed to grow cotton, intense summer heat and destructive rainstorms prevented the product from becoming a large market and the project was abandoned. However, a nickname for St. George survived: Utah's Dixie. In the following years, Saints poured in from all over the country and President Young directed them to settle across the territory, in areas including Grafton, Rockville, and Springdale, the entrance to Zion National Park. In the 1870s, the St. George Temple and tabernacle were completed, the first to be completed in Utah and the oldest temple built by the early Saints that still stands and is owed by the Church. Today, about sixty percent of the St. George population is LDS, with about 250 members moving in each month. In addition to Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capital Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon are each less than half a day's drive away. Along the way, stop in nearby towns to visit one or more Church historical sites. h3. 4 Places You Must See in Southern Utah *St. George Temple* Despite it being a soggy lot at the time, in 1871 President Young chose the lowest point in the St. George area as the site of a new temple. The Saints used a cannon filled with lead to pound stone footings firmly into the ground. The cannon sits in a permanent display on temple grounds and boasts historical notes of its own: It was used by Napoleon in his siege against Moscow. When the troops left, the cannon was abandoned and transported to Siberia, then Alaska, and finally Fort Ross, California, where the Mormon Battalion found it and took it to Utah. *St. George Tabernacle* On his yearly trips to St. George, President Young made plans for the building of the tabernacle. Soon after the settlers arrived in St. George, they started the work, using the local red sandstone for walls and dedicating their talent to beautiful, elaborate woodwork inside. This tabernacle is where Lorenzo Snow gave his inspired revelation on tithing. *Brigham Young's Winter Home* In 1871 President Young bought a house in St. George. Two years later he added a large two-story section to the front of the original building. The home and its grounds have since been restored and tours are available. The first stop on the tour is the telegraph office beside the home. Here visitors learn why the Saints were sent to St. George and that the town was named after George Albert Smith. The tour continues around the grounds to the garden and Mulberry tree, then into the home through the decorated parlor, dining room, and kitchen on the first floor. The home is furnished with replicas and period pieces, some of which belonged to President Young, including an eight-sided table in the parlor, a rocking chair in the kitchen, and three beds in the bedrooms upstairs. President Young's bedroom is a big room with a massive bed, a secretary desk, file cabinet, and two tables where he worked. The home is located at 67 West 200 North and is open daily from 9:00 A.M. to dusk. Admission is free. *Utah Shakespearean Festival* Just fifty miles north of St. George is beautiful Cedar City, home of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival. If you're in the area between June and October, stop by to enjoy professionally cast plays such as Twelfth Night, King Lear, and The Tempest. Check out bard.org for more information on shows, dates, and ticket prices. *Pine Valley Chapel* Built in 1868, this chapel is still used for worship today. Of the settlers in Pine Valley in the 1860s, only one person, a shipbuilder, was qualified to construct the much-desired chapel. At the request of the settlers, Ebenezer Bryce constructed the chapel to be reminiscent of the churches they left in New England, adding unique construction techniques reflective of his skill in his original trade as a ship carpenter--the corners were wrapped in green rawhide that tightened as it dried, and the attic was designed to look like an upside-down ship hull. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day for tours and is just a forty-minute drive from St. George, close to the site of the tragic Mountain Meadows Massacre. *Visitors' Center* Adjacent to the St. George Temple is the St. George Temple Visitors' Center, where missionaries are ready to assist you with tours and questions. Seventy-three different translations of the Book of Mormon are on display. At the end of each display is a two-to-three-minute audio/visual presentation. A diorama of Jerusalem shows the major events in Christ's life with recordings and wall paintings that light up with touch plates. A genealogy chart on one wall shows how Winston Churchill, Joseph and Emma Smith, Richard Nixon, and George Bush all came from same family, and two large theatres show Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and other films. The visitors' center is located at 440 South 300 East and is open daily. Call (435) 673-5181 for more information. *Jacob Hamblin Home* President Young sent Jacob Hamblin to colonize the Santa Clara area near St. George and to establish good relations with the Indians. Mormon craftsmen built his two-story house in 1862. They used local red sandstone and ponderosa pine from Pine Valley. In front of the house sits an original plank wagon, and out back is a stone with Jacob Hamblin's name carved on it along with the date June 16, 1865. On the main floor is a large room that was used for social activities. Among other things, this room contains a bearskin draped across a bench, a loom, and a spinning wheel. The bedrooms, with hot rocks to warm beds, chamber pots for toilets, and photos of Jacob, are upstairs. In the kitchen, a soup and stew cook pot hangs in the fireplace. The pantry displays rocks the area's Native Americans used to grind wheat into flour. The home also contains an ammunition pouch that was given to Jacob by John Wesley Powell. Grafton Ghost Town and Graveyard Educator and author Michael Rutter describes Grafton as one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West. Mormon farmers settled the town in the 1860s to plant cotton, but due to disease, floods, and war with Indians, the town was abandoned in the early 1900s. Several buildings--a red brick church, the two-story Ballard home, and a one-room log cabin--still stand. The town was used as the backdrop for a scene in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. A short distance north of town is an old cemetery enclosed by an iron gate and wire fence. Some of the gravestones are crumbled, but many are still readable. Grafton is three miles from the entrance to Zion National Park, or two miles west of Rockville. *Old Iron Town and Iron Mission State Park Museum* Because of a shortage of iron in Utah, in 1851 President Young called for volunteers to colonize a site near Coal Creek (present day Cedar City), which they named Iron Mission. After seven years of facing Indian troubles, floods, heavy freezes, furnace failure, and a crop shortage, Iron Mission and the foundry closed in 1858, but Cedar City continued to grow. Take a self-guided tour of the charcoal kiln, furnace, and foundry area where only a chimney and rock walls remain. See the large furnace that was never completed, a moulding house, which produced the iron used for the baptismal font and the twelve oxen in the St. George temple, and the Spanish Erasta (grinding stone) where iron ore was reduced in size and used to charge the furnace, and sandstone was ground into sand. The park has a fun museum and a display of old wagons, farm machinery, cabins, and an Indian artifact collection. A diorama based on the descriptions of the original foundry is on display at the park, as is a replication of a frontier kitchen/parlor. There is no camping in the park, but there are places to camp nearby. The museum is located at 635 North Main in Cedar City and is open daily except on major holidays and Sundays, November to February and Labor Day to Memorial, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Summer hours are extended.

New York City

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:58:00 -0600

by Jamie Lawson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The Big Apple pulsates with an exciting, fast-paced rhythm and palpable energy. Amid the frenzy of bumper-to-bumper traffic, bright lights, and crowded sidewalks exists a sophisticated metropolis overflowing with history and culture. It would take a lifetime to explore all that New York City has to offer, but here are some suggestions to help you take a big bite out of the Big Apple. New York City is rich in both American and Church history. It served as the nation's first capital and was the site of the first U.S. bank. Joseph Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Newel K. Whitney, and other early Church leaders visited the city to preach the gospel and conduct Church business. And it was the point of entry for nearly 50,000 emigrant Saints who came to America to join the pioneers on their journey to the west.

New York City played a significant role in the history of the Church, beginning in 1828 when Martin Harris visited scholars there in an attempt to authenticate the writings of the gold plates. The city was introduced to the gospel when Parley P. Pratt arrived as a missionary in 1837. He published 4,000 copies of the pamphlet Voice of Warning and spent six months preaching with little success. He wrote, "Of all the places in which the English language is spoken, I found the City of New York to be the most difficult as to access to the minds or attention of the people." Discouraged, he was ready to leave the city when he received a revelation to stay. In less than a month, Pratt and his companion, Elijah Fordham, began baptizing on almost a daily basis, and fifteen meeting places were established--all filled beyond capacity.

In 1840 the first company of emigrant Latter-day Saints arrived from Liverpool, England. Between 1840 and 1890, an estimated 50,000 European members would pass through New York City before continuing on to the west. On February 4, 1846, The Brooklyn sailed from New York with 235 Latter-day Saints destined for California.

New York City hosted the 1964-1965 World's Fair, and the Church's pavilion there generated great interest in the gospel. Missionaries received nearly one million referrals, and there was a dramatic increase in Church membership in the years that followed. In 1975, President Spencer W. Kimball dedicated the site for a multi-floor building with a new visitors' center, stake center, genealogical library, and headquarters for the New York New York City Mission. In 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced plans to build a temple in the same facility. More than 53,000 people attended the open house of the Manhattan New York Temple, and President Hinckley dedicated it as the 119th temple on June 13, 2004.

Four Places You Must See in New York City

A visit to the Manhattan New York Temple, along with three of the most popular sites in the city, is sure to make your trip unforgettable.

The Manhattan New York Temple

The Manhattan New York Temple is nestled in the heart of the Big Apple and serves as a tranquil haven from the hectic city. Located across the street from the Lincoln Center, the temple glistens among office buildings, shops, and restaurants. It was cleverly adapted from an existing Church facility, with major renovations to provide a soundproof environment for temple patrons.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

From 1892 to 1954, more than twelve million immigrants came to America through Ellis Island in search of freedom and economic opportunity. Today, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum honors the ancestors of more than forty percent of America's population who can trace their roots through this port of entry. Here you can explore three floors of audio/visual displays and exhibits. Check out Island of Hope, Island of Tears, a free movie that features stories from immigrants who came through Ellis Island.

Ground Zero

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as two hijacked airplanes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Nearly 3,000 people died as a result of the events of this tragic day, and Ground Zero sits where the magnificent towers once stood. Pay your respects to those that died at the Wall of Heroes, see the excavated site, and view dramatic photos. Should you choose to visit, be sure to realize that many people consider Ground Zero to be sacred ground.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest museums and an art lover's paradise. Here you can admire more than two million works of art from the far reaches of the globe. This colossal museum boasts more than 3,000 European paintings and has extensive holdings of Egyptian, African, Asian, Byzantine, Medieval, Greek, Roman, and Islamic art. You can also view ancient weapons and armor, musical instruments, lavish costumes, stunning photographs, and several works of modern art.

Times Square and Broadway

Times Square is New York's most famous intersection. Also known as the Crossroads of the World, it serves as the home of the famous New York Times news ticker and the location for the America's biggest New Year's Eve party. Packed with shops, restaurants, billboards, and bright lights, it is an astounding sight that can put your senses into maximum overdrive.

Nearby Broadway offers dozens of incredible performances, including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Stomp, The Color Purple, and many, many more. For discount tickets to a variety of shows, stop by the TKTS booth at Times Square or the one located downtown at the Resnick-Prudential Building. You can purchase tickets for same-day performances--typically at twenty-five or fifty percent off the original price--but you can only pay with cash or travelers checks.

Central Park

Central Park serves as an urban oasis with lush green lawns, lakes, meadows, and thirty stone-and-iron bridges and arches. In it you'll discover the beautiful Bethesda Fountain, the nineteenth-century Belvedere Castle, and several peaceful gardens. The park is also filled with kid-friendly attractions, including twenty-one playgrounds, a carousel, a marionette theater, and a zoo with penguins, seals, and monkeys.

Museums

There are several amazing museums scattered throughout New York City. If you didn't get your fill of art at the Met, spend some time at the Museum of Modern Art or the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. For a journey through history, visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage--A Living Memorial to the Holocaust or the National Museum of the American Indian. The American Museum of Natural History is another star attraction with gigantic dinosaur skeletons and a four-story planetarium.

Historic Landmarks

No visit to the Big Apple would be complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. A gift from France on America's centennial, it has stood as a beacon of freedom for 131 years. If you're not up for the crowds and the long lines, opt for a ride on the Staten Island Ferry instead. You'll have a great view and, best of all, it's free.

The Empire State Building is another must-see for many visitors. The structure has been featured in hundreds of films, making it the most well-known skyscraper in the world. Visit the eighty-sixth floor observatory during the day for a spectacular view. Or wait until nightfall for a dazzling display of city lights.

Family-Friendly Broadway Shows

While New York if brimming with magnificent Broadway productions, many of them are not suitable for children. Thanks primarily to Disney, however, the whole family can have the experience of attending an amazing show. These productions are sure to be hits with family members of all ages:

Beauty and the Beast

This popular musical has charmed more than twenty million people worldwide and has graced Broadway for more than twelve years. Adapted from Disney's Academy Award-winning animated film, it is packed with lavish costumes, eye-popping special effects, and a classic love story. Check out disneyonbroadway.com or call 1-800-755-4000. But hurry! The final performance is July 29.

Mary Poppins

Based on Disney's Academy Award-winning film, this show is filled with toe-tapping, high-flying song-and-dance routines. Relive the magic of the world's most beloved nanny, dance on the rooftops of London, or go fly a kite. For more information visit marypoppins.com or call 1-800-755-4000.

Tarzan

Explore Africa's lush, mysterious jungle in this adventure based on Disney's hit animated film. Filled with the amazing music and lyrics of seven-time Grammy Award winner Phil Collins, this show is guaranteed not to disappoint. Go to tarzanonbroadway.com or call 1-800-755-4000.

The Lion King

You'll be transported to the exotic African savanna in this powerful production filled with brilliant puppetry and soulful music. With what has been described as the most incredible opening in theater history, you'll want to make sure you arrive on time! Visit disneyonbroadway.com or call 1-800-755-4000 to get one of the hottest tickets in town.

Wicked

Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz in this enchanting prequel to The Wizard of Oz. You'll be captivated by the dazzling scenery, spellbinding costumes, and spectacular music. Not recommended for children under eight. Children under four will not be admitted. Check it out at wickedthemusical.com or call 1-800-755-4000.

LDS Pageants

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:40:00 -0600

by Bridget Rees
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Since the days of pioneer children singing as they walked...and walked, our Latter-day Saint culture has been filled with music and entertainment. From road shows, to girls' camp, to Primary programs, to our own world-renowned choir, we've quickly learned that there's more than one effective way to express love for the gospel--and performance works wonderfully. The first pageant, in Palmyra, New York, began in 1935 as a small celebration of the Book of Mormon and has quickly grown into a theatrical phenomenon that welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually from around the globe. The idea rapidly caught on, and now there are also pageants in Canada, California, Arizona, Utah, and Illinois.

Mormon Miracle Pageant

Manti, Utah

June 14-16, 19-23

With a canopy of stars and the backdrop of one of our oldest and most lovely temples to set the stage, an evening enjoying the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, Utah, is a wonderful experience. This pageant tells the story of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his role in the Restoration. The play also demonstrates how those who believed the Prophet's message endured tremendous persecution and eventually, after Joseph Smith's martyrdom, made the sacrifices required in the journey west.

For first time visitors to the Manti pageant, the following tips may be helpful:

* Arrive early for best seating and bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs.

* You can eat dinner at the stake center from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., which is located at 3rd and Main or at the Manti Tabernacle, located at 1st and Main.

* You may want to consider staying overnight, as traffic will be very congested after the production, which ends at 11:15 P.M. You can choose from a local bed and breakfast, a hotel, or a campground, but be sure to make your reservations well in advance (see mormonmiracle.org for some ideas).

Gates open at 6:00 P.M., performance begins at 9:30 P.M. at the temple grounds. Call (888) 255-8860 or check out mormonmiracle.org for more information.

Jesus the Christ Easter Pageant

Mesa, Arizona

March 28-29, and April 3-7

Located on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple is the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world. It certainly has made quite a name for itself and here's why. Ever since 1928, the pageant has been home to over four hundred volunteers who act out the life of Jesus Christ and the Easter story directly from the Bible.

It appeals to all ages and Christian religions with its authentic costumes, state-of-the-art scenery and lighting, and dramatic storyline. Performances are at 8 P.M. Performances in Spanish are held at 8 P.M. on March 30 and 31. For more information, call (480) 964-7164 or visit easterpageant.org.

Hill Cumorah Pageant: America's Witness for Christ

Palmyra, New York

July 13-14, 17-21

The Hill Cumorah Pageant: America's Witness for Christ has been inspiring audiences since 1937. Having now evolved into one of the most spectacular outdoor theatrical performances in the nation, complete with earthquakes, lightening, a thirty-seven-foot erupting volcano, and a cast and crew of over eight hundred, this production will keep you captivated.

The pageant tells the story of the people of the New World, beginning with the account of Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem around 600 B.C. and being guided to the American continent. The show accounts the rise and fall of the ancient inhabitants of this continent and culminates with the awe-inspiring visit of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Pageant president Dwight Schwendiman adds, "Frequently we hear those in the audience remark that they felt something special while watching the show. . . . No one can walk on these sacred grounds and not be moved by the spirit they will feel here."

The show begins at dusk (9:15 P.M.) Parking and admission are free. Call (585) 248-9135 or visit hillcumorah.org for more information on the pageant and nearby lodging.

Castle Valley Pageant

Castle Dale, Utah

August 2-4, 7-11

This ninety-minute historical drama portrays the pioneers who settled the Castle Valley, Utah, area after Brigham Young directed them to leave nearby Sanpete County. Since its humble beginning in 1978 with only five hundred total visitors attending, it has grown greatly in size and popularity to an attendance level of 20,000 in recent years.

The pageant begins with families leaving familiar homes to trek through unknown territories. Once they arrive in Emery County, they must overcome more challenges as they build homes, learn to farm in the dry ground, teach American Indians the gospel, experience heartache, and simply try to endure.

Pageant coordinator Mark Justice explains, "We hope audiences who watch their pageant to remember their pioneer heritage and respect their ancestors. However, the main message of the performance is that families can be together forever. We can see this through the challenges the pioneers overcame."

The show begins at 8:30 P.M. Located at the Castle Valley Pageant Site on Spartan Boulevard. For more information call Mark Justice (435) 687-2234.

The Mormon Handcart Pageant

Nephi, Utah

July 25-28

Many pioneer companies made it to the Salt Lake Valley with relatively few casualties; this was not the case for the pioneers in the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. The Mormon Handcart Pageant tells of the tragic events of treks to Zion, heartbreaking, never-to-be forgotten stories of our pioneer heritage.

The Willie and Martin groups of immigrant Saints set off late in the season only to find themselves in a sorry situation when an early winter sets in. Captains James G. Willie and Edward Martin did their best to ration the scarce food, but extreme fatigue, deadly dysentery, freezing weather, and lack of relief took the lives of these pioneers, one by one. The pageant commemorates the companies and their rescuers.

According to pageant coordinator Brent Boswell, audiences are deeply affected by the experience. "When it's over each night, it's interesting to see how people react; they don't seem to be in a hurry to leave. It's almost like they're trying to absorb something that they worry might go away if they so much as move, but that's the best part: the feeling does not go away. It becomes a part of who we are because it is a part of who we are. Whether you're related to a handcart pioneer or not, this is your story, your heritage, yours to live up to."

The show begins at dusk (9:15 P.M.)and is kocated at the Juab County Fairgrounds Outdoor Arena (350 West Center Street). Pre-pageant activities, which begin at 6:30 P.M., include a pioneer supper, oxen rides, craft shows and demonstrations, and food stands.

Admission is free and no tickets are required. For questions call (435) 623-0196 or see handcartpageant.com.

Martin Harris: The Man Who Knew

Clarkston, Utah

Aug. 3-4, 7-11, 14-17

The Man Who Knew is a historic, musical production held at the Martin Harris Memorial Amphitheater near the Clarkston Cemetery where Martin Harris is buried. The production tells the story of its namesake and his contribution to bringing forth the Book of Mormon.

The amazing details of his experiences in helping to fund the book's publication--despite tremendous opposition, becoming one of the three witnesses of the gold plates, and helping the Prophet Joseph as he translated the work, are all portrayed with vibrant acting and music. He was given the gift of hearing the Lord's voice, as well as the responsibility to bear testimony of the divine origin of the Book of Mormon to all. This he did faithfully until his death in 1875.

The show begins at 8:15 P.M. at the Martin Harris Memorial Amphitheater. Free tickets are available at martinharrispageant.org or by calling (435) 563-5090.

Traditionally, the members of the community provide a barbecue dinner for the hundreds of visitors to their small town. A small fee of $6.50 buys a hearty western barbecue feast! Reservations are required. To reserve your dinner tickets, email clarkstonbbqdinner@comcast.net, and specify on which date you will attend.

The Nauvoo Pageant

Nauvoo, Illinois

July 6-August 3

Though the original City of Joseph pageant in Nauvoo began decades ago, the new Nauvoo Pageant is a relatively new addition to the plethora of pageants around the country. Its debut was in 2005, commemorating the 200th birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Although this pageant is still new, it has all of the features necessary to create a professional and popular performance.

For example, the show takes place along the Mississippi River with the Nauvoo Temple as its backdrop. The full event is free, including pre-show activities such as three-legged races, stick-pulling, crafts, games, and quilting.

The story follows the community of Saints who came together to build Nauvoo. Watch characters such as Joseph and Emma Smith, Heber C. Kimball, and Brigham Young. Discover the American ideal of Nauvoo and join in this tribute of Joseph Smith.

This pageant plays Tuesday through Saturday nights. Pre-show activities begin at 7:00 P.M.; the pageant begins at 8:45 P.M.

Top Five for Family Travel

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 16:14:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Bretton Woods Mountain Resort overlooks Mount Washington and is the fastest growing ski resort in New England. With 101 trails and glades, this huge resort is perfect for skiers and boarders of all levels. There are skiing and snowboarding lessons for children as well. See brettonwoods.com for more information. Ski Resorts

1. Bretton Woods; Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Bretton Woods Mountain Resort overlooks Mount Washington and is the fastest growing ski resort in New England. With 101 trails and glades, this huge resort is perfect for skiers and boarders of all levels. There are skiing and snowboarding lessons for children as well. See brettonwoods.com for more information.

2. Copper Mountain; Summit County, Colorado

Copper Mountain is perfect for fun-loving families with activities such as snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling. You can select the skiing or snowboarding lesson best for you, whether you want to work on your turns, build confidence, or join a group. There are exciting, seasonal programs for kids from ages three and up. Check out coppercolorado.com.

3. Northstar at Tahoe; Truckee, California

Northstar at Tahoe has several runs designed for all levels. Adults and children can join group lessons or sign up for private lessons. The resort also has a Minor’s Camp, where children as young as three can play in the snow and learn how to ski. Go to northstarattahoe.com.

4. Okemo Mountain Resort; Ludlow, Vermont

Okemo is a family friendly resort with amazing runs and great family pricing deals. Lessons are offered for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. See okemo.com to find out more.

5. Park City Mountain Resort; Park City, Utah

Park City, the home of many of the 2002 Olympic events, is great for non-Olympians, too. The resort has 104 trails as well as terrain parks and a superpipe for snowboarders. Enroll your kids in the Mountain School and make it a great afternoon for the whole family. Go to parkcitymountain.com to learn more.

Water Parks

1. Schlitterbahn; New Braunfels, Texas

Schlitterbahn has held the best waterpark titles for years and for a good reason, too. For example, the park has a mile-long Raging River chute, a 1,000-foot-long water caster, and a cool natural spring. For more information, check out schlitterbahn.com.

2. Wet ‘n Wild; Orlando, Florida

Wet ‘n Wild was the world’s first modern water park and has kept its reputation ever since. The Bomb Bay is a near-vertical ride for daredevils and Hydra Fighter lets back-to-back riders on swings battle with water cannons. Go to wetnwild.com to find out more.

3. Noah’s Ark; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Noah’s Ark, at 70 acres, is the nation’s largest water park. Some of the favorite rides are Time Warp, the world’s largest “family bowl” ride and Black Anaconda, a quarter-mile-long water coaster reaching top speeds of 30 m.p.h. See noahsarkwaterpark.com.

4. Splashin’ Safari; Santa Claus, Indiana

Splashin’ Safari combines family fun with exciting rides: wave pools, play areas, and the ten-story-tall Zoombabwe, the world’s tallest enclosed slide. It’s next door to the amusement park Holiday World. Check out holidayworld.com.

5. Water World; Denver, Colorado

Water World combines raft journeys with “dark ride” storylines, with robots and other theatrics. Ride The Screamin’ Mimi, a toboggan that plunges into a pool. Play with the kids at Wally World. Go to waterworldcolorado.com to learn more.

Golf Courses

1. Pine Valley Golf Club; Clementon, New Jersey

Pine Valley is a difficult place to find and is therefore extremely private. But those who do venture there say it is one of the world’s finest courses, with its beautiful woodlands. Call (865) 309-3203.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links; Pebble Peach, California

Pebble Beach is probably the best known course in the United States. Located in the rocky shores of California, the course has narrow fairways and frequent wind, so bring the proper club. Go to pebblebeach.com for more information.

3. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club; Southampton, New York

Shinnecock Hills had the first clubhouse in America and was the first clubhouse to admit women members. The terrain on Long Island’s southern shore gives the course a lot of variety. Also, Atlantic winds make playing quite a challenge. Call (631) 283-3525.

4. Augusta National Golf Club; Augusta, Georgia

Augusta is home to the Masters each spring and has three of the sport’s toughest and most famous holes, known as “Amen Corner.” Play like a pro on your trip to Georgia. Call (706) 667-6719.

5. Pinehurst Country Club; Pinehurst, North Carolina

Pinehurst has eight courses and more holes than any other resort. If you’re up for taking the scenic route, Course No. 1 is the most picturesque with its tree-lined fairways and various bunkers. Check out pinehurst.com to find out more.

Theme Parks

1. Cedar Point; Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point, known as the roller coaster capital of the world, has sixteen roller coasters, including the three of the world’s best rides. If you love roller coasters, you’ve come to the right place. There are also carousels, children’s rides, circular rides, and tranquil rides for those who are seeking less of a thrill. See cedarpoint.com to learn more.

2. The Islands of Adventure; Orlando, Florida

The Islands of Adventure is the spot for daredevils of all ages. You can travel to any of these five incredible islands: Marvel Super Hero Island, The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, and Toon Lagoon. With Steven Spielberg as a creative consultant, you’ll never know what to expect! Check out universalorlando.com.

3. Six Flags Magic Mountain; Valencia, California

Six Flags Magic Mountain has the largest collection of roller coasters on the planet, with seventeen world-class roller coasters. Ride Tatsu, the longest, tallest, fastest flying coaster on earth. To see more, go to sixflags.com.

4. Holiday World; Santa Claus, Indiana

Holiday World, in its fifty years of business, has set standards for the theme park industry due to its beautiful grounds and friendliness. From family rides to thrill rides, there’s something for everyone. You can also enjoy musical shows. For more information, go to holidayworld.com.

5. Busch Gardens; Williamsburg, Virginia

Busch Gardens is the perfect place for families to relax and have fun after visiting historic Williamsburg. The park is designed after European attractions so your family can travel the globe in just one day. Go to buschgardens.com/bgw to see more.

Beaches

1. Fleming Beach; Kapalua, Maui

Fleming Beach is a white stretch of sand located in front of the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua. You can swim in the summer and surf during the wintertime. The hotel rents snorkeling gear and boogie boards.

2. Caladesi Island Stake Park; Florida

Caladesi Island is the second best natural beach in the nation and can be reached by a ferry. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and beachcombing. Watch wildlife or go kayaking. Check out floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland.

3. Ocracoke Island; North Carolina

Ocracoke Island is accessible only by air or water and is one of the barrier islands in the Outer Banks. With sixteen miles of wild beaches, the possibilities for fun are endless. Visit the quaint village of Ocracoke on the south part of the island for some sightseeing. See ocracoke-nc.com.

4. Main Beach; East Hampton, New York

Main Beach is the highlight of East Hampton, with dunes, surf, and terrific fireworks on Independence Day. The beach is known for its beautiful scenery: windmills, ponds with swans, and colonial homes. However, summer lodgings are pricey.

5. Coronado Beach; San Diego, California

Coronado Beach is popular among locals, families, and tourists. Besides the obvious water activities, visitors can play beach volleyball, explore tide pools, or fly kites. There is also a bike path nearby. Watch for migrating whales in early winter.

National Parks

1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Three Rivers, California

Both of these parks have giant sequoias, however Sequoia is more accessible for casual visitors. Go hiking on Congress or River Trail. Be sure to check out General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest sequoia at 275 feet tall. Go to nps.gok/seki.

2. Gettysburg National Military Park; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

It was here that the Union and Confederate soldiers fought the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, resulting in 51,000 deaths. Take the self-guided tour to see various attractions with your family. Check out nps.gov/gett to learn more.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway; North Carolina, Virginia

Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited unit within the National Park System, due to its age-old beauty of the southern Appalachians. This 469-mile road connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Go to nps.gov/blri.

4. Yosemite National Park; California

Yosemite is a natural wonderland in the Sierra Nevada due to the work of giant glaciers during the ice age. Enjoy the waterfalls, meadows, and sequoia forests. Visit Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. See nps.gov/yose to find out more.

5. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; Hawaii

If you’re eager to get close to an active volcano, be sure to stop by the Big Island. Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two of the most active volcanoes in the world. The park stretches from sea level to Mauna Loa’s snowy peak. Check out nps.gov/havo.

Museums and Galleries

1. Smithsonian Institute; Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian is the largest research and museum complex in the world, with sixteen museums and galleries. Start off with a plan to see a couple exhibits at two or three museums and wear comfortable shoes! Go to si.edu/museums to learn more.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art; New York City, New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere with some 142 million items from around the world. The main attraction is Adam and Eve, the famous engraving by Albrecht Dürer. See metmuseum.org.

3. Museum of Fine Arts; Boston, Massachusetts

The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, and has over one million visitors each year. The exhibits range from ancient Egyptian to contemporary. Go to mfa.org for more information.

4. American Museum of Natural History; New York City, New York

Head to the American Museum of Natural History to learn more about the natural world and its inhabitants. Be sure to tour the various halls—culture, mammal, bird, fossil, etc. This museum has interactive exhibits that are great for curious kids. To learn more, go to amnh.org.

5. Oakland Museum of California; Oakland, California

If you live in or love California, you’ll have a great time in Oakland. The Oakland Museum of California explores California art, the complex history of the state, and its natural beauty. For additional information, go to museumca.org.

Scenic Drives

1. Pacific Highway 1; San Luis Obispo to Monterey, California

This route runs nearly the entire length of the state’s western coast. The twists and turns above the Pacific Ocean are exciting and driving through redwood forests, sunny grasslands, and oak woodlands is beautiful.

2. Route 93; Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada to Sonora Desert, Arizona

If you’re up for an unforgettable journey, begin in the Canadian Rockies and drive deep into the Arizona desert. You might get tired of stopping to see the endless panoramas. Watch the terrain as it changes from state to state.

3. Dalton Highway; Fairbanks, Alaska to Arctic Ocean

Leave civilization behind for 240 miles and journey across Alaska. Grab some food and a quick nap before you take off and don’t forget an emergency kit. Then again, who wouldn’t want to be stranded in the breathtaking Arctic tundra?

4. Kancamagus Highway; Lincoln to Conway, New Hampshire

Travel east to west on this short drive. Expect switchbacks and hiking trails along the way. If you like to fish, make a stop at the Upper Greeley Pond, a great spot for speckled trout.

5. Route 100; Stamford to Newport, Vermont

Find paradise within the Green Mountain National Forest. This route was designed to follow the natural inclinations of the eastern valleys. You won’t find any fast food stops; instead, get a bite to eat at an antique inn or fruit stand.

Views

1. Grand Canyon; Arizona

As biggest and most spectacular canyon on earth, it’s no wonder that the Grand Canyon has a beautiful vista. It’s 1 mile deep, 10 miles wide, and covers over 1 million acres. Find the best views along the South Rim and the Park Loop Drive.

2. Niagara Falls; United States and Canada

Niagara Falls is actually made up of three different falls from the Niagara River. About 700,000 gallons of water drop over the 184-foot cliffs every second. The best views are from the Canadian side. Or you can take the “Maid of the Mist” boat right up to the base of the falls.

3. San Francisco Bay; California

There’s little more American than the Golden Gate Bridge. Stand along the edge of the harbor and watch the glowing bridge at nighttime. Or, if you like, look for it when you’re on the airplane.

4. Manhattan Skyline; New York

New York City likely has the world’s most recognized skyline with soaring buildings and two clusters, midtown and downtown. Look west in the morning and east in the late afternoon. The best views are from the 86^th and the 102^nd floors of the Empire State Building.

5. Waimea Bay; Hawaii

Waimea Bay curves along Oahu’s volcanic coastline, opening up on the west side of the island. This wide bay seems to go on forever to the horizon. Admire the view from the large rock out in the water or while driving past the beach.

International

1. Paris, France

Nothing says sophistication like Paris. Take pictures under the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame and spend hours in the Louvre. Walk down Champs Elysees and take time to notice the quaint cafes along the way.

2. Mayan Riviera, Mexico

The Mayan Riviera, stretching from Cancun to Tulum, is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Your family will love the tropical beaches, ancient ruins, and the marine and wildlife around. Go snorkeling at the Great Mayan Reef, the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.

3. Tuscany, Italy

The central part of Italy is home to Florence, Siena, Pisa, and San Gimigano. There are hundreds of places for you to see in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany. The highlights include Michelangelo’s “David,” The Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Piazza del Campo.

4. Breezes Costa do Sauipe, Brazil

Head south to Brazil for the beautiful beach and culture. Take a canoe trip down the Sauipe River or visit the historic city of Salvador. This resort has plenty of activities for children and adults. The fun never ends in Brazil.

5. Quebec Winter Carnival, Canada

The largest winter carnival in the world is held in Canada from late January to mid-February. Activities include a snow bath, night parades, slide runs, a giant football game, snow sculptures, sleigh rides, and ice fishing. See the wonderful city of Quebec while you’re there.

Holiday Destinations

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 14:34:00 -0700

by Jordan Marie Williams
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: For the November/December Destinations, we're taking you on a journey around the globe to ten cities with Christmas lights at the temples. After taking in the things to do and see in each city, you and your family can relax and enjoy the beautiful backdrop of a Christmas temple scene.

Washington D.C.

The Washington D.C. Temple will feature its Festival of Lights from November 30 through January 2. Each night there will be a live nativity scene and two musical or dance performances. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy Christmas films as well as the new film, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, located near the National Mall in downtown D.C., tells the history of the rise and fall of the Nazis and the treatment of Jews during Holocaust. The exhibit includes over 900 artifacts, seventy video monitors, and four theaters documenting historic film footage and eyewitness testimonies. Each visitor receives a booklet of one survivor or victim and is encouraged to read more about that person’s life. The museum is recommended for visitors over eleven years of age, and there is also a children’s exhibit. Admission is free, but tickets need to be reserved ahead of time. First time visitors are recommended to spend two to three hours on the self-guided tour

If you’re feeling patriotic, take a drive to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. Head eight miles south to Alexandria, then continue another eight miles to Mount Vernon. This Georgian style home was built by the Washingtons in 1735 and served as President Washington’s home for forty-five years. Now a National Historic Landmark, Mount Vernon is surrounded by gardens and forty acres of woods. You can take a tour of the restored mansion which still houses much of the original furniture and family relics. Take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the view of the Potomac River. Mount Vernon is open daily and free for visitors.

Take a monument tour through our country’s capital to wrap up your trip. Bus tours are easy to find throughout the downtown area and cover a wide range of monuments. Don’t miss the highlights: the Arlington National Cemetery, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Also, make a stop at the World War II Memorial, the newest addition to D.C.

Need a Place to Stay?

The Hilton Silver Spring is just two miles from the Washington, D.C. Temple and a ten-minute metro ride to the city. Each room is well furnished and decorated with the best materials. The hotel also has two restaurants and live jazz. Rates start at $179.00.

The Ramada Limited Silver Spring is just three miles from the temple and eight miles from the city. Guestrooms have wireless Internet access and cable TV. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast and guest laundry facilities. The average rate is $117.00.

Just seven miles north of downtown Washington, D.C., the Days Inn at Silver Spring is a less-expensive alternative to lodging in the area. The rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV and Internet access. The hotel also has a pool. The rate for a standard room is $65.00.

Salt Lake City, Utah

The famous Christmas lights at Salt Lake City’s Temple Square are scheduled to be turned on the day after Thanksgiving. The nearby assembly hall hosts different performances each evening at 5:30. There is also a live nativity scene in the courtyard for visitors to enjoy. Don’t miss the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Sunday, December 3, or the annual Christmas concerts featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, and the Bells on Temple Square held Thursday through Saturday, December 14–16. The performance on December 14 will be a dress rehearsal beginning at 8:00 p.m. And the performances on December 15 and 16 will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Kennecott Copper Mine is the world’s largest man-made excavation, located in the Oquirrh mountains, just twenty-eight miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The mine is so large that it can be seen from space shuttles. It’s also ranked as the second largest copper producer in the United States, providing fifteen percent of the nation’s copper needs. Check out the visitors’ center, which has interactive exhibits, 3D models, historical pictures, and a fourteen-minute documentary about the mine. Kennecott is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cost is $4 per car.

You can’t come to Utah and not ski. You’ll find the best snow up Little Cottonwood Canyon at Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts. For the 2005–2006 season, Skiing magazine ranked the neighbors as the number one resort in the United States for the fourth straight year. Snowbird in six miles up the canyon and hosts both skiers and boarders; Alta is just another two miles up the road and is for skiers only. If you’re traveling from the airport, take I-80 east to I-215 southbound. Get off at Exit 6 (6200 South) and head east then south. The road veers east and takes you right up Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Located on Temple Square, the Family History Library is the largest genealogical library in the world, with over two billion names on file. People of all faiths and countries visit the library. You can even take the names you find across the street to the temple. The library is open on Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday until 9:00 p.m.

Need a Place to Stay?

The Grand America Hotel, located in downtown Salt Lake, is considered the “Best Hotel in Utah.” With its world-class spa, indoor and outdoor pools, the Grand America offers you a luxurious stay. There is also twenty-four-hour room service, a complimentary airport shuttle, and a fitness center. During the Christmas season, one night goes for around $300.
The Hilton Salt Lake City Center is less than three blocks from Temple Square and a short walk from three downtown shopping centers. The rooms come with high-speed Internet access, great city views, down comforters, and pay movies. The hotel is also home to an indoor lap pool with indoor and outdoor decks. Rates start at $159.00.

The Inn at Temple Square is right across the street from Temple Square and offers great views of the temple from nearly every room. Rooms come with complimentary high-speed Internet access, cable TV and movies for rent, and spacious bathrooms equipped with plush terry cloth bathrobes and oversized towels. A standard room costs $99.00 per night.

Oakland, California

The Oakland Temple lighting ceremony takes place on November 25, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The temple’s cultural arts committee will set up “The Days of Christmas,” performances of choirs, singers, and dramatists. Every evening throughout the season, there will be activities to add a bit of holiday spirit. Also be sure to enjoy the Temple Hill Choir, a live nativity scene, and special dance groups.

One of the world’s best chocolate shops anywhere is located across the Bay Bridge in San Francisco. Head to Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc. in the Ferry Building Marketplace. Scharffen Berger specializes in dark chocolate made with the finest ingredients. They boast unique flavors made from beans taken from different regions around the world. With a wide variety of chocolate to match any taste, Scharffen Berger chocolate may help to calm tourist anxiety.

The Oakland Museum of California is dedicated to the state’s art, history, and environment. Known for its beautiful architecture, the museum includes natural history dioramas, an art gallery, and exhibits spanning the history of California. Travel in time from the pre-European world of native peoples, to the technological world of today. Located on 10^th and Oak Street, the museum is a great place to learn about the heritage of California. Prices are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Go to museumca.org for hours.

Visit Old Oakland, also known as Victorian Row, where buildings date back to the 1860s and 1880s. Take a short walk around the two square blocks and admire the simplicity of the past. On Fridays, buy some veggies at the Farmers’ Market then head over to the Housewives’ Market at Jefferson and 8^th Streets for a range of ethnic foods. For dinner visit Rattos, an Italian deli located on 827 Washington Street, where waiters sing the “Pasta Operas” on Friday and Saturday nights.

Need a Place to Stay?

The Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown is located in downtown Oakland, just one block from China Town. The hotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. The rooms come with high-speed Internet access, cable TV, and pay movies. The average price is $189.00.

Just five miles from the Oakland Temple, the Rose Garden Inn is set among rose gardens near the University of California, Berkeley. The rooms are individually decorated with antique-reproduction furniture and fireplaces. The hotel has a buffet breakfast and free cookies throughout the day. The rates start at $127.00 per night.

The Jack London Inn is located in historic Jack London Square, just half a block from the bay. The hotel has a complimentary continental breakfast and a lobby work station. Rates are $76.86 per night.

London, England

Christmas lights at the London Temple grounds are turned on December 1. Choral performances are free to the public on the five days leading up to Christmas. There is also a nativity scene and extended temple hours for patrons.

After the morning rush, catch a matinee at the Palace Theatre, located at Cambridge Circus on Shaftesbury Avenue. This ornate building once housed the Royal English Opera House. It became a music hall for many of England’s famous performers and survived the London air raids during World War II. Now, the theater is a popular site for musicals, such as The Sound of Music and Les Miserables.

If you love antiques, London is the place for you. Take the tube to the London Bridge stop for one of the world’s best flea and antique markets, the Bermondsey (New Caledonian) Market, located on Long Lane and Bermondsey Street. The market attracts serious collectors, antique dealers, and haggling tourists from all over the world. Antiques range from silverware to paintings and furniture. Year round, dealers open their stalls at dawn on Fridays, so make sure to be there before 9:00 a.m. for the best bargains.

Take a trip through two thousands years of history on a Thames River boat ride. You’ll pass by several of London’s important landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, The Royal National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. No matter what time of year you visit London, the boat rides will be running. The tour guides offer a historical overview during your ride as well as discounts for family groups.

Copenhagen, Denmark

You can see the Christmas lights and the beautiful nativity scene in the garden at the Copenhagen Temple starting from the beginning of December. If you’re planning on visiting the temple, remember to bring your own attire since this temple doesn’t rent clothes.

Remember the fairytale The Little Mermaid? Copenhagen is famous for its statue of Den Lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid) at Langelinie on the harbor. The small statue was erected in 1913 to commemorate Hans Christian Andersen’s story. Since then, thousands have come to Copenhagen to see the girl and remember the story’s Danish history.

Vor Frue Kirke, or The Church of Our Lady, is famous for its statues by Bertel Thorvaldsen (who did Christ and the Apostles). The small church near Copenhagen University is home to the famous Christus statue, which served as the original for the Christus statues in LDS visitors’ centers. Also, the funerals of Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard were held in this locale. The church is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Need a break from sightseeing? Walk to the Tivoli Gardens, the world-famous gardens and amusement park in the center of Copenhagen. Since its founding in 1843, some 270 million people have visited the gardens. Enjoy the variety of flowers, the merry-go-round of Viking ships, and the classic Ferris wheel. There is also an Arabian-style palace to visit. If you’re around for the weekend, don’t miss the changing of the guard at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Mesa, Arizona

Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas lights at the Mesa Arizona Temple will be one of the main points of interest in the Mesa/Phoenix area. A pool reflects the temple and lights for an ideal Christmas picture, and there is a special program each night.

The Mesa Southwest Museum is Arizona’s premier museum of cultural and natural history. It boasts the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the state. Besides checking out the fossils, visitors can search for lost treasure, pan for gold, and visit a Spanish mission. Travel through Dinosaur Mountain, the Native Peoples gallery, and many other exhibits, until you reach present-day Mesa. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prices are $4 for kids and $8 for adults.

If you’re feeling up to par, go golfing at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. Arizona is known for its excellent golf courses and Dobson Ranch is no exception. The eighteen-hole championship course features mature landscaping and large greens. The course is challenging, but enjoyable, and available for play for just a small fee. Dobson Ranch is located a short drive from the Mesa Temple. Just head south from the temple to US-60 West toward Phoenix. Take the Dobson Road exit and drive until you get to 2155 South Dobson Road. Schedule your tee time a week in advance by calling (480) 644-2291.

There’s no better way to end the day than to cool off with a paddleboat ride on the Desert Belle. This paddleboat chugs through Saguaro Lake, just thirty miles northeast of downtown Mesa, and takes visitors on a ninety minute ride. On the way, you can see wildlife, spanning canyon walls, and beautiful desert vistas. Pick a private and public tour, both running at 12:30 Wednesday through Saturday during the winter months. For more information, go to saguarolake.net.

Need a Place to Stay?

The Phoenix Mesa Marriott is right next to the Mesa Temple and adjacent to Mesa’s Centennial Center. The rooms include high-speed Internet, video game consoles, and satellite TV. The hotel also offers a fitness center, outdoor pool and spa tub, sundeck, and a restaurant. Prices start at $159.00.

Just half a mile from Fiesta Mall, the Fairfield Inn has an outdoor pool and spa tub. Rooms also come with cable TV and pay movies, as well as high-speed Internet access. The average price is about $109.00.

The Days Inn Mesa is just four miles from downtown Mesa and one mile from Golfland-Sunsplash Water Park, a great place to take the kids for a relaxing day. The hotel also has a swimming pool, spa tub, sauna, and fitness room. The rooms come with wireless Internet access, cable TV, and a complimentary breakfast. Rates start at $75.00.

Los Angeles, California

The lights turn on Saturday, November 25. On the grounds you’ll find an interactive nativity scene with live animals and inside the visitors’ center is a collection of Christmas trees and nativity scenes from around the world. Also, throughout the entire month of December, you can enjoy musical numbers from professional groups as well as stake and ward choirs.

For a quick bite to eat, make a stop at Sweet Lady Jane, one of the world’s best patisseries. Located on Melrose Avenue, this bakery has a menu that ranges from sandwiches made from rosemary bread to L.A.’s best brownies. Also, try a bite of their lemon meringue tarts and flourless chocolate cake. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Just twenty minutes away from Los Angeles is one of the world’s top ten gardens. Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge is a paradise with more than 100,000 plants and one of the world’s largest collections of camellias. Be sure to see the Japanese garden and the International Rosarium, home to thousands of roses from countries around the world, and the kids will love riding the Descano Gardens Enchanted Railroad on a mini-diesel train. Visit descanso.org for more information.

If you’re wandering around Hollywood Boulevard, don’t forget to stop by the Hollywood Wax Museum, one of the most popular locations in the city housing hundreds of lifelike wax sculptures of celebrities and other well-known figures. The museum is open everyday from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. You can buy tickets online at hollywoodwax.com.

Need a Place to Stay?

The Century Wilshire is a hidden European-style treasure in a trendy neighborhood. The hotel features a garden courtyard, outdoor pool, and Continental breakfast. The rooms are all individually decorated with traditional furnishings from the 1950s. The average rate is $171.43.

Just eight miles from LAX, the Royal Palace Westwood provides a complimentary breakfast and shuttle service. The guestrooms include balconies or patios and high-speed Internet access. Prices start at $104.00.

Right next to the temple, the Travelodge Los Angeles West is five miles from the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, and UCLA. Rooms come with refrigerators, and cable TVs. Guests are treated with a complimentary continental breakfast and free parking. Rates go from $74.00 per night.

Hamilton, New Zealand

Christmas lights turn on December 13, with a choir performance and possibly some local civic leaders to help flip the switch. Be sure to see the nativity scene and the visitors’ center.

After seeing the lights, take a side trip to Rotorua, a city a little over an hour southeast of Hamilton. Take the kids to various playgrounds, including the Lakefront Volcanic Playground, or take a walk on any part of the city’s sixteen miles of trails. There are also botanical gardens with bubbling mud pools. Rotorua is a good place to learn more about the Maori culture, with several exhibits of different sheep breeds and woodcarving demonstrations.

If you choose to travel north rather than south, take a trip to Auckland. Just take the SH 39 for eight kilometers and the SH 1 for around 100 km. In Auckland, you’ll find an extinct volcano called Mount Eden that you can climb, the Auckland City Art Gallery with some of New Zealand’s best art, and the Museum of Transport and Technology, an interactive museum for all ages.

If you decide to stick around Hamilton, don’t miss the Hamilton Zoo, which houses over 440 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Hamilton Zoo also has the largest walk-through aviary in Australia, which is landscaped with native New Zealand plants. The zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, go to hamiltonzoo.co.nz.

St. George, Utah

See the lights from the day after Thanksgiving until the end of the Christmas season. While you’re in the area, you can also visit the nativity scene in front of the temple.

For some of the world’s oldest and best-preserved dinosaur tracks, visit the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm (2180 East Riverside). In 2000, farmer Sheldon Johnson discovered some Jurassic tracks on his farm dating back 205 million years. Take a walk through 2,000 tracks made by several kinds of dinosaurs, ancient crocodilians, fish, and other animals. The Discovery Site is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Snow Canyon State Park is a great place for year-round hiking, biking, and camping. Just eleven miles northwest of St. George, Snow Canyon has several trails among volcanic lava rock and sand dunes which are especially popular among children. If you’re daring enough, go rock climbing on the red Navajo rock walls. Planning to camp? Reserve a spot at utah.com/stateparks.

Believe it or not, some of the best pioneer sites are located in St. George, Utah. You can tour through Brigham Young’s winter home (200 North 100 West), from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the winter time. His home is surrounded by other pioneer homes including Orson Pratt, Thomas Judd, and William Bentley. The homes have been turned into the Green Gate Village Historic Inn, where families can rent a room during their stay. In the town center you’ll find the St. George Tabernacle, nicknamed “The Jewel of the Desert.”

Need a Place to Stay?

The Green Gate Village Inn is a collection of restored early Victorian homes located in old St. George. The guest rooms are decorated in the Victorian style (with a few modern conveniences), and the hotel houses has a Victorian parlor, reception and meeting rooms, and a general store with a lunch counter. The nightly rates go from $139.00.

Just one mile from the St. George Temple is the Best Western Abbey Inn. A complimentary full breakfast is served in the mornings, and the property includes a pool, children’s pool, and oversized spa. Prices start at $83.66.

The Best Western Travel Inn has a courtyard setting and extra large family rooms. The hotel also has a swimming pool, indoor spa, cable TV, and deluxe breakfast bar. Located just a few blocks from the St. George Temple, This hotel is at the great price of $54.90 per night.

Each of these ten cities is unique in so many ways, but they share one thing in common: a beautiful temple and sparkling Christmas lights for the season. Enjoy your stay!

San Diego

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 05:49:00 -0600

by Kim Grant
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Once a land where lighthouses protected its coast and missions nestled in its hills, San Diego is a now a city where the old and new sit side by side to remind visitors of both its humble beginning and its modern influence.

The area now know as San Diego was discovered by the Spanish in 1602, when Sebastian Vizcaino arrived with his flagship the San Diego and explored the harbor that is now Mission Bay. But it was not until 1769 that the first Mission San Diego de Alcala was officially founded on Presidio Hill, the first of twenty-one Spanish missions to be established along the California coast. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, San Diego came under Mexican rule for about twenty-five years.

But the Spaniards and Mexicans were not the only influence on this early town. In January 1847 another group of soldiers arrived in the San Diego area. They were members of the Mormon Battalion, a military group formed under the direction of Brigham Young on orders of the American President, James Polk, to help fight in the Mexican/American War.

In July 1846 this ragtag group of men, along with sixteen of the officers’ families, followed a southwestern route to the coast to complete what would be the longest march in military history. They encountered no battle with opposing forces, though a group of wild bulls caused them a few injuries. But no lives were lost and they were able to arrive and begin a mission of another type: the early colonization of what would soon be California.

From there, many of the men went on to help build nearby forts, both in Los Angeles and San Diego. Others joined John Sutter in northern California. By 1848, most had returned to their families who had already arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, but along the way they had built houses, tilled the land, and planted farms. And they had brought with them their faith.

Church growth in California had begun but would follow a slow path. Missionary work was attempted in 1849, but temporarily abandoned due to the Utah War. In 1850 when California applied for statehood, it was suggested by Brigham Young and other leaders that the State of Deseret (Utah) be combined with California, but it never came to fruition. Plural marriage at this time became a controversial issue for the Church on a national level, and California found itself sheltering many Mormon exiles and even petitioned Congress to accept the Saints. It was partly through these efforts that Utah established its own statehood in 1896.

The early twentieth century saw rapid growth of the Church in California. By mid-century, over thirty stakes had been formed and in 1990, San Diego was among the top ten U.S. counties with the largest Latter-day Saint communities. Today there are over 60,000 members in San Diego County.

A city of contrasts, of the old reflecting the new, San Diego should be visited not just for its theme parks and beaches, but for its historical offerings as well. Here we reveal the best of both worlds in a guide to help you make sure your trip is complete.

Four Places You Must See in San Diego

Though it may be tempting to spend all of your time basking in the sun at one of San Diego’s thirty beaches, here are a few other sights you’ll want to see.

San Diego Temple

The design and brilliantly white exterior alone are more than worth the ten-minute trip up from Old Town, not to mention the stunning interior.

Saints in Southern California as well as Mexico contributed to the beautification of the grounds before the temple was dedicated in April 1993. Primary children especially helped, watering flowers to be used on the site and in Mexico, handcrafting a rug for the First Presidency to stand on when they laid the cornerstone.

Old Town

The birthplace of San Diego, the Old Town State Historic Park, will bring you back to the life that existed here until the mid-1800s. You can spend the good part of a day walking around the historic replicas of shops and businesses. Don’t miss the statue honoring members of the Mormon Battalion, built on what was once Fort Stockton, and the Mormon Battalion Museum itself. It’s all free of charge.

Parking can be a little challenging. Consider taking the Old Town Trolley or there’s even a walking tour that leaves at 2:00 p.m. daily from the visitors center.

Balboa Park

This is no simple park we’re talking about here. It boasts walkways, gardens, historical buildings, museums, restaurants, and an ornate pavilion with one of the world’s largest outdoor organs (not to mention the San Diego Zoo). Many of the buildings were built for the Panama-California International Exposition held in 1915. El Prado, the park’s main street, and the distinctive Spanish-Mediterranean buildings are a photographer’s paradise. And if you’re a Shakespeare buff, don’t miss the replica of the Old Globe Theatre.

San Diego Scenic Drive

Ask for a map of the 59-mile San Diego Scenic Drive at the Visitor

Information Center for a perfect introduction to this exciting city.

In three hours, you can see many of the most important sights in

San Diego, but with twenty-seven stops along the way, it’d be best to

devote a whole day to allow for exploration and pictures.

Follow the road signs with the white seagull on a yellow-and-blue

background so that you don’t get lost.

San Diego Beaches

With seventy miles of beautiful coastline, San Diego is home to more

than thirty sandy beaches. Del Mar, one of the most popular beach

communities, offers numerous beaches, horseracing, fairgrounds, and

a picturesque village. Mission Beach is the center of the Strand, a

continuous two-mile stretch of beach.

Sea World

A trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without a day at

Sea World. Arrive early so you can beat the crowds on the

thrilling Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids rides.

Then have a game plan prepared to make sure you get in as

many shows as possible. Show times vary seasonally, so visit

seaworld.com or call 1-800-25-SHAMU before you go.

You won’t want to miss the dolphins, sea lions and, of course,

Shamu. Show times often overlap and seating can be first come/first

serve during the height of the season. Be sure to catch the

Cirque de la Mar, Sea World’s answer to the popular Las

Vegas spectacular Cirque de Soleil.

Broadway Pier

Often used for special events, Broadway Pier offers Harbor Excursion

walking tours and river shuttles. Just north of the pier is the Cruise Ship

Terminal, where majestic international cruise ships make their ports.

Past the terminal, you’ll reach a national historical landmark: Star of India,

the world’s oldest ship that still makes annual sea journeys.

South of Broadway Pier, you’ll find Navy Pier, where ships dock and

conduct free tours. Also located at Navy Pier is the museum which holds

the aircraft carrier, Midway.

Coronado Bay Bridge

Drive across the Coronado Bay Bridge, a 2.2-mile-long bridge with a

200-foot clearance that allows the tallest of ships from the nearby

naval station to pass. In 1970, this bridge captured the “Most Beautiful

Bridge” Award of Merit from the American Institute of Steel Construction

due to its graceful curve and sturdy towers.

Spanning five lanes, the Coronado Bay Bridge links Coronado Island

and the city of San Diego. It divides San Diego Bay into the North/Central

Bay and the South San Diego Bay. For a breath of fresh air, take this

route to Coronado, a quaint seaside town (with terrific beaches of its own)

just a few miles away from downtown San Diego.

San Diego Zoo

More than 3,500 animals call this world-famous zoo home. Officially

opened in 1916, the zoo was started with only a handful of animals

that had been brought for an exposition. Today the most famous

residents of the zoo are a pair of giant pandas received from the

People’s Republic of China. The zoo is also a botanical museum,

representing more than 6,500 species of flora from climate zones

all over the world. In fact, some of the plants are worth more than

the animals.

A children’s zoo is scaled down to cater to a child’s perspective and

there is a petting area where kids can cuddle up to sheep, goats, and

other more common creatures.

Utah Valley

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 04:51:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Once called the "Garden City" because of its fruit orchards, trees, and gardens, Utah Valley’s center, Provo, is bordered to the west with a serene lake, and to the east with towering, snow-capped peaks.

Thousands of Latter-day Saint pioneers trekked over the rough terrain of Indian Territory in 1847. Even trail guides and mountain men had little information concerning the road ahead of them. The Saints had no idea where their final destination would be, but they faithfully followed their leader and prophet, Brigham Young. On July 24, 1847, the wagons rolled into what is now known as the Salt Lake Valley and Brigham Young said, “It is enough. This is the right place. Move on.”

At least sixty thousand Mormon pioneers crossed the plains into Utah in 236 pioneer companies. After turning the barren land into the oasis we know as Salt Lake City, President Young counseled the Saints to spread outwards, occupying and building up the surrounding areas.

Provo, the first Mormon settlement outside of Salt Lake City, was founded under the direction of John S. Higbee, who led 150 people in the spring of 1849 to today’s Utah Valley. Other surrounding cities in the valley, like Lehi, Cedar Hills, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Payson, and Salem were quickly settled by the pioneers. Alpine, Highland, Orem, Springville, Spanish Fork, and Santaquin areas drew farmers, cattle ranching, and trappers.

Before the Mormons came, Utah Valley was home to the Ute Indians who lived in small villages for protection and survived by fishing in Utah Lake. Later, the first white settlers in the Provo area were Fray Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Fray Silvestre Velez de Escalante, who visited Utah Valley in 1776. During the nineteenth century, fur trappers and traders made the valley a temporary home. One of these trappers, Etienne Provost, is the namesake of Provo.

In 1858, thousands of Mormons moved into the area due to Indian uprisings in the Salt Lake Valley. James Buchanan sent troops to quiet the unrest. The Saints fled south, and a popular saying “Provo or hell” arose from this occasion. Provo remained the second largest city in Utah (behind Salt Lake) until it lost its bid as a transcontinental railroad stop to Ogden.

Brigham Young Academy was founded in 1857, growing into the largest church-affiliated university in the United States. Together, the university and city grew and attracted people from around the world. Today, there are around 400,000 people in Utah Valley, eighty-eight percent of which are Latter-day Saints, accounting for the largest population of Latter-day Saints in all of Utah’s counties.

4 Places You Must See in Utah Valley

The Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple

Located on the border between American Fork and Pleasant Grove, the Mount Timpanogos Temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley in 1996. It was built on a piece of land that was once a Church welfare farm in order to meet the temple service demands of members in the Utah Valley. Nearly identical to the Bountiful Temple, this temple takes its name from the beautiful towering mountain that serves as its backdrop.

Sundance Resort

Tucked away behind hills and meadows, Sundance is a quiet place where people come to get away from the stresses of life. As Ski magazine described it, Sundance is “a slow-paced family resort with a jet-set clientele.” Skiing enthusiasts from all around come to enjoy both the unique Sundance atmosphere and the challenging slopes. Equally as stunning in the summertime, Sundance offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fly-fishing.

Timpanogos Cave

This mountain highlight is a paved but strenuous one-and-a-half-mile hike to Timpanogos Cave. As you climb, you’ll gain 1,000 feet in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains for a great view of American Fork Canyon. Entering the cave at the top of the hike, enjoy the stalactites and stalagmites during a sixty-minute guided tour of the mineral rich cavern. There are three caverns, each displaying unique colors and formations. Even during the summer months, a jacket is recommended because of the cave’s chilly 45˚F temperature. The tours sell out quickly and tickets must be reserved by calling (801) 756-5239.

America’s Freedom Festival

Every year, one of the premier patriotic celebrations in America is held in Provo, Utah. America’s Freedom Festival, named by Destinations Magazine as one of America’s Top 100 Events, combines twenty-five annual events starting in March and ending with the Fourth of July Celebration, Stadium of Fire. The festival organization committee, a non-profit and non-political foundation made up of thousands of politicians, sponsors, and volunteers, works together to facilitate the festivities commemorating Independence Day and celebrating the American spirit. If you’re in Utah Valley during July, don’t miss the Stadium of Fire, which includes a production by top entertainers and a jaw-dropping fireworks show. Visit freedomfestival.org for more information.

For Water Lovers

The Saratoga Hot Springs, located near Utah Lake, are hot all year long. Fall, winter, and spring are the ideal seasons for visiting the springs since the summer’s heat makes the soak more uncomfortable than relaxing. However, during those hot days of summer you can cool off at Seven Peaks Water Park. With a wavepool, lazy river, the Tad Pole Pond, and over a dozen slides, you'll find something for everyone. Visit sevenpeaks.com for more information.

Mount Timpanogos

For the serious hiker, Mount Timpanogos has been the most popular mountain climbing destination in Utah for over fifty years. This majestic mountain, the second highest in the Wasatch Mountain Range, offers almost everything a hiker could wish for: an alpine lake, a glacier, waterfalls, mountain goats, and even the remains of a World War II bomber that crashed just north of the summit in the winter of 1955. If you want to lengthen your time on the trail, you can make this a two-day hike from American Fork Canyon all the way to Sundance Resort—just don’t forget to have a shuttle car on the other side.

The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum

Located in Springville, this historic museum houses mementos and historical artifacts from pioneers who crossed the plains in the mid to late 1800s. Such items as clothing, furniture, handwork, musical instruments, photographs, histories, family group records, and handicrafts can be found in the museum. Local artisans perform tours upon request and show visitors how the pioneers made household items, which can be purchased in the gift shop.

Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point provides guests with an entertaining and educational experience; at nearly every turn there is a hands-on opportunity for discovery in the arts and sciences. They certainly were thinking about every type of person when they built a big red barn (containing a petting zoo) between a beautiful building (including boutiques and gourmet restaurants) and the famous North American Museum of Ancient Life (which includes the world’s largest dinosaur museum, sixty complete dinosaur replicas, and forty interactive exhibits for kids). If that wasn’t eclectic enough, consider the artistically groomed gardens and championship golf course that surround these venues and it will become obvious why this place is such a hit with visitors.

The Springville Museum of Art

Home for the visual fine arts, this museum is Utah’s oldest and perhaps most beautiful. The Spanish colonial revival-style building was completed in 1937 as an art museum. The permanent collection includes Utah, American, and Soviet art and there are also a variety of temporary exhibits. In the spring of each year the museum hosts the Spring Salon, a showcase for Utah artists. Admission is free.

Phoenix

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 09:00:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: In the heat of the summer of 1873, scout and missionary Henry Holmes trudged across a desert he described as barren and forbidding. However, he found no difference "whether the country [was] barren or fruitful, if the Lord has a work to do in it."

Following the call of Brigham Young, Henry Holmes and thousands of Latter-day Saints poured into the Arizona Territory, building up what would become one of the more dense Church settlements.

Many Saints in the region had made their way across the plains, heading toward Zion. Once Salt Lake City had been established, however, Church leaders found it necessary to spread out the population among the intermountain state of “Deseret.”

With hopes and dreams of prosperity and fertile land, Saints left their loved ones and the security of the Salt Lake Valley to travel south to a bleak, unknown land. The strong Saints suffered encounters with snakes, small pox, and sand drifts. They trekked across pathways once journeyed by the Mormon Battalion and somehow found a way across the forbidding Grand Canyon. It took several days for companies to conquer the Little Colorado River, whether by fording it or by crossing on the ice.

Once companies established settlements in Tubac, Snowflake, St. Joseph, and other areas, the population of Saints in Arizona began to quickly add up. The development of towns with names like Lehi, Alma, and Fort Moroni can be credited to early pioneers of the Church. Snowflake was one of the most prosperous towns of Mormon origin. As of 1920, towns south of Snowflake didn’t sell tobacco in any form. Saints from Bear Lake County and Salt Lake County settled Mesa, a town about fifteen miles east of Phoenix.

Even in the early development of the Church in Arizona, the Saints looked forward to the building of a temple in the area. In 1887, Mrs. Helena Roseberry, a poor widow, was recorded to have donated five dollars toward the building of a temple. This example of the “widow’s mite” is repeated throughout LDS history in Arizona. The Mesa Arizona Temple was dedicated on October 23, 1927. Another temple, in Snowflake, was added in 2002.

At around 331,000, the state of Arizona has the fifth highest population of Latter-day Saints and is home to 78 stakes, 610 wards, 62 branches, 4 missions, and 2 temples. Phoenix is the capital and heart of the state, rich with the history of its many peoples and cultures. From its red rocks to its amazing sunsets, Phoenix contains a natural beauty inaccessible in most cities. Use this guide to direct your trail across Phoenix and the mysteries it holds.

4 Places You Must See in Phoenix

The Mesa Temple

Just seventeen miles from the Phoenix International Airport, the Mesa Temple provides a haven for any weary traveler. Enjoy its beauty, inside and out, as you walk between the palm and citrus trees. If you’re in town over the Christmas holidays, make some time to see the Mesa Arizona Temple Garden Christmas Festival. In the spring, be sure to catch the Mesa Easter Pageant.

The Heard Museum

The mission of the Heard Museum is to educate people about the heritage of the living, Native-American cultures in the Southwest. It is home to a magnificent collection (32,000 pieces plus) of Southwestern art including a Navajo hogan, an Apache lean-to structure made of twigs and leaves, and room after room showcasing pottery, art, jewelry, and textiles. Admire and purchase the Indian masterpieces on display. It’s a great place for kids to be involved with hands-on, art-making activities.

Desert Botanical Garden

Looking for a way to bond with nature? Head down to the Desert Botanical Garden and see four thousand different species of cacti, trees, flowers, and succulents. Stroll along the “Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert” trail to learn about ways to save the environment. Let your kids enjoy playing the self-guided game “Desert Detective” while you find some plants for the garden. This collection of plants is not only large, but uniquely beautiful in that desert kind of way.

Arizona Science Center

This is a place for people of all ages to learn and have fun. The Center has over three hundred hands-on exhibits on science-related exploration. With exhibits that explore the human body, experiment with the basic forces, and exercise your mind, there is no end to discovering more about the world and its population. Visit the Dorrance Planetarium for some stargazing and pilot a simulated airplane flight for a thrill—a guaranteed fun experience for the whole family.

Heritage Square

Heritage Square is located between 5^th and 7^th Streets in downtown Phoenix. This city-owned block has a parklike setting and contains the only remaining houses from the original Phoenix town site. Houses along Adams Street date back to early 1900s Victorian style. Also in this area are sights such as the Teeter House, The Stevens House’s, the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum, and the Thomas House and Baird Machine Shop, now a pizzeria. Heritage Square is the perfect place to enjoy a walk and see the some beautiful, classic architecture.

South Mountain Park

At a size of almost 17,000 acres, South Mountain Park is the world’s largest city park. Within its boundaries, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders enjoy a variety of outdoor fun. The park also includes a history of the Hohokam people and the gold-seekers. Search for ancient petroglyphs or a desert animal. Take a walk and admire the beauty this desert park has to offer. If kids have been cramped up in a car for too long, it’s a great place for them to release some of that pent up energy.

Taliesin West

Celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright chose this six-hundred-acre space for his permanent winter residence, using the desert elements around him as inspiration for his architectural ideas. Now, as a National Historic Landmark, it is home to an active community of students and architects. There are two guided tours for the interior, as well as a guided desert walk with explanations of Wright’s landscape choice. Schedule a tour by calling (480) 860-2700 or visit [franklloydwright.org].

The Apache Trail

This 150-mile drive, praised by President Theodore Roosevelt as “the most awe-inspiring and most sublimely beautiful panorama nature ever created,” is just east of Phoenix. If you’re staying in Phoenix for a few days, take the time to drive through the wilderness on Arizona Highway 88. The winding and mostly unpaved road takes you past Theodore Roosevelt Lake, the Superstition Mountains, and Tonto National Forest. Find beauty in Fish Creek Canyon and head past the Apache Junction. While it is possible to make this trip in a day, it’s advisable to consider spending the night in Globe and continuing back to Phoenix the next day.

Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse

Wanna be a cowboy? With stunt shows, desert train rides, stagecoach rides, a petting ranch, bull riding, gold panning, rock climbing, and a working blacksmith shop, anybody can be a cowboy—at least for a day. Rides and attractions for all ages can keep your family busy for the whole afternoon. Finish up at the Sundown Cookout, but plan ahead: reservations are recommended. Visit [rawhide.com] for more information or to reserve a spot at the cookout.

San Francisco

Tue, 06 Sep 2005 08:57:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: On February 4, 1846 the Brooklyn set sail from New York with a Mormon immigrant company of 230 people under the direction of the twenty-six-year-old Samuel Brannan. The Saints were directed to go to Utah by way of California. The group rounded the southern tip of South America and arrived in Yerba Buena on July 31, 1846. They were the first known Saints to set foot on the shores of California.

This New York company tripled the population of the town, and as the first significant U.S. group to settle in California, the Saints helped turn Yerba Buena into the thriving city of San Francisco.

The Saints started the first English newspaper in California, the California Star, as well as the first English language school. In 1847, over four hundred members of the Mormon Battalion came to California and helped build some of the first permanent structures in California.

Most of the Brooklyn Saints left for Salt Lake City in 1848, carving the road the forty-niners would later use during the California Gold Rush. The early Saints in California were also responsible for developing gold mining; raising grain, vegetables, fruits, and seeds; and breeding cattle.

In 1850, when California applied for statehood, U.S. President James Polk, Brigham Young, and many other leaders supported the idea of merging California and Deseret (Utah), but unfortunately the messenger arrived in California too late and the local legislature had already determined the borders.

When the issue of plural marriage became a heated national debate, however, California sheltered many Church exiles and sent politicians to lobby Congress for acceptance of the Saints. These efforts helped secure Utah’s statehood and reestablished the Church in California after most of the Saints left to fight in the Utah War.

After this time the Church in California began to flourish. Eight stakes were organized in the 1930s, five in the 1940s, and thirty in the 1950s.

In 1956 the Los Angeles temple was built, followed by the Oakland temple in 1964. Since the 1920s, ten percent of Church members have lived in California. It is now the second largest religious denomination in the state, and San Francisco is at its heart.

This city offers a unique blend of modern culture and traditional class, but its hilly, busy streets can make it hard to find the hot spots. Here are a few pointers on how to maneuver through all the bustle and enjoy San Franciscan and all its beauty to the fullest.

4 Places You Must See While in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge. Check. Pier 39. Check. Alcatraz. Check. So you’ve seen all the big ones—here are four more great sites you won’t want to miss!

The Oakland Temple

From miles away the Oakland Temple shines atop a hill just east of the San Francisco Bay in the city of Oakland. With its modern architecture, beautiful granite, and oriental motif, the structure stands as the second temple to be built in California. From the temple, the view spans across the San Francisco Bay. Here you can take some wonderful scenic pictures and enjoy a walk on the lovely temple grounds.

Golden Gate Park

This park stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the center of San Francisco, and is one of the largest urban parks in the world. There are many gardens to see within the park, such as the attractive Japanese Tea Garden and the Shakespeare Garden, which holds over 150 species of plants, all mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. And, if you enjoy live entertainment, be sure to visit the Spreckels Temple of Music, a band shell where free Sundays concerts have been given since 1899.

The Palace of Fine Arts and the Exploratorium

This beautiful palace is the sole survivor of a 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, which celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal. It was built of inexpensive wood and plaster because it was initially only supposed to last through the ten-month exposition. After the exposition it was spared demolition, but was left to crumble until it was rebuilt with reinforced steel in 1965. It is now one of the most prominent pieces of architecture in the city. The dome of the Rotunda sits in the center of the palace supported by Corinthian columns and an octagonal walkway. The exporatorium, built is 1969, is one of the best museums of science in the U.S. It provides 650 interactive exhibits to help visitors learn more about the world of science.

Telegraph Hill

This hill got its name from the semaphore that was installed on its top in 1850 to signal to merchants the arrival of ships. The hill slopes down gently on the western side until it meets “Little Italy” in Washington Square. The east side, which drops away more abruptly, offers steep footpaths bordered by gardens. Telegraph Hill used to be home to immigrants and artists who appreciated the panoramic view. Today it is one of the city’s most valued residential areas.

While at the hill, be sure to visit Washington Square in Little Italy, Coit Tower and its handpainted murals, and the filbert Steps with their beautiful views of East Bay.

California Palace of the Legion of Honor

This museum, inspired by the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris, was built by Alma de Bretteville Spreckels in the 1920s to promote French art in California. The museum contains over 4,000 years of ancient and European artwork. But even if you don’t have time to visit the museum, take the drive up anyway: the view is spectacular! The museum hill provides a panoramic view of the bay and the bridge that you can’t see anywhere else.

The 49-Mile Scenic Drive

The easiest way for a determined tourist to capture some of the most spectacular views in San Francisco is to take a leisurely trip on the 49-Mile Scenic drive. The drive links some of the best views, most interesting sites, and most historic spots of the city. With plenty of places to stop, take pictures, and explore, this drive will be worth the gas money.

The drive is one loop around the city and is well marked with blue and white seagull signs. Some of the sites include the San Francisco National Maritime Museum, the Ferry Building, the Coit Tower, and Stow Lake.

The Haas-Lilienthal House

San Francisco is also home to a beautiful range of architecture, from late nineteenth-century Victorian mansions to imaginative, contemporary-style hotels and museums. The Haas-Lilienthal House (1886) is an impressive example of the Queen Anne architecture that filled the city in the late nineteenth century. This is the only private home of the period open to the public as a museum. Complete with elaborate wooden gables, a circular tower, and authentic furniture, the Haas-Lilienthal House is a historical and architectural masterpiece.

San Francisco Culture

San Francisco attracts immigrants from all over the world. Evidence of this multi-cultural city can be seen in every district. The city celebrates everything from the Chinese New Year to Cinco de Mayo. You can take a walk from the Stockton Street market in Chinatown to the cafes of “Little Italy” on North Beach, or from a jazz festival in the Fillmore District to a fiesta in the Mission District.

The Best of Vacationing

Mon, 06 Jun 2005 06:53:00 -0600

by Marie Gross
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Do you go to the same family vacation spot every year? Mix things up by trying one of these top vacation spots in a category to fit your family. Best Amusement Parks

Busch Gardens

Tampa, Florida and Williamsburg, Virginia

www.buschgardens.com

Take your kids here if you’d rather see animals than people dressed as them. These parks are heavily themed with plenty of nature thrills.

Cedar Point

Sandusky, Ohio

www.cedarpoint.com

You’ll feel right at home here if you’re a die-hard when it comes to roller coasters. This park has more than 68 rides including 16 roller coasters—more rides than any park in the world.

Discovery Cove and Seaworld

Orlando, Florida

www.discoverycove.com and www.seaworld.com

Discovery Cove is where you’ll want to go to beat the lines. This small amusement park, connected to Seaworld, only allows 1,000 in at a time. It has a series of lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs for guests to swim in. Guests can also get wet at Seaworld’s famous animal shows. Look out for Shamu!

Disney Land and Disney World

Anaheim, California; Orlando, Florida; Tokyo, Japan; and Paris, France

www.disney.com

There is a fifth park, on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, China that is to open in late 2005. In August, Walt Disney World in Florida will debut a simulated rocket trip to Mars called “Mission: SPACE” at Epcot.

Kennywood

West Mifflin, Pennsylvania

www.kennywood.com

Kennywood offers everything from kiddy rides to thrill rides. It even has a railroad tour featuring Southwestern Pennsylvania history.

Lake Compounce

Bristol, Connecticut

www.lakecompounce.com

This park is one of the oldest in the world. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, it was first opened in 1846 as a picnic park. Today it features a wooden roller coaster, an antique carousel from 1911, and a steamboat ride. And, soda is served free everyday!

Universal Studios

Florida and California

www.themeparks.universalstudios.com

For avid moviegoers, this is a great park to hit. Here visitors get a chance to be part of their favorite movies.

Best National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

www.nps.gov/yell

640,000 years ago a massive volcanic eruption left all of the western United States, much of the Midwest, northern Mexico, and some areas of the eastern Pacific covered in ashes. This was one of the several processes that originally shaped Yellowstone—the world’s first national park.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite, California

www.nps.gov/yose

Known as the “Crown Jewel,” earthquakes, glaciers, and other forces of nature have left permanent marks on this landscape, which is the size of Rhode Island. It offers expansive wilderness as well as guest services and amenities you would find at a year-round resort.

Zion National Park

Utah

www.nps.gov/zion

The definition of Zion as a sanctuary accurately describes this park’s spectacular landscape, sculptured canyons, and soaring cliffs. It has unique geography and unusual plant and animal diversity attracting nature lovers from all over.

Big Bend National Park

near Marathon, Texas

www.nps.gov/bibe

Big Bend is one of the largest yet least visited of America’s national parks despite its massive canyons, vast desert expanses, and the entire Chisos Mountain range.

Mount Rainier National Park

Ashford, Washington www.nps.gov/mora

Mostly wilderness, this park includes Mount Rainier, an active volcano covered in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. Whether mountaineering its flanks, climbing its summit, or cross-country skiing on its slopes, nearly two million people come to enjoy the majesty and splendor of Mount Rainier each year.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Alaska

www.nps.gov/dena/

Featuring North America’s highest mountain, 20,320-foot tall Mount McKinley, this park includes countless mountains and many large glaciers. It also has a sub-arctic eco-system with large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, and moose.

Best Beaches

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

www.hanaumabay-hawaii.com

Hanauma Bay is an extinct volcanic crater now filled by the Pacific Ocean. With over 450 species of tropical fish, it is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. And about 20 to 30 percent of the fish at Hanauma Bay exist only in the Hawaiian Islands.

Coronado Beach

San Diego, California

www.coronadovisitors.com

Swim, surf, sail, body board, fish, or just fall asleep in the sun as it sets over the Pacific Ocean at this beautiful beach.

Caladesi Island State Park

Dunedin, Florida

www.floridastateparks.org

Here is the home of the fourth best natural beach in the U.S. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. You can also fish from your boat or throw a line out into the surf.

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke, North Carolina

www.ocracoke-nc.com

Here you’ll find 16 miles of sun-swept wilderness beaches that are great for swimming, fishing, surfing, or simply sun bathing.

Main Beach

East Hampton, New York

This long, golden, and clean beach has beautiful sandbanks and some of the best waves in New York.

Coast Guard Beach

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

www.nps.gov/caco/places

Coast Guard Beach is a leading swimming beach during the summer, but know that from mid-June to Labor Day, the parking lot is closed, and access is provided by shuttle bus from the Little Creek parking area.

Best Church History Sites

Palmyra and Manchester Townships, New York

This area is known as the cradle of the restoration because it is here you can visit the Sacred Grove, Joseph Smith's house and bedroom, the E.B. Grandin Press, and the Hill Cumorah. You can now also visit the beautiful Palmyra Temple, which was dedicated in 2000.

Nauvoo, Illinois

Beginning in 1841, Church members made incredible sacrifices to build the Nauvoo Temple. After the Saints left the temple to make their flight West, the temple was destroyed by fire. Now, the Nauvoo Temple stands again and is a sacred site filled wiht Latter-day Saint history. While in the area, you can also get your picture taken next to a historic Sunstone and visit the Legacy Memorial Garden.

Harmony Township, Pennsylvani

Now called) Oakland Township, Pennsylvania

Many significant events happened in this area, as it is here that most of the Book of Mormon was translated. Here you can see the Joseph and Emma home site (which is next to the Aaronic Priesthood Monument), as well as the Josiah Stowell home, where Joseph worked for more than a year and where he and Emma spent their honeymoon.

The Carthage Jail

Carthage, Illinois

Joseph Smith and his brother were cast into this jail on false charges of treason. A few days later, a mob of about one hundred men with blackened faces stormed into the jail. Both Joseph and Hyrum were shot to death, and John Taylor was wounded several times.

Liberty Jail

Liberty, Missouri

Joseph Smith and five other brethren were imprisoned within the thick walls of this jail. They were confined to the dungeon where they slept on the cold rock floor with little light and little protection from the winter.

Temple Square

Salt Lake City, Utah

The list of things to do here is endless. To name a few, be sure to visit the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Conference Center, Brigham Young Historic Paro, and the Museum of Church History and Art.

Kirtland, Ohio

Here you'll find the Kirtland temple, the first temple built in this dispensation. It served the Saints for about two years before they left Kirtland because of persecution.

Best Educational Trips

Visit Washington, D.C.

www.Washington.org

Here’s one of the places you must go to have the American experience. With its celebrated symbols of patriotism, your family will be inspired by America’s incredible history after visiting D.C.’s historical sites and museums.

Attend Family Dino Camp

Fruita, Colorado

1-800-344-3466

There are five-day trips with classroom, lab, and dig components which cost anywhere from $850 to $1200 per person for ages 13 and over. The five-day dino camp for families costs $375 for kids and $850 for adults. Guests will receive professional paleontological leadership in a diversified and experienced program.

Go on an Oregon Trail Adventure

Wyoming

www.wagonsacrosswyoming.com

This is a wonderful family adventure! The cost of the trip includes 5 days and 4 nights on the trail and all meals. Go back in time and relive history along the Oregon Trail!

Tour an Indian Reservation

New Mexico, Montana, Minnesota, Alaska, Idaho, Florida, Colorado, and Arizona

www.indiancountrytourism.com

Learn about how Native Americans have preserved traditional languages, arts, spiritual practices, crafts, and hunting traditions. Many programs include hands-on instruction.

Best Vacation Deals

Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resorts

Aruba

www.diviaruba.com and www.tamarijnaruba.com

Family packages allow one or two kids up to age 18 to stay, eat, and play for free when sharing a room with two paying adults.

Pittsburgh Getaway Package

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

www.visitpittsburgh.com

For $131, a family of four can purchase the Kidsburgh Getaway Ticket Package and enjoy nine Pittsburgh attractions including the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center and UPMC Sports Works, National Aviary, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.

ASTONishing Kids Stay, Play, and Eat Free Program

Hawaii

www.astonishingkids.com

Program allows children ages 12 and younger to receive free activities, meals, and merchandise when accompanied by a paying adult purchasing at equal or greater value. Kids are entitled to free admission to Sea Life Park, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, and the Maui Ocean Center.

Novotel Deal

200 different properties throughout Europe

www.novotel.com

Children ages 16 and under staying with their parents or grandparents at a Novotel property worldwide receive free lodging and breakfast daily.

50/50 Weekend Escape Program

any Wyndham Hotel

www.wyndham.com

Enjoy a weekend escape at your favorite Wyndham Hotel and receive 50/50 savings. Bring the kids and get 50% off a second room or save 50% off a second night.

Passbook to Savings

www.entertainment.com

The Entertainment Book offers significant savings on hotels, meals, admission to attractions, and travel. Depending on when you buy, books range in cost from $9.99 to $45.

Portofino Bay Hotel Deal

Orlando, Florida

If you book at this hotel for 4 or more nights you get free theme park admission. Prices for May 1–August 20 start at $284.

Seattle

Thu, 05 May 2005 08:34:00 -0600

by Jena Peterson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Oceanfront bustle, savvy businesses, and friendly faces warmly greet residents and visitors, solidifying the country’s acclamation of Seattle as one of the most family-friendly cities in the Northwest. Come explore the heartbeat of the Pacific Northwest: start with classic Seattle’s Pioneer Square, tour modern Seattle’s Space Needle, and end up in rustic Mount Rainier National Park. Enjoy the lush green neighborhoods and not-too-hot, not-too-cold climate of a kind people, welcoming you to Seattle.

Frequently ranked as one of the best cities to live in, Seattle had humble beginnings. Nineteenth-century Seattle drew a working class that found themselves a part of the railroads and simple industry that marked its birth.

A handful of members of the Church found their way into Seattle in 1854, looking for work and helping with the railroads. The Church grew slowly in the Northwest; the first stake in Washington wasn’t established until 1938. By 1960 the entire state held only 11,000 members. After that, membership exploded and today there are more than 250,000 members of the Church living in Washington.

Dedicated in 1980, the Seattle Washington Temple was the first to be built in the Pacific Northwest. The opposition was intense and it was apparent the adversary did not want the temple to be built. Protests and lawsuits abounded even before the property was acquired. F. Arthur Kay, the first temple president, said of the conflicts, “I felt of the influence of the adversary so strongly that it caused the very hairs on the back of my neck to stand straight up. But in time, the spirit of the Lord would prevail and assure me that in the end, all would be well.”

The perseverance of the saints exceeded the powers against them. The temple was built and President Spencer W. Kimball said of the dedication’s turnout, “Monday through Friday, November 17 to 21 [1980], thirteen dedicatory sessions were well attended. Over forty-three thousand members from the great Northwest attended the various sessions.” Within six months of the dedication, the temple had seen over 100,000 endowments.

4 Places You Must See in Seattle

The Seattle Washington Temple

The search for the future temple site of the first temple in the Pacific Northwest was a long and frustrating process. Visitors now gaze at the beauty of the surrounding area and appreciate the effort of F. Arthur Kay and the hunt that eventually lead him to the stunning location.

The temple is located in Bellevue and serves stakes all over western Washington and southwest British Columbia.

The Space Needle

You can’t come to Seattle and not visit the most famous landmark in the Pacific Northeast. The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and stands at 605 feet. It was built in only 12 months but has withstood several earthquakes, due in part to the 30 feet deep, 120 feet wide foundation. The elevator ride up last 43 seconds and drops you off at a breathtaking 360° view. The SkyCity restaurant offers dinner with a view—another 360° view—as you dine while revolving around the Space Needle. Visit [spaceneedle.com] for more information.

Pike Place Market

The Pike Place Market is a nine-acre national historic district located west of downtown Seattle and along the waterfront, just east of Pier 59 and the Waterfront Park. The Market opened in 1907 in an effort to allow farmers to sell directly to the public and eliminate the middlemen.

Enjoy restaurants and specialty shops, and be sure to stop by Pike Place Fish. Its fishmongers and flying fish are probably what Pike Place is most famous for. Kids and adults will be delighted watching the energetic fishmongers fling fish across the market.

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is devoted to science, technology, and mathematics. In addition to the interactive exhibits, the center houses two IMAX theaters and a planetarium. Experience any of a number of entertaining and educational exhibits. For the future paleontologist, stop off at “Dinosaurs: a Journey Through Time,” featuring life-size and lifelike dinosaurs, real fossils, and dioramas. Walk gently through the Tropical Butterfly House, and see what it’s like to be a bug in Insect Village. Interact with a model of Puget Sound—see and touch the animals and view real tides and currents.And take time to play outside with logic-defying experiments. Check out [pacsci.org] for more information.

Pioneer Square

This is Seattle—“old school.” Pioneer Square was Seattle’s first downtown before it fell into disrepair. Most of the buildings here today are the same buildings built in the late nineteenth century. Restored and maintained, Pioneer Square is now home to quaint yet extensive bookstores, art galleries, and antique shops. You can walk around yourself or take a tour.

Safeco Field

If you love baseball, don’t miss Safeco Field, located just south of Pike Place Market and the waterfront. The field opened in 1999 carrying a price tag of $516 million, one of the most expensive stadiums in the nation. Safeco Field is home to the American League’s Seattle Mariners and seats over 47,000 fans. The field includes a nine-acre retractable roof available in case of inclement weather (a likely possibility considering the city), a children’s play field, and a picnic patio. Even if you can’t get tickets to one of the games, take a regularly scheduled tour (two or three are offered daily). Visit [safeco.com] for more information.

Discovery Park

Seattle’s largest park covers 534 acres and is also home to the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. The educational center is operated by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and features a beautiful collection of Indian art. If your trip falls during their summer Pow Wow, schedule it in and enjoy the program of over four hundred dancers, thirty drums groups, sixty vendors, and a salmon bake in addition to the rest of the authentic food available.

The rest of Discovery Park offers over seven miles of hiking and walking trails, the rocky North Beach, the sandy South Beach, and a terrific view of Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountains. Discovery Park is about a fifteen-minute drive from the Space Needle. Visit [discoverypark.org] for more information and specific dates for the pow wow.

Experience Music Project

The design of the building looks like a twisted heap of junk, but if viewed from the air, music lovers will notice the semblance of a smashed guitar, designed by Frank Gehry. EMP opened in 2000 as a celebration of music. It’s memorabilia, live performances, and exhibits all invite guests to appreciate, explore, and celebrate music’s diversity. Whether your tastes lean toward blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, country, or pop, there is something for everyone at the EMP. The Experience Music Project is just down the street from the Space Needle, making it an accessible visit while you’re downtown. Visit [emplive.com] for more information.

Woodland Park Zoo

As one of the oldest zoos on the west coast, Woodland Park has made itself distinctive in more ways than as just Seattle’s long-standing animal attraction. The park houses nearly three hundred animal species over ninety-two acres, and the majority live in environments strikingly like their native habitats. And unlike most zoo layouts, the animals are grouped by ecosystem instead of species.

Don’t miss the Family Farm, where kids and parents can see domestic animals up close and get a good look at the new Bug World. Let the kids burn off energy at the Habitat Discovery Loop where they can explore a giant spider web, turtle shells, and a beaver burrow. Woodland Park Zoo is about a ten-minute drive from the Space Needle. Visit [zoo.org] for more information.