WEEKEND WARRIOR

By March, signs of spring are all around, and “Here Comes the Sun” is now Utah’s theme song. Those waxy bulbs pushing up through the damp soil have us chiming with The Beatles: “It’s all right.”

Longer hours of daylight signal the beginning of festival season (no, we’re not talking about Coachella). Around the world, Northern Hemisphere folk mark the end of a long, dreary winter with all manner of celebrations, some centuries-old and others new or “just because.” Here in the Beehive, March is loaded to the gills with frolicking good times, from the Hostler 2020 Model Railroad Festival at Ogden’s Union Station March 6-8 to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Siamsa in downtown Salt Lake City on March 14. But wait, there’s more.So much more, in fact, that there’s a veritable rite of spring for each weekend. We’ve created a lineup of March festivals not to be missed (along with lodging and dining tips), all to help you emerge from your winter hibernation. FEVER SPRING Festivals to wake you from your winter’s nap BY MEGAN WAGSTAFF

Jantzen Frampton catches air at Woodward Park City

Skyrockets in Flight Aprés gets a lot more lively come springtime, and at Park City’s Spring Gruv, the whole family gets in on the fun. Every weekend, March 7 through April 5, Canyons Village is alit by light and fireworks displays, glow sticks, live music, outdoor movies, donuts and cocoa. You can even meet the avalanche dogs, and it’s all free to the public. Warmer, longer days mean the festivities keep going long after last chair. Spring Gruv Park City Mountain Canyons Village 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City 435-649-5400 ParkCityMountain.com Spring Gruv Starts March 7 • Park City

Mountain Retreat If you’re going to play in the Canyons Village you may as well stay in the Canyons Village. The Silverado Lodge saves you a few bucks by being shuttle-distance from the action (about 100 yards). Easily request a pick-up via app to get you, the kids and your skis back to the room without having to worry about dropped gloves or errant ski poles. The Silverado also features a year-round heated pool and hot tub, free Wi-Fi and heated underground parking. Silverado Lodge 2669 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City 435-655-7400 StayParkCity.com

The Spice of Life While there are plenty of eateries in the Canyons Village, those in the know make sure to stop at El Chubasco, a Park City locals’ favorite. Enjoy traditional Mexican grub—tacos, tamales and burritos—topped with your choice of 20 homestyle salsas from the salsa bar. Test your limits with the spicy serrano frito or take it down a notch with the salsa de arbol or popular cilantro crema. Pro tip: if you’re heading to Deer Valley concerts come summer, pick up El Chubasco to-go. Everything is better with tacos! El Chubasco 1890 Bonanza Drive, Ste. 115, Park City 435-645-9114 ElChubascoMexicanGrill.com New Kid in Town Newly opened Woodward Park City resort is an adventure-lovers dream for kids (or adults of any age). Skiers and boarders can choose from a variety of progressive terrain parks or opt for a family sled day—Woodward has the longest tubing lanes in the state. Those opposed to the cold can still play in the Action Sports Hub: 66,000 square feet of skate parks, trampolines, foam pits and parkour obstacles. With prices well below what you’ll find at other Park City area resorts, get in before the secret gets out. Woodward Park City 3863 Kilby Road, Park City 435-658-2648 WoodwardParkCity.com

Skinny Tire Festival March 14-17 • Moab Easy Riders If you’ve been staring longingly at your bike shorts in the bottom dresser drawer all winter long, the 20th Skinny Tire Festival is your chance to join fellow cyclists along some of the prettiest routes in the state. Choose from four scenic bike rides along the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park and Arches National Park (space limited for Arches). Rides even include lunch. The festival runs March 14-17 in Moab, and $25 of each registration goes to the Moab Cancer Center. Skinny Tire Festival 435-260-8889 SkinnyTireEvents.com Burgers on Main When it’s time for post-pedal provisions, head to The Spoke on Center, a bike-themed eatery occupying Main Street’s historic Cooper-Martin Building, serving up scratch-made burgers with a variety of gourmet options like smoked Gouda, goat cheese, spinach, garlic mayo and portabella mushrooms. Build your own or order the Caprese burger for a unique Italian twist topped with balsamic-basted tomato and fresh basil. A side of Macaroni Poppers is a must: homemade mac ’n’ cheese stuffed with fresh jalepeño, breaded and fried, served with ranch for dipping. The Spoke on Center 5 N. Main, Moab 435-260-7177 TheSpokeMoab.com

River Respite Camping in Moab is an annual rite of passage for any true Utahn, but after a long day on two wheels, a comfortable bed might beat out sleeping under the stars. The best compromise is to book a rustic room at Red Cliffs Lodge alongside the Colorado River. Just far enough from town to offer the relaxation you crave, but close enough that you can pop in for dinner or a spare bike tube. Red Cliffs Lodge is also attached to Castle Creek Winery—which offers daily tastings—and The Cowboy Grill, with a stocked breakfast buffet so you can fuel up before your ride. Did we mention they offer bike storage? Red Cliffs Lodge Milepost 14, Utah Highway 128, Moab, 866-812-2002 RedCliffsLodge.com

The Call of the Canyon Take a break from two wheels to walk around on two feet exploring the Grandstaff Canyon trail. Often overlooked for the more popular Corona Arch trail and hikes around the nearby national parks, Grandstaff Canyon is ideal in spring when temps are cooler and the spring runoff feeds its perennial stream. Four miles round trip, this moderate hike culminates at Morning Glory Natural Bridge, the sixth longest natural rock span in the U.S. Follow the stream for 1½ miles before crossing it and heading into the second side canyon on your left. The bridge is a halfmile farther. Grandstaff Canyon Trail Utah State Highway 128, near mile marker 3, Moab

Tastings at Odgen’s Own Distillery

Froth and Foam Is there ever a bad time for a beer festival? Arguably no, but after a long and dreary winter, a hoppy adult beverage at the Ogden Spring Beer Festival is a welcome libation. Held in historic Union Station, tickets are $20 and include 3 tastings and a food item, March 21, 5-9 p.m. Choose between offerings from Utah brewers, local chefs, and restaurants while enjoying DJs and live performances. Plus, Ogden Adventure Race will be onsite featuring a variety of outdoor vendors. Ogden Spring Beer Fest 2501 Wall Avenue, Ogden OdgenDowntown.com Ogden Spring Beer Festival March 21 • Ogden Taste Treats Pregame for the Spring Beer Festival is at Ogden’s Own Distillery, creator of Utah spirits with sassy names like 5 Wives Vodka and Porter’s Fire. The still is open for tastings on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and is about eight blocks from the beer festival—close enough for walking or booking an affordable Lyft or Uber ride. Bottles and mixers are both available for purchase, should you decide a cocktail hour at the hotel is in order. Ogden’s Own Distillery 3075 Grant Ave., Ogden 801-589-1716 OgdensOwn.com Comfort at the Courtyard A mere two blocks from Union Station, book a room at Courtyard by Marriott. Checkout time isn’t until noon, so there’s no rush to get up if you decided to keep the party going after the beer festival (and there’s a Starbucks, because hangovers are no time to experiment with new coffee). Should you choose to get some powder turns at Snowbasin or Powder Mountain on Saturday— the hotel also offers ski storage and an indoor pool/hot tub for an aprés soak. Courtyard by Marriott 247 24th St., Ogden 801-627-1190 Marriott.com

Fuel for the Trip Home With a lengthy list of brunch options, Jeremiah’s Restaurant hits all the spots, regardless of what you’re craving. The Western Sizzler is a crowd favorite: hash browns topped with ham, onions, melted cheddar, tomatoes, mushrooms and two eggs with a fluffy biscuit on the side. For a more health-conscious option, Jeremiah’s Raisin Nut French Toast clocks just 336 calories and 12 grams of protein. Jeremiah’s Restaurant 1307 W. 12th St., Ogden 801-394-3273 JeremiahsUtah.com

Springtime colors at Holi Festival in Spanish Fork

Holi Festival of Colors March 28-29 * Spanish Fork In Living Color Festival of Colors comes to Spanish Fork March 28 and 29 at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple. With tickets as low as $6.50, this might be the most budget friendly festival you’ve ever attended. Two stages feature a variety of musical and dance performances daily—think sitars, mantras and bollypop— and yoga classes are offered throughout the duration of the festival, included with admission. Most importantly, every hour there will be color throws to mark Holi, the Indian celebration of spring. Purchase colors at the event for $3/bag or in advance when you register. No outside colors allowed. Holi Festival of Colors 311 W. 8500 South, Spanish Fork FestivalOfColorsUSA.com Burgers on Main, Part Deux After the Festival of Colors, you’ll be too messy for most restaurants. Then again, most restaurants aren’t as good as Glade’s Drive Inn, so why bother? Open seven days a week—a rarity in Utah County—nosh on “supercheese” burgers, crinkle-cut fries and homemade shakes (raspberry chocolate chip, anyone?), or dig into the popular fish and chips with sides of Glade’s white fry sauce and tartar. If it’s been around since 1954 and is still the best place in town, you know Glade’s is doing something right. Glade’s Drive Inn 296 S. Main, Spanish Fork 801-798-6761 Check That Chalk Take your drive-thru dinner and head to Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. What Spanish Fork lacks in boutique hotels, it makes up for in convenient, budget-friendly options that check off the basics: free Wi-Fi to post all your festival pics on Instagram, free continental breakfast, and (most importantly) shower/tub combos to wash off all that colored chalk. Because this hotel is a new build, expect clean rooms and modern finishes. Bonuses: If a warm chocolate chip cookies at checkin and a heated indoor pool aren’t reason enough to book a room, then how about the fact that you’re only a three-minute drive to Strap Tank Brewery, a motorcycle themed brewpub (one of only a few in Utah County). Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 535 S. 2000 West, Springville 801-477-4527 WyndhamHotels.com

Llama-rama While you’re at the festival Sunday (hours are shorter than Saturday), set aside time to check out Utah Valley Llamas, a llama farm on the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple property. If you bring baby carrots or apple slices, you can feed the llamas for free. Tours are also offered for $20 per person, plus a $2 donation for hay. Group discounts are available. In addition to llamas, the property is also home to sacred cows, parrots, peacocks and koi. Utah Valley Llamas 311 W. 8500 South, Spanish Fork 801-798-3559 UtahValleyLlamas.com

STORE

580 E 300 S SLC 801-363-0565 www.theartfloral.com

House on Fire Ruins in Mule Canyon, 20 miles southwest of Blanding

ABAJO HAVEN CABINS ABAJO HAVEN CABINS Rustic abodes offer true peace and quiet

There are myriad reasons to visit Moab in the spring. The hordes of spring breakers aren’t one of them. This spring, maybe skip the crowds and point your headlights south as you pass through Moab and keep driving for another hour to a quieter and more secluded setting. Or better yet, bypass Moab altogether. Turn west at Interstate 70 from U.S. Highway 6, near Green River, and follow the signs to Hanksville. From there, take Utah Highway 95 southeast over Cedar Mesa into Blanding. The views along the way rival any you’ll see on any desert highway in the U.S. Period. Book a stay at the Abajo Haven Cabins(5440 N. Cedar Edge Lane, Blanding, 435-979-3126, AbajoHaven.com), located on a 25-acre property near Blanding. The property is next door to a national forest and offers eye-popping views of the 11,000-foot-high Abajo Mountains dominating the northern skyline.

The southeastern view takes in the vast expanse of desiccated rock and desert canyons all the way to Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado. Wild turkey and deer are frequent visitors.

With five guest cabins, you can select the superior cabin, with two queen beds and en-suite bathroom, or one of four deluxe cabins with a king bed and two singles (their restroom with hot water and tiled shower is just outside the cabin). Relax with a good book on the covered porches or view the surrounding desert area or starry, starry night sky. The owner, Bill Haven, purchased the property 12 years ago with his family, after he retired as a professional horse trainer and sold their ranch in Colorado. “My [three] boys really like outdoor recreation and were not much into horses,” he says, “So, we thought, ‘let’s sell our horse ranch and move to the outdoor recreation center of the West: San Juan County, Utah.’”

The cabins are solar powered and off-grid, so leave those curling irons, blow dryers and electric razors at home. The nearest restaurants are a 15-minute drive to Blanding.

With at least one day’s notice, Haven will prepare a home-cooked meal of either his famous ribs or chicken for $20. After the first meal, guests can order a la carte for BY JARED BLACKLEY

Abajo Haven Guest Cabins are solar powered

COURTESY ABAJO HAVEN

a lesser price if meals prove to be too much food.

Each cabin has a fire pit, Coleman stove, gas grill and picnic table. If guests wish to cook their own meals, the Haven can supply all basic cooking utensils, including pots, pans, plates, cups and silverware.

Slowly cooking dinner in a Dutch oven in the fire pit could put a cherry on top of a day spent hiking and exploring Johnson Creek or touring the Dinosaur Museum in Blanding (BYO Dutch oven, though). Because Blanding is a dry town, you’ll need to pack in your own alcoholic beverages. There are no liquor stores or drinks served at restaurants. If requested, the property will supply a cooler with ice, a corkscrew and glasses. “The cabins are a little rustic,” Haven says, “but that is part of their charm. They offer something most other accommodations don’t—peace and quiet.” There are also a few, small archeological sites within walking distance from the cabin. Haven can point the way for you. Corrals and pens are available for those who bring their own horses. (Abajo Haven does not provide horses, nor do they offer guided rides.) Be sure to bring your own hay and feed and all papers required by the state.

Haven rides his horses in the area often and is more than happy to share his love and knowledge of the myriad trails nearby. His goal is to make sure you enjoy your stay in Canyon Country and end up loving the area, too.

While You’re There The Edge of Cedars State Park (Stateparks.utah.gov/parks/ edge-of-the-cedars) in Blanding is a little-known gem just 20 minutes away from Abajo Haven. Housing the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery in the Four Corners region, it also features ruins to explore and a restored kiva that you can climb down a ladder to see.

Evidence of Ancestral Puebloan peoples living in this area is abundant. Almost every canyon contains petroglyphs, a granary or a ruin of some sort, and most of these are between 800- 1,200 years old.

Some of the most spectacular sites include Moonhouse and House on Fire ruins. Only 20 people per day are allowed in to see Moonhouse Ruins. Permits must be obtained through the Kane Gulch Visitor Center on Cedar Mesa (Recreation.gov/ permits/273374). The hike is approximately 4½ miles round trip. Bring plenty of water.

House on Fire Ruins, named for the flame-like pattern on the ceiling of the alcove, does not require a permit. The hike is relatively easy, following a creek bed for most of the single mile to the ruins. Avoid the trail if rain is forecast, as flash floods are a possibility. Of course, if you find any artifacts, look at them, take pictures, but don’t move them. And above all, don’t take them home.

A little over an hour away, on top of the spectacular Cedar Mesa, is Natural Bridges National Monument (NPS.gov/ nabr/index.htm). Founded in 1908, it’s the state’s first national monument and is known for three large natural bridges that can all be viewed after a short hike from the road. For those seeking a longer hike, there are three loops that are more than 5½ miles in length. The longest is almost 10 miles and takes you to all three of the main natural bridges.