Places to visit • Uncategorized • June 16, 2019

The Poppy Fields at Mantua and Alpine

by John Hamilton

Poppy Field in Mantua, Utah

The poppies are blooming in Mantua and Alpine. The ideal time to see poppies in Utah is during late May or early June. Due to the cooler than normal temperatures in May, the poppies are still in full bloom this year.

Mantua is approximately 62 miles north of Salt Lake City. The poppy field is easily accessible by car. You will be able to see the poppies from your vehicle, but is only a very short walk (no hiking) from parking area to the poppies.

How to get there: from Salt Lake City, drive north on I-15 and take the 362 exit for Brigham City. On highway 89, you will take the Mantua exit. You will see signs for the Box Elder Campground. You will begin to see an abundance of poppies along the side of the road, and you may believe that you have reached the poppy field. However, the field is just a little bit further, and is much larger. Continue to drive until to reach the first stop sign – then take a left. Proceed until you see a fork in the road. Turn right at the fork and drive until you see the poppies.

The Poppy Fields at Mantua and Alpine

Alpine is located approximately 32 miles south of Salt Lake City. The poppy trail is located inside Lambert Park. Lambert Park is a 255 acre park, with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and for horses. There are some designated camping areas.

How to get there: From Salt Lake City, drive south on I-15 to exit 284 to Alpine/Highland. Drive east (towards the mountains) for five miles. Turn left at the stoplight in Highland which is Main Street (you will see a Chevron gas station at the northeast corner of the intersection). Drive north for 2 miles into Alpine past the 4-way stop at 200 North to 300 North. Turn right and go a few blocks to Alpine Blvd. Go left and you will shortly see the LDS church at 1125 N Alpine Blvd. If you are planning to mountain bike or hike the trails, you can park your vehicle on the road near the church but not in the church parking lot. Maps for the trails are below.

Lambert Park Trails Map

Lambert Park Map

Poppies in Lambert Park, Alpine, Utah.

An alternative option if you prefer to shorten the hike is to drive closer to the poppy field, by continuing on Alpine Blvd. north of the church until Grove Drive. Turn right and follow Grove Dr to Box Elder Dr. Turn right and Box Elder Drive connects with Box Elder Circle. Turn right again and park where the pavement ends and turns into a gravel road. You can park before the warning sign which states “motorized vehicles not allowed.” Follow the gravel road about one block and the small trail to the Poppies goes left and is approximately 300 feet to the Poppies.

The Poppy Fields at Mantua and Alpine

Although the poppies are dominant at this time, look for a variety of other flowers in the field. You will also find the remains of the summer home of George Cannon Lambert.

The Poppy Fields at Mantua and Alpine

Remains of the summer home of George Cannon Lambert.

Additional Posts

https://johnhamiltonhomes.com/2018/04/13/its-thyme-for-tulips

Food • Places to visit • Salt Lake City • June 9, 2019

Farmers Markets in Salt Lake County

by John Hamilton

Farmers Markets in Salt Lake County

It is the season for fresh produce at your local farmers markets, some are already open and others are scheduled to be opened soon. It is a great way to support your local businesses.

Be sure to bring your reusable bags for your purchases.

Most merchants will accept debit and credit cards, but it is helpful to bring cash for those who don’t. Many of the markets will also accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) so be sure to ask if applicable.

Markets Currently Open:

Fridays

Liberty Park Farmers Market – on 700 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City (North of the Duck Pond) on Fridays from 4 pm to dusk through October 4^th.

Saturdays

Daybreak Farmers Market – on SoDa Row, 11274 Kestrel Rise Road in South Jordan, on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm through September 28^th.

Downtown Farmers Market – Liberty Park at 350 West 300 South in Salt Lake City on Saturdays beginning on June 8^th through October 19^th from 8 am to 2 pm. They also offer a free bike valet, and an enclosed off-leash dog area.

Sundays

Park Silly Sunday Market – on Historic Main Street in Park City on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, June through September. (No market on August 4^th, 11^th, or 18^th) Although this market is not in Salt Lake County, it is well worth the drive to Park City for their open-air market and street festival with lots of food, arts, and live music

9^th West Farmers Market (The People’s Market) – near The International Peace Gardens at Jordan Park at 1000 South 900 West in Salt Lake City on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm through October.

Wheeler Farm Sunday Market – 6351 South 900 East in Murray on Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm through October 27^th. On the last Sunday of each month, they also feature young vendors at the Children’s Market.

Wednesdays

Sugar House Farmers Market – at the Fairmont Park on 1040 East Sugarmont Drive in Salt Lake City on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 8 pm through October.

Farmers Markets in Salt Lake County

Markets Starting Soon:

Fridays

Murray City Park Farmers Market – at 200 East 5200 South in Murray from 9 am to 2 pm from July 26^th through October 26^th. Will be open on Fridays and Saturdays

Saturdays

Market at Gardner Village – at 1100 West 7800 South in West Jordan from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays beginning July 13^th through October 26^th.

Murray City Park Farmers Market – at 200 East 5200 South in Murray from 9 am to 2 pm from July 26^th through October 26^th. Will be open on Fridays and Saturdays

South Jordan Farmers Market – at the Jordan Towne Center, 1600 West Towne Center Drive (10600 South) in South Jordan on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm beginning on August 3^rd through October 19^th.

Tuesdays

Tuesday Harvest Market – at Pioneer Park, 300 South 300 West in Salt Lake City from 4 pm to 8 pm beginning on August 6^th through September 24^th.

Wednesdays

Sugar House Farmers Market – at the Fairmont Park, 1040 East Sugarmont Drive in Salt Lake City on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 8 pm starting in July through September.

Thursdays

University of Utah Farmers Market – Tanner Plaza at 201 South 1460 East in Salt Lake City on Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm beginning August 22^nd through October 3^rd.

Outdoor Living • Places to visit • June 5, 2019

Moonshine Arch – Hidden in Plain Sight

by John Hamilton

Moonshine Arch - Hidden in Plain Sight

It would be easy to miss Moonshine Arch as you are leaving Vernal on Highway 191. Less than a mile north of the entrance to the Steinaker State Park, you will find an unmarked dirt road to the left. Take a left on this road and travel for approximately a half of a mile to turn on a wide dirt road. (Links to maps are included below). The arch rises 40 feet above the ground, and is 85 feet long, but is hidden from view by the surrounding landscape until you are in front of it. It is worth your time to search for it. The arch is accessible by jeep, ATV or by an easy hike.

Moonshine Arch – Hidden in Plain Sight

If you don’t have a high clearance vehicle, it is recommended that you park in the area outside of the green gate. The majority of the trail is sand, and slick rock. The arch is approximately one mile from the green gate.

Moonshine Arch – Hidden in Plain Sight

It is a pleasant walk with a variety of plants and flowers along the trail, and with great views. When you reach the arch, you will find caverns which would be a great place to enjoy a picnic in the shade. Dogs are permitted, but be careful in hot weather to ensure the sand and slick rock is not too hot for their paws.

Moonshine Arch – Hidden in Plain Sight

I would recommend hiking during the early morning or early evening to avoid the hot sun during the day. Be sure to wear a hat, and to bring plenty of water.

Moonshine Arch – Hidden in Plain Sight

There are no fees to access. You can find directions for the trail at these sites.

Moonshine Arch Trail Map

BLM Mountain Arch Trail Map

Other interesting hikes:

Ogden’s Waterfall Canyon Trail

Fall Foliage Makes the Wind Cave Trail a Colorful Hike

Cascade Springs – Accessible Nature Walk

Take a Seat on the Living Room Hiking Trail

The Maybird Gulch Trail – A Trail Less Travelled

Places to visit • Uncategorized • May 27, 2019

Nine Mile Canyon – the World’s Longest Art Gallery

by John Hamilton

Nine Mile Canyon – the World’s Longest Art Gallery

Nine Mile Canyon has been called the world’s longest art gallery. The canyon is actually 46 miles long and is home to the greatest concentration of petroglyph and pictographs in the United States. A petroglyph is an image carved into stone, while a pictograph is a painting using natural pigments on stone. You may have seen many of these images in National Geographic magazines. There are over a thousand catalogued sites of Freemont and Ute rock art. Some panels of rock art can be viewed from just a few feet from the road.

Nine Mile Canyon – the World’s Longest Art Gallery

This is a very scenic drive on a paved road. There are no fees. There are many dips in the road to permit running water to pass over; it is advisable to avoid on rainy days due to being unable to pass if roads are flooded. There are no services for 75 miles; plan on having a full tank of gas, plenty of water and snacks to eat.

A great place to begin your trip is by visiting the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum for more information about the history of the people and how they lived.

This Nine Mile Canyon brochure includes a map for a self guided tour.

Nine Mile Canyon – the World’s Longest Art Gallery

There are pavilion covered picnic tables and toilets at both the Daddy Canyon Complex and the Cottonwood Glen Picnic Area. There is no water for washing or drinking.

The mile markers cited on the tour brochure can be a little off, but there are small signs to help you identify the sites.

Approximately half way through the Canyon you will pass the ghost town of Harper. It was once a stagecoach stop along the route between Price and the Uintah Basin.

The public lands in Nine Mile Canyon are closed to camping. The Nine Mile Ranch Bunk and Breakfast operates a private campground that is open year round.

First Site

Balanced Rock

Daddy Canyon Complex

Great Hunt Panel

Nine Mile Canyon – the World’s Longest Art Gallery

Driving Directions: Approximately 125 miles from Salt Lake City, take I-15 to the Manti/Price exit 258. Travel on US Highway 6 to Price exit 240. Continue through Price for 7.5 miles into Wellington.

Places to visit • April 28, 2019

Seeing Art Outside the Gallery – Mural Fest 2019

by John Hamilton

Seeing Art Outside the Gallery – Mural Fest 2019

South Salt Lake City is celebrating its second annual Mural Fest on Saturday, May 11^th. Ten new street murals will be painted at locations between Main Street to West Temple and from 2100 South to 2500 South. A self-guided tour of the murals would be easy to do by walking or biking to each site. Here is a list of locations where the new murals will be painted. Watch the murals in progress as the artists begin painting their murals two weeks prior to the event.

Seeing Art Outside the Gallery – Mural Fest 2019

Murals bring color and character to urban environments. They can brighten up drab concrete buildings and create a sense of community. Businesses can benefit from the increased foot traffic as people venture into the neighborhoods to see the artwork.

Seeing Art Outside the Gallery – Mural Fest 2019

The Mural Fest is being held between 5 pm to 10 pm. The event is suitable for people of all ages, and no tickets are required. Passport maps can be downloaded or picked up at the venue. Although self-guided tours of the murals can be done at any time, the Mural Fest provides the opportunity to meet the artists in person at each location and to speak with them about their murals. The artists will sign passports as you visit each location. Completed passports can be returned for a free give-away.

After completing the tour, enjoy live music, food trucks and activities for the kids at the Commonwealth Room on 195 West 2100 South.

Seeing Art Outside the Gallery – Mural Fest 2019

Uncategorized • April 2, 2019

Earth Day Events

by John Hamilton

Earth Day Events

Events to celebrate the 49^th annual Earth Day are taking place around the globe. It was a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 which inspired former Senator Gaylord Nelson for the idea for a national day to focus on the environment. The Wisconsin Senator enlisted support from Republicans and Democrats. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. By the end of that year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was created and the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were passed. Presently, Earth Day is observed worldwide and is celebrated by more than a billion people annually.

Here are some of the events celebrating Earth Day in our community:

Earth Day Events

April 20^th

The Ogden Nature Center located at 966 W 12^th Street will have activities and entertainment from 11 am to 4 pm. Entertainment includes live performances by the Celtic Beat Irish Dancers, Utah Puppet Association Puppet Show, and live animal presentations. Activities include a climbing wall, storytelling, nature crafts, puppet making workshop, face painting, composting workshops and much more. Plants, pottery, books, and recycled goods will be available to purchase.

Tracy Aviary is holding an Earth Day Eggstravaganza, between 9 am to 5 pm. Pick up a list at the gift shop to check off as you find the eggs hidden among the birds. Bring your own yoga matt or beach towel to do yoga with the birds. Listen to a natured focused story, and watch the bird show. Check the link for the schedule of events. 589 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City.

Alta is holding their 10^th annual Earth Day celebration between 9 am to 8 pm. Participate in the Naturalist Tours, Ski Recycle, and Eco-Friendly Vendors. Listen to live music.

Earth Day Events

April 22^nd

Salt Lake Community College Earth Day Festivities includes a Sustainability Panel, Reuse Fashion Show, Art Contest Awards, Open Mic Night, live music, and food trucks from 10 am to 4 pm at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus located at 4600 South Redwood Road.

The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter have an afternoon of Earth Day Activities from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, located at 1258 Center Drive, Park City. Information tables, green energy displays, games, crafts, and hands-on activities. See the Nature’s Ninjas Exhibit to learn about animals’ defense mechanisms. Between 4:30 and 6:30 pm, participate in the earth day cleanup at the preserve and learn what is recyclable and what isn’t. Volunteers for the Earth Day cleanup will be entered to win sustainable prizes.

Uncategorized • March 30, 2019

Planning for Your Pets during Evacuations

by John Hamilton

Planning for Your Pets during Evacuations

An evacuation plan is a necessity for every home, especially if you live in an area where fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters are a possibility. Many homeowners create evacuation plans for their homes and practice them with their kids, but far fewer have considered one for their pets. Take these steps to add your pets to your evacuation plan.

Assign pet evacuation to an adult. Everyone should know how to act during an evacuation, and that includes assigning one parent or adult to the pets. This allows the other parent and the children to focus on their part of the evacuation plan, so there’s no confusion during a high-stress moment when time is of the essence.

Keep evacuation maps and pet carriers readily accessible. If you need to evacuate, you should know exactly where every important item is. If you pets require carriers, keep them in a place that you can access easily.

Practice your plan. Include your pets in your home evacuation drills. It’ll help you see how they will respond and make changes to your plan if necessary. Getting your dog out of a window may not be as simple as you think!

Planning for Your Pets during Evacuations

Be prepared in case you get separated from your pets. No matter how much you drill your evacuation plan, it’s possible that a dog or cat will run off while you’re focusing on keeping your family safe. A microchip or a GPS-compatible tag can help you find your pets once it’s safe to return to the area.

Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit including:

Crate or pet carrier – is needed in the event that you will need to evacuate. The carrier should be large enough to permit your pet to stand up and to turn around in it. Attach a label on the crate with your pet’s name, your name and contact information
Food & water – at least a seven day supply
Food & water bowls
Medicine and veterinarian records – including history of shots, rabies vaccines
Collar with tags & leash – although your pet should be micro chipped, it is helpful to have a collar with tags for quick identification in the event that the dog gets separated from you.
Photo – of your pet, especially of unique markings or characteristics
Familiar items – toys, blanket
Plastic bags to clean up after your dogs, litter box & litter for cats

With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted in emergency shelters. Be sure to keep a list of pet-friendly hotels. Bring Fido can help you identify hotels/motels which can accommodate your pet.

Make a plan for when you’re not at home. Plan in advance what you would do if a disaster occurred while you are away from home and are unable to return for your pet. Identify a neighbor or other trusted person who would be able to retrieve your pets and their emergency kit for their care.

Holidays • Salt Lake City • March 24, 2019

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities

by John Hamilton

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities John Hamilton Homes

The search is on for Easter eggs and hunting for them will be on land and under water, in the morning and after dark. While some events are free and do not require registration, other events do require advance tickets and will sell out in advance.

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities

April 6^th & 7^th

Storybrook Play Cafe will hold their annual Woodland Bunny Brunch & Easter egg hunt on April 6^th and 7^th from 10 am – 11:30 am. Visit with the Easter bunny. Eggs are hidden throughout the play space. Tickets include egg hunt and waffle brunch. Tickets price range from $15 -$30 according to age. (see link for details)

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities John Hamilton Homes

April 11^th,12^th,13^th,18^th,19^th,20^th

Heber Valley Easter Bunny Train enjoy a 40 minute round-trip train ride with the Easter bunny on board. Each child will receive an Easter egg. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy baby animal petting zoo at the depot, and to watch the magician who will be performing 30 minutes before the train departure. Children 2 & under do not require a ticket. $5 for children 3 to 11, $15 for ages 12 & over. See website for tickets, and departure times.

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities

April 13^th

Help support the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter at their ALS Spring FUNdraiser & Easter Egg Hunt to raise awareness and funds for Utah families impacted by ALS. Additional activities include games, prizes, face painting and cotton candy. Cost is $5 per child or $20 per family. April 13^th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. It will be held at the Murray Park, 296 East Murray Park Avenue. – Pavilion 3.

Christmas Box Village Run a 5K race to raise awareness and funds to support teens in foster care. This family friendly event includes a free Kid’s 1 K, Carnival, Easter Egg Hunt and Silent Auction. Held on April 13^th at Lakeridge Junior High School, 951 S 400 West in Orem, Utah.

The Utah Food Allergy Network (UFAN) will hold their annual Food Free Easter Egg Hunt for participants who have concerns about food allergies. Pre-registration is necessary due to a limit of 200 participants, for age 12 & under. Cost is $6 per person. It will be held at the Southwood Park, 296 East Murray Park Avenue in Murray at 10:00 am on April 13^th.

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities

April 19^th & 20^th

Riverton City Easter Egg Hunt for Kids & Teens Check the website for details. Night time hunt for teens ages 13 – 18 for candy and cash-filled eggs on April 19^th at 9:00 pm. Be sure to bring your own flashlight and basket. At the Riverton City Rodeo Arena, 1300 West 12800 South.

On April 20^th, children 12 & under will hunt for candy and toy-filled eggs at 10:00 am. The hunt will take place at the Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S.

West Valley City Parks & Recreation Family Fitness Center Easter Events The following events being either on the 19^th or the 20^th,see website for details: Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt, Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt, Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, Indoor Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Egg Plunge and Breakfast with the Bunny. 5415 West 3100 South, West Valley City.

April 20^th

Kearns Recreation Center Easter Egg Hunt Ages 2 -10, hunt begins promptly at 9:00 am on the Oquirrh Park Soccer Field at 5670 South Cougar Lane, Kearns. Call the front desk (385) 468-1715 for questions.

Northwest Recreation Center – Egg Hunt & Egg Dive Hunt for eggs on land or in the pool. April 20^th, 9:00 am on the NWRC soccer fields for ages 3 -12. Cost is $3. From 6:00 – 7:00 pm, diving for eggs will take place at the Northwest Recreation Center Pool. For ages 3 -12, the egg dive is divided into 4 age groups, and includes a shallow water egg hunt, egg dive, log rolling, in water climbing rock. 1255 Clark Avenue, Salt Lake City. Call the front desk (385) 468-1305 for questions.

Petersen Family Farm Easter Egg Hunt Hunt for Easter eggs hidden throughout the farm. Pay $0.50 per egg, you decide how many you want to find. Be sure to open the eggs before leaving, as some will include passes for educational workshops, gift cards, and other fun prizes. April 20^th, 9 am to 2 pm. 11887 South 4000 West, Riverton, Utah.

Redwood Recreation Center Easter Egg Hunt Bring your own basket, free candy, prizes and meet the Easter bunny, for ages 12 & under. April 20^th the egg hunt begins at 9:00 am sharp on the west side of Redwood Recreation Center, 3060 S Lester Street, West Valley City.

South Jordan City Spring Spectacular Meet the Easter bunny at South City Park, 11000 S Redwood Road at 10:00 at the free Easter egg hunt. Festivities continue throughout the day at the Fitness & Aquatic Recreation Center, including magic shows, face painting, balloon artists, crafts, meet your favorite Mascot at the Mascot Alley, and Easter Pool plunge. See website for times and details.

Thanksgiving Point Easter Eggstreme Egg hunts take place every half hour between 10:30 to 1:00 pm on April 20^th at Electric Park. The Easter bunny will be available to meet and take photos with the children. Additional activities include jumping on inflatables, face painting, and riding the cow train. Check website for prices, save by buying tickets in advance. Activities are scheduled from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi.

Wheeler Farm Easter Egg Hunt Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt with an option to hunt for eggs on the lawn or in the woods. Pre-registration is required, and opens on March 20^th. Visit with the Easter bunny and enjoy a wagon ride. April 20^th, 9 am – 2:30 pm. Wheeler Historic Farm, 6352 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.

The Hunt for Easter Eggs & Other Festivities

Selling A Home • March 23, 2019

Top Four Repairs to Make Before Listing Your Home

by John Hamilton