Most Utahns can’t imagine ever leaving this beautiful state. It’s where family is. The place that feels like home. Sometimes, leaving Utah is unavoidable. Job transfers, school and family circumstances mean packing up and leaving Utah. Here’s what people miss about our amazing state when they leave.
Our state has a high percentage of college graduates. Which means that if you’re partial to folks who speak with correct grammar, are up-to-date on current events, and quick to pick up what you're laying down, this is the perfect place. When you move, you find that the rest of the world has more average IQs.
Move back East and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything even closely resembling the beauty you’ll find in Utah’s Arches, Bryce or Zion National Parks. People come from all over the world to visit our national parks.
Try asking someone in the midwest to point you to the nearest mountains, and you’ll be astonished by what they show you. You call those hills MOUNTAINS? Here, our mountains are real — show me an 11,000-foot peak in the Wasatch Range. THAT’s a mountain!
Our mountains and red-rock country offer tons of recreational opportunities. Other states have plenty of hiking, skiing, biking, etc., but you often have to drive for hours from major cities to the Great Outdoors. Not the case in Utah. You can eat lunch in downtown Salt Lake and be on a ski slope 30 minutes after finishing your burger.
Speaking of burgers...there are lots of really great burger joints throughout Utah, but one of the most popular is Crown Burger. Maybe it’s the pastrami; maybe it’s the fry sauce. One thing’s for sure...you won’t find anything like it in another state.
Some people might miss the Jazz more than others; for some fickle fans it kind of depends on what kind of season they’re having. Die-hard fans definitely miss seeing the Utah Jazz play at the Vivint Smart Home Arena (that’s the Delta Center if you’re old-school).
The first time I visited San Francisco, I was very charmed by its quaint, pastel row houses and views of the Bay. But...the sidewalks were full of trash, and the city itself was overall much dirtier than Salt Lake. Even Utah’s largest cities are pristine compared to many other spots in the country.
If you haven’t traveled much outside this state, you might not be aware that other places aren’t so kid-friendly. Try taking a toddler into a downtown restaurant during the lunch rush in the business district of a major city elsewhere and you’ll be stunned at the hostility you might face from the staff (and other patrons). Kid-centric activities abound in Utah, and are less plentiful in other places.
In some cities, you’ll pay at least $100 for a ticket to the symphony. In Utah, you can catch a performance of the world-class Utah Symphony for as little as $15. Productions at Ballet West, Pioneer Theater Company and Utah Opera are also affordable.
While our largest professional ballet, symphony, opera and acting companies are in Salt Lake, you’ll find high-quality amateur venues all over the state. Almost every Utah resident is within an hour of great entertainment. Why? Utahns are incredibly talented dancers, singers, musicians and actors! If you’re looking to partake of free or inexpensive arts productions, you can find them here in Utah...and the quality is superior.
Utah’s crime rate is amongst the lowest in the nation. People here feel safe letting their kids play in the yard, go for a bike ride and walk home from school.
If you ski or snowboard, you’ll really miss Utah’s powdery snow. You might be able to ski at some cool resorts, but it won’t quite be the same. Even if you don’t ski, Utah turns into a real winter wonderland when it snows. You can enjoy our snow from the warmth of your house, while sipping cocoa.
Utah is a great place to live. Don’t ever leave! But if you do, you’ll probably miss at least these 15 things (and likely even more). Have you ever left Utah? What did YOU miss? Tell us about it!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
9 Things That Utahns Just Can’t Seem To Stop Talking About
Utah is celebrated for its stunning national parks, successful Winter Olympics, unique foods, beautiful seasons, excellent skiing, Sundance Film Festival, popular cookie and soda shops, and the intense Holy War football rivalry.
If you have spent any time in Utah, you know that it is the best place to be. As Utahns, we love to talk about our state and what makes it so great. In fact, there are a few things that many of us Utahns just can’t stop talking about. So, we sat down and created a list of just a few things that make Utah the best place to live and that we can’t stop telling — or reminding — the world about. From gorgeous natural parks to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Olympic Park in Salt Lake City Utah, there are plenty of things to be excited about in Utah!
There is a reason our national parks are named the "Mighty Five." Not only are these national parks huge, but they are also beautiful. In fact, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion were all ranked as some of the most stunning and the best national parks in the world — yes, the world! Zion, which is Utah’s oldest national park, was ranked as the sixth most beautiful national park around the globe. No wonder we can’t stop talking about them!
2. We hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City and they were a huge success!
How many times has Utah hosted the Olympics? Just once so far, and it was amazing! Salt Lake City proudly hosted the 2002 Olympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games. More than 2,500 athletes competed in these games and 77 nations were represented. Plus, dozens of records were broken during these games alone. Today, we have venues, like Olympic Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, where you can relive some of those incredible moments and even pretend you’re an Olympic athlete yourself.
If you are new to the Beehive State, you’ve likely heard about some of our iconic foods in Utah like fry sauce and funeral potatoes. However, if you’ve tried these foods, then you know what all of the fuss is about. Don’t be surprised if we serve some of these tasty foods when you come over to dinner.
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4. In Utah, we experience all four seasons and each one is BEAUTIFUL!
We are lucky to experience every season throughout the year (sometimes on the same day!). Whether you like one season more than another, it doesn’t matter as each is absolutely gorgeous. If you don’t believe us, check out Utah's natural beauty throughout every season of the year for yourself - you won't regret it! We really do live in one of the most stunning places in the country.
According to our license plates, Utah has the greatest snow on earth and we have to agree. Plus, we are also home to some of the snowiest places in the entire world. Alta, for example, averages 551 inches of snow each year! And who doesn't love Park City for its charm and awesome skiing?
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6. The Sundance Film Festival is the event of the year.
In Utah, we love our movies, and we especially love to watch movies at the Sundance Film Festival. This one event brings thousands of people together. But don’t get us wrong, while we love to watch the movies, we especially love being on the lookout for the celebrities who attend the festival. You will probably find them in Park City!
If you live nearby, you’ve likely visited a soda or cookie shop in Utah. Actually, you likely have a FAVORITE cookie or soda shop, and you aren’t afraid to let everyone know about it. You may even have a separate category in your budget book just for these sweet treats and that’s okay — we do, too! One of our favorite places is Swig, which has locations all over the state!
8. The highlight of football season is the Holy War.
If you want to get Utahns really fired up, just mention the Holy War. This describes the football rivalry between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. This is one of the most highly-anticipated games each year and here in Utah, we talk about it before, during, after, and even months following the game. The Holy War is just one of the unique phrases in Utah that you might hear if you move here!
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9. Plain and simple, Utah is the best place to call home.
No matter which way you slice it, life in Utah is hard to beat. From nature to restaurants to events to our residents, Utah is the best — plain and simple. Whether you like our state's manmade attractions or are drawn to the natural wonders in Utah, there is something for you to love here!
What would you say are some things that Utahns just can’t stop talking about? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!
We know that we are lucky to live in the Beehive State, but there are some misconceptions about Utah too. If you are coming to visit, make sure you read up and prepare yourself so you know what you're talking about when you're here. You'll make friends in no time! If you will be taking a road trip around our beautiful state, check out ideas for the Best Road Trip Snacks: 50 On-The-Go Food Ideas so you will be well-prepared for your trip.
