Three luxe locales for your Southern Utah staycation
Photos courtesy of Autocamp, Ofland/Kim + Nash Finley, ULUM Moab
If you haven’t heard, Southern Utah is the new ‘it’ spot for elevated glamping. These three desert destinations blend luxe living with the allure of the outdoors.
Redrock views frame Autocamp’s clubhouse. Inside, guests can find a general store, kitchen, games and lounge space.
Autocamp Zion
Just twenty minutes from Zion’s park entrance, Autocamp Zion is a charming basecamp for your adventure. Stay in refurbished Airstream trailers that combine retro charm with modern luxury, offering a range of deluxe accommodations including spa-like bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes and private firepits. Larger groups can find comfort in spacious private cabins, or opt for the Basecamp—a hybrid of an airstream and large canvas tent. Stop by the clubhouse for adventure fuel, where a General Store and Kitchen offer made-to-order dishes and local provisions. After a day of hiking, rejuvenate with complimentary yoga sessions or an evening dip in the heated pool. autocamp.com
Ofland Escalante
Near Bryce Canyon, Ofland Escalante is a vision of Americana excellence. Their new deluxe cabins are dressed in soothing rustic textures and sleek finishes, with private outdoor showers and patios to elevate the desert retreat. For a variety of experiences, choose from additional accommodations, including Airstreams, campsites and tiny cabins. Enhance your stay with a visit to the food truck park, take a dip in the oversized pool or enjoy a classic drive-in movie experience in vintage convertibles parked beneath the stars. ofland.com
Set up your adventure basecamp inside a luxe tiny cabin at Ofland. Ofland’s vintage Airstreams include a kitchenette, access to spa-quality shared bathouses and plenty of room to spread out.
ULUM Moab
Tucked away in the serene Moab desert, ULUM Resort stands as one of only two destinations in Utah awarded a Michelin Key. The expansive grounds are dotted with safari-style tents that exude desert comfort. Breathtaking red-rock views are integrated into every detail of the site’s award-winning design, from the Looking Glass viewing deck to outdoor plunge pools. ULUM takes desert luxury to new heights with exceptional culinary offerings that showcase Southwestern flavors. ulumresort.com/moab
ULUM’s canvas tents seamlessly blend with the remote desert surroundings while offering all the creature comforts like heated mattress pads, rain showers and woodburning stoves.
Unify a space by weaving a single hue through various materials, motifs and textures.
UTILIZE SCALE
Balance small intricate patterns with something bold and blocky. For Fox, a dainty floral print teamed with a chunky stripe makes the perfect pairing.
BLEND ERAS
Combine age-old prints with contemporary designs to keep spaces fresh.
PLAY WITH PATTERNS
Mix contrasting prints and patterns like bold stripes, delicate florals and quirky geometrics to create an engaging decor that keeps the eye moving.
Florals Norwall Floral Bird Wallpaper, available via The Fox Shop
Checks Custom Tile from Arto
Prints Miss Li in Rose Mauve by Pierre Frey
Stripes Wickham Satin Stripe by Schumacher
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Delightful variations inspired by the sun put golden yellow on this season’s hot list.
What could be more inviting than stepping into a room dressed in golden yellow, whether it be a bold statement or subtle accents? It’s like entering a ray of sunshine, enveloping you in warmth and cheer. It’s no surprise then, that these radiant hues of yellow—whether in paint, fabrics or furnishings—are elevating the style and spirit of our favorite spaces, both indoors and out.
Summery yellow walls brighten a dining room charmed by Serena & Lily relaxed furnishings and finishes.
While bright citrus yellow frequently steals the spotlight with its sunny disposition and mood-lifting qualities, designers today are drawn more to the warmer tones of yellow. From soft, butter creams to luxurious honey hues, these shades exude the same upbeat energy but with a more sophisticated and timeless allure.
Designer Shea McGeeMarigold-hued fabrics from Schumacher’s Live It Up! collection were designed with carefree living and style in mind.
Today’s sun-lit yellows encompass a wide range of tones. On the softer end, consider Honeybee, a new paint color described by Benjamin Moore to be as sweet as it is versatile. There’s also Limitless, Glidden Paints’ Color of the Year for 2024. Straddling pale straw and whipped butter, the near-neutral embodies the warm, creamy colors that have been cropping up across many designs of late. These include those of designer Shea McGee, who is obsessed with butter yellow. “It is such a good shade, landing somewhere between beige and yellow yellow,” she says. McGee and her design team love butter yellow’s versatility, seamlessly weaving the hue into wallpaper and paint, along with smaller accents including throw pillows, wall art and lamps. The resulting spaces are as cheerful as they are soothing. “I love how sunny and relaxed it is without going full force into lemon territory,” McGee says. And for those who are timid about using color, butter and similarly mellow yellows resemble cream, making a jump from basic white to yellow a comfortable and stylish move.
Vinyl stacked wallpaper in honey comb, Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.comSolis wallpaper in Yellow, Thibaut, thibautdesign.comMarigold wallpaper in Yellow, Morris & Co., morrisandco.sandersondesigngroup.com
Of course, there are others who whole-heartedly embrace color and are always on the lookout for the next must-have hue to bring home. For many, today’s choice is a warm yellow, and top-notch paint brands offer an impressive assortment, as do luxury furniture, fabric and wallpaper makers. Schumacher, for example, recently touted Marigold among the lively, organic colors in its new Live It Up! collection of indoor/outdoor fabrics. Bluestar named Honey Yellow the color of the year for its kitchen appliances, and Thibaut included Daisy among the “vibrant yet slightly heathered” tones enriching its Locale Collection’s textile offerings. The list goes on.
Schumacher’s La-Jolla Indoor/Outdoor fabric pooch proofs an eye-catching side chair.
Indeed, golden yellows seem to be everywhere, instantly elevating and enlivening every space they grace with their soothing warmth and energizing charm. Pale or saturated, they speak to our innate desire for comfort and connection at home. And these days, who doesn’t want that?
Weber State University starts this academic year with a modernized renovation of the David O. McKay Education building
Photos by Scot Zimmerman
Back to School at WSU
The daily life rhythms around me abruptly changed this week with the start of school. Suddenly there was a new sense of purpose and urgency in the neighborhood kids’ lives, marked by new shoes, freshly shampooed hair, and heavy backpacks.
This week, WSU students with a focus on studies in education will head into a fresh redo of a building originally built in 1972 that was completely stripped to frame and foundation and rebuilt to integrate nature into the design and abundantly fill with natural light. The David O. McKay Education Building serves multiple functions. It houses the Jerry & Vickie Moyes School of Teacher Education and the Family Studies departments, as well as the Melba S. Lehrer Children’s School and Charter Academy and Charter Kindergarten, essentially a school within a school. The children’s school contained within the building presents its own needs for a sense of separate identity and requirements to control access to the facility and managing circulation within it.
GSBS Architects in Salt Lake City designed the renovation, which includes rooftop solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling, and Okland Construction built the project.
From the southeast corner, you can appreciate the volume of glass for introducing daylight into the interior. The main entrance faces a broad pedestrian corridor that leads to the union and student services buildings. At the eastern side you can see the entrance to the children’s school. This entrance is used only for the children’s school and has its own security.
From the opposite northwest corner, you can see how the two lower floors along the north containing the children’s school have a different scale and design aesthetic. A playground runs along the north side within the fence. The interplay between the children’s school and the university classrooms provide learning opportunities for students training to be teachers, such as the observation areas included in the children’s classroom spaces.
The outdoor play space allows the children many ways to enjoy it including the curving perimeter sidewalk, grass expanses, play equipment, and a natural area within a shady copse of trees.
This children’s school classroom access and check-in desk is from the interior corridor. Note how the dark blue ceiling color seemingly compresses and lowers the scale and varying wall colors differentiate the doors to classrooms to help cue wayfinding.
In the kindergarten room, a sliding glass door leads to the outdoor play area. I had to chuckle at how normally sized the furniture and sink look in the photo. I can assure you they are all undersized but done so consistently there isn’t anything in the photo to cue you to a standard size. It must feel perfect for a kindergartener!
Now it’s time to move into the University student area. This entry corridor is opposite the south door, which is street-level on this side and the second level of the building. Down the corridor on the left is the entrance to the fabrication lab, which contains tools and resources for creating lesson and classroom materials.
One objective in the update was more study areas and spaces for student collaboration.
On the third floor there are acoustically baffled circular spaces for curling up and reading and tables for working together. In the background you can see a classroom. A faculty member stopped to talk and said that he had worked decades in the former building and that the transformation and amount of light everywhere is a mind-boggling difference.
Administrative functions are on this floor, and prior to classes starting there was a steady stream of students going into the department offices.
This conference room is adjacent to the department’s executive offices.
The ceiling is open along the central spine to the levels above, allowing the natural light to filter down.
Lounge seating fills the broad corridor outside a series of large lecture halls.
On an upper floor, this is a favorite classroom because of the views.
It’s a funny thing at this time of life but seeing these facilities and meeting the faculty and staff makes me a little envious of those who are going back to school. It seems the older I get the more I realize what I don’t know and a chance to learn seems pretty darn appealing. For those lucky to be going to WSU this fall, welcome back!
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Raised brick planters by garden designer Emily Brooks Wayment feature broad ledges that double as seating for gardeners at work.
Raised beds are on the rise across Utah. Here are 10 reasons we’re using them to elevate our garden game
Everywhere we look this season, it seems gardening is being elevated—literally. Raised garden beds are sprouting up in backyards, patios, parking strips and community spaces, transforming ordinary plots into thriving, organized green spaces. And there’s no better time than summer to get growing. Whether you’re harvesting crisp vegetables, tending colorful blooms or trying your hand at both, raised beds offer a beautiful and practical way to garden at full tilt
Raised brick planters by garden designer Emily Brooks Wayment feature broad ledges that double as seating for gardeners at work. Photo by Mikki Platt.
To help explain why this elevated approach is more than just a trend, USU extension professor Katie Wagner—alongside projects from talented landscape pros—shares ten compelling reasons raised beds belong in your garden plan. From easier planting and longer seasons to fewer weeds and fuller harvests, these benefits make raised beds a summer-smart upgrade you’ll enjoy all year long.
Treated landscape timbers offer a cost-effective material for raised gardens built along an access walk in a Holladay home. Design by Landform Design Group. Photo by Grey Giraffe-Alan Wilbur.Simple steel garden boxes add elevated growing space in an intimate SLC backyard, courtesy of Landform Design Group. Photo by Grey Giraffe-Alan Wilbur.
1. Better Soil, Better Plants
With raised beds, you control the soil mix, ensuring optimal nutrients and texture—especially beneficial for gardeners working with poor native soil, heavy clay or sandy conditions. “We typically recommend a mix of native garden soil and a soilless potting mix,” Wagner says, emphasizing high-quality organic matter made for raised beds. This balanced mix promotes healthier plants, better root growth and fewer nutrient deficiencies. However, she adds, raised beds are not the most water-efficient option. “They require more water since they drain and dry out quickly, unlike in-ground gardens. Adding native soil, mulch and organic matter can help improve water retention and soil health,” she says.
2. Improved Drainage
Unlike traditional garden plots, raised beds prevent water from pooling, reducing the risk of root rot. This improved drainage is especially beneficial in regions with heavy rainfall or compacted soil, allowing plants to thrive in a well-aerated environment. “However, depending on how tall the raised beds are, the roots systems of some plants will reach into the native soil beneath,” Wagner says.
3. Less Weeding, Less Hassle
Raised beds’ defined borders help suppress weeds, keeping your garden tidier with less effort. Adding mulch or landscape fabric beneath the soil further reduces unwanted growth. “Control weeds in the surrounding pathways and you’ll reduce the weed pressure around the raised beds,” Wagner adds.
4. Easier on the Back & Knees
Taller bed designs eliminate the need for stooping, benefiting those with mobility issues, back pain or knee pain. Some even feature sitting lips for added ease. “If the material doesn’t support natural seating, like steel, we look for ways to incorporate seating, such as a cantilevered wood bench,” says Landform Design Group’s Jayson King. “With wood or masonry, seating can naturally occur with the right height.” Wagner agrees, noting that while ideal height varies by user, a 3-foot width offers ample room for growth and easy access to the bed’s center from either side.
Steel and board-formed concrete walls join steel planters of varied size and height to bring interest and low-maintenance appeal to this lush Park City garden. Design by Landform Design Group. Photo by Grey Giraffe-Alan Wilbur.Protecting the gardening area of wildlife, steel/wood fencing and a stone wall surround steel planters of varying sizes and heights in a Park City home’s landscape by Landform Design Group. Photo by Grey Giraffe-Alan Wilbur.
5. Extended Growing Season
Raised beds offer a longer growing season thanks to faster spring warm-up and better fall drainage. You can plant earlier, harvest later and make the most of your space year-round. Plus, they’re perfect for low tunnel covers, allowing use of plastic in spring to retain heat, then swapping to 30% shade cloth in Utah’s hot summer months, Wagner explains. Raised beds also support vertical trellising, which improves airflow, saves space and makes harvesting climbing crops easier.
6. Pest & Critter Control
Raising your garden beds helps deter pests like rabbits and ground insects, especially when paired with barriers like hardware cloth or row covers. “Produce in contact with the ground is much more vulnerable,” says Wagner. “Better air circulation also means less disease pressure.” To prevent pest and disease buildup, she also suggests rotating crops each year—especially within the same plant families, which tend to share vulnerabilities to pests and diseases.
7. Maximizing Small Spaces
Raised beds are a smart solution for small yards, patios and urban gardens, offering a compact, organized way to grow more in less space. Added trellises or vertical supports can increase productivity without expanding a garden’s footprint. Wagner emphasizes the importance of placement and sun exposure.
“Plants need enough space and light to thrive.” What’s more, raising beds above surrounding perennials can also help ensure better airflow and consistent sunlight.
8. A Stylish & Organized Garden
Raised beds’ defined edges create natural walkways and a sense of order, turning any backyard into a functional, attractive space. “In-ground gardens can look messy by comparison,” Wagner says. Material choice depends on style and budget. Rot-resistant woods like cedar or redwood are durable and visually appealing. Metal offers a sleek, modern look but can overheat and degrade over time. Plastic kits are easy to assemble and long-lasting, while cinder blocks are sturdy but less polished.
Painted wood planters and a stone-topped bench share a gravel-topped space, creating a thoughtful mix of seating and utility. Design by Emily Brooks Wayment. Photo by Mikki Platt.Katie Wagner, USU Extension Professor. Photo by Dennis Hinkamp. Easy-access cedar beds, stained to blend with the home’s modern-style fence and gate, are used as a retaining element to hold the grade at the appropriate elevation in a SLC property. Photo by Grey Giraffe-Alan Wilbur.
9. Customization & Creativity
From imaginatively used materials to multi-level layouts, raised beds offer endless room for creativity—something both top landscape designers and savvy home gardeners have embraced. Customize their shapes or heights, incorporate built-in trellises or experiment with companion planting to create a garden that’s truly your own. “The sky’s the limit,” Wagner says. “It’s all about making the most of your space.”
10. Bigger Harvests in Less Space
With deep, nutrient-rich soil and efficient spacing, raised beds are ideal for intensive planting and higher yields. Techniques like square-foot gardening or succession planting let you grow more in less space than traditional row gardens. But thoughtful planning is key, Wagner notes: “Nutrient management matters. Make sure plants get enough sunlight and aren’t crowded to the point of shading each other—that can limit productivity.”
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Sometimes, the best designs come to life in the most unexpected locations. For this project, Bond Design Company’s Jennifer Chipman was originally on the hunt for an urban-chic Manhattan townhome. But when the client discovered a sprawling ranch property near Park City, the NYC lifestyle had to take a mountainous turn.
As seen in our print feature, Mountains Meet Manhattan, Chipman was challenged to infuse the bold color, graphic pattern and signature Fifth Avenue polish into a brand-new locale. To bring it home, the Bond team enlisted graphic stone and full-tilt pattern to adorn nearly every room. Scroll on to see exclusive spaces not featured in the print edition.
Upon entry to the home, guests are greeted by a stylish foyer. Complementing a lively New Ravenna tile floor, Holly Hunt wallpaper covers each wall. An ebony walnut credenza anchors the space. On top, a display of the homeowners eclectic treasures, including a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk and a green marble horse sculpture. “It’s a vignette that tells a story, and a foyer that makes a statement,” Chipman says.
Made up of five carefully matched slavs of Bianco Lasa Macchia Vecchia, the stepped-stone fireplace surround brings the drama to the first liveable room of the house.
Nearby, the dining room is all about finesse and craftsmanship. At the center of the vignette, a stunning 132-inch dining table from Shine by Sho radiates luxury and glamour. A gilded base, marble inlay and clipped corners deliver a tailor-made feel. To keep the visual flow balanced, the designers paired Hickory Chair dining chairs and a custom banquette as seating, softening the overall look. “This is one of our favorite design moves,” says Chipman. “Fewer chair legs mean less visual clutter, and versatility adds interest.”
A rosy palette drove the design for a bedroom suite. Matching blush tile in the adjoining bathroom, soft, feminine textiles and floral velvet pillows layered on the high-fashion feeling. Stargaze by Schumacher clads the walls for a touch of whimsy and warmth.
The home office houses a little secret: hidden cabinetry tucked behind custom cabinetry by PepperTree Cabinets. When closed, the color-drenched room is a moody, serene retreat. When revealed, hidden shelves offer stylish functionality with a pop of maroon that flawlessly complements the room’s Lead Gray Benjamin Moore paint.
In the playful media room, accent shelves and a wet bar showcase warm, tonal hues of taupe and camel, creating a cozy, inviting ambiance. Gold accents and a sleek fluted sink echo the glam that persists throughout the home’s design.
With it’s own private entrance, the property’s guest house was designed to have a vibe all its own. Rich materials like dark walnut cabinetry and emerald green accents give the space a distinctly masculine energy. “The details evoke the feel of a stately gentleman’s club, but with a hint of Art Deco glam woven in for good measure,” says Chipman.
In the guest bedroom, the emerald tones get leveled up in the best way. Moody layers of green on green, from the Zak + Fox Wallcovering to the cozy tufted bed bench create an escape both restful and inviting.
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These charming small businessesdotting rural Utah have gained unprecedented fame thanks to big followings on social media. To thousands of followers, these niche shops and boutiques are often considered as much of a destination as the sparkling lakes, powdery chutes and red rock monoliths that hover nearby.
Beljar Home
Furnishings and fashion
Following a handsome, well-established couple as they hunt antiques in chocolate-box villages amongst honey-hued cottage shops? Yes, please. Joining said couple online as they choose cabinetry, fixtures and furnishings for new building projects in picturesque Heber Valley? We’re liking and subscribing.
With a storefront in Midway, the owners of Beljar Home take their online followers on sourcing journeys through Provence and the Cotswolds, advise DIY home decorators on layering old and new items, showcase just-arrived merchandise and take us along for a peek into their building projects, throwing words like “moody,” “old-world” and “antiquey” around more often than candy at a parade.
Exterior of Beljar Home. Photo courtesy of Beljar. Owners Desiree and James Bastian take followers along on their sourcing journeys. hoto courtesy of Beljar.
“You can come into the store and outfit an entire home, custom-order a sofa or find those perfect vintage light fixtures,” says co-owner Desiree Bastian of Beljar Home. “But we love visitors who come to just look around or pick up a little something to take home. Collecting things over time helps people tell their stories: an heirloom pillow, a unique salt and pepper shaker set, a hand-painted bowl, a cozy throw.”
James Bastian, the other half of the quintessential husband-wife duo, agrees. “We love it when our friends stop by. Some live around the corner, some live out of the country and stop in to meet us,” he says. “They pick up a cinnamon roll at Midway Bakery, come into the store, and then…on with their day. We love being part of the itinerary.”
Make a Day of It: Visit Deer Creek Reservoir, Homestead Crater, Soldier Hollow
Followers: 83.4k
Emie James
Home decor and gifts
Comprising Eden, Huntsville and Liberty,the 7,500 people who make up Ogden Valley cherish its small-town charm and tight-knit community. Amid sparkling Pineview Reservoir and nestled between the Wasatch and Monte Cristo Mountain Ranges, the valley hosts only a few storefronts and gas stations, a handful of restaurants, a market, a church, an elementary school, a hardware store and a library. The old monastery is gone now.
Peaceful, yes. Quaint, for sure. A little too quiet? Sometimes. Lifelong resident Lisa Pack and her daughter Marne Grange say they wanted to create a fun community hub not just for lifers like themselves, but for new residents and even visitors eager to make new friends.
Mother and daughter duo Lisa Pack (right) and Marne Grange (left), create a community space in Eden at Emie James. Photo courtesy of @emie_james
“There really wasn’t a place to hang out and see your girlfriends, to meet new people, to buy a little gift for a shower, to grab a little treat and say hello,” says Lisa, adding that the valley has deep roots going back generations but it’s sometimes hard to connect—especially for newcomers. “It occurred to us that some people feel like, ‘If I don’t have family from here, I don’t belong.’ We want people to feel connected in this community.”
Teaming up with her daughter, Marne Grange, the two, (who consider themselves “besties”), answered the call, opening a charming little home decor, gift and treat shop in Eden called Emie James.
Marne believes their online presence far outweighs store traffic because, while merchandise is trendy and up-to-the-minute, followers also get a glimpse of small-town life. It’s what compels folks to trek from Kaysville or Kentucky to meet the uber-friendly staff and bring home a whimsical, mounted metal moose sporting spectacles, a trendy kitchen towel or an oversized “Apres Ski” sweatshirt. Some visitors even stick around long enough to sign up for Emie James’ flower arranging, sushi-making or sourdough-baking workshops.
Owners: mother-daughter duo Lisa Pack and Marne Grange
Make a Day of It: Splash in Pineview or Causey Reservoir, hike the Brim Trail, mountain bike Ben Lomond or ski at Snow Basin or Powder Mountain.
Followers: 24.6k
The Creamery
Quick-stop dairy shop and full-service eatery
Many a childhood was spent gnawing on squeaky cheese curds in the back of the family station wagon after an I-15 pit stop at the dairy plant in Beaver, Utah.
“Those cheese curds are what got us here today,” says Matt Robinson, director of The Creamery. Matt also happens to be Beaver City’s mayor.
Still housed right off the freeway directly between Salt Lake and Las Vegas, the storefront experienced an extreme makeover as The Creamery, a stunning dairy dream house drawing in not just I-15 travelers, but–more than ever–those making a special trip.
The Creamery has long been a must-stop for I-15 travelers coming north to Salt Lake City or south to Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of The Creamery.
Formed by a dairy farmer co-op, the store makes it a point to share farming families’ stories via social media and posts every scrumptious dairy iteration sold in the store (think wrapped mango fire cheddar wedges and blueberry shortbread cookie mix). The quick-serve restaurant is a foodstagrammer’s dream: creamy strawberry ice cream, jalapeno mac and cheese, braised short rib grilled cheese sandwiches…you get the picture.
“Our guests come for amazing and unique dairy products and that’s a credit to the farmers, producers and folks in the kitchen,” says Mayor Matt. “Unmistakably, without a doubt, though, what people come to consume most at The Creamery is that small-town connection, that farm-to-table experience. They want to drink milk that comes from the Roberts’ dairy just 12 miles to the west, or those cheese curds made at 4 a.m. this morning.”
Make a Day of It: Birthplace of the famous outlaw, Butch Cassidy, visitors can check out the new Eagle Point ski and summer resort, hike, fish, snowmobile, or horseback ride through Fishlake National Forest in the Tushar Mountain Range, or check out the famous Crusher in the Tushars bike race.
Followers: 7.8k
Cosy House
Home and lifestyle shop
OK, OK, St. George is not exactly a small town,but it ain’t big either. And despite big-box stores anchoring strip malls among its red rock vistas, the southern Utah hotspot is not known as a shopping destination. (Just try to pry visitors away from their bikes or golf clubs!)
When Nancy Van Matre moved back to Utah from Southern California, she says she loved hopping on her bike and hitting the trails from her front door. “What’s not to love?” she asks, “Everything was right at my fingertips.”
Everything, the former homestore owner adds, except a beautiful place to shop. “I’d ask friends, ‘Where’s a place to buy a lovely little gift or something pretty for my home?’” she says. “The answer was always the same: TJ Maxx or Target.”
Nancy says she was anxious to recreate the quintessential cool home store, gift go-to and “shop around the corner.” Now, her Cosy House hosts a loyal following of local and social media friends who celebrate her effortless, laid-back aesthetic. The store features mounds of books, cozy furniture, ridiculously un-faux-looking faux foliage (because of all the second-home owners in St. George), sleek lamps, precious oil paintings, modern rugs, marble cake stands, delicate soap dishes and yummy smelling candles.
Now Nancy, her neighbors, and her followers who venture a visit really do have it all: their bikes, their golf clubs and their little shop around the corner.
Make a Day of It: Enjoy Snow Canyon, Zion National Park or Sand Hollow State Park. Try your mountain biking skills at Bearclaw Poppy or tee off at one of seven public golf courses in the area.
Followers: 18.2k
Snuck Farms
Modern farm and storefront featuring produce, gifts and a to-go menu
When Page Westover and her husbandBrian obtained her Grandpa “Snuck’s” Pleasant Grove property, cradled between Mt. Timpanogos and Mt. Nebo, the land had been reduced to just over three acres, surrounded by the type of residential developments that tip small towns into suburb status. But Pleasant Grove, which touts itself as an agricultural community, resists suburbia. Silicon Slopes may be a stone’s throw away, but rituals like June’s Strawberry Days—with its charming parade and rodeo—push back against encroaching sprawl.
Page dreamt of preserving her family’s land and its heritage. She also longed for a simple, small-town life for her family. By ‘simple’ she didn’t mean easy—but a back-to-the-land existence where the trained nutritionist could enjoy growing fresh food while working side by side with her kids.
“I’m driven to nourish people in that way,” says Page. “We need more spaces like this where people can be connected to their food.” A pipe dream for most, Page set about farming her small plot by utilizing hydroponics: a method of growing greens sans soil, which sprout side-by-side in an extended system of PVC pipes fed by recirculated water.
Photo courtesy of Snuck Farms Snuck Farm’s market is stocked with locally made foods, gifts and more. Photo courtesy of Snuck Farms
The result is fresh greens all year long. Documenting her labors with picturesque images of her modern barn, her maturing leafy lettuces in vivid greens and purples, and massive bundles of cut flowers from the extensive cutting gardens, her followers soak in the wonderment of romantic rural life. To get a closer look, folks can visit the farm store, where pressed juices, bags of fresh greens, cut flowers and products from other local farmers and artisans await purchase. The kitchen to-go items like wraps, salads and granola.
Page says her farm life attracts followers because farming is in our DNA—an intrinsic connection between humans and land. “People comment: ‘You’re living my dream, I wanna do this,” she says with a laugh. “And I think, ‘No you don’t.’ It’s nonstop, 24-seven, 365 days a year. There’s a reason people sell their farms.”
Truthfully, though, Page says she understands the draw—of course she does. “We don’t get access to this anymore, there’s very little greenspace,” she says. “There’s something innate and familiar, we don’t want to let go of this tie we feel with land and food.”
Make a Day of It: Explore Timpanogos Caves, hike to Battle Creek Waterfall, bike, walk or rollerblade along Murdock Canal trail, or hit the Strawberry Days parade and rodeo every June.
Followers: 16.2k
Bolt Ranch Store
Western lifestyle, clothing, home and gifts
Instead of buzzing through Kamas on your way to Mirror Lake, Jenny and Abby Watts recommend stopping to smell the flowers—or the fresh hay—and then coming by Bolt Ranch Store.
“The calving season in April and May is worth the drive up,” says Jenny. “Just cruise by all the beautiful fields and you’ll see them.”
Abby often answers questions about the famous nearby Oakley Rodeo in July, which Bolt Ranch Store sponsors, but she also reminds customers about Kamas’ Demolition Derby in May, Fiesta Days rodeo in late July, Frontier Days Rodeo over Labor Day weekend in Francis and Peoa’s Ranch Rodeo Shoot in June.
Jenny and Abby Watts, co-owners of Bolt Ranch House. Photo courtesy of Bolt Ranch House.
But you’ll need a great pair of boots to fit in—and if you’re in the market for a Stetson, the in-house hat shaper stands at the ready. If you decide to stay in Kamas and buy the whole ranch, Bolt House will stock you with enough horse tack, saddles, bridles and cowhide to last you until you remember you’re actually a city slicker.
“But we don’t just sell cowboy stuff,” says Abby, who owns the store with her mom, likening their partnership to a constant girls trip—shopping included. “We have all kinds of stuff, like Free People, Mother Denim, Goorin Bros. Hats, turquoise jewelry, local artwork and gifts. We’re like a mini department store.”
Yes, shoutouts and tags from Food Nanny and Ballerina Farm have helped put Bolt Ranch Store on the social media map, but it’s their gorgeous ranching photos mixed in with modeled merch that keeps followers coming back for more.
“At our ranch, we run 150 cow-calf pairs, (300 total), and we own eight Highland cows, four donkeys (which we plan to breed), ten horses, three Kunekune pigs, two barn cats and Walter, our Bernese Mt. Dog,” says Jenny. “You’ll meet Walter if you come in, he’s the official shop dog.”
A short flight from Salt Lake City lands you in Santa Barbara, where the sea meets the mountains and days unfold with waves, wine and just the right amount of wander
Sometimes the best adventure is the one that feels almost effortless—a quick trip that whisks you away to a world of ocean breezes, sun-drenched hillsides and timeless coastal charm. Just a short, direct flight from Salt Lake City, Santa Barbara offers exactly that kind of easy escape. Framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the American Riviera sets the stage with its iconic white stucco walls, red-tiled rooftops and palm-lined promenades.
The Old Mission Santa Barbara, a short drive from the Arts District, offers a serene self-guided tour through historic courtyards, a grand church, an engaging interior and a small museum. Photo courtesy of Old Mission Santa Barbara/Visit Santa Barbara.
It’s the perfect base for exploring nearby gems: the relaxed, shopping vibe of Summerland, the discreet luxury of Montecito and the creative energy of Santa Barbara’s Arts District and Funk Zone, where galleries, eateries and local makers bring the city’s vibrant soul to life. And if you’re in the mood for a countryside detour, the rolling vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley are just a short scenic drive away. Whether you’re craving beachside serenity, boutique shopping or a dash of cultural discovery, this stretch of California coast delivers—and it’s closer than you think. Here’s how to make the most of your getaway.
A young woman rides her bike down Stearns Wharf. Photo courtesy of Brad Mee. Kayakers glide through the clear blue waters, taking in views of the scenic waterfront.
Waterfront
Santa Barbara’s waterfront is where the city’s coastal soul truly shines—it’s a breezy blend of sophistication and laid-back charm. Begin your stroll in the Funk Zone, a vibrant neighborhood of former warehouses now brimming with art galleries, wine-tasting rooms and buzzworthy eateries, all just steps from the sea. Across the street, the hip Hotel Californian anchors the scene with its striking Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, modern luxury accommodations and standout dining. Nearby, the Harbor View Inn offers a home base with ocean views and a front-row seat to the coastal rhythm. Wander Stearns Wharf, where sailboats glide by and spots like the recently opened Oyster Bar at Moby Dick Restaurant serve up fresh seafood with sweeping views of the harbor. The waterfront delights with dockside sips at Dart Coffee Co.’s new harbor outpost and Santa Barbara Whale Watching and Sunset Cruises that whisk you out to sea. Further along the coast, Ellwood at Goleta Beach is a fresh addition to the dining scene, where coastal cuisine meets casual elegance right on the water. Whether you’re biking along Cabrillo Boulevard or sunning on the beach, the waterfront invites you to soak it all in—quintessential California with a Santa Barbara twist.
Porch, one of many Summerland home & garden boutiques, welcomes with its relaxed coastal style. Photo by Sara Prince. An open door and outdoor table at Gala reflect the restaurant’s casual, welcoming vibe. Photo by David Collier/Visit California.
Summerland
A short drive from Santa Barbara, the seaside village of Summerland is a haven for design lovers drawn to its blend of coastal calm and curated charm. Along Lillie Avenue, a delightful mix of home, garden and lifestyle boutiques turns shopping into a carefree, slow-paced treasure hunt. At Shane Brown’s The Well, spirited and expertly selected home and garden offerings fill sun-drenched gardens and storybook cottages that embody the shop’s signature rustic elegance. Down the road, Godmothers—an independent bookstore and community hub named by Oprah Winfrey—offers over 12,000 curated titles and hosts artist and author events in a chic restored 1920s barn. Across the street, Botanik offers a lush mix of garden accents, décor and inspiration, blending indoor-outdoor style with ease. Nearby, Porch channels relaxed, coastal-inspired style in a two-story dwelling brimming with design pieces for indoors and out. And further along, Field + Fort invites you to linger, whether browsing its broad selection of bespoke furnishings and collectibles, or savoring a seasonal meal at its on-site Mediterranean-inspired café, Feast. Don’t miss the transportive oasis that is The Sacred Space, where global artifacts and serene gardens blur the line between shopping and spiritual retreat.
A fun-loving couple cruises down Cabrillo Boulevard, enjoying the breeze and waterfront views. Photo courtesy of Brad Mee. The Hotel Californian’s chic lounge showcases Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s daring, Moroccan-inspired design. Photo courtesy of Hotel Californian. The Well in Summerland is a treasure trove of spirited offerings, filling a sun-drenched garden area and cute cottages stocked with antiques and unique finds. Photo by Jay Sinclair.
Montecito
Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Montecito feels like a hidden enclave of understated luxury, where leafy lanes, elegant estates and a breezy village vibe draw locals, discerning travelers and a quiet contingent of celebrities who appreciate its blend of seclusion and style. Stroll through the Upper Village or along Coast Village Road, where boutiques, jewelers and chic lifestyle shops invite leisurely browsing and shopping. When hunger calls, Bettina is a must, beloved for its wood-fired sourdough pizzas, seasonal small plates and relaxed European charm. Just minutes away, discover the otherworldly beauty of Lotusland, a 37-acre botanical wonderland tucked into the hills. Once the private estate of the eccentric opera singer and garden visionary Madame Ganna Walska, it’s now one of the most breathtaking gardens in the world (reservations required).
On a hillside in Montecito, Lotusland is a breathtaking expanse of exotic gardens and stunning architecture. Photo courtesy of Lotusland. A majestic whale breaches the waters off Santa Barbara. Photo by by Adam Ernster/CondorExpress.
Arts District
In the heart of downtown, Santa Barbara’s Arts District pulses with culture, flavor and local character. Anchored by the red-tiled rooftops and graceful arches of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, this walkable neighborhood blends historic beauty with creative energy. Start your morning at the Saturday Farmers Market, where chefs and locals mingle over just-picked produce and vibrant blooms. Nearby, the extensively renovated Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers an impressive collection spanning centuries and continents. For dining, the Arts District delivers: Gala charms with its intimate setting and seasonal, locally-sourced menu, while Bouchon offers refined California-French cuisine with a strong nod to the Central Coast’s wine country. Before or after dinner, duck into The Good Lion, a moody cocktail bar overlooking State Street and known for expertly crafted drinks and a cozy, elevated vibe. Tucked just a few blocks away, The Canary hotel crowns the district with its rooftop views, boutique sophistication and Finch & Fork, its restaurant serving elevated California comfort food in a welcoming, relaxed setting.
A young family makes lasting memories on their sunny Santa Barbara vacation. Photo by Blake Bronstad/Visit Santa Barbara.
Wine Scene
Santa Barbara is a dream for wine lovers, whether you prefer to sip your way through downtown or venture out to the wine country. Start with the Urban Wine Trail,a collection of relaxed, walkable tasting rooms tucked into neighborhoods like the Funk Zone,the Presidio and State Street, where you can sample everything from crisp Albariños to velvety Syrahs—all without leaving town. For a deeper dive, a scenic 45-minute drive inland leads to the Santa Ynez Valley,home to some of California’s most celebrated vineyards. Tour exceptional estates like Sunstone, with its Provençal-style villa. Cap it off with lunch in Los Olivos at Nella Kitchen & Bar, where house-made pastas and seasonal small plates pair perfectly with a local Pinot.
Landform Design Group’s Jayson King was tasked with overhauling the landscape, detached garage, windows and the exterior of a ranch-style home in Millcreek. The transformation includes an asymmetric entry wall and floating bar fencing
that deliver a modern edge to the home’s curb appeal.
In Millcreek, a striking landscape remodel artfully blends timeless design with future-ready function, where lush gardens, modern materials and ADA-compatible features come together seamlessly
Photos by Grey Giraffe
As visitors approach this Millcreek home, its newly reimagined landscape begins to tell a story—one of beauty, comfort and quiet foresight. Wrapped in tailored gardens, shaded by mature trees and accented with a water feature and a flickering firepit, the classic ranch—brightened by freshly painted brick—greets guests with timeless charm. Winding paths lead through verdant beds and a wide variety of plantings, revealing the story in layers.
Landform Design Group’s Jayson King was tasked with overhauling the landscape, detached garage, windows and the exterior of a ranch-style home in Millcreek. The transformation includes an asymmetric entry wall and floating bar fencing that deliver a modern edge to the home’s curb appeal.
What’s not immediately visible is a thoughtful subplot: a series of discreet, ADA-compatible adaptations gracefully integrated into the design for a homeowner planning ahead for the potential use of a wheelchair. “Our goal was to create ADA-compatible solutions that blend seamlessly into the design,” says Jayson King, founding principal/design director of Landform Design Group (LFDG), a boutique firm specializing in landscape and architectural services.
The garage was fully renovated to support accessible design goals. Masonry and concrete walls uphold walkways and patios at specific heights.This eliminates steps and creates smooth, wheelchair-accessible transitions from the garage to the home and yard. Heated walkways and a heated driveway further enhance safety by preventing ice buildup in winter.
Beneath the canopy of an old tree, a painted masonry wall—one of many—screens a raised Thermory garden planter from view, adding privacy and structure to the front yard. “The brick walls provide security and a well-organized sense to the property overall,” the homeowner says.
Tasked with transforming the 1948 property, King and his team refreshed the home’s exterior and replaced its windows, renovated the derelict garage and reimagined the entire landscape. “We wanted a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape—including the hardscaping—that would surround us with natural beauty, yet didn’t require a lot of upkeep,” the owner explains. King responded with what he calls a traditional-transitional design that “bleeds into modern. It’s timeless and elevated; definitely not trendy.”
The street gently curves around the uniquely-shaped property, wide in front and narrow in the back. A timeworn, detached garage occupied a large section of the side yard. Deemed unusable for wheelchair access due to its small size, the homeowners believed it couldn’t be rebuilt due to zoning rules. But King secured a variance based on ADA needs and, with landscape contractor Ground Level, constructed a new garage around the original wooden structure.
New modern furniture invites the owners to relax and spend time on the expanded front porch, level to the front door and surrounded by a lush, low-maintenance landscape.
They added a new roof and soffits while repurposing the original doors. The new driveway and adjoining walkway are heated to remain snow- and ice-free, ensuring safe, year-round access.
The reimagined garage is just one of many thoughtful updates to the property. To reduce or eliminate outdoor steps, LFDG designed handsome masonry and concrete walls to support level patios and walkways among the uneven terrain. “These walls became key space definers, allowing us to adjust the grades as needed,” King says. They also anchor built-in lighting, utilities and natural seating across the property.
To support the owner’s daily exercise and mobility, LFDG transformed the side yard with a handsomely landscaped access path.Tailored for comfortable movement while the owner remains mobile and not yet using a wheelchair.The reimagined backyard boasts a sleek outdoor kitchen, a comfortable lounging area and an ADA-accessible heated walkway that connects to a large deck anchored by a large Nisho firepit.A rich mix of materials—brick, board-formed concrete, Thermory decking, drainage pebbles and lush plantings—adds texture and visual interest, shaping the space’s striking new design.
Jayson King, Principal/Design Director of Landform Design Group
Clever screening also enhances the site’s form and function. King replaced the traditional white picket fence with “floating bar” fencing that is supported underground, creating a sleek, modern boundary in front. “It’s a great, creative feature that provides just the right combination of privacy and security without isolating the property from the street and the rest of the neighborhood,” the owner explains. A board-formed concrete bench and a brick wall with an address inlay asymmetrically frame the front walkway. Artful screens discreetly hide a generator, trash cans and raised garden boxes. In the backyard, a pleached row of arborvitae trees replaces scrappy hornbeams, offering privacy from neighboring views.
“I love the layering of the details and materials in this project,” King says. At every turn, brick, stone, wood and concrete team seamlessly with orchestrated plantings and lush gardens—enhanced by subtle grade shifts, lighting, screening and refined finishes. More than just beautiful, this landscape was designed with intention—a space where aesthetics and accessibility live side by side, and where design quietly supports the owners’ next chapter, whatever it may hold.
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A remodeled modern kitchen feels like it belongs in a log and timber family home in Oakley
Photos by Scot Zimmerman
Modern in a Rustic Setting
A couple who both love to cook for themselves and to entertain friends, neighbors, and family members moved into a rustic log and timber home on a creek-crossed pastoral lot with views to the Uintahs in Oakley. The woody cabin interior felt like home and was perfect for their lifestyle, except for the kitchen. Why have a 40-year-old kitchen when you can have an efficient modern one with the conveniences and advances that they had enjoyed in their prior home? And how can they make the kitchen fit in with their rough-hewn home?
They called in Design Plus, with whom they had worked before. Interior designer Kaye Christiansen Englert, FASID, NCIDQ, SSCID, CAPS, listened as the couple explained their wishes for a compatible design and retaining the floor, wall, ceiling, window, beams, and columns.
Englert’s solution emphasizes all natural materials that blend and connect with the log home and retain the relationship to the natural beauty outdoors. The centerpiece and focal point of her design is blue-green stone on the wall, backsplash, countertops, and the waterfalled ends of the counter.
She selected quartzite, a natural stone, from Granite by Design in West Jordan in a pattern called “Maestro.” She finds the name appropriate because like a conductor, as the pattern sings, its power harmonizes with the other elements. Since blue-green are complementary colors to the wood, the color contrast of the stone brings drama into the room. The pattern’s movement is like water and the nearby stream.
To preserve the pattern and maintain the movement in the stone, Englert opted for using whole pieces of the stone (versus cutting and bookending or a similar method), and this required a fastidious process of fitting the stone together so that the diagonal pattern was continuous, starting in the lower corner and flowing up in a manner where no seams or joints are visible. She credits Granite by Design for their skill in the installation.
The custom walnut cabinetry by Premier Woodwork (Kaysville) takes a quiet backseat in the design. It is vertical, straight-grain walnut stained darker and slightly gray. The appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove) are panel-ready to match in the same finish. All the power outlets and lighting controls are hidden in the cabinet design to not mar or detract from the stone or finishes. The exhaust fan has arms that extend to provide for down lights that illuminate the work surfaces flanking the cooktop. You will note that the stool is backless. Kaye Christiansen Englert finds this useful for counter seating because the stools can be pushed in and out of the way when the island is used for setting a buffet.
The refrigerator is set flush and unframed against the stone. I had never seen this clean installation before, and Englert said she had not seen it either and innovated it.
This view from the adjacent dining area, an area not part of the remodel, demonstrates the seamlessness of the kitchen transition. The chandelier, however, was installed concurrent with the remodel. Englert selected Hammerton’s “Gem Oval Starburst.” I found it interesting that Hammerton, distributed globally, is based locally in Salt Lake City. The three pendants over the island, called “Uptown Mesh” are also by Hammerton and similarly feature zircon crystals.
The mudroom entrance from the garage was remodeled. To the left, the mudroom function was enhanced by cabinets, a coatrack, and a bench for seating and storage where the lids lift to stow boots and sports equipment. To the center are the swing doors to the food pantry. They glass doors bring in light from the window in the pantry and conveniently swing when arms are full of goods. To the right is a butler’s pantry and coffee station with a countertop and backsplash in the same Maestro quartzite. You will note how it mirrors the waterfall edge in the adjacent kitchen.
Here’s a detail of the butler’s pantry and the coffee station, oven, drinks cooler and work surface.
The clean edges of the remodel keep the space timelessly modern, and the natural stone and wood make the modern kitchen a comfortable companion to the rustic country home.
Read more of our home decor coverage and get the latest on the decorating and design encompassing Utah. And while you’re here, subscribe and get four issues of Utah Style and Design, your curated guide to the best decor in Utah.
