Visiting Salt Lake City and Northern Utah

Salt Lake City in North-central Utah sits tightly between the Wastach Mountains along the city's eastern border and the desert to the west where the namesake Great Salt Lake is located. The Oquirrh Mountains west of Salt Lake City form a natural western boundary. The greater Salt Lake City metro area stretches north and south along the Wasatch range merging with Bountiful and Ogden in the north and Ogden and Provo in the south. Summer brings a wealth of activities, events and outdoor fun to residents and visitors to Northern Utah and Salt Lake City. Well known winter resorts like Park City, Deer Valley and Snowbird change with the season to become summer alpine playgrounds.

Salt Lake City's 24th of July celebration honors the entry of the first settlers into the Salt Lake Valley. An official state holiday, Pioneer Days festivities include events throughout July. The Days of '47 Parade is Utah's largest parade held the morning of July 24th. The rodeo is one of the country's best, and this year will be held at the Maverik Center (formerly the E Center) in West Valley City. The rodeo runs from July 19th through the 24th. Associated events range from the Deseret News Marathon/10k/5k Run and Walk to the Pioneer Heritage Festival and a variety of youth parades and events.

One of the best Northern Utah fourth of July celebrations can be found in Oakley, less than an hour from Salt Lake City. With four days of Rodeo events followed by fireworks the weekend is full of fun and activities. Highlights include a Saturday morning breakfast, Monday parade and barbeque, kids activities and a Jr Rodeo. A terrific family event in the charming western town of Oakley. The Best Western Holiday Hills in Coalville and the Best Western Landmark Inn in Park City are less than 15 miles away from Oakley with convenient and affordable accommodations for travelers.

One of Northern Utah's most popular summer events is the Bear Lake Raspberry Days Festival. A short drive from Logan through the Cache National Forest, Bear Lake is a gorgeous turquoise-blue fresh water lake and recreation area. Raspberry Days 2010 celebrates the area's raspberry harvest August 4th through the 7th. Event include the Miss Berry Princess contest, an arts and crafts fair, live entertainment and a weekend Rodeo.

There is a 5K fun run/walk that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, and nightly dances after the rodeo. Raspberry Days is a wonderful event for a weekend family getaway. The two Best Western Hotels in Logan, the Best Western Weston Inn and the Best Western Baugh Motel, are ideal locations for accommodations in the Bear Lake Region. Ideal for visitors to Raspberry Days and other local sights including Utah State University and the Logan LDS Temple.