Spring is in full swing, and Provo is full of unique outdoor experiences. The key is knowing where to find them.
1. Cruise up Provo Canyon
Provo Beach Resort recreates a beach-themed gateway, complete with activities and attractions that offer a laid-back atmosphere for all ages.
“At Provo Beach we really focus on unique attractions,” said event coordinator Kara Jenkins. “We have the flow rider, the ropes course and miniature croquet. We strive to have excellent customer service and a wholesome environment here. We really do just have something for everyone.”
Provo Beach offers unique outdoor experiences as well. Tandem, single and child-sized cruisers are available for hourly, half-day and full-day rental. One popular recommendation is to ride the cruisers up the Provo Parkway trail where parks like Bridal Veil Falls and Vivian Park make good pit stops for a picnic lunch (www.provobeach.com).
2. Float the Provo River
The Provo River offers a great combination of relaxation and adventure as rafters can use their own life jackets and inner tubes free of charge. Residents can also rent a single tube at Provo High Country Adventure for only $10. The river has occasional rapids but is more often a relaxing activity. Tours and rafting packages are also available. More information can be found online at www.highcountryrafting.com.
3. Enjoy the scenery
Sundance is best known for its powder-filled ski slopes; however, it takes on a scenic feel in the summer. Beginning May 16, the resort offers scenic lift rides where visitors ride the main lift that overlooks the resort, showcasing views that may look like they are straight from a post card. See www.sundanceresort.com for more details.
4. Get in with the local music scene
Provo’s acclaimed Indie music style typically focuses at venues like Velour and Muse Music Cafe, but during warm-weather months, Provo hosts a series of concerts atop the Provo Towne Square parking terrace, enabling residents to experience these local artists in the outdoors.
“I love that the rooftop concert series is on top of a parking garage, and so it’s so open and up in the air. The mountains in the background are beautiful, and you can look up and see the stars,” said Ciarah Cook, a BYU student from Orem. “I hate how dark and closed in you feel at other places for concerts. You don’t feel that way at Rooftop.”
The City of Provo has improved upon concert lineup year after year, and the event coordinators suspect that 2014 will be the best year yet. Rooftop concerts are unique to Provo, an experience residents will not want to miss. Concerts take place the first Friday of each month, May–October. More details about the 2014 lineup can be found on the event’s official website: www.rooftopconcertseries.com.
5. Discover unique items at local farmer’s markets
Farmer’s markets are not hard to come by during the spring and summer months, and each one brings a unique variety of goods. From the Provo Farmer’s Market in downtown Provo to the Beehive Bazaar in the Shops at Riverwoods, there are opportunities for anybody and everybody to participate. Markets typically occur on a weekly basis.
Provo is home to sights and sounds that can be found nowhere else. From hiking to shopping, there are activities for everyone. Take some time to step out of your apartment this summer and experience all Provo has to offer.
