Orem

The Murdock Canal Trail is eight miles long, one way, and lies between Highland and Orem. It was formerly the Provo Reservoir Canal, a large earthen ditch, built in the early 20th century and used to transport irrigation water from the Provo River to the farmlands. In the 1940s the waterway was enlarged and renamed the Murdock Canal. In 2010, it was replaced with an underground aquaduct and plans were drawn up for a trail. The Murdock Canal Trail was opened in 2013 with connections to several other walking and cycling trails in the area. It is plowed in winter.

Utah and Salt Lake City are consistently high growth areas, in terms of population and economic development. The UTA - Frontrunner, a high speed commuter train, was introduced in 2008 by the Utah Transit Authority, to provide much needed transport. The red, white and blue train runs from Ogden in the north, through Salt Lake City, to Provo in the south. It runs on a single track, using a portion of the historic right-of-way Utah Central Railroad track. Double tracks in sections allow trains to pass each other. The train faces north permanently so the push-pull locomotives run backwards half the time. There are 25 trips a week, carrying 70000 passengers.

The Mt. Timpanogos Park is outside the city in the Provo Canyon. From 1990 to 2005, plans were formulated to create a home for the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival which has subsequently moved north to Lehi. The 44 acre park is a mix of permanent facilities and large lawned areas where temporary structures can be erected. The hosting center has two wings which can be hired separately. There are also nine pavilions with barbecues and ten picnic sites with tables and fire pits. The shaded Bowery has two barbecues, 16 tables, electric points and overhead lighting.

This permanent stained glass display depicts the progress of human knowledge, highlighting religious and secular events. It is made up of 80 separate panels and is 200 foot long and 10 foot high. It took twelve years to complete and cost $4.5 million. Tom Holdman and Cameron Oscarson designed the work and oversaw its creation, working with 350 students, 26 faculty members and 40 other artists. They used 43000 stained, blown, fused and carved pieces of glass. The Roots of Knowledge display was completed in 2016 and its launch marked the 75th anniversary of the Utah Valley University, where it is housed.

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Jorgen Nielsen's uncle worked in the King of Denmark's garden in the early 19th century. When Jorgen moved to Utah, he dreamed of establishing one similar in the wild, untouched landscape. He acquired a 40 acre tract and systematically designed and installed a reflecting pool, carousel swing, pavilions and water fountain. The Nielsen's Grove Park was officially constituted in 1880 and is thought to be the first official park in Utah. It was a major tourist attraction until 1910 when drainage developments upstream turned the area into a swamp. It has been restored to its former glory and is again attracting visitors, especially in April when 24000 tulips bloom.

The UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount was started in 2002 at the Utah Valley University when Orin and Wally Woodbury donated 600 works of contemporary art by important Utah artists. These have been categorized into collections and are displayed on a rotational basis. The Hal Wing Photography Collection showcases four thematic bodies of work by different photographers. The Malan and Linda Jackson Collection features artists with ties to Mongolia. There are also paintings, rich in symbolism by the maximalist artist, Jeanne Leighton-Lundberg Clarke. The Cloward Collection of Western American Art includes sculptures and several examples of Native American frontier oil paintings.

The UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount, 240 W 1800 S St, Orem, UT 84058, Phone: 801-863-8888

For forty years this complex was known as University Mall, a place to dine and shop. It has recently undergone a $500 million revamp and become a city center. University Place has scaled up to 30 city blocks, totaling 112 acres of development, and more is planned. There are 150 shops, 25 restaurants and five state-of-the-art office blocks. The 'Aston at UP' provides housing for 3000 people in 480 upscale apartment units. The Orchard is a large open green space with orchestrated fountains and pavilions where concerts and markets are held. Kids' Place has indoor and outdoor play areas, wooden treehouses and interactive water fountains.

Where to Eat

Pizzeria 712 is part of the Heirloom Group. Its name is derived from the temperature reached by the wood-fired brick oven that bakes the pizzas. The setting is casual and the kitchen is open so that patrons can watch their meals being prepared. Original works by local artists adorn the walls. The pizzas taste like the originals made in Italy and are complemented by Italian wines and local microbrews. Everything on the seasonal menu is made on site, using fresh ingredients and locking in the intense flavors.

320 S. State Street, Orem, UT 84058, Phone: 801-623-6712

Jared Terry, a connoisseur in the art of grilling meat, founded this company in 2009. He had a repertoire of secret recipes for slow-cooking brisket, chicken, ribs and pulled pork, that he had gleaned from his Louisiana family. The current owners of the 5 Star Barbecue Company have not changed his winning formula. The meat is cured to perfection and cooked over a low temperature. The sauces are made from scratch and the classic side dishes are delicious. Old standards like stews and macaroni and cheese are also on the menu. The company can cater for external events, for between 10 and 1000 people.

70 N Geneva Rd, Orem, UT 84057, Phone: 801-225-2685