Two fawns chose my back yard. Or, perhaps, I chose theirs.

Either way, it was a precious moment. And these dainty creatures served as a gentle reminder of how lucky we are to live — and share — this extraordinary place we call home.

In this spirit of gratitude, we at Mountain Express Magazine strive to highlight the wonders of summer in the high country. Allow us to guide you through the warm, blue sky days with the inside angle on local trails, adventure, sips, eats, ingenuity, philanthropy and trends.

First, we invite you to explore. Our writers have gone to the biking, fly fishing and climbing experts, revealing the tread-setting skinny on hundreds of miles of single-track; how to navigate blue ribbon waters; and where to pick a vertical path. And this summer, our research has also gone airborne with articles on plane-fueled, day-trips with OK3 Air’s pilot Luke Watters’ high flying service to remote backcountry spots — as well as tidbits on “Project Big Air” at the Utah Olympic Park, the Heber Valley’s Utah Wing Commemorative Air Force Museum, and Virgin Galactic’s “SpaceShip Two.” And for those seeking an outing: get zany with the Park Silly Market; roadtrip to Moab red rock country; cheer on Tour of Utah cyclists; or, cowboy up at Blue Sky Ranch.

As always, we serve up a delicious smorgasbord of dining news. Sip one of our cocktail picks — a “Ginger Lemon Drop,” perhaps — while perusing our culinary pieces. Savor award-winning local chefs’ seafood favorites, alfresco dining spots and sizzling Mexican fare. Discover where you can dine outdoors with your four-legged friend.

We also do our share of dishing about Park City living, community, wellness and real estate. Explore what artists learn from art; get into a groove with Moonalice (a rockin’ band); and check out the latest fashion: fringe. Delve into philanthropy, from Hike for Hunger to Operation Smile. Learn about Heber’s dialysis center and the new Sage Mountain Animal Rescue. Or, celebrate peer-inspired fitness and orchestrate your own “backyard bliss.”

On the real estate front, we discuss the allure of “ranch living;” SLC’s downtown hot property, The Regent; and top luxury homes currently on the market. We’ve highlighted innovative homegrown businesses, such as RAMP’s uber-cool long boards, as well as big time business moves (the ski world altering acquisition of Solitude by Deer Valley Resort). We tip our hats to the award-winning individuals and entities that pepper our pages. And we thank you, our readers, for helping us to win “Best of State” again this year.

We have all chosen this place. So, let’s revel in its beauty and dynamism. Take that hike.
Go to that festival. Sit in the shade of that aspen…
remove your shoes, step onto the grass, remain barefoot ‘till fall!

Liz Field, Publisher, Mountain Express Magazine

BestofStateMedals

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