My father used to say the best ice cream could be found in St. George, Utah, because it was like concrete – so thick with an absence of air. I don’t know if I completely agree with him, but I definitely enjoyed the ice cream. We always stopped when we passed through. We did a family ski trip to Beaver, Utah once, but unfortunately they didn’t get snow that year. We went a different time in the summer to see Bryce Canyon. I didn’t grow up in a hiking family, but I imagine this would have been an incredible place for it.

After I was an adult and living in New York, my family did a reunion with my Mom’s side in the Yellowstone area. To get there at a price I could afford, I flew from JFK to Salt Lake City. I stayed in the city for an extra day and visited the impressive Salt Lake Temple. You cannot enter the actual Temple unless you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, there are two visitors centers and the Tabernacle that are worth your time.

My paternal grandmother was from Utah and her family were Mormon. Utah, nicknamed The Beehive State, is known for its industrious residents who work together to create a successful community, inspired by the teachings of Brigham Young.

My dad was driving from Las Vegas, so picked me up and we drove 4 hours through Northern Utah and into Idaho.