Spirit of the Mountains: Utah’s Surprising Distillery Boom
Utah might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of whiskey flights or craft gin cocktails, but maybe it should be.
Despite some of the strictest liquor laws in the country, Utah’s distillery scene has quietly transformed into a hub of creativity, resilience, and award-winning spirits. What started as a few passionate pioneers has become a thriving craft industry that blends Old West grit with mountain-town innovation.
The Story Behind Wasatch Gift…
Working in some form of retail environment was a mainstay from the time I could start earning a paycheck. I sold Dooney & Bourke bags in the 80s. I opened the CP Shades store in SoHo (before it was SoHo). I opened the J. Crew Pasadena store in the 90s, which may have been the coolest job ever. I got to design my own stockroom with an office view looking toward the San Gabriel mountains. So, it was only natural that I made my corporate career out of the retailing experiences that shaped me. I worked for major brands and companies like Express, Rip Curl, Amazon, and J. Crew. I travelled the world buying luxury brands for an Australian Department Store. Regardless of my role over the years, one thing never left me: the thrill of the find, and the pleasure of sharing that find with others.
Salt of the Earth: Utah’s Natural Treasure and the Makers Who Celebrate It
While the Bonneville Salt Flats are often associated with speed records and cinematic backdrops, they are also part of a greater ecosystem that has fed into centuries of salt use and appreciation. This mineral-rich environment, baked by sun and time, yields some of the purest and most flavorful salt found anywhere in the world.
Bear Lake, Raspberry Days, and Sweet Utah Traditions
Tucked along the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake is a slice of unexpected paradise, often called "The Caribbean of the Rockies" for its brilliant turquoise waters and sunny skies. Whether you're boating, lounging on the sandy beaches, or simply soaking in the views, Bear Lake offers a refreshing escape that feels worlds away from the rugged peaks surrounding it.
But there's something even sweeter about Bear Lake beyond the scenery — its world-famous raspberries.
Buzz-Worthy: Meet the Sweetest Honey Makers in the Beehive State
Here in Utah, beekeeping is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life. With a mix of high desert landscapes, alpine wildflowers, and agricultural heartlands, Utah offers bees a diverse and healthy environment to forage. The result? Some of the most distinctive, floral, and flavorful honeys you’ll ever taste.
Savor the Stillness: Shooke Coffee Roasters at the Edge of Capitol Reef
Shooke isn’t your average roaster. It’s a labor of love born from a deep respect for craft, community, and the landscape itself. Named for the founder’s personal mantra, a nod to shaking off the noise and grounding in the moment. Shooke is all about intentional living. The kind of life where you pause, breathe, and truly taste what’s in front of you.
Why Utah Might Just Be the Chocolate Capital You Didn’t Know About
When you think of world-class chocolate destinations, your mind might jump to Switzerland or Belgium—but what if we told you that Utah is quietly leading the charge in artisan, bean-to-bar chocolate making in the U.S.?