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Hidden gems of Northern Utah's Logan for outdoor enthusiasts and everything in between


                                  Logan as a University Town

Logan is home to Utah State University and with that said it is hip and always in the loop. What do I mean? Well, with university towns fluctuation of people is renewed every year. Graduation parties and new students coming in from all over the United States. Logan is also a city that is nearby a lot of outdoor activities namely Bear Lake and of course Logan Canyon


What is the point of this article? Well, for one I would like to write about how nice and pleasant Logan is, and share some of its great attributes. Right of the bat I would say it is much cooler up in Logan than in Salt Lake City. Logan is about 82 miles away from Salt Lake City and it takes about an hour and twenty minutes driving.


 The beautiful thing about Logan is not only the destination but the drive up north which can be very relaxing, given that you enjoy riding in a car. Some people don't appreciate the ride, but rather only focus on the destination. I am one that enjoys the ride and the destination. To me its all part of the vacation, the drive, the destination and the overall experience.


 Logan also is much smaller than Salt Lake City and so it has a kind of feel like you've truly traveled to a different town if you know what I mean, a small town feel which does well if you're trying to relax. Like I said the trip up to Logan is very nice given that you take I-89 and then switch to Sardine Canyon or drive through Brigham City and all the other small towns between that is Honeyville and other small farming communities. Once you reach your destination there is lots of things you can visit and experience. 

Logan, Utah in wintertime   Photo by Julie Luke



                               Logan Canyon and Bear Lake

Bear Lake is a beautiful large lake at the top of Logan's Canyon. Bear Lake is popular throughout all seasons. During the summertime people boat in it and also swim in it, relaxing on the shorelines of the beautiful lake. Hiking and camping in Logan canyon is a favorite, as well as rock climbing. 


During the wintertime people snowmobile throughout the canyon. The canyon is accessible through highway 89 and is nearby and therefore can be accessed by car or by foot. A few minutes driving through the canyon will give you a few moments of peace and tranquility.


 Logan canyon is also a popular fishing canyon. The canyon river provides fishes mainly of Brook trout and cutthroat. There is a limit of only two fishes, but the locality and accessibility is bar none. There are many scenic byways where you can stop your car and take in the surrounding nature.


 Logan canyon does have black bears but the sightings of black bears are rare, but they do caution on also being aware of your surroundings when in the wilderness. Apparently, there are more mountain lions within Logan canyon then black bears, so always be on the lookout when you're out in the open wilderness.


 During the wintertime there is an actual ski resort in the canyon which opened in 1939, its name is Beaver Mountain located close to the summit of Logan canyon. Once you reach the summit of Logan canyon you can continue down into Bear Valley which is where Bear Lake resides.


 There is a small community of people that live in Bear Valley year round, mostly it is a summer and winter resort locale. At the bottom when you arrive by car, you'll find that you need to turn either right or left. At that point, you're in Garden City which population is approximately 617 as of census of 2019. During the summertime Garden City makes some delicious coveted raspberry shakes that everyone loves.


Logan Canyon    Photo by Julie Luke


          Main Street downtown Logan

If you’re not looking to go far and just stay there n town, that is ok, because there’s a lot to do in town. There is bowling or movies in town. Just cruising up and down Main Street will give you some ideas.


 Of course there are the big retail stores like Walmart and Smith’s and the Cache Valley Mall and others, but some of the hidden mom and pop stores are worth checking out. 


Some fun stores with souvenirs are like The Sportsman with clothing and sporting goods. Leven’s clothing store is also a must see, with woman’s attire formal or casual. If you enjoy board games there is Toad & Tricycle Games.


                     Gossner Cheese Factory

One of the staples of Logan is Gossner Cheese Factory. The Gossner cheese factory makes lots of different kinds of cheeses and also makes flavored milk such as strawberry, chocolate and root beer.

 

Lot of people come to their factory outlet store to pick up freshly made "squeaky" cheese, which is name that way because when you eat it, it makes a squeaky noise. The cheese is about three inches long and about a inch in diameter, and is flavored in all kinds of different & delicious flavors. 


Some of the most popular flavors are jerky flavor and garlic flavored. The squeaky cheese is only available from their factory cheese store. Among other products they have are very delicious cheese spreads.  

Logan Valley               Photo by Julie Luke
   


                        Movies and Theatres

You can have a great time with your companion on a date watching a movie or go see a Theatre play in Logan. Some of the theatres that are in Logan are Megaplex theatres at University or the University Stadium 6. 


Other movie theatres are located more north, the Cinefour Theatres and don't forget about the Megaplex Theatres in Providence which is less than a two minute drive from downtown Logan.


 One of the interesting and fun opportunities that Megaplex is offering is renting out one of the theatres screens for the night to watch with your family or play video games on the big screen. 


One of the historic theatres where you can catch a play or watch a movie is the Utah Theatre in downtown Logan. 




                               Diners, Restaurants and Dives

Some of the best dining in Logan is right on Main Street with the Bluebird restaurant. Since 1923 the restaurant has been giving some great entrees for the Logan crowd. At the moment they are currently closed for renovation but are posed to come back with a brand new menu soon. The restaurant has a original 1920's soda fountain bar where you can order all kinds of shakes, malts and the fixings.


 Another great restaurant to check out is Cafe Sabor which resides in a historic train depot renovated to look like a restaurant. The restaurant has been a staple of great Southwestern cuisine with a charming location. Another great Mexican food joint is El Toro Viejo right off of Main Street in Logan.


 There is also Romo's Mediterranean Grill where they serve lots of great Greek inspired foods. If you're looking for some Italian tonight then check out Le Nonne which offers both vegan and vegetarian, including no gluten meals. 


Of course there are other options throughout Logan but these are some of the best.



View of Main Street with Bluebird  Photo by Castorly Stock

      

The Bluebird Since 1914    Photo by Castorly Stock

 
                 














                                     

      
















    

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