My First Few Days in Utah: Community, Connection, and Adventure

My building is a castle!

It has only been a few days since I arrived, but already this small Utah town is starting to feel like home. There is something about the pace here that invites presence, and something about the people that invites connection.

I have met my two neighbors. One owns the coffee shop just downstairs from where I live, and it is so much more than a place for caffeine. The owners have created a true community hub for the town. They host live music nights, craft evenings, open mics, and so many other events that bring people together. They sell used clothing, local art & jewelry, and all of this adds an extra layer of charm and intention.

I went to the craft night and was immediately greeted with kindness. Locals shared their favorite hiking spots and paddleboarding destinations, and the energy felt warm and welcoming. Tonight, I listened to a singer songwriter perform live. His music was beautiful, and as fate would have it, we got to talking afterward. We clicked instantly and discovered we have so much in common. It feels like one of those friendships that will grow quickly and naturally.

The lake everyone recommended for paddleboarding was only a 30 minute drive, and it did not disappoint. The water was calm, the scenery peaceful, and the people were incredibly friendly. I ended up having some great conversations right there on the beach.

I have taken a couple of long bike rides through town just to explore and get a feel for the area. There are so many good restaurants scattered around. I tried spring rolls at a place called Yummy Thai, and the family who owns it were so kind and welcoming. I will definitely be going back.

One of my favorite discoveries is that the public library is just across the street. Not only is it charming and well-loved, but they also rent out gear. I checked out a GoPro for the week and have already started capturing video clips. I have been diving back into video editing, after my 6 month hiatus with helping my youngest graduate high school this year, and I have loved getting back to my creativity.

There is a July Fourth celebration happening this Friday. I cannot wait to experience it and soak up the small town holiday energy. Tomorrow I will be visiting some old friends who live about an hour north. It will be so good to reconnect.

I have a tiny studio here as a homebase but mainly I will be gone in my Infinity Fox van! I only brought my comfy poufs, pillows, ottomans, etc just to have a crashpad. It's all I need!

This weekend I will start planning a camping trip to the camping areas north of Spanish Fork. I have heard it is stunning up there and I am eager to explore the mountains and trails. Tonight, I called my youngest to check in and she was down by the river in Sacramento with her friends, cooling off from the summer heat and sounding so happy. Knowing she is doing well gives me peace. I am so grateful for every moment right now.