Orem is located 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, in one of the fastest growing economic regions in the USA. It is the fifth largest city in the state and is known as 'Family City, USA'. It is home to the Utah Valley University and renowned for the annual Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. It is high desert country in northern Utah and the state's great open vistas are minutes away from the city.
Murdock Canal Trail
The Murdock Canal Trail is eight miles long, one way, and lies between Highland and Orem. It was formerly the Provo Reservoir Canal, a large earthen ditch, built in the early 20th century and used to transport irrigation water from the Provo River to the farmlands. In the 1940s the waterway was enlarged and renamed the Murdock Canal. In 2010, it was replaced with an underground aquaduct and plans were drawn up for a trail. The Murdock Canal Trail was opened in 2013 with connections to several other walking and cycling trails in the area. It is plowed in winter.
UTA - Frontrunner
Utah and Salt Lake City are consistently high growth areas, in terms of population and economic development. The UTA - Frontrunner, a high speed commuter train, was introduced in 2008 by the Utah Transit Authority, to provide much needed transport. The red, white and blue train runs from Ogden in the north, through Salt Lake City, to Provo in the south. It runs on a single track, using a portion of the historic right-of-way Utah Central Railroad track. Double tracks in sections allow trains to pass each other. The train faces north permanently so the push-pull locomotives run backwards half the time. There are 25 trips a week, carrying 70000 passengers.
Mt. Timpanogos Park
The Mt. Timpanogos Park is outside the city in the Provo Canyon. From 1990 to 2005, plans were formulated to create a home for the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival which has subsequently moved north to Lehi. The 44 acre park is a mix of permanent facilities and large lawned areas where temporary structures can be erected. The hosting center has two wings which can be hired separately. There are also nine pavilions with barbecues and ten picnic sites with tables and fire pits. The shaded Bowery has two barbecues, 16 tables, electric points and overhead lighting.
Roots of Knowledge
This permanent stained glass display depicts the progress of human knowledge, highlighting religious and secular events. It is made up of 80 separate panels and is 200 foot long and 10 foot high. It took twelve years to complete and cost $4.5 million. Tom Holdman and Cameron Oscarson designed the work and oversaw its creation, working with 350 students, 26 faculty members and 40 other artists. They used 43000 stained, blown, fused and carved pieces of glass. The Roots of Knowledge display was completed in 2016 and its launch marked the 75th anniversary of the Utah Valley University, where it is housed.
Nielsen's Grove Park
Jorgen Nielsen's uncle worked in the King of Denmark's garden in the early 19th century. When Jorgen moved to Utah, he dreamed of establishing one similar in the wild, untouched landscape. He acquired a 40 acre tract and systematically designed and installed a reflecting pool, carousel swing, pavilions and water fountain. The Nielsen's Grove Park was officially constituted in 1880 and is thought to be the first official park in Utah. It was a major tourist attraction until 1910 when drainage developments upstream turned the area into a swamp. It has been restored to its former glory and is again attracting visitors, especially in April when 24000 tulips bloom.
The UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount
The UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount was started in 2002 at the Utah Valley University when Orin and Wally Woodbury donated 600 works of contemporary art by important Utah artists. These have been categorized into collections and are displayed on a rotational basis. The Hal Wing Photography Collection showcases four thematic bodies of work by different photographers. The Malan and Linda Jackson Collection features artists with ties to Mongolia. There are also paintings, rich in symbolism by the maximalist artist, Jeanne Leighton-Lundberg Clarke. The Cloward Collection of Western American Art includes sculptures and several examples of Native American frontier oil paintings.
The UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount, 240 W 1800 S St, Orem, UT 84058, Phone: 801-863-8888
University Place
For forty years this complex was known as University Mall, a place to dine and shop. It has recently undergone a $500 million revamp and become a city center. University Place has scaled up to 30 city blocks, totaling 112 acres of development, and more is planned. There are 150 shops, 25 restaurants and five state-of-the-art office blocks. The 'Aston at UP' provides housing for 3000 people in 480 upscale apartment units. The Orchard is a large open green space with orchestrated fountains and pavilions where concerts and markets are held. Kids' Place has indoor and outdoor play areas, wooden treehouses and interactive water fountains.
Pizzeria 712
Pizzeria 712 is part of the Heirloom Group. Its name is derived from the temperature reached by the wood-fired brick oven that bakes the pizzas. The setting is casual and the kitchen is open so that patrons can watch their meals being prepared. Original works by local artists adorn the walls. The pizzas taste like the originals made in Italy and are complemented by Italian wines and local microbrews. Everything on the seasonal menu is made on site, using fresh ingredients and locking in the intense flavors.
320 S. State Street, Orem, UT 84058, Phone: 801-623-6712
5 Star Barbecue Company, Orem
Jared Terry, a connoisseur in the art of grilling meat, founded this company in 2009. He had a repertoire of secret recipes for slow-cooking brisket, chicken, ribs and pulled pork, that he had gleaned from his Louisiana family. The current owners of the 5 Star Barbecue Company have not changed his winning formula. The meat is cured to perfection and cooked over a low temperature. The sauces are made from scratch and the classic side dishes are delicious. Old standards like stews and macaroni and cheese are also on the menu. The company can cater for external events, for between 10 and 1000 people.
70 N Geneva Rd, Orem, UT 84057, Phone: 801-225-2685
Carraba's Italian Gril
Two Sicilians from Texas, John Charles Carraba and his uncle Damian Mandola, started this Italian restaurant chain with a Gulf Coast twist. Damian's grandparents and parents lived in Louisiana before moving to Galverston. The food served at Carraba's Italian Gril is a fusion of Creole, Cajun and southern and western American flavors. They have weekday specials with names like Amore Monday, Pizza and Wine, Founders' Favorite and Date Night. They offer small plates, entrees, side dishes and salads, as well as desserts. Their catering menu includes chicken, salmon and pasta dishes, with sides and salads.
683 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84097, Phone: 801-765-1222
Asado Argentinian Grill and Cafe Roast
Julio is Argentinian and his wife, Angelico, is Mexican. Julio started washing dishes in the industry 40 years ago and jokes that he still does so. Angelico grew up in a bakery and is accustomed to waking up long before sunrise to start the workday. At Asado Argentinian Grill and Cafe Roast they offer South American cuisine, prepared and presented the way they would like it – fresh, colorful and tasty. Every Friday is Karaoke night when patrons join in the singing, dancing and revelry. The restaurant is open 7 days a week.
360 South State St., 84058 Orem, Utah, Phone: 801-492-5700
Orem Heritage Museum
Frequented by schools on field trips, church groups, and even clubs and local organizations, the Orem Heritage Museum is an impressive attraction to visit when in Orem. Despite being a relatively small museum, Orem Heritage Museum is home to a spectacular 30,000-piece collection of memorabilia, vintage pieces, and antiques that paint a beautiful picture of the city’s past. See treasured artifacts like an old-fashioned washing machine, a traditional butter churn, a working coal stove, pioneer clothing, as well as uniforms, equipment, and weaponry dating back to World War I and the Korean war. At the Orem Heritage Museum, guests can also see displays from old blacksmiths, see Indian petroglyphs, and learn about what life was like in Orem’s early days.
777 South State Street, Orem, Utah 84058, Phone: 801-225-2787 ext. 1030
SCERA Center for the Arts
The SCERA Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement, preservation, and development of Orem’s artistic community. The SCERA was founded in 1933 and has, since then, been making art education, affordable and family-friendly entertainment, and other similar activities available to the public. Today, the SCERA Center for the Arts is home to a 733-seat capacity classic art-deco theatre, a 450-seat showhouse theater, a youth theater perfect for children, as well as an art studio, as well as a costume, prop, and scene shop. Whether you’re at the center to catch a performance or to participate in one of many educational opportunities, it’s bound to be a memorable experience.
745 S State Street, Orem, Utah 84058, Phone: 201-225-2787
Scera Park
Scera Park is a landmark of Orem that is citizen-owned thanks to the efforts of city officials. Beautification and construction of the park began in 1990 as the city undertook efforts of creating a green haven just north of State Street. Today, Scera Park is home to a lovely outdoor amphitheater, a public swimming pool, two fabulous pavilions, and two beloved playgrounds. With millions of dollars put into the maintenance and renovation of this space, as well as the building of great walking paths and gardens, it’s no wonder that Scera park has become one of the most popular and well-known parks in Utah County.
600 S State Street, Orem, Utah 84058; Phone: 201-229-7154
Hang Time Adventure Park
It’s wall-to-wall fun at Hang Time Adventure Park, Orem’s premiere trampoline attraction, and one of Utah’s most popular family attractions. Hang Time Adventure Park is open for the enjoyment of guests no matter what age! While first-time visitors may find themselves tiring quickly, don’t worry! Hang Time Adventure Park is one of those places where strength, endurance, and skill are built over time all while having a ton of fun. Build your skill and endurance with over 20,000 square feet of trampolines and platforms, learn tricks and flips at the mini trampolines, or get as much height as you possibly can out of each jump care of the park’s high-performance trampolines.
Hang Time Adventure Park, 1340 Sandhill Road, Orem, Utah 84058, Phone: 801-784-6100
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre
Bult in 1984, the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre is one of the most beloved theaters of the SCERA Center for the Arts. It has been the staging grounds for hundreds of plays, concerts, events, and outdoor movie screenings, and is a popular venue for locals to spend an afternoon or evening with other members of the Orem community. Though a part of the SCERA Center for the Arts, the Shell Outdoor Theatre has its own stage, box office, and concessions. There is no formal seating at the theater as the hillside is perfect to enjoy a performance while laying on a blanket right on the grass or with your own foldable chair.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 600 South 400 East, Orem, Utah 84058, Phone: 801-225-2787
