It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Torrey Pioneer Schoolhouse gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Torrey, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from the start to help me find a sitter. I was in a position where I needed immediate help and they came through. His staff was caring and responsible. They helped me through a very difficult time.”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him so he didn’t fall”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any questions that I have. Thank you ABC!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Torrey Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse or visit The Old House at Center and Main, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Torrey, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Torrey, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Torrey, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
On a recent weekend escape to Southern Utah, we landed in Torrey tired, hungry, and a little grumpy from the drive, if I’m being honest. We operated under the “we’ll just leave after work and make a quick drive down” philosophy. The one where you forget that rush hour traffic is a thing, and a three-and-a-half hour drive (in theory) will be closer to five hours. Road trip snacks were not cutting it anymore when we rolled into town. Torrey has some great restaurants, but I was not feeling fit for public consumption. I ...
On a recent weekend escape to Southern Utah, we landed in Torrey tired, hungry, and a little grumpy from the drive, if I’m being honest. We operated under the “we’ll just leave after work and make a quick drive down” philosophy. The one where you forget that rush hour traffic is a thing, and a three-and-a-half hour drive (in theory) will be closer to five hours. Road trip snacks were not cutting it anymore when we rolled into town. Torrey has some great restaurants, but I was not feeling fit for public consumption. I wanted minimal interaction with humans and looked pretty rumpled.
We lucked out and drove past a food truck, just getting ready to close. Parked on Torrey’s main (only?) drag, they took pity on us and let us order. Hooray for small towns and food trucks, and friendly people.
I was impressed, and to be honest, we ate almost exclusively at Capitol Reef food trucks for the remainder of the trip. I don’t know about you, but when I’m dusty from the trail, sore from a day of hiking, and hungry for more than jerky and trail mix, the last thing I want to do is shower, get cleaned up, and head back out for dinner. The food trucks we discovered were the perfect solution. We could devour our food in the parking lot (or on a curb, or in our hotel room, or in the car) without feeling out of place.
Here are some food truck stops you need to make when you’re in the area. We highly recommend checking websites, google listings, or social media for hours and locations (and if they are even open). And know they may not be parked in the same spot throughout the day.
We ended up at Autentico Street Tacos more than once; it was that good. Over the course of a couple of meals, we ate pretty much everything on the menu. You should know a couple of things: 1) These are authentic as advertised. The corn tortillas tasted handmade, and the flavors were very traditional. Bonus points for being thick enough that you only needed one tortilla instead of two, which is rare. 2) The refried beans are not vegetarian. Which is also proper. 3) The accompanying salsas are homemade and lean towards spicy.
We got the Al Pastor tacos, which came with slices of grilled pineapple instead of the ubiquitous canned pineapple chunks. It made the pineapple more than just a pop of fruit. It makes for a vibrant, extra juicy, and smoky foil for the rich and spicy pork. It was chilly that first night, and the sunset colors, orange and red, warmed the soul.
Speaking of pork, the slow-simmered Pork in Salsa Verde tacos was mellow and tart compared to the sweet and flamboyant Al Pastor. The real showstopper (yes, I used the word showstopper when talking about a food truck) is the El Autentico Taco. Spread out between two tortillas (it is too big for just one) is a fire-grilled “steak,” aka flank steak, grilled spring onions, queso fresco, fresh guac, and grilled nopales, which is a type of cactus. Hands down, it was the best street taco I’ve had in a long time. The special touch of cooking the queso fresco on a flattop grill so it was crispy and melty, along with the astringent flavor of the nopales, made it somehow both unique and traditional. You’ll walk away feeling like your favorite abuela made you lunch. Even if you don’t have an abuela.
I’ll say here that if you don’t douse your street tacos in extra lime juice and homemade hot sauce, you and I can’t be friends. It would be like eating lasagna without cheese.
How to find Autentico Street Tacos: Visit their social media pages. They are often parked along the main drag in Torrey, Utah.
Named for the beautiful and nearby Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Burger is what you dream of in the best diner burger. Cooked mid-rare, the beef crispy around the edges from being smashed down, made with American cheese – as is only proper. But the real magic comes with the toppings. Think garlic crimini mushrooms + caramelized onions + blue cheese or pulled pork with pickled jalapenos and house-made BBQ sauce. Over the course of four days in Torrey, we managed to find our way there twice.
Owned by Luck Fowles and his wife, Sunny, this food truck has its origins in fine dining. Luke was on the team at Forage before hanging up the white linens and precision plating for his Southern Utah food truck. But you’ll catch hints of his attention to detail – from the house-ground local beef and freshly made brioche buns.
My favorite, hands down, was the Pastrami Burger with house-cured pastrami, provolone, slaw, and that Utah of all Utah classics – fry sauce. The pastrami was thick-cut, peppery, and fatty. A chef-y nod to one of our original fast food joint classics. Get the shoestring fries to go along with it. Just go all in.
The crowd-pleaser and probably the most ‘gradable burger is the Mac n Cheese Burger. Smothered in sauced macaroni and topped with smoked bacon and coal-roasted green chilies, the slather of whole grain mustard keeps it grounded in reality and tames all the decadent. Find a good view (there are lots of them in Torrey) and take your photos. Guaranteed, everyone will ask where you got THAT.
How to find Capitol Burger: Visit their social media pages. They are often parked along the main drag in Torrey, Utah.
Driving past the Anasazi State Park Visitors Center on Highway 12 heading into Boulder, Utah, you can’t miss the aqua blue Chevy Bluebird Bus in the parking lot. The permanent home to Magnolias Street Food, it is the perfect pit stop after a long drive. Serving breakfast and lunch, I stopped there to visit Hell’s Backbone Farm for another article and arrived at the farm a little stuffed but very happy.
Working with lots of fresh veggies, house-made pickle-y fermented things work their way into every part of the menu. Their kimchi is fantastic, and a bottle of the habanero hot sauce *may* have made its way home with me.
Speaking of kimchi, the Kimchi Hotdog is delicious. And the perfect post-hiking guilty pleasure treat. If you are going for a guilty pleasure, dive in and get the Loaded Fries – topped with the crispy carnitas-style pork. They are hand cut and deeply satisfying. If you want a more basic bite, the street tacos will treat you well.
While they are outside the immediate Capitol Reef food circle, if you are driving up to Boulder or taking Hell’s Backbone to Escalante, they are worth the pit stop.
Where to find Magnolias Street Food: Find them permanently parked at the Anasazi State Park Museum parking lot at 460 UT-12 Boulder, UT 84716
The desert is a dark, foreboding place at night, one that requires four wheel drive to trace the silver, starlit veins of Capitol Reef National Park to its heart.An hour from any paved pipelines to civilization, the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon await adventurous passersby. The freestanding shadows of these geologic monoliths blot out the Milky Way as they have since the Jurassic. Here—beneath the bewildering conjunction of starlight and father time—you’ll find one of Joshua Rowley’s favorite ...
The desert is a dark, foreboding place at night, one that requires four wheel drive to trace the silver, starlit veins of Capitol Reef National Park to its heart.
An hour from any paved pipelines to civilization, the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon await adventurous passersby. The freestanding shadows of these geologic monoliths blot out the Milky Way as they have since the Jurassic. Here—beneath the bewildering conjunction of starlight and father time—you’ll find one of Joshua Rowley’s favorite Capitol Reef haunts, Cathedral Valley.
This place is one of the most famous sections of the sprawling, 377-square-mile national park. The temples grace local merchandise, murals and even the official park map of the place. But unlike cousins at Arches, Canyonlands, Zion and Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef’s greatest treasures lie far off of the beaten path. That, Rowley reckons, is part of the appeal. Capitol Reef typically receives a fracture of the number of visitors that its neighbors attract. And for Rowley, that’s just fine.
In March of this year, Rowley and partner Nicholas Derrick flung open the doors of a waypoint for travelers making their way through one of America’s most darkest dust lands. The Skyview Hotel sits about 30 miles from the Temple of the Sun and Moon in nearby Torrey, Utah. Perched on the side of State Route 24 beneath the rippling, red sinews of a mesa dubbed the Velvet Ridge, The Skyview is the culmination of a dream the two co-owners conjured on their first date a little more than a decade ago.
“Nick and I wanted to have a small hotel that was geared towards outdoor adventurers,” says Rowley. “We have this beef with hotel chains that will put the exact same layout of a building in a suburb as they will a really beautiful place like this. So, we designed everything here around the town of Torrey and Capitol Reef—down to the last detail.”
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Rowley and Derrick each hail from Utah. They both have a passion for architecture and design; and the attention to detail shows inside their oasis. The hotel is designed for adventurers ranging from desert trekkers bumbling in with dusty, well-worn boots in the middle of the night to road trippers making a cleaner, faster circuit of Utah’s “Big 5.”
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In the parking area, glossy Range Rovers armored in unspoiled overlanding gear mingle with trail battered pickup trucks and luxury rental cars looking a little dinged up and maligned. “Adventure means something different to each guest,” Rowley explains. “For some people, adventure is backpacking for a week. For others, it might literally be just taking a scenic drive.”
On the exterior, the Skyview itself looks plucked from a Wes Anderson film. a floating slot canyon of faded, vermillion ropes guards the passage to a single row of 14 rooms. Some feature patios with burbling spas beneath the cliffs. All feature artwork inspired by geologic wonders located throughout the park.
The artwork, Rowley says, is meant to play on the inspirational empty unique to this corner of the country. When guests come in, he says mental light bulbs often start to flicker. “I had someone the other day from New Hampshire that was stunned to be able to see 15 miles away. They said they’d never experienced that before.
“So much of Utah is public land that it’s just empty. But it’s empty in a wonderful way. It’s National Forest. It’s Bureau of Land Management. It’s national monuments. It’s largely undeveloped and we see a lot of people experiencing that for the first time.”
Up top, a roof deck with dark sky-certified lighting allows visitors to lounge in comfort beneath the stars.
As of 2021, the town of Torrey held just 272 citizens. Rowley thinks the numbers may be slightly higher today, noting a smattering of luxuries available to travelers: a coffee roaster, a cider distillery, emerging upscale eateries that float in and out just down the road. In 2018, the town became Utah’s first International Dark Sky Community.
For Rowley, it’s the perfect mix of rural solitude and creature comfort. “I’m someone that finds New York to be cozy,” Rowley adds, noting the town has felt like a welcoming place for LGBTQ community. “I love it here.”
Though the bulk of this upscale, boutique hotel rests indoors, the undeniable stars of the show loom like lunar outposts outside. Here, Rowley and Derrick have installed six glamping domes that pull more than a few onlookers off of two-lane highway they sit alongside. People often pull over for a “looky-loo” at the Martianesque geodesic desert domes with sweeping views of the night sky.
Those choosing to “rough it” for the night find themselves with an unfettered dreamscape of the Milky Way on moonless nights, though Rowley admits the domes aren’t truly camps—they each come with a keycard and a fully furnished bathroom attached to the hotel.
Rowley says guests are often curious about staying in both a traditional room and a glamping dome; but just a few months after doors opened he’s still waiting on more data to determine a demographic swing either way. What he does see, for certain, is a clientele that is actively seeking their own adventure.
To help travelers maximize their time in Capitol Reef, the hotel partners with Get in the Wild Canyoneering Adventures for outdoor activities like family adventure trips and even wilderness yoga. They also tap local shutter fly Hunter Page Photography to connect guests with a master of capturing the national park in its best light.
In the 1960s, visitor figures at Capitol Reef National Park tallied about 160,000 people per year. Today, as those numbers climb to more than 1.2 million, small hotels like the Skyview still have the power to offer intimate experiences with the outdoors that Rowley says don’t have to be left to days of old. “It’s a great park to see in two hours if you just want to drive through,” he adds. “You can go to Gifford’s and grab a pie. You can go to the orchards and take a stroll and have a lovely experience. But I think Capitol Reef really caters to those who off-the-beaten-path travelers who want to stay a while. Take your truck. Go out to Cathedral Valley. Find the desolate places that make you feel alive.”
Nestled in the serene heart of Utah’s red rock country in Torrey, Utah, Etta Place Cider offers visitors a perfect combination of old-world charm and modern innovation through their hard cider creations. And it’s more than just a business, it’s a labor of love.Owners and founders Ann Torrence and Robert Marc never planned to open a cidery. But having water rights on their homestead ...
Nestled in the serene heart of Utah’s red rock country in Torrey, Utah, Etta Place Cider offers visitors a perfect combination of old-world charm and modern innovation through their hard cider creations. And it’s more than just a business, it’s a labor of love.
Owners and founders Ann Torrence and Robert Marc never planned to open a cidery. But having water rights on their homestead on the Fremont River eventually lead them to plant 90 different kinds of heirloom cider apples in their high-elevation orchards in Torrey.
Their small-but-mighty cidery on the west end of the town (700 W Highway 24 Torrey, UT) takes its moniker from the legendary Etta Place, who was the girlfriend of the notorious Sundance Kid. They and the Wild Bunch gang hid out at Robbers Roost. And much like its namesake, Etta Place Cider is a true trailblazer in the world of hard cider.
They’re committed to creating delicious hard ciders that capture the spirit of the American West. Their picturesque tasting room affords scenic views of Thousand Lake Mountain. Always willing to chat with visitors about their cider-making process, any visitor’s experience is enhanced by Torrence’s storytelling ability (she’s a writer and former researcher). And that friendly atmosphere combined with tranquil setting make for an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
“So I now have 500 trees,” says Torrence. “Our plantings were selected for aromatics, flavors, acidity and tannins that separate an orchard-based cider from the rest.”
Those apples that many Americans have never heard of (let alone tasted), lead them down a path of distinctive creations that are turning heads in the cider scene. They create handcrafted and seasonal hard ciders featuring the fruits from their orchard and around southern Utah. Traditional cider-making techniques are employed, although Marc’s scientific experiments around what can be created from apples in as little as six weeks is right up his alley as a retired neuroscientist-turned-cider maker.
Some of their ciders are named for the awe-inspiring landscape that surrounds them–Grand Circle Semi-Dry and Camp Fruitah. Their best-selling Etta Place Dry is lightly carbonated and brut dry while other inspired bottles such as the Etta Place Gingered can be used in a cocktail that might otherwise be topped with ginger ale. Most treasured are the limited edition delights like Etta’s Reserve Fig Mead.
Having become known for its rustic charm as much as the delightful characters of the founders and their dedication to crafting exceptional ciders, Etta Place Cider has become a local treasure, drawing visitors and hard cider enthusiasts alike.
“It’s official!!! Etta Place Cidery now has a taproom – we have a bar license! We just the met with the Commissioners of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services and persuaded them we are sufficiently serious and sober enough to operate Wayne County’s only bar.” This news was delivered to email subscribers the morning of November 30th.
The new taproom has been in the works over the past few months. It included the destruction of the Zion Wall that formerly hid the tasting room from view to make way for a larger and open taproom and an official bar license from DABS.
They plan to serve cider-based cocktails (featuring Etta ciders), delicious Utah beer and of course their own meads and hard ciders as well as flights. “We are using all Utah-produced spirits for our well liquors,” Torrence writes. (You’ll note that they lease space to Robbers Roost Spirits in the adjoining space.) It’s an exciting transition from the original tasting room and educational license they’ve been operating under and will allow visitors to truly see how versatile their ciders can be. The evolution will enable the cidery to open its doors to new collaborations, events and experiences for patrons.
“We will be hosting a series of fun events over the winter (trivia nights, game nights, guest chef appearances, etc.) after we get through the shakedown period.”
Etta Place Cider will kick off the celebration of the license and taproom by introducing a new product: raspberry-hibiscus session mead. At 6% ABV it’s not sweet and the couple feel that it will be amazing on its own and in cocktails.
Cheers to Etta Place Cider, Wayne County’s newest (and only) bar, by raising a glass to this new era of hard cider from Thursday to Saturday, 2.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.
“We are promising a very soft open, with all the hilarity and anxiety of figuring it out as we go. We will probably run out of something, be lacking an essential bar tool, or overload the power. We will still sell our bottled products in our retail shop, along with our merch and selection of groceries and snacks. The bottle shop will be open when the taproom is open. We can also open the bottle shop on other days and at other times by appointment, so just call and ask!”
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Heather King: Writer and lover of delicious food and drink in Utah and around the world. Anonymous food critic and writer for The Salt Lake Tribune, The Utah Review, Devour Utah, Utah Stories and more. Runs #LadiesWhoLunchSLC.
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Utah might be among the driest states in America, but it is remarkably endowed with natural beauty. Its vast desert landscape hosts five national parks punctuated with dramatic red rock formations, sandstone arches, and jagged mountains that transform into the best skiing destinations when it snows. The Beehive State also harbors a wealth of Native American history that can be seen in the eons-old petroglyphs inscribed on the desert rocks....
Utah might be among the driest states in America, but it is remarkably endowed with natural beauty. Its vast desert landscape hosts five national parks punctuated with dramatic red rock formations, sandstone arches, and jagged mountains that transform into the best skiing destinations when it snows. The Beehive State also harbors a wealth of Native American history that can be seen in the eons-old petroglyphs inscribed on the desert rocks.
With its beautiful outdoor scenery, rich culture, and captivating history, Utah is a choice retirement destination, especially when you choose to settle in the smaller, more laidback towns. But with so many options available, it takes a great deal of due diligence to find a place that meets all your preferences. To help you out, here are some of the most desirable towns to retire in Utah in 2024.
Best Places To Live In Utah In 2024Utah boasts five national parks, over 40 state parks, and a diversity of landscapes, including red rocks and desert in the south and lakes and rivers throughout
Monticello is a small town of about 2,000 residents in San Juan County, steeped in history and teeming with exciting outdoor adventures. Its colorful beginnings date back to the 1880s when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints settled in the territory. The Frontier Museum offers a vivid look into life in Monticello as it was in the last century by exhibiting ancient artifacts like vintage pieces of clothing and primitive telephonic tools.
Retirees need not worry about staying active in the town as numerous outdoor adventures in the vast desert surroundings call for enough physical activity. These include hiking excursions into the desert courtesy of Canyon Country Discovery Center to explore natural gems like the postcard-worthy Church Rock. Also, a laidback "tee time" surrounded by lush greenery and spectacular views would make for the perfect alternative. Homes in Monticello are conveniently below the state average, with a median value of $463,000.
This tiny Wayne County village is less than five miles from Capitol Reef National Park, making it the outright getaway to the natural gem. This also promises retirees plenty of outdoor adventures into the heart of red rock country, where picturesque canyons, hills, and bluffs inspire awe. For those too weak to hike, Wilderness Ridge Adventures provides relaxed horseback riding tours that take you to popular vantage points like Goosenecks Overlook. However, the fastest and most comfortable way to explore Torrey's outdoor landscapes is to get behind the wheel for a drive along the "Journey Through Time Scenic Byway."
Torrey has a modest but charming art scene that should interest connoisseurs. A tour of the Torrey Gallery allows you to browse various fine art pieces by sculptors, photographers, and painters from the Utah region. With a median home value of $438,200, retirees will not have a difficult choice to invest in a local property.
Kanab's proximity to multiple national parks makes it the perfect base for those who crave outdoor adventures. The town is under two hours away from Bryce Canyon National Park, promising year-round fun for extroverted retirees. Locally, it hosts the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where a sprawling sea of red sand allows for adrenaline-filled ATV tours courtesy of the Kanab Tour Company. For some bit of local history, seniors can visit Moqui Cave, a sandstone erosion cavern with signs of ancient civilizations housing diverse Native American artifacts.
Kanab is a darling of the film industry, remaining a sought-after shooting location for different movies and TV commercials. This long-standing heritage is well documented inside Little Hollywood Land, where guests can witness classic movie sets and shop for cute memorabilia. Finally, the town's median housing price of $590,000 is slightly above the state average.
This charming oasis in San Juan County boasts exquisite natural surroundings, flanked by breathtaking sandstone bluffs and the gentle waters of the San Juan River. As such, outdoor recreations abound for retirees, from hiking and canyoneering to rafting and tubing down the San Juan River. Tracing its history back to 1880, when it was founded, Bluff harbors a rich pioneering heritage that residents can discover at the Bluff Fort Historic Site. The facility houses a variety of interesting artifacts, including antique furnishings sourced from local families.
Meanwhile, the famous Sand Island Petroglyphs are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and show proof of several millennia of civilization. Art enthusiasts and treasure hunters can admire beautiful Native American Crafts at the Twins Rocks Trading Post and shop for souvenirs at the Cow Canyon Trading Post. For those planning to buy a home, it costs an average of about $680,000 to get a decent property in Bluff.
Sitting about 170 miles from Las Vegas, Cedar City presents a nice escape from the chaotic scenery of Sin City. However, there is no shortage of entertainment options, featuring a bustling art scene with world-class venues like the immaculate Southern Utah Museum of Art and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Cedar City offers vital social amenities like the Cedar City Aquatic, where retirees can take advantage of swimming sessions to stay fit, as well as enjoy meaningful interactions with other members of the community.
For the ardent outdoorsmen, the sprawling Dixie National Forest presents a fair share of adventures across its two million-acre expanse, ranging from hiking and camping to horse riding and hunting. Furthermore, Zion National Park is only about 20 minutes from the town. The best part about choosing Cedar City to retire in Utah is that its median housing cost of $425,000 offers great value for money.
In a region dominated by desert landscapes, this quaint community offers a hint of green spaces like Meadows Park and the Crane Field Golf Course, where pensioners can take advantage of the tranquil scenery to play a laidback game of golf. Clinton impresses with a couple of fitness facilities for those who want to stay ahead of their physical health, including All Fit Bungee and Anytime Fitness. And for those who stay with family, you can enroll the grandkids in the Shaw Dance Studio and Preschool, which is among the best in the region.
Several shopping outlets in the town promise retirees wonderful retail therapy sessions without having to go to the big cities around. They can address all their grocery and other household needs at the Walmart Supercenter and get generous discounts for clothing items at Ross Dress for Less. Finally, the average housing value in Clinton is around $560,000, which falls within the neighborhood of Utah's average.
A bunch of wonderful green areas, amusement centers, and art venues give Kaysville a pleasant personality, offering retirees a generally "happy" place to call home. There is enough entertainment for all ages at Kaysville Theater, which is ideal for fun times with family, while Boondocks Food & Fun features go-kart racing, bowling, arcade games, a mini golf course, and more. Performance art lovers can find inspiration from different productions staged at the Hopebox Theatre, dedicated to providing hope to cancer patients.
Stepping outside, seniors can enjoy delightful recreational opportunities at Barnes Park, which is known for housing various social amenities, including basketball courts, a softball field, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds. The same applies to the East Mountain Wilderness Park, which harbors nature trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Pensioners will have to spend a little above the state average to afford the $627,500 median home rate in Kaysville.
This bustling community in Davis County delights newcomers with an array of entertaining experiences, ensuring it is never a dull time. It is home to the expansive Lagoon Amusement Park, where senior citizens can channel their inner child to enjoy attractions like water slides, roller coaster rides, challenging games, and more. Quality shopping opportunities are readily accessible at Station Park, which houses several nationally recognized brands, multiple specialty shops, as well as highly-rated restaurants.
Those who prefer the outdoors can make the most of a tranquil natural setting at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, a hub for migratory shorebirds with awesome opportunities for hunting, birding, and nature viewing. Meanwhile, the average home in Farmington costs about $640,200.
Helper is located southeast of Salt Lake City and has a rich mining and railroad heritage that is well documented inside the Helper Museum. Housed inside the facility are a range of artifacts depicting life in Helper during its mining heydays. The town's art scene presents an impressive mix of art centers, which should give connoisseurs something to look forward to. Kt Gallery is home to a world-class selection of fine art pieces, ranging from paintings and sculptures to woodwork and print art, while Canvas Alchemy focuses on high-quality canvas prints.
Low-key bowling sessions at Gateway Lanes make for a perfect way to spend quality time with friends or family. And when you want to venture outside, try a relaxed game of golf at the beautiful Carbon Country Club Golf Course. Lastly, investing in a home in Helper will set you back around $350,000, which is pretty affordable.
Retiring in Utah allows senior citizens to enjoy the tranquility of its secluded desert atmosphere and take advantage of numerous adventures in the open spaces. The small communities inhabiting the towns above take pride in their rich history and offer amazing cultural experiences, allowing newcomers to feel a sense of belonging. Whether looking to stay fit with outdoor activities or immerse in local arts, these are some of the best places to retire in Utah, promising a high quality of life without having to break the bank.
If an entire community could earn a gold star for good conduct, then the town of Torrey, Utah, has done just that. IDA awarded that star today by officially recognizing Torrey as Utah’s first International Dark Sky Community. Only 18 communities in the world have achieved this distinction.An IDA International Dark Sky Community is a town, city, municipality or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the...
If an entire community could earn a gold star for good conduct, then the town of Torrey, Utah, has done just that. IDA awarded that star today by officially recognizing Torrey as Utah’s first International Dark Sky Community. Only 18 communities in the world have achieved this distinction.
An IDA International Dark Sky Community is a town, city, municipality or other legally organized community that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies. International Dark Sky Communities excel in their efforts to promote responsible lighting and dark sky stewardship, and set good examples for surrounding communities.
Torrey is situated adjacent to Capitol Reef National Park, which was designated an IDA International Dark Sky Park in 2015. It is the first such U.S. national park ‘gateway community’ to earn the International Dark Sky Community designation. Torrey’s new status is therefore key to preserving abundant natural nighttime darkness in Capitol Reef.
“As Torrey joins the IDA family today, together we take a major step forward in achieving an important goal of the International Dark Sky Places Program to join parks and neighboring communities in dedication to preserving their shared night skies,” said IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend. “Torrey has proven its commitment to protecting this resource for the benefit of both its residents and national park visitors.”
The stars began to align for Torrey when Capitol Reef was designated an International Dark Sky Park. This prompted Torrey residents, friends, and citizens from across Wayne County, Utah, to hitch their wagon to the International Dark Sky Park by working toward International Dark Sky Community status. In turn, the Torrey Town Council implemented an outdoor lighting ordinance, which requires street and building lighting to be shielded and directed toward the ground.
“While those who came before us left us our dark night skies to love, now we leave a legacy to generations of future residents of this special place we proudly call home,” explained Torrey Mayor Scott Chestnut. “We’ve often been accused of being ‘in the dark,’ but now we’re being honored for it!”
In a partnership with the Torrey-based Entrada Institute, engaged citizens raised money to replace the town’s high-pressure sodium streetlights with dark sky-friendly, fully-shielded light-emitting diode (LED) lights. The success of this campaign, along with education events and publications, made it possible to bring darker skies and brighter dreams to Torrey.
A unique group of leaders supported this effort: town council members, Torrey Town and Wayne County residents, local business owners and friends from across the country. Their enthusiasm and advocacy make it possible to preserve the stars for present and future generations.
“My 72-year-old heart skips a beat every time I see the glow of the Milky Way core rising from behind the silhouettes of hills where I know there is no nearby city to explain the intense brightness of this glowing,” said Torrey resident Bonnie Kaufman. “It is eerie, breathtaking and spiritual!”
To maintain its International Dark Sky Community status, Torrey must continue to preserve its night sky through education and awareness materials, dark sky events, exhibits, and programs. An official celebration will be held in Torrey during the Heritage Star Festival on October 5 and 6, 2018.
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