Madison Shumway
Life Editor
Logan might not be considered a culture hub, but traveling Bengals might find themselves in the quaint university town. When they do, they can look to this carefully-curated itinerary for a busy weekend in a quiet city that offers many entertainment surprises.
FRIDAY
3 P.M. PROWL DOWNTOWN
First, drool over the glass displays of hand-dipped chocolates at Bluebird Candy Co. (75 W Center St), all locally-manufactured and preservative-free. Then, head down Main Street toward the red-and-white retro storefront of Cache Valley Antiques (81 N Main St) and browse through vintage clothing, furniture and knick-knacks. A minute’s walk away, at Becky’s Bookshelf (29 W 100 N), browse through thousands of used books and pick up a free bookmark at the counter. Cross Main and purchase all your goat-soap and shampoo bar needs at The Spirit Goat (28 Federal Ave), a natural beauty product retailer—think Lush with goat’s milk. Round out your downtown visit at Utah’s only fair-trade store, Global Village Gifts (69 East 100 North), for hand-carved windchimes and elephant dung paper.
5 P.M. GET LUCKY
Most Logan establishments close shop early, but fledgling pizza joint Lucky Slice (64 Federal Ave) welcomes customers well into the evening hours. With its robust vegan menu and crafted indie playlists, Lucky Slice feels like a restaurant in a much larger city. Its minimalist menu lists a selection of 16 New York-style pies, from the charmingly regional Potato Pesto to a basic Hawaiian, as well as wings, salads and desserts. Choose from a single slice ($2.99-$3.49), a 14-inch ($10.79-$14.39) or a 20-inch ($16.29-$21.99) and enjoy stringy, cheesy bites amongst wall art made by local artists.
8 P.M. ARTS UNDERGROUND
A longtime fixture of the Cache Valley underground music scene, WhySound (30 Federal Ave) came into new ownership in late 2017. Its current owner, a 19-year-old former Californian, has revamped the interior of the intimate venue and booked shows for months solid. Touring bands and local headliners perform in front of the black cinder-block walls, and according to WhySound tradition, each can add a sticker to a wall that’s been plastered with them. In the hands of its new owner, WhySound has begun hosting open mics and a monthly competitive poetry slam, named WhySlam. The grungy, grassroots venue features up to three shows per weekend.
SATURDAY
9 A.M. FRESH-BAKED BREAKFAST
Contrasting its log-cabin exterior with modern, airy design, Crumb Brothers Artisan Bread (291 S 300 W) serves delicate French pastries and hearty breakfast dishes that seem crafted for Instagram feeds. The Croque Monsieur ($7) layers ham and Béchamel sauce on locally-sourced Swiss and sourdough (ask for a sharper utensil than the butter knife provided; you’ll need it for the crunchy crust), and the French toast ($7) tops citrus-and-egg-battered bread with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Raise a toast to your Saturday morning with a sparkling mimosa ($3), and peruse a selection of local honey, chocolate and other goods on your way out.
11 A.M. 3 MILES OF 3D ART
Utah State University boasts 35 traditional and modern sculptures on its campus and offers self-guided tours to view them all. Begin at Caine Performance Hall (just off Bullen Hall Road) and take one of the three routes that wind through USU’s sprawling campus. For a shorter stroll, take the 1.25-mile Route 1 and see 13 sculptures, or choose the more adventurous Route 3 for a 3.33-mile walkabout of all 35 art installations as you enjoy the panoramic nature views from the university’s hilly vantage point.
1 P.M. LOCALLY-SOURCED SCOOPS
Choose from 21 ice cream flavors, all freshly made by USU’s Food Sciences Department, at the famous Aggie Creamery (750 N 1200 E). The creamery is often teeming with students and families looking for a frozen fix. Sample the fan favorite Blue Aggie Mint (mint with white chocolate chunks) or the popular, more classic Peanut Butter Fudge. Start out with a mini scoop in a cake cone ($1.99) or upgrade with extra scoops, sugar and waffle cones, syrups and candy toppings (+$0.25-$2.00).
4 P.M. JOY RIDE
Whether covered in fall foliage, warm-month greenery or several feet of snow, the mountains of Logan Canyon offer gorgeous views year-round. Set off on winding Highway 89 toward Bear Lake—an hour-or-so straight shot from Logan—and circle back when you’ve had your fill of roadside scenery. On the way back, stop at First Dam Park (1647-1700 Canyon Rd) to stretch your legs amongst very bold ducks at the Logan River waterfront.
7 P.M. CHARMING CHUTNEY
A quality Indian establishment abutting a Sinclair gas station, Tandoori Oven (720 E 1000 N) pairs authentic dishes with lots of charm. Once comfortably seated in the red-painted dining room, choose from entrées like the lamb tikka masala ($12.49) or the chicken coconut kurma ($11.49). A meal’s incomplete without sweet naan stuffed with coconut, golden raisins and cashews ($4.29) and a classic mango lassi ($2.99). Be prepared to fill a takeout box—Tandoori’s hearty helpings are almost sure to create leftovers.
9 P.M. SHOWTIME
By day, the splashy turquoise-and-orange façade of Utah Theatre (18 W Center St) stands out from the red- and brown-brick buildings of Logan’s downtown. By night, an orange neon sign above three backlit marquees shouts UTAH, announcing the presence of the historic cultural center. The rather ostentatious interior is home to a variety of artistic offerings, from live plays to classic movie showings to film festivals.
SUNDAY
10 A.M. CONTEMPORARY COMFORT FOOD
A Logan institution with over a century of history, Herm’s Inn is a local brunch favorite. Sitting customers in a newly-remodeled dining area, string lights and quirky modern décor set against exposed brick, Herm’s offers one of the city’s most hip eating experiences. The breakfast menu features updated twists on traditional dishes, like French toast stuffed with strawberry cream cheese ($9) and an eggs Benedict topped with spinach and feta ($10). Get there early, and you might be able to help select the day’s du jour.
11:30 A.M. HILLY HIKE
Up for a challenge? Lace up your hiking shoes and traverse the 3.5-mile Wind Cave Trail. This beginner-friendly (albeit steep) hike culminates at the titular arch rock structure, from which an impressive natural vista can be seen.
