It’s taken until July, but the summer heat in finally on here in Provo! Summer is a great time to enjoy the fact that the majority of students have left the area, but it’s also just got a lot of fun stuff going on. As always, this guide is strictly sticking to Provo itself. Here are some of my favourite things to do locally in summer:
Hit up the Provo Farmer’s Market
I just love farmer’s markets in general, and in Provo we have two (the Provo farmer’s market, and the BYU Stadium farmer’s market). This year, it’s held on Saturdays 9-2 on scenic Center Street, and it’s such a great time. You can get specialty foods, drinks, desserts, and artisan goods. Some of our favourite purchases this season are:
- Raclette sandwich (Das Alpenhorn) from Fire and Fromage
- Garlic loaf from Wandering Wheat
- Fried chicken sandwich from Big Johnny’s Fried Chicken
- Beard balm from Barbudo
- Peppers, herbs, and more plants for our garden
- Hickory smoked chocolate bar from The Cocoa Bean Project
See a show by Grassroots Shakespeare Company
Each time I’ve gone has been a delight. Costumes are put together by the actors themselves, and the show is on a traveling stage (at least the ones I’ve been to). It’s a unique, informal experience that captures the original fun of Shakespeare’s work for modern audiences.
Visit a Greenhouse
My very favourite is technically out of town, but McCord’s is still a fun place to wander. Personally, I love greenery, so this is a good time if you want to get out in some plants, but aren’t up for a mountainous hike.
Participate in the Provo Art Stroll
This weekly activity was set up to showcase local artists. You follow their map of the week, and can see lots of different kinds of art. Sometimes, at the end, you can redeem your map for a local treat, too!
Take a Hike
There is so much mountain access in Provo, whether you want to stay close to home, or take a bit of a drive first. I find hiking to be one of the best ways to escape the compact nature of the valley.
We really like Big Springs, Stewart Falls, and, of course, Rock Canyon.
7 Peaks
Though I’ve only been to the one in Lehi, the Provo location is open again this season, and we’ll be checking it out. I love, l o v e waterslides (though I’m banned from them this season 🙁 ), and if you do too, you’ll have a good time. When we went last with Gwendolyn, there wasn’t a ton for her to do (under 2)—aside from the wave pool, which she loved—but we’re excited for her to have some more fun this year.
Grab some Ice Cream
Provo has loads of ice cream spots, though I do have my favourites. Personally, I’d recommend ditching any chain, no matter how fun, and tucking into something truly amazing at either Rockwell or Penguin Brothers (which will probably each get their own posts on here eventually). Tip: don’t just go on Friday nights, and you can avoid long lines.
Picnic Someplace
Maybe I’m just food-motivated, but I love getting out for a picnic. A lot of the spots you go to hike also have picnic benches and nice scenery, but there are also small parks dotted throughout the city. Take your pic, and have a little relaxing outdoor time.
Those are just some of my favourite local activities in summertime! But, tell me, what are some of yours?
