Max Nelson grew up in a tiny town of 100 people in northern Minnesota, where hunting, fishing, and farming were part of daily life. “That’s where my love for food came from,” he recalls. “We were always eating really fresh food.” This early exposure to homegrown ingredients laid the foundation for his future culinary endeavors.

“If I did it right, it should feel like home.” This simple yet profound statement from Mary Lindsey captures the essence of Everything Utah, the expansive yet charming boutique she owns in Salt Lake City. Mary’s journey to opening this business is as rich and varied as the products she offers, each carefully selected to represent the many facets of Utah.

“It was my mom that inspired me to go ahead with this idea. I will be forever grateful.” When you walk into The Children’s Hour, you step into a world carefully curated by the heart and soul of Diane Etherington, a woman whose warmth and passion for children’s books has touched the lives of countless individuals for over four decades. My first encounter with Diane was nothing short of enchanting.

“It was really difficult to choose a name for the restaurant,” Milo Carrier confided when we sat down one summer afternoon. “It’s so permanent.” He went on to say that he did not want it to be associated with a particular cuisine. “I didn’t want people to have a preconceived idea of what they would find when they got here.” Milo then admitted that he did have a dog named Arlo years ago, and, yes, he did listen to Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” growing up. In addition, his sister’s name happens to be Alice. But in the end, he simply liked how Arlo sounded. “It rolls off the tongue easily without offering any hint of what is inside the front door.”

“We have a long history. Fisher Brewing Company was one of the largest pre-Prohibition breweries.” Tim Dwyer’s voice was filled with pride as he shared the story of his business. Tim continued, “One of our partners, Tom Fisher Riemondy, his great-great-grandfather, was the founder and brewer.” The brewery faced challenges, especially after it stopped producing beer in 1967 following its acquisition earlier in the 1960s. Today, Fisher stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and craftsmanship. With a history that stretches back to 1884, Fisher Brewing has been revived by Tim and his three partners, Tom, Steve Brown, and Colby Frazier, who have transformed it into a beloved local institution.