Celebrating attractions during the summer

By Kathryn Clayton
Deseret Morning News
Published: Sunday, May 20, 2007 12:42 a.m. MDT
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Welcome to our special section about fun things for families to do this summer. It's a sampling of everything from movie events, to music, dance and theater, to art and science classes. We also have a list of activities that are free. Add to that a summary of what's new at some of the state's most visited attractions and you have what we hope will be a guide you can keep around for reference all summer. It was impossible to be all inclusive, but, just like baseball, we tried to cover most of the bases.

When it comes to attractions, Utahns have plenty to do right here in River City.

Here's a list of some of our state's main tourist draws with information about what's new, what's popular and the best times to visit.

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Temple Square

What's new: Tours of the newly refurbished Tabernacle, daily organ recitals there and the Sunday morning broadcast of "Music and the Spoken Word." Having the Mormon Tabernacle Choir back home has caught people's attention, said D. Michael Stewart, president of the Utah Salt Lake Temple Square Mission. The seating policy for the broadcasts is now first-come, first-served, with overflow seating in the Assembly Hall. He recommends arriving no later than 9 a.m. to be assured of getting a seat in the Tabernacle.

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Most popular feature: The acoustic demonstration in the Tabernacle, followed by tours of the Beehive House. (Stewart said tours of the Humanitarian Center and Welfare Square are also compelling.)

Best time to go: For quietude, visit Temple Square early in the morning or late at night (gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.), said Stewart.

Insider advice: Allow yourself time to roam. "There's enough diversity to let your family take their own little tour," Stewart said.

Web: www.visittemplesquare.com

· · · · ·

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

What's new: A floating restaurant called Ja'di'tooh at the Antelope Village Marina at Antelope Point near Page, Ariz. This is the only floating restaurant on Lake Powell, and it offers a stunning view of the main channel. Also, a sleek, new yacht-style boat called the Canyon Princess will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner cruises on Lake Powell, replacing the venerable paddle wheeler, the Canyon King.

Most popular attraction: Rainbow Bridge

Best time to go: If you're looking for less traffic, try autumn, when the water and the weather are still warm but the crowds are waning.

Insider advice: More and more kayakers are discovering Lake Powell. They can hire a water taxi to transport them to a remote area of the lake and return to pick them up. The lake level is expected to be approximately what it was last summer — about 100 feet below full, said Kevin Schneider, spokesman for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

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