The State of the Beehives

Walk into Cox Honeyland in the south end of Logan and you’ll find a wonderful world full of sweet smells, sounds and even sweeter smiles.

Cox Honeyland has been a family owned business in Cache Valley since 1929 and has been passed down to four generations, each working hard to keep the atmosphere of the local and friendly business going strong.

Today, Duane and Margene Cox run and own the store with the help of their sons, daughters and grandchildren, who take care of the production and selling of their own homemade honey.

The honey is made from the millions of bees that collect sweet nectar from flowers all over the Cache Valley – from the fields just outside of Cox Honeyland, to the mountains and valleys of southern Idaho – the natural raw honey is truly one of the area’s finest products.

The Cox family sells all kinds of different flavors and forms of the honey they produce, from 100 percent pure raw honey to fruited, creamed honey that comes in many delectable flavors. Natural, orange, cinnamon, raspberry and their newest flavor, vanilla, are their best sellers and the customers’ favorites.

While Cox Honeyland does live up to its name by literally selling tons of honey every week, the store also sells many other gifts and goodies as well. Collectible dolls, gourmet foods, decorations and even children’s books and games can be picked up for any occasion throughout the year. Christmas time, however, is an especially busy time for the family.

“We make thousands of [gift] baskets … so it’s a little chaotic,” said Michelle Spuhler, a member of the Cox family who runs the store daily.

The gift baskets are filled with many different types of honey and other goodies like fresh, homemade fudge and honey almond popcorn, among other enticing treats. Many of the gift baskets are suited for just about anyone on your Christmas list.

There are also “get well,” “thank you,” “sympathy” and “just because” baskets as well as the holiday baskets.

Taya Spuhler, the grandchild of Duane and Margene Cox, helps out in the store during the holiday season. She said the best part about working at the store is all the fun and friendly people that come in. She said she enjoys helping customers pick out their grandchildren’s Christmas gifts and just talking to all the different types of people.

One of the best things about Cox Honeyland is that it is a truly friendly and fun locally owned family business. When you walk in, you can feel the warmth and sincerity of the family providing for their customers.

Michelle Spuhler often talks with her customers about her own family and is interested in what is going on with theirs. She is even willing to help her customers to their cars when their orders are busting at the seams.

Although the holidays are one of the busiest times for Cox Honeyland, the family also keeps up with the summer months as well. Many schools and bus tours come by the store to see the live beehives and get their fill on some fresh honey.

“They can go right out to the plants and we fill their containers,” Michelle Spuhler said.

Big tanks are located in the back warehouse, which customers can fill as well as their own jars. The Clover Tank, the Cache Valley Tank and the Mountain Tank are the most popular.

The community is certainly involved in Cox Honeyland. Utah State University’s sculpture class often uses their pure raw beeswax for some of the student’s projects. One of the most famous symbols of Utah itself, the Utah beehive, is made at Cox Honeyland, as well.

So, whether it’s a nice holiday treat, a unique Christmas gift, or just some fun learning about honey with a small-town feel, Cox Honeyland can do just the trick, for just about anyone. Their friendly service quickly spreads through word of mouth or you just might be able to catch a special on the Valley Channel or the radio. The sweet store are at least worth a visit.

Cox Honeyland is located one mile south of Macey’s on Highway 89-91, and is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

-jalexander@cc.usu.edu

Gayle Pickett and Connie Hammond look for Christmas gifts for the granddaughters at Cox Honeyland. (Jessica Alexander)

Cox Honeyland raises bees. Customers can watch a live honeycomb while they shop. (Jessica Alexander)

Cox Honeyland sells more than a ton of honey every week. (Jessica Alexander)

Taya Spuhler, granddaughter of Duane and Margene Cox, gives a taste of jalapeno honey mustard to Connie Hammond. (Jessica Alexander)