COLUMN: Boring people get bored in Logan
After eight semesters of college – six semesters at USU – there is a common complaint among students I hear each week: There’s nothing to do in Logan. If you think there is nothing to do in Logan, you may be boring company or seriously lack creativity and curiosity about the world around you.
If you want to thoroughly enjoy your time at USU, take it from a native who has lived in Cache Valley for 18 of her 21 years of life. The myth that there is nothing to do in Logan is about to get busted. Logan is a gem and deserves to be treated as such.
Whatever city you go to, whether it is big or small, or whether you are vacationing or permanently living there, you must own that city. To enjoy any city, you have to make it yours and give every possibility a chance. Take my challenge – travel to a city, find its quirks and learn to love the little things that not only make it unique, but give it pleasurable qualities. We live in an increasingly fast-paced world. We have instantaneous access to Internet and radio and are constantly communicating with friends and family. It is healthy to unplug and get off the couch. Step away from video games and TV series, and make memories in the local culture. If you spend your evenings in Logan watching movies, then, yes, Logan will be boring and your experience at USU won’t be exciting.
We are a mere 10-minute drive from some of the best hiking, rock climbing, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, caving and camping in the country. People travel from other states and countries to enjoy the mountains we blatantly dismiss and take for granted. As an avid snowboarder, I have never been to a more friendly, by-the-locals and for-the-locals resort than Beaver Mountain. Outdoor activities do not have to be expensive. Hiking and camping are free. Once you have the gear to climb, cave, ski or snowboard, costs are fairly cheap – especially for the incredible quality of Logan Canyon and smaller canyons in the valley.
We also live within an hour of four unique, natural hot pots, located in the Western U.S. There is Downata Hot Springs, Riverdale Resort, Crystal Hot Springs and, my personal favorite, Maple Grove Hot Springs. If you have never experienced a soak in natural mineral water and felt its amazing effects on your skin, take a weekend night and make the short trip to one of these places. I have met some incredible and fascinating people from all over the country who come to this region for a soak. The best part about hot pots is you can go there in the winter. Sitting in steamy water while snow lightly falls is a serene and rejuvenating sensation. If you don’t already take advantage of the brilliant outdoor life sitting on your front porch, start now.
If you aren’t the high adventure type, there are plenty of other options available. One of the best parts of travel is trying local food. Logan does not have the cuisine of San Francisco or Chicago, but we do have noteworthy local food. Next time you are going out, break away from the standard Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse outing and try something local, such as Happy Sushi, Herm’s Inn, Angie’s, Café Sabor, Le Nonne or Elements.You are likely to have a positive dining experience.
Cache Valley has a strong sense of community and its citizens value their heritage. With summer time approaching, the value the locals put on their community is evidenced. Most of the small towns have their own unique festivals celebrating their foundings, such as “Health Days” in Smithfield and “Black and White Days” in Richmond. The celebrations include local vendors, fireworks shows and local musical groups. In addition, locals can look forward to the annual summertime Cache County Fair and Rodeo, Saturday Gardeners’ Market and Summerfest. Logan Canyon and Cache Valley towns are equally phenomenal places to hang out in the summer.
Admittedly, the nightlife in Logan is less than superior, but when you choose to go to USU and value night entertainment, either transfer or learn to love other activities. A suitable nightlife can be found one hour south of Cache Valley in Ogden and a little further south in Salt Lake City. These larger cities offer a variety of comedy clubs, dance clubs and bars.
If you still think Logan is boring, it may be time to consider a transfer to BYU – you’ll fit right in. To all you night partiers, USU probably is not the place for you. Either enjoy your time in Logan and quit complaining or consider packing your bags to entertain yourself elsewhere.
– Tyra Simmons is a senior majoring in sociology. Her column runs every other Wednesday. Comments on her column can be sent to tyrasimmons@gmail.com.