Author Archives: Jill Adler

Outdoor Retailer Summer 2025 Hits Salt Lake City: Top Gear, Sustainability & Trends Unveiled

crowd inside Salt Palace for the Outdoor Retailer Show

We’ll start by saying that the Outdoor Retailer Show will never be what it used to be in its heyday- before leaving Salt Lake City for Denver. But we can’t dwell on the past can we?

There have been quite a few tweaks made to this ‘new’ Outdoor Retailer Summer 2025 convention that takes place June 18-20 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. First off, the most awesomest day of the year- OR Demo Day- is not just “Industry Day”. A day of back-to-back panels and seminars instead of a fun day on the water demoing kayaks and paddle boards. Boo.

But with how shrunk the convention scene has gotten, what can you do? So now, the $1.2 trillion outdoor industry has matured and seemingly mellowed. This summer’s event will help connect nearly 300 brands and a few thousand retail buyers, media and guests.

This four-day networking platform will showcase the freshest gear, tech, and trends, but with a focus on wellness, sustainability, and innovation. It makes perfect sense for the show to return to Utah not just because outdoor recreation brings in $9.5 billion to the state (up 18% since 2022) and supports over 71,000 jobs, but because Utah’s got the accessibility and beauty. SLC International is 10 minutes from downtown, there are tons of reasonably priced hotels and BnBs, rich national forests surround the city, all within an hour’s drive or less.

You may have not paid too much attention if you live in a big city but there’s been a huge surge in outdoor participation. Over 175 million people (57.3 percent of folks six and up) got outside in 2023! The Show continues to be open only to those in the industry but if you have any friends with badges, and you really want to see some cool things coming to market for 2026, see if they can get you in. (But don’t tell anyone you heard it here.)

This summer’s highlights include the New Product Showcase, where brands like BabyBjörn, Ocean Bottle, Coulee Coffee, and Aska Outdoors unveil products built for health, sustainability, and inclusivity. Gear like collapsible solar panels, ocean-friendly skincare, and more women-designed adventure apparel.

Check out outdoorretailer.com for a list of exhibitors and industry updates.

Top 5 Hot Springs in Utah

Red Hills Hot Springs

After yesterday’s rainy day that trapped our poor selves indoors, we were anxious to bust out. The ski season was over yet the ground still soft- too soft for things like hiking, mountain biking and rockclimbing. It was actually the perfect weather for a quick roadtrip and soak. I love checking out hot springs in Utah so we hopped in the car for a last minute #roadtrip to #Monroe, Utah. @Mystichotsprings had been at the top of my bucketlist.

Three hours later I found myself begging the painted, pierced face teenager with terrible hair to let us in even if we didn’t have a reservation. She kept arguing that all I had to do was check the Mystic website and I would have seen that they were booked out. Um, no. When I went to the website there was nothing for Memorial Day. Nothing. No Xs, no red squares, just blankness. Then I saw a post on Facebook that was made this morning. I thought to myself, well, they must be open and just taking walkins. I looked for a phone number to verify but there was nothing listed. Can I just say right here, F— YOU to any business that does NOT list a phone number on their website. It’s called customer service and without it, you LOSE customers!

sign to mystic hot springs

Back to the sketchy teen. She claimed there was no way we could soak… even though we drove three hours, it was 4 p.m. and there were only 7 people to the whole place. Three couples and one kid. I took a walk through so I know. I suppose I could have snuck in. She had her head buried in her phone and the office shack was well away from the entrance. But I did the right thing, left my bathing suit in the car and took a stroll up the hill. I was curious about the hype. With thousands of beautiful images on Instagram, I believed that I had to see for myself even if I couldn’t “soak”.

Being denied at Mystic Hot Springs was the best thing that could have happened to us

soaking in red hills hot spring

Anyone who has been to Mystic realizes instantly that the IG v reality is real. It is overpriced and underwhelming. For $25/per person you get to sit in an old steel bathtub for two hours (I certainly hope the money goes to cleaning those things after each two-hour block. Yuck.). It’s honestly nothing like the photos you see on IG. It’s a tiny footprint with 7 tubs and two concrete “pools.” The funny thing is that there is a free hot spring not 5 minutes north of Mystic with four natural #hotpots and the vibe is real not phony. No wonder that twit in the office didn’t even offer that we could go someplace else. We saved $75 and could stay as long as we wanted. We didn’t even need to stop at Mystic!

Red Hills Hot Spring no camping sign

Red Hills Hot Springs

Thank you. Google! The minute I got back to the car it dawned on me that Mystic could not possibly be the only game in town. Where there is one hot pot, there are usually others nearby. A quick search delivered the exact coordinates for #Redhillshotsprings– owned and maintained by the city of Monroe and open to EVERYONE until 10pm. The temps range from boiling hot to cool but not cold. They aren’t very deep or wide and it can get a bit busy but they’re perfect for sitting up to your shoulders and chatting with strangers for the hour we stayed.

Red Hills Hot Springs

The area used to belong to a private rancher who set out troughs for folks to sit in but once he sold to the city, those had gotten unsanitary and were removed. There are signs that say not to reroute the water as it cascades from the uppermost, scalding hot spring and to keep your clothes on when soaking but other than that the place is family friendly and often filled with locals who are happy to share community lore; like how Mystic used to be cool until new owners took over and jacked the prices, making it unattractive for families. There is a small bathroom set up but that’s about it for amenities. Bring your own towel, suit, water and sunscreen and kick back in whichever pool of the four you like. A pair of Tevas or flip flops wouldn’t hurt either as the rocks surrounding and within can be a bit slimely.

Soaking in Red Hills Hot springs

Would I Return to Monroe?

Fortunately, Utah has several spots to soak that are free and closer to Park City. One of my favorites is Fifth Water and my second is Meadow. If I lived closer to Monroe, I would for sure visit Red Hills again. But, no, I have no desire to pay for Mystic.
What are your favorite hot springs? Here’s a list to get you started:

Top Five (Free) Hot Springs in Utah

Diamond Fork– Fifth Water Hot Springs (aka: Diamond Fork Hot Springs) is about a 4.5 mile roundtrip hike with a 600-foot elevation gain. You can hike to it all year long but in the winter, expect a trudge through the snow and slippery moments. Dogs are allowed and there are bathrooms at the trailhead. Head about an hour south of Salt Lake City on i-15 to Spanish Fork, Utah. Take exit 257 to get on US-6 East. Take a left at mile marker 184 onto Diamond Fork Road. Travel about 11 miles to get the trailhead.

Meadow Hot Springs– Privately owned but still free, please respect the area and enjoy. It’s located just south of Fillmore off of i-15. There are two clear pools of 100-degree water, with the larger one being about 25ft deep. If you plan to soak in the evening, be aware that a younger crowd often appears with boomboxes, slacklines and a party after dark.

Saratoga Hot Springs– Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Saratoga Hot Pool (aka Inlet Hot Spring) near Lehi has temps ranging from 101 to 110 degrees. You can find it in Utah Lake’s northwest edge marshes. Park in Inlet Park and walk south on the cement walkway. After 150 yards, you’ll come to a grove of trees, and the soaking pool will be on your left. Nudity and alcohol are not allowed.

Baker Hot Springs– Just north of Delta, in Juab County, the large pools reaching up to 107 degrees are primitive and free. What’s cool is that the man-made tubs allow you to control the water temperature. Clothing may be optional so shield your eyes if easily offended.

Stinky Hot Springs– Old Indian Hot Springs, features three “stinky” concrete tubs in the town of Corrine, Utah. It’s located on private land but the owner allows public access so please keep the noise and trash out. It’s ugly and stinky from the sulphur but also quite beautiful when you give it a chance.

4 Travel Alternatives for 2025

ZNZ, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Maldives were always on my travel bucket list. Bungalows over crystalline blue water, deep sea SCUBA diving, relaxing under straw roofs and all you can eat tropical fruit. Why am I just now realizing that the country is run by Isis? Terrorist-affiliated criminal gangs, key leaders and financial facilitators of the terrorist organizations from Isis and al-Qaida have been populating the place since around 2014. Maybe you’ve been and say the islands are safe and your trip was phenomenal. Maybe you’re right but there’s no way in hell I’m supporting a country that allows terrorists to grow and prosper right under their nose. Uh Uh, no way would I ever want to go. Thinking about Maldives travel alternatives led me to wonder about other substitutes for those over-posh tourist spots. So where to now?

Travel expert booking platform Omio rounded up these 3 must-consider alternatives for your next getaway:

Instead of : Maldives,

Visit: Albania 

Instead of predictable bougie luxury, there’s Albania’s Sarande, Ksamil, and Vlore. The areas present a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on beauty. Nestled on the Balkan Peninsula, Albania boasts stunning beaches, cultural richness, and archaeological wonders, offering a unique blend of experiences.

Visit: Cook Islands

You’ll find 15 islands all surrounded by pristine beaches and clear lagoons with a much less touristy vibe. The comfortable-to-luxury accommodations and dining are offered at fair prices as well as a number of water activities.

Instead of: Chamonix,

Visit: Les Houches, France

Swap the hustle and bustle of Chamonix for the serenity of Les Houches in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley. Experience the same awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc but with added tranquility. Les Houches, a quieter and more affordable option, is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to build confidence on the slopes. Enjoy enchanting natural settings, all while saving on the hefty pricestags that come from nearby ski areas.

Instead of: The Swiss Alps,

Visit: Jasna, Slovakia

Break away from the cliché Swiss Alps and venture into the hidden skiing paradise of Jasna, Slovakia. Despite being one of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts, Jasna offers over 9000 acres of pistes and high-end feeling hotels. Maximize your value for money while exploring the diverse pistes and enjoying the charming ambiance. Extend your journey with stops in Brussels, Vienna, or even Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, for an adventure that won’t break the bank.

Discover the Best Bang for Your Buck: Top and Bottom Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S. 2025

Budget-Friendly Outer Banks, NC

If you want to hit the slopes or the beach without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. The folks at OptimosTravels crunched the numbers and came up with the 10 Most (and Least) Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S. for 2025.

🌊 Chillin’ on a Budget? Head to the Outer Banks, North Carolina

Topping the list of budget-friendly bliss is the Outer Banks. It’s not just the spot for the hit Netflix teen show but a place where the Atlantic’s charm meets affordability. The chain of barrier islands offers one of the largest tracts of undeveloped beaches on the East Coast. The OBX brims with charming seaside villages, history (the legendary Blackbeard hid out in the southern part of the Outer Banks), local cuisine and coastal activities.

💼 Charleston, West Virginia

This antebellum town in the American south is a modern playground for foodies, festival goers, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

🍻 Bavarian Vibes in Helen, Georgia

In third place, we’ve got Helen, Georgia, channeling those Bavarian vibes. Situated along the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee River this European-style village is tiny and picturesque and filled with biergartens.

🏖️ Kick Back on Tybee Island, Georgia

Fourth on the list is Tybee Island, Georgia, with its serene beaches, seaside charm, and laid-back vibe. Tybee Island offers something for everyone; whether water sports, historical tours, vibrant local culture, and delectable seafood cuisine.

🌲 Get Lost in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers access to the Great Smoky Mountains, cabins and family adventures. The historic city is for outdoor adventure, quaint shopping and loads of family-friendly attractions.

🏜️ Marvel at Sedona, Arizona

Ranked sixth is Sedona, Arizona, and its striking red rock formations, is the backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails, art galleries, and healing vortexes and spiritual awakenings abound.

🏖️ Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod beckons with its idyllic coastal charm, picturesque beaches, charming seaside villages, and fresh seafood delights. It’s the quintessential New England experience. It can be expensive in the summer so if you are on a budget, try for the fall or winter.

🌆 Embrace Urban Energy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

You learned to spell Oklahoma while watching the musical (if your parents made you) but we bet you haven’t been there. Oklahoma is a hidden gem filled with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Great Plains, six stunning national parks, warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and lively festivals.

🌲 Bend, Oregon: Where Adventure Awaits

Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Nowhere else in Oregon can you hike to alpine lakes, ride bikes through the sprawling high desert, paddle or tube down the middle of the town’s state park, rock climb in world-class Smith Rock State Park, ski year-round, and, at the end of it all, there’s delicious craft beer waiting for you.

🏜️ Experience Monument Valley, Utah

Completing the list, Monument Valley lets families soak in stunning landscapes of the American west. It’s a tribal park owned by the Navajo Nation that straddles the Utah and Arizona border.

Top Ten Least Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots

While spots like Aspen, Park City, and Maui top the charts for luxury, it’s clear that more travelers don’t want to go and do what everyone else is experiencing. They want unique and exclusive experiences over traditional tourist destinations.

Ok, so what are those hot spots to steer clear of if you don’t want to follow the pack?

1. Aspen, Colorado

2. Park City, Utah

3. Maui, Hawaii

4. Montauk, New York

5. Santa Monica, California

6. Key West, Florida 

7. Charleston, South Carolina

8. New York City, New York 

9. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Could Global Events Affect the Sundance Film Festival?

James Sweeney/Dylan O'Brien Twinless Q n A

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival is upon us! Scheduled to take place in Park City, Utah, Jan. 23- Feb. 2, eyes were already scrutinizing the venerable independent filmmaker program after they announced a possible relocation for 2027 and beyond. When The Sundance Institute took over the seven-year-old Utah/U.S. Film Festival in 1985, they had no idea it would become the country’s premiere film festival nearly 40 years later with 423,234 combined in-person and online viewership in 2023. But could global events affect the Sundance Film Festival and finally push them out of little ol’ Park City?

It’s hard to ignore the subtle decline in enthusiasm for the Fest. Overcrowding (which the Covid pandemic actually helped quell), the increased cost of attending Sundance (tickets are $35/film this year and lodging is through the roof), and the ease of streaming have taken their toll. And, as other festivals, filmmakers, or film-related events have risen in prominence, attention has waned for the Utah fest both with the media and film industry. Think about it, if someone doesn’t write and talk publicly about a Sundance movie, will anyone care about it?

Some critics argue that in recent years, Sundance’s selection process has become more focused on films that are trendy or politically charged, rather than films with innovative storytelling, fresh voices, or unique perspectives.** This has led to a perception that the festival has sacrificed the artistic edge that once set it apart in favor of more predictable, formulaic programming. That is so not true! Just look at the programming for this year’s Fest. Still, perception trumps reality when it comes to social influencing that attempts to portray Sundance as an elitist gathering for industry professionals.

**Of the 4,138 feature film submissions, 1,591 were from the U.S. and 2,547 were international; 1,207 (32%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as women; 74 (2%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as nonbinary or gender-nonconforming individuals; 1,834 (51%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as people of color; 555 (19%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as LGBTQ+; 34 (1%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as transgender; 219 (6%) were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as having a disability.

It’s Not the Content but the Platform

Filmmaking itself has evolved, with new formats (like short-form content, web series, and experimental virtual reality) and methods of distribution challenging traditional forms of storytelling. While Sundance has made efforts to adapt to these shifts by offering a significant portion of their Fest online, the “progress” has ironically eroded the in-person festival experience. Why spend thousands of dollars to travel to a cold, crowded clime when you can watch films from home?

Other Reasons To Stay Home

Even if the cost of traveling in- and to- the US hadn’t skyrocketed, there is so much happening in the world today that many former Sundance regulars must take a break. This year, many of them are coming from California which is still fighting fires, homeowners’ insurance claims, and the stress of what’s to come. We probably won’t know the impact of this tragedy on attendance until the end of the Fest when numbers are announced.

So what will Sundance 2025 look like? Your guess is as good as mine. Day One is in the can so to speak, with screenings that began at noon and ran through nearly midnight. Every single one sold out. Looks like a healthy sign to us!

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