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The most common way to get to Provo is to fly into [wiki=c91861082e1f5c54d7a723f28fbf1be1]Salt Lake City[/wiki] (SLC), and drive, catch a shuttle, or take TRAX/Frontrunner from the airport. The drive follows I-15 and usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour, but can take up to an hour and a half during heavy traffic; for better traffic conditions, travelers can take I-215 through the Salt Lake Valley until it connects to I-15, then take I-15 to Provo.
Provo also has its own airport (PVU[url=http://flyprovo.com/]).]Allegiant Air [http://www.allegiantair.com/[/url] currently offers regular flights to and from Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland/San Francisco (OAK), and Phoenix/Mesa (AZA).
Formerly, express buses operated between Salt Lake City and Provo. However, the advent of the Frontrunner commuter train has made that system obsolete.
Greyhound [http://www.greyhound.com/] stops in Provo (124 N 300 W). Provo is a stop on the routes from Salt Lake, Las Vegas, and Grand Junction.
Amtrak [url=http://www.amtrak.com/]]serves Provo with the [[California Zephyr[/url]] [url=http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Horizontal_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081256321209&ssid=137],]which runs daily between Emeryville (in the [[Bay Area (California) |San Francisco Bay Area[/url]]) and [wiki=9cfa1e69f507d007a516eb3e9f5074e2]Chicago[/wiki]. The train platform (PRO) is at 600 S 300 W and has no services. The westbound train (to San Francisco) is in Provo at 9:26PM, and the eastbound train (to Chicago) is in Provo at 4:35am.
Frontrunner (route 750), operated by the Utah Transportation Authority (UTA )[http://www.rideuta.com/], is northern Utah's commuter rail system. It connects Ogden, Salt Lake City, Lehi, and numerous cities in between to Provo, the southernmost station on the line. Trains run every 30-60 minutes except on Sundays, when there is no service. The TRAX Green Line (route 704) runs between the Salt Lake City airport and 500 W/North Temple station every fifteen minutes; tickets may be purchased from automated ticket machines. From 500 W/North Temple, you can transfer to the Frontrunner commuter train to travel directly to the Provo station, located at 690 S. University Ave. A handful of buses, also operated by UTA, connect Provo station to downtown, BYU, and a number of other destinations in the Provo/Orem area.
I-15, which connects Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, runs through the western half of Provo. By car, Provo is about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, 6 hours from Las Vegas, and 8 hours from Denver (on Highway 6/I-70). Take I-15 exit 263 for south Provo; exit 265 for downtown (east) or Utah Lake (west); exits 265 and 271 for north Provo and Riverwoods, via Orem; and exit 272 for Provo Canyon, via Orem.
From the north, taking State Street (from exit 279) through American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, and Orem is often a viable surface-street alternative to the freeway, especially during rush hour.
BYU hosts a ton of plays, concerts, and other performances each year. There's something going on most nights of the week. Performances are generally held at the Harris Fine Arts Center. Check the website for scheduling and tickets.
*Shows foreign and classic films four days per week in a large auditorium. Tickets not required. See website for weekly schedule (showing times usually provided two weeks in advance). Map of BYU campus available [http://map.byu.edu/].
*Planetarium offering shows for the public. Reservations may be made online. Map of BYU campus available online [http://map.byu.edu/].
*Interactive live comedy show downtown since 1999. Schedule of shows and tickets available at their website. Some shows not open for reservation. Family appropriate.
*Plays, concerts, events, and an art gallery downtown. Check the website for the schedule and tickets.
*Bowling alley and game center, including traditional arcade games and billiards. Attached to the alley is Costa Vida, a Mexican restaurant.
*The new state-of-the art recreation center has gyms and equipment, as well as both indoor and outdoor pools and waterslides. Next door is North Park, the Provo Pioneer Museum, and the Provo Pioneer Village, making this a great day or afternoon excursion!
*Utah Valley's symphony since 1959. Usually gives concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Covey Center for the Arts. Check the website for scheduling; tickets can be purchased through the Covey Center [http://www.coveycenter.org/].
* Velour is one of Provo's gems. The venue is a mandatory stop for artists from Utah's (surprisingly healthy) local music scene, and touring artists often sidestep Salt Lake City clubs to play here. A full calendar of shows is available on the venue's website.
607-foot waterfall in Provo Canyon that is popular with cyclers and hikers. The waterfall is viewable from the road and a viewing station. A short bike/walking trail leads to the bottom of the falls. The middle level of the falls can be reached via a short but steep trail.
*Public golf course in the wetlands of south Provo close to Utah Lake. Open Sundays.
*A giant concrete Y towers over Provo from "Y Mountain." The zigzagging hike to the Y is relatively easy and takes most people about 45 minutes each way (although if those recently at lower elevations may wish to plan on more time). Once at the Y, you have a lovely view over Utah Valley and Utah Lake. (Another trail leads south from the Y to the peak of Y Mountain.) The hike itself is exposed with little shade, so plan accordingly when hot. The trail is particularly popular with BYU students. Facilities available at trailhead.
* Enjoy the lakes and reservoirs around Provo with luxury vacation rentals and guided watercraft tours including; boats, jet skis, waverunners, houseboats, stand up paddle boards, wakeboards, water skis, other water toys, water sport lessons, and private tours.
*A rugged canyon popular with students, families, hikers, and rock climbers alike. The main trail is very easy, but leads off to other more difficult trails, such as one to the top of Squaw Peak. The mouth of the canyon also connects to Bonneville Shore Trail [url=http://www.bonnevilleshorelinetrail.org/],]which follows the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
*Largest waterpark in Utah with waterslides, a wave pool, and other water attractions. Charge for parking ($5/day or $3 after 4PM).
*Located directly west of Provo, Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah. Popular fishing, boating, parasailing, and camping destination. The Utah Lake Marina is a lovely place at sunset and borders on a marsh with wild birds. Two long jetties reach out into the lake, giving a spectacular view of the valley. Caution: Utah Lake is shallow and very biologically active, meaning that it can sometimes be smelly and algae heavy and often washes up dead fish. Boaters should be wary of windy conditions, as wind can stir up high waves due to the shallow waters. Entrance to the state park is supposedly $9/vehicle or $2/person or bike, but the entrance booth is often closed and sightseers can usually walk in free, particularly during the off season.
* Mount Timpanogos. Located to the north of Provo, Mount Timpanogos is a very prominent and well-known landmark across the Wasatch Front. It rises to an impressive elevation of 11,752 ft (3,582 m). It is the location of one of the few permanent snowfields in Utah, and is also the location of several breathtaking, scenic, and popular hikes.
* Go skiing in the winter or mountain biking in the summer at Sundance [http://www.sundanceresort.com/] or alternatively just look at the various art on display.
* Fish the Provo river. A good place is at Nunn's Park right across from Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.
Large festival held every year around the 4th of July. Features the Stadium of Fire, Grand Parade, Balloon Fest, Freedom Days (vendor stalls and carnival rides), Colonial Days, and other activities and events.
*BYU is a member of the West Coast Conference (WCC) for most sports. A few of its teams have affiliations outside the WCC. Most notably, the football team is "independent" (i.e., not affiliated with any conference), and the men's soccer team is actually a semi-professional team competing in the USL Premier Development League. There's always a sports team playing. Check the website for scheduling and tickets. Home basketball games are played at the Marriott Center (1497 N 450 E); home football games are played at LaVell Edwards Stadium (1700 N Canyon Rd). The BYU Legacy Hall [url=http://byucougars.com/athletics/byu-legacy-hall]](athletics museum and hall of fame) is housed in the Student Athlete Building (1060 N 150 E, M-Sa 7AM-9PM, 801 422-2118, free).
* From May to October, the Rooftop Concert Series provides free concerts on the first Friday of every month on top of a downtown parking garage. The concerts have become majorly popular. Come enjoy fresh music while getting great views of the valley as the sun sets. Local restaurants set up booths if you're hungry. And if you're craving a pie or cupcake shake, make sure to get in line early at Sammy's [http://sammyspieshake.com/[/url] across the street.
Famous waffle cafe run by a BYU student couple. Also offers crepes, both sweet and savory. Popular with BYU students and many others.
*Hawaiian grill. Feels commercialized but has a Hawaiian-themed interior and actually has pretty decent food.
*A locally owned burger restaurant that offers more than just burgers. They also have all sorts of sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and sides like "Zucchini Stix" and taquitos.
*Mexican chain started in Utah and popular with students.
*Soup, salads, and sandwiches.
*Sandwiches and burgers. Vegetarian options available.
*Chic and creative cafe serving breakfast, sandwiches, salads, wraps, pasta, and much more. Many vegetarian options available. Often offers live music in the evenings. Located downtown.
*Originally a hotdog stand on the corner, J-Dawgs has expanded to its own restaurant and offers gourmet hotdogs. Known for its Polish hotdogs and "special sauce." Very popular with BYU students.
*Bakery offering sandwiches and treats. Known for its all-you-can eat cinnamon french toast and sourdough pancakes for breakfast. Another one is located in Riverwoods at 4833 Edgewood Drive Suite 200 (801-224-0101).
* Famous burritos made to order, with meat, vegetarian, and vegan options. Another one is located south of BYU campus at 815 N 700 E (801-607-1766; M-Fr 11AM-6PM).
*One of the many pizzerias in Provo. Owned by a guy from Arlington, MA (you can ask him to call out your order in his Boston accent).
*Excellent Korean restaurant owned by a local Korean family.
*Local cafe and burger joint famous for its pie and cupcake shakes. Sponsors free concerts on weekends.
*Really big slices of really great pizza. Just south of BYU campus. Popular with BYU students and locals alike.
*A chic, modern American cafe.
Authentic Indian restaurant in downtown Provo, started by a BYU student from India. Well known for its naan and lassis.
*Brick Oven has been a staple of BYU students and Utah County residents for decades. Known for their pizza and homemade rootbeer. Located near BYU campus.
*Family-run Italian restaurant in downtown.
*Family-owned Italian restaurant operating in Provo since 1984. Featuring Napoli (Naples) cuisine.
*New American cuisine in style. Located in Riverwoods.
*Brazilian grill famous for its quantity and quality of meats, both mundane and unusual. Skewers are brought directly to the table where sizzling portions are sliced onto diners' plates.
*Chinese restaurant located in the Shops at Riverwoods.
*Thai restaurant located just south of BYU campus.
As a college town, Provo has a large number of places to get family and "date night" treats. In addition to the standard chains (Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, Jamba Juice), here are some local favorites.
*BYU's famous ice cream. The main location has a burger grill (11AM-9PM). The creamery has an outlet in the CougerEat cafeteria in the Wilkinson Student Center on BYU campus called Sugar & Spice. Other notable outlets include the Wyview Creamery (1990 W 400 N, M-Sa 7AM-midnight) and the CSC (just south of the BYU Conference Center and slightly northeast of the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 9AM-7PM). Many vending machines on campus also sell cups of BYU Creamery cookies & cream ice cream.
*As the name implies, gourmet cupcakes. Schedule of cupcake flavors available on the website.
*Tasty bakery and coffeehouse attached to Guru's. Located downtown.
*Amazing Italian desserts, including cakes and gelato. Just walk to the back of the restaurant, where you will see them all and can order them a la carte.
*Actually a local Taiwanese homecooking restaurant, Green Panda is the only place in Provo to get good Boba drinks.
*Although Macey's is a grocery store, they serve huge soft-serve cones for a very cheap price. When you walk in, head back to the right towards the bakery/deli and order your ice cream at the counter.
*Ice cream and malt shakes. A retro classic, but a little on the grubby side.
*Candy and soda parlor offering fancy sodas and floats. Hundreds of sodas available, as well as loads of all your favorite American and foreign candybars.
*Self-serve frozen yogurt just south of BYU campus and part of South End Market. Also at 2250 N University Pkwy #15 - close to Movies 8 and Buy Low Market.
*Local cafe and burger joint famous for its pie and cupcake shakes. Sponsors free concerts on weekends.
* Ice cream made with cryogenics right in front of your eyes. Very cool to watch and pretty tasty to eat, too. Sub Zero also has an outlet inside the Provo Towne Centre food court (1200 Towne Centre Blvd, 801 494-0988, open until 9PM).
*Gourmet bake shop featuring cookies, cakes, brownies, cupcakes, and more.
Extended stay furnished apartments. Free wireless, flatscreen TV and DVD player, fully equipped kitchens, laundry, and housekeeping.
*Located along Provo River. Outdoor pool.
*Located within walking distance of Brigham Young University. Wireless, laundry, fitness center, pool. Denny's and Magleby's restaurants in the same complex.
*Located in south Provo near the Provo Towne Centre. Laundry, outdoor pool, fitness center. Pets welcome.
*Located near the Provo Towne Centre.
*Provo's only B&B, with themed rooms. Gourmet breakfast and treats in the kitchen included. Wireless internet.
*Hotel and conference facility downtown, close to Novell, Inc. Wireless, laundry, copy center, fitness center & pool, and onsite restaurants.
*Located along the Provo River trail. Free shuttle service. Laundry, fitness center, indoor pool.
*Located in south Provo near the Provo Towne Centre. Free wireless. Pets allowed with fee.
*Located within walking distance of BYU. Wireless, fitness enter, pool. Denny's and Magleby's restaurants within the same complex.
*Standard rooms, studios, suites, and 2-4 bedroom homes at Sundance Ski Resort up Provo Canyon.
*Free wireless. Fitness center, pool, laundry. Pets allowed with fee.
Several campgrounds along the shore of Deer Creek Reservoir in Provo Canyon. Open Jun-Oct, but off-season camping allowed. Concessions, drinking water, modern restrooms and hot showers.
*Near Utah Lake, tucked into a curve of the Provo River. Walking distance to Utah Lake State Park Marina. Convenience store, laundry room, game room, summer pool, hot showers.
*Public campground in Provo Canyon along Provo River. Close to Bridal Veil Falls. Open April to October. No reservation required. Flush toilets and drinking water.
*Campground close to Utah Lake. Connected to the Provo River Walkway and Bike Path. One-room cabins, RVs, tents. Wi-fi, summer pool.
*Isolated public campground up Rock Canyon (between Squaw Peak and Y Mountain). Access road is is only partially paved; used 4-wheel drive. No water. Vault toilets. Gate closes at 10PM. Excellent access to rock climbing and hiking.
*Lakeshore campground.