13 Things You Have to Do Before You’re an Official Utahn

Much of Utah’s natural beauty is found at our five national and 45 state parks (the one pictured is Dead Horse Point State Park). Don’t forget to also check out our national monuments!

Now that you’re in Utah, you’ll want to root for your home team. We have two pro teams: Real Salt Lake and Utah Jazz. You’ll also find a host of minor-league teams and several great college teams. Pick your favorites, purchase a team hoodie or jersey and attend some games!

Now that you’re in Utah, take the time to identify your state and local representatives. “Friend” them on Facebook, attend a local city council meeting, get on your city or county website to keep track of what your representatives. Here’s Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams, along with a furry friend, preparing for his State of the County speech.

Utah’s street addresses are easy to find, thanks to the grid system. You should know, however, that when someone tells you, “Go to 3rd South,” they mean 300...not 3.

When those signs at the bottom of the canyon are flashing, they aren’t kidding. You really do need four-wheel drive or chains. This is a white-knuckle event, but every Utahn finds himself doing it at one point or another.

One of the best things about Utah is its many local parks, walking paths, hiking trails and playgrounds. Explore your neighborhood to find all the best ways to get active and meet your neighbors.

Utah is full of wonderful local cafes, coffee shops, ice cream shops and more. Visit a bunch until you identify your favorites, then become a “local” customer!

You won’t always want to eat out, so learn how to eat like a Utahn at home. Try Utah scones, funeral potatoes, dutch oven dinners. You might even try green Jello (just once) to feel legit.

Utah is number one in the nation for volunteerism! If you want to be an official Utahn, do your part. Find a local organization that needs volunteers. You’ll be involved and make some new Utah friends at the same time.

You might hate it. Or, it might change your life. Either way, every prospective Utahn should give it a try. While you’re at it, try a pastrami burger.

We have the best snow on Earth! Try skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing. If you really hate cold weather, take up reading a book in front of a cozy fire, while watching the blizzard outside (I consider reading to be a winter sport).

Figure out how to pronounce “Tooele,” learn what your neighbor means when he says he’s going to the “stakehouse,” and practice swearing the Utah way (for instance, “Oh fetch!” instead of that other F-word).