The Heber Valley Spotlight

Native Americans roamed the high mountains above the Heber Valley centuries ago. Thick timber, rushing streams and towering peaks offered a rich hunting and gathering ground still viable today.

Urged by Mormon leaders, settlers began to arrive in this valley in the mid-1800’s to homestead the land of abundant grass for their livestock and logs for their cabins.

Nine miles long and six miles wide, the valley at 5,600 feet elevation slings like a hammock between two national forests near the junction of east-west Wasatch Mountains and north-south Uinta Mountains. Famous hot springs bubble in the west side of the valley near Midway.

Named after Heber Kimball, an LDS counselor, Heber City was a fort designed to repel unfriendly Indians. Today the bustle of commerce has arrived. These days, this engaging valley welcomes locals and tourists with an array of shops, eateries and activities.

Main Street Social owners Vanessa and Ashley have established a chic, new restaurant in a beautifully restored home on Heber’s Main Street. Local vendors supply sustainable and seasonal ingredients for this intimate dining spot that includes a bar and welcoming outdoor patio.
98 S. Main Street | 435 657-6534 | mainstreetsocialutah.com

Get outdoors and go for it! High Country Adventure Company experts have been outfitters on the Provo and Weber
Rivers since 1989. They have trips for all ages and abilities including rides on the Heber Creeper train.
3702 E. Provo Canyon Road | Provo | 801 224-2500 | highcountryadventure.com

Beautiful mountain scenery provides the backdrop for High Valley Arts Outdoor Summer Theater in Midway. Volunteers supply the muscle for this non- profit organization, and local and regional thespians provide the talent. High Valley Arts productions delight all ages. Check their online schedule.
400 E. 200 S. | Midway
435 657-5007
highvalleyarts.org

Spend an afternoon viewing World War II aircraft in the Commemorative Air Force Utah Wing Museum at the Russ McDonald Field in Heber City. See a 1942 Stearman and a North American T-6 Texan, training aircraft developed for the war effort. Led by volunteers, visitors learn about aviatrices, commercial air, war machines and courageous pilots. A historic warbird, the B-25 “Maid in the Shade” is available for rides June 5-12 by calling 435 503-7903.

If looking at planes isn’t enough, arrange a ride in a 1942 Stearman Biplane or a North American T-6 Texan, flown by informative pilots with Warbird Rides at the Russ McDonald Field. Thrill to the sound and feel of their mighty engines.
Russ McDonald Field | 435 709-7269 | cafutahwing.org

Tend hunger and thirst with the down-home service and flavors in the eclectic Spin Cafe. Owners Joline and Vincent serve “Fresh Scratch Cooking with a Spin.” Carolina pulled pork sandwiches, amazing salads, Poblano Steak and in-house gelato are some of the choices at this popular Main Street eatery. Open daily for lunch and dinner, full bar.
220 N. Main Street | 435 654-0251 | spincafe.net

Do classic family and Disney movies topped with ice cream from the concession stand sound good? The Avon and Ideal Theaters on Heber’s Main Street both offer terrific small town entertainment. The Avon has an old-fashioned soda fountain, Corner Sweet Treats.
Avon: 94 S. Main Street | Ideal: 113 N. Main Street 435 654-1181 | hebercitytheatre.com

New and gently-used books for all ages and genres are the mainstay of Judith Griffin’s comfy Rebook store on Main Street. Young children, teens and adults with a variety of interests can find something delightful here. The cozy cottage ambience makes for a true Midway gathering place. Open Tuesday- Saturday, 11-6.
159 E. Main Street, Midway | 435 654-6660

Five generations of Mawhinneys have had a special niche on Main Street the past 70 years. Everyone loves their Dairy Keen—Home of the Train; 25 Best of State Medals have been collected over 14 years. A model train with its mini Heber Creeper engine chugs above diners’ heads through a colorful landscape.
199 S. Main Street | 435 654-KEEN | dairykeen.com

Creating beautiful jewelry is Scott James’ passion. An avid outdoorsman and family man, Scott has a unique line of topo jewelry depicting surrounding mountains and valleys. Scott James Jewelry also has a successful sport jewelry line dedicated to runners.
720 W. 100 S.
435 654-5661
scottjamesjewelry.com

Horseback riding in the Wasatch State Park or fly-fishing the world-class Provo River are specialties of Rocky Mountain Outfitters near Midway. Their guides will point out nature’s wonders and help you net a trophy rainbow. The Chuck Wagon Dinner is delightful.
633 W. Soldier Hollow Drive | Midway | 435 654-1655
rockymountainoutfitters.com

Fernweh Lifestyle Company in Midway displays a love of travel and the treasure collected on the journeys. Jill Seare and her husband Ryan have the flooring business; Andy and Emily Jenkins supply European antiques. Clothing, shoes, candy, and toys add flavor to this interesting shop.
260 E. Main Street | Midway | 435 315-3625 rockymountainoutfitters.com 

Savor coffee drinks, house-made Bees Knees Ice Cream, homemade pastries and more at Midway’s old gas station/cafe festooned with vintage car parts and curios. Roger, Millie and staff welcome all to the Fill ‘er Up Coffee Station. Breakfast and lunch served all day. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
201 E. Main Street | Midway | 435 657-2700

European flair defines the Blue Boar Inn and Restaurant near Midway. This antique-filled bed and breakfast has 12 exquisitely furnished guest rooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, 5-course plated Sunday brunch and dinner.
1235 Warm Springs Road | Midway | 435 654-1400 theblueboarinn.com

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