A Gay's Guide to Ogden Summer

About the Author Hey I'm Colt! As a gay man in Ogden, Utah I hope to share my experience, offer opinions, give recommendations and of course crack some jokes in this blog entry. Born and raised here (besides that brief sabbatical in college) I love this town almost as much as I love brunch. I know you will too.

Nestled just North of Salt Lake City and hugging the mighty Wasatch Mountain Range you will find Ogden, Utah. Known for its outdoor recreation, historical downtown and amazing bars, and eateries. Not necessarily known for men hugging other men. Les-be honest, you don’t think of it as a top destination for those of us who claim a letter in the LGBTQ+ community. I am here to set the record gay, (not straight, that would be homophobic) from the can’t miss brunch spots to the best breweries (for the lesbians).  This is your Gay’s Guide to Ogden Summer.

Brunch

All vacations (as well as Sundays) should include brunch. A morning libation is a perfect way to know you are here for a good time and not a long time. Stay as long as you like but know there is too much to see and too much do to spend all day at your brunch place, you will get FOMO. For brunch there are two musts.

• Harp and Hound located in the old courthouse downtown, this gastropub has one of my personal favorite drinks of all time. The Ogden Train Wreck.
• WB’s Eatery. Located on Historic 25th St. inside one of the community’s public art centers, The Monarch. This wine bar and restaurant with dishes like the Fig & Pig (a fig and fresh honey bruschetta I highly recommend) and lattes in mugs that require two hands and an Instagram photo shoot. 

Activities

For those for whom the call of adventure speaks the following are great options: 

• The Front Climbing Gym will be on par (sports joke if you get it). The Front offers indoor rock climbing on every level, from closeted climbing enthusiasts to fully out experts. 
• The Monarch (yes, I did mention this already, it's that good). Along with countless other events, the Monarch hosts a Pride Kick Off! Which features a local artists and music and vendor market, great food and cute people
• A scenic drive up Ogden Canyon and to Pineview Reservoir.
• Finally, if you are here during a weekend in the summer months be sure to check out Ogden’s Farmers Market. Not only can you pick up some fresh fruit as snacks for the rest of your day, you will see Ogden’s creators out on display selling their art, woodworking (for the lesbians in the back) and so much more. 

Nightlife

• Twilight. Although we do not have an event dedicated to Robert Pattinson, yet (permits pending), we do have the best outdoor concert series in the Rocky Mountain States.
• For an urban club and bar experience head down 25th St. to Alleged and Unspoken. Alleged offers dancing on the first floor, a cocktail lounge on the next and a rooftop bar. Just next door you will find Lucky Slice Pizza to grab a late-night slice of carbs.

Ultimately Ogden is a great place for anyone who has too much in common with a young Harry Potter (he lived in a cupboard but close enough to a closet). Members of the LGBTQ+ community can find a welcoming, safe and enjoyable experiences while branching out from a stereotypical “gaycation” (last nickname I swear). Ogden is here to welcome you with the experience you are seeking, you may even gain a fitting nickname while here. 

Stay tuned for Ogden Pride Festival that takes place this year August 4-6. Details can be found here!

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