Historic Smith Hotel--Our Journey to Utah

Since Michelle and I were going to Utah alone for Spring break, we decided to make our trip an adventure. Thanks to Amy and Bailey and my visiting teachers, we had plenty of treats for our journey. As you can see, there wasn't a single ounce of nutrition in it, and enough sugar to last a month! We enjoyed snitching the snacks and Michelle had fun coloring in the coloring book with the glitter crayons. (Not just regular crayons, mind you, these had glitter in them!) But don't worry, we were sure to stop for a salad along the way to provide a little balance.


We left home around noon and drove to Glendale, Utah, population 350. For many years we have made this trip, and each time as we turn the bend into town (headed south) we pass a sign for the "Historic Smith Hotel". Being as my maiden name is Smith, we always joke about it being the family business. So this time, since I did not want to make the long drive to American Fork in the dark, we made arrangements to stay at the one and only Smith Hotel! And what fun that was!

The hotel was built in 1927 by Joseph and Mary Ellen Smith, descendants of Joseph F. Smith and run as a boarding house. The current propietors, Rochelle and Mike, now mostly serve as hosts to visitors from Europe who have stopped in Salt Lake City and are headed to the Grand Canyon.

There are six rooms to choose from. We chose this one, which ended up being a real treat. The beds were brand new and very comfortable and the furnishings completely charming!

Having a little time to explore our surroundings, and being very curious, we discovered this atrium just off the top floor. What a wonderful place to sit and relax after a day of travel!

This stove in the kitchen was in the house originally. Antique collectors would love the entire house, actually, as many beautiful pieces are on display that have been collected over the years.

In the morning Rochelle treated us to a delicious breakfast of waffles, fresh fruit, strawberry yogurt, granola and hot chocolate.

After gathering our belongings, we paused on the front porch to say goodbye.

For only $50.00 a night (in the winter) which included breakfast, it was truly a bargain. But being able to stay in quaint 82 year old house and experience a little slice of history was priceless!