Heber Valley Railroad Thrills Visitors and Residents

Wind through scenic Heber Valley real estate aboard an authentic old Engine #618, circa 1907, that pulls a passenger train composed of restored 1920s era rail cars along 16 miles of track through Heber Valley and down into Provo Canyon.

The Heber Valley Historic Railroad dates back to 1899 when trains served the pioneers who first settled the valley and now operates as non-profit organization. Today, vintage coaches are pulled over this beautiful vista by two 1907 Baldwin steam locomotives and three vintage diesel electric locomotives. Over 95,000 passengers ride the train each year and that number is steadily growing.

The railroad has been used in a number of motion pictures and was featured on TV episodes of “Touched by an Angel” and “Promised Land”. In 1999 the Heber Valley Railroad purchased the “Movie Train”. The Steam engine and ten railroad cars have been featured in 33 motion pictures over the past 20 years. The “Movie Train” is now in operation and you’re welcome to come visit and ride where movie stars once worked.

Starting at the Train Depot, 450 South 600 West in Heber City. The route winds through farms and then traces the west bank of Deer Creek Reservoir before following the Provo River down into Provo Canyon to Vivian Park.

Scenery along the route is spectacular during every season of the year. Wild animals and birds are commonly seen along the tracks, including deer, elk and eagles.

There are numerous featured excursion rides throughout the year and many summer ride offerings:

Sunset BBQ Ride:

Enjoy a relaxing train ride along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. Stop for live, bluegrass music and a delicious BBQ dinner at the Soldier Hollow Platform while the sun sets over majestic Mt. Timpanogos. A fun, outdoor experience for all ages and for any occasion.

Fiddlers ‘n Fireworks:

A Pioneer Day celebration over Deer Creek Reservoir aboard the Heber Valley Historic Railroad. Watch in awe from an open-air car as the rockets’ red glare reflects off the lake…a sight you won’t soon forget. Pizza and beverages included.

Comedy Murder Mystery:

A real “Whodunit” aboard the Heber Valley Historic Railroad! Follow the story throughout the ride to unravel the mystery and be the winning detective. A delicious dinner is served aboard the train.

Reins ‘n Trains Adventure: Saddle up for a great summertime activity that combines a train ride with horseback riding, led by professional guides. Fare includes delicious boxed lunch and guide gratuity. Appropriate for riders 8 years and older

Raft ‘n Rail Adventure: Cool off a hot summer day with this fun activity for ages 3 and above. Enjoy a scenic ride from Heber City into Provo Canyon, raft the renowned Provo River with experienced guides through Class I and II rapids, visit the famed Sundance Resort, then catch a return shuttle to the depot. Fare includes shuttle transfers and boxed lunch.

Soldier Hollow Express Scenic Excursion: This 90-minute trip offers incredible views of the Wasatch Mountains, wide-open vistas of Deer Creek Reservoir and the beautiful Heber Valley.

Provo Canyon Limited Scenic Excursion: Climb aboard for breathtaking scenery during a relaxing, three-hour ride. Stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos and the dramatic landscape of the glacier-carved Provo Canyon. Authentic, western train robberies scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, June through August and each Saturday in September.

Wilderness Zip Line Adventure: : Ride the rails to a new adventure…the wilderness zip line, for a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Provo Canyon below! Includes a delicious boxed lunch, zip line pass, train ticket and shuttle transfers. Age restrictions apply.

For ticket price information, schedules and special ride information, visit hebervalleyrr.org or call 435-654-5601.

Summer in Park City Offers Daredevils a Thrill

Summer in Park City for residents and tourists offer so many things to do, you can choose from a variety of championship golf courses, go hiking, mountain biking, camping, or ride down a mountain on an Alpine Coaster, an Alpine Slide or even a ZipRider.

The Park City Mountain Resort offers some exhilarating ways to zoom through the gorgeous Park City Utah real estate.

Alpine Coaster is an elevated track winds you through more than a mile of loops, curves and hair-pin curves at speeds up to 30 mph. It is just like your favorite roller coaster – but it comes with the refreshing mountain scenery of Park City. This is Utah’s only Alpine Coaster.

Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain Resort is one of the longest slides in the world, with over 3,000 feet of gliding and sliding down a luge-like track. There are four tracks to choose from so you can experience a different ride each time.

ZipRider™ will have you soaring above the tree tops as you are propelled 110 feet above Park City Mountain Resort’s ski runs at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. You can even race your friends to see who is the fastest on one of four different ZipRider cables.

Heber Valley’s Beautiful Real Estate of Wasatch Mountain State Park

Living in the Red Ledges community surrounded by beautiful Heber Valley Utah real estate has many benefits,

Heber Valley is home to Wasatch Mountain State Park. The park is tucked away in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, the park is both a summer and winter wonderland. Two of Utah’s finest 27-hole golf courses are found here (Wasatch Mountain & Soldier Hollow). The park also offers camping, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding.

Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities. And the park is just minutes away from the winter and summer destination resort of Park City, and Heber City and Midway.

Park facilities include 139 camping/picnicking areas, two group-use pavilions, modern rest rooms, hot showers and utility hookups. The chalet, a ranch-style building complete with kitchen facilities, is available for summer and winter group outings. Little Deer Creek campground is an excellent area for summer group parties and reunions. Camping is closed during winter months.

Park Information

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving, Christmas
Day Visits: $5
Camping:
Cottonwood (no sewer): $20
Cottonwood (full hookup): $25
Oak Hollow: $20
Mahogany: $25
Little Deer Creek: $13

For updated information regarding facilities for the physically challenged, contact the park.

Wasatch Mountain State Park
P.O. Box 10
Midway, Utah 84049-0010
(435) 654-1791
Golf: (435) 654-0532
Salt Lake line for Golf: (801) 266-0268

Source: Utah.com

Heber Citys Finest New Real Estate Addition

Heber City’s luxury real estate of Red Ledges features nationally-acclaimed golf course, a tennis academy, beautiful houses, gorgeous views and more.

At a glance
Framed below Utah’s Rocky Mountain range lies a series of towering red rock formations that are the namesake of the state’s premier private four-season community, Red Ledges. Located in the Heber Valley, less than 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Red Ledges offers a nationally-acclaimed golf course, year-round recreational activities and a multitude of residential opportunities. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the 200th U.S. course by Nicklaus Design, was named the “Best New Private Golf Course” in 2009 by Golf Magazine, one of the worlds’ leading golf publications. The course will be welcoming its second season beginning today.

GolfMagazine raved about the course: “Red Ledges combines typical Nicklaus hallmarks (visual intimidation, supreme challenge) with atypical touches (jagged-edge bunkers, a blind shot here and there, carom-inducing contours and greens laced with false fronts). Toss in stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos and the Heber Valley —most memorably from the 203-yard par-3 9th —and you’ve got a ledge that’s worth the climb:’

Jack Nicklaus commented on the recognition, saying, “I am very proud and pleased that Red Ledges has received this honor. Red Ledges is a terrific golf course in a spectacular mountain setting, with dramatic sandstone ledges, beautiful trees, and some great vistas. The golf experience at Red Ledges is challenging, but is one that is very playable and a lot of fun. All mountain golf courses present a challenge to the design process, but I think with Red Ledges, we embraced that and the end result was something very nice and a golf course I hope members are as proud of as we are:’

Red Ledges offers a wide variety of premier residential opportunities, ranging from home sites where you can build your custom dream home or choose from luxury planned neighborhoods, including The Cottages and The Heights. Learn more at RedLedges.com.

New for 2010: The Mountain Villas
As part of its continued growth, Red Ledges is proud to introduce a new real estate option called The Mountain Villas, which will be released in collaboration with Ivory Homes. The Mountain Villas will provide another refined home ownership option for discerning owners who are looking for alpine elegance. With the ground breaking planned for May 2010, this collection will be nestled against the foothills starting along the 6th fairway.

“The Mountain Villas will be an exceptional addition to the Red Ledges community and a luxurious turnkey home for buyers who are looking for a mountain getaway for their family,” said M. Anthony Burns, managing owner of Red Ledges and former Ryder System CEO. “The Red Ledges development is truly unique, providing individuals with dramatic topography and world-class amenities, such as our nationally-acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, for a remarkable value:

“We are excited to collaborate with Red Ledges. This year we will introduce five unique mountain villas, designed with all natural exteriors that will blend flawlessly with the native landscape: said Clark Ivory, CEO of Ivory Homes. “Each Mountain Villa will showcase the thoughtful architectural design and quality of materials that Red Ledges is known foe Red Ledges will begin to introduce other premier amenities, such as the Jim McLean Golf School this summer, as well as future amenities including: the village center, with spa, swimming pools and fitness facility; a nine-hole Nicklaus Design short course; a premier golf clubhouse; a Cliff Drysdale tennis academy; and an equestrian center. Learn more about Ivory Homes at Ivory-Homes.com.

Source: Spaces Utah’s Builder Profile

Utah’s Deep Old West Heritage Lives On

Whether you own a piece of Park City real estate, own a second home in Utah or are just visiting on a vacation, there are so many wonderful things to see and do in The Beehive State. From majestic alpine mountains to rugged red rock canyons, Utah typifies the classic Old West. Some of the most colorful figures and outlaws of the Old West have claimed Utah as home. Utah’s location between California and the middle of nowhere created a sparsely populated landscape from which cattle rustlers and bandits could steal their way into western legend. The wide-open area sheltered some of the West’s most reviled and revered cowboys. Old West outlaws including Butch Cassidy, Billy the Kid, and the Rough Riders all set up camp within Utah’s borders. Most of the territory once dominated by the great cowboys is still untouched and can be conveniently visited today. Experience the living history of the Old West in Utah.

The Old West way of life is still strong within Utah. Modern-day cowboys still ranch on Utah’s soil and Native American tradition and present-day customs have a strong influence on Utah’s overall cultural climate.

Various western entertainment and heritage experiences such as dinner shows, pioneer-era demonstrations, horseback riding, to name a few are available all over the state of Utah. And other great escapes are Guest or dude ranches, horse trail rides & horsepacking as well as visits to ghost towns are just a few of the Old West activities you can experience in Utah. Additionally there are Native Americans from five different tribes living within Utah’s borders. Utah offers numerous forms of historical and cultural experiences for one and all.

Original Source: Utah.com

Utah’s Shining Real Estate Forecast

Arthur C. Nelson, director of the University of Utah’s Metropolitan Research Center, made forecasts for the state’s housing market for the next twenty years at a recent conference.

His research indicates that by the year 2030, Utah will be the fastest growing state in the nation (Utah is currently number two, behind Wyoming).

Nelson also predicts another 1.5 million residents on top of the 2.7 million already here. He also predicts 700,000 new jobs will be created.

Of course that means more houses will need to be built – a lot more houses. Nelson estimates that between Logan and Provo, over 400,000 units will need to be built, which is nearly a 50 percent increase over what is currently available today.

Looking more short-term, Nelson said, “Between 2010 and 2011, we’re going to have to build 100,000 new housing units in Utah to meet the needs of pent-up demand and growth by the end of 2011.” Nelson feels that “the bottom has passed and we are going to be inching up, and 2011 and 2012 are going to be extraordinary years for homebuilding.”

There’s never been a better time to buy than now, and Nelson’s research demonstrates the long-term viability of Utah’s housing market. Utah real estate is a sound investment.

If you are looking for Park City Utah real estate or buying a second home in Utah, check out Red Ledges which is a private, four-season mountain golf community with a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and nine-hole Nicklaus Design short course, a Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy, Jim McLean Golf School, spacious equestrian center, and vibrant village center with heated pools, spa, kids club, adventure cabin, and much more.

Original Source: HomeSpace Salt Lake City

Students Get Ahead in Business with Help from Golf Etiquette

Getting ahead in the business world sometimes means knowing how to play the game — the game, in this case, being golf.

Students at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business were hitting balls instead of books recently, in a seminar on the etiquette of golf, said the school’s Matthew Fox.

“First impressions are always really important in any situation,” he said, adding that degrees prepare students to do their chosen jobs, but a quick lesson in golf etiquette gives them peripheral skills essential to success.

The 90-minute course was given by Stu Chan, the head golf coach at the University of Calgary, who said graduating business students are often invited to corporate golf events.

“I don’t know that a lot of deals are done on the golf course anymore but I think it’s still a huge part of networking,” he said. “Your average player tends to have a lot of impatience with people who don’t really know what they’re doing.” The course included tips on where to stand and when it’s OK to talk.

If business grads make a good first impression, Chan feels they will master the key skill of networking. “I think we all know, a lot of times it’s who you know, not necessarily what you know.”

If you own Park City Utah real estate or are in the area and need some lessons in golf and golf etiquette, check out the Jim McLean Golf School at Red Ledges.

Article Source: CBCNews

Park City Utah Luxury Real Estate and Golf Offers Something for Everyone

In July, 2009 the grand opening of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Red Ledges proved to be a success, and the golf course is hands down one of the best in the state. It houses a variety of playing corridors offers 3 distinct settings for the routing. Holes adventure through wide open, rolling meadows, dips into Red Rock cliff bands, and then climbs up rugged mountains, full of deep ravines to make of the collection of holes at red ledges.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is for those seeking inspiration and freedom in Utah’s Rocky Mountains. When you experience the beauty of the land and understand the vision for this extraordinary recreational community, you will want to be part of it.
A home in the Park City Utah luxury real estate that is Red Ledges allows you to enjoy Jack Nicklaus Golf and Deer Valley skiing, or improve your game with an on-site Jim McLean Golf School or at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy. You can also relax and enjoy yourself year round at the spa and the equestrian center.
Reconnect with your family at the Village Center and the Adventure Cabin. Red Ledges is a four season community and has something of interest for all generations. In addition to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course there is a Nicklaus designed nine-hole short course that is also planned. Members can enjoy a quick round of golf after work or enjoy a round with their children or grandchildren.
Original Source: ParkCityUtahGolf.com

Red Ledges Development Offers Tremendous Amenities

Red Ledges, a development in the beautiful valley of Heber City, Utah, is the world’s only recreational community offering golf and tennis amenities created by legends Jack Nicklaus, Cliff Drysdale and Jim McLean.

Red Ledges is a nearly 2,000-acre mountain paradise that will consist of luxury custom homes and world-class facilities. Red Ledges teamed up with Jack Nicklaus, Golf Inc. Magazine’s “Most Powerful Person in Golf”, to design Red Ledges’ the 7,770-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course that features 18 holes and spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountain range.

“Since the topography of the Red Ledges’ area is so stunning and diverse, I was challenged to stay true to the Red Ledges’ vision by planning each hole around its natural surroundings,” Nicklaus said. “We were able to nestle some holes atop of the famous sandstone ledges and situate other holes in juniper groves. I am delighted with the course.”

“The Heber Valley real estate is just catching on as one of the best real estate investments in the west, especially as Utah is increasingly becoming a recreational destination for people who want the best of everything. The Red Ledges development is truly unique as it will provide individuals with beautiful property and first-rate amenities for a remarkable value,” says M. Anthony Burns, managing owner of Red Ledges and former Ryder System CEO.

Red Ledges will feature such amenities as:

* 18-Hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
* 9-Hole Nicklaus Design Short Course
* Jim McLean Practice and Instructional Facility (Golf Digest’s No. 3 instructor in the country)
* Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy
* Red Ledges Clubhouse
* Premier spa, swimming pools and fitness facility
* Village center and trading post
* Equestrian center with indoor & outdoor facilities
* Extensive network of hiking, biking, snowshoeing and horseback riding trails

For more information on Red Ledges visit www.redledges.com.

Original Source: Nicklaus.com

Buying a Second Home

It used to be that most people didn’t consider second home buying until they sold their first one. But times have changed and more and more people are realizing that it might make more sense than they had originally thought. There are a couple main reasons why people buy a second home, to get away from the day-to-day stress now or in some cases later, by saving it for retirement. And the other reason is the investment opportunities. Whatever your priority, be it peace of mind, or financial gain, or both, for that matter. Owning a second home may be the right choice for you and your family.

There are so many tax advantages, you may not be aware of all of them. You can write off 100% of the mortgage interest, and you can write off property taxes. New IRS rules allow for a capital gain on the principal residence whenever people sell. Up to $250,000 for singles, and up to $500,000 for couples. Living in your second home for two years or more, entitles you for the same capital gains break. If the return on your investment bears more than the bank interest will pay you, then you just made a smart investment.

Another thing to consider is that you have the option to rent in order to cover your second mortgage. You need to decide if you are going to declare it as a vacation home, or rental property though, because the IRS has different rules for both. Also remember that if you declare it as a rental your mortgage could be slightly higher. So the benefits include tax breaks, a getaway for the family on vacations or holidays, a future retirement home, renters making your mortgage payments for you, or just a smart investment. On the downside, there is a second house payment, potentially higher mortgage if declared as rental property, and some hassle in upkeep involved. Just make sure to look at all your options and every angle to see if this is the right move to make for you.

Original Post Source: Homes101.net