My MGoHoneyMoon & UTAH Game Plans

Submitted by brewandbluesaturdays on

Let me begin by saying, I am getting married August 29th of this year. Since my fiance and I are getting married in the summer, we decided we would travel out west over the long labor day weekend and save a big tropical honeymoon for the winter time. The original plan was to go Mammoth Lakes, CA for couple of days and then head to Vegas.

Whilst in the car the other day, I proposed the idea of going to Utah (selfishsly of course) and checking out the mountains there. She was immediately hesitent knowing that Michigan played at Utah and that was the main reason for my request. I recommened some of the beautiful national parks in the Utah area as well as attending the football game. Initial response... NO.

I proceeded to explain to her that no matter what, I was spending 3 hours watching that game and how much fun it would be to be at a primetime game, and Harbaugh's first game to boot. The hesitency persisted until I told her that I would not bring my golf clubs with me on our full week-long trip next winter. That was all it took. She was sold. With a great idea and a stroke of luck, I will be attending the 2015 Michigan football season opener in Utah and Jim Harbaugh's first game as Michigan coach all as part of my honeymoon. I could not be more ecstatic. What's even made it better is her tune has done a complete 180 and she's just as excited as I am. 

With this revelation, I thought it'd be fun to see what other people had planned for that weekend or what kind of plans people were making that indeed were going to Utah. I look forward to hearing some creative ideas on how to spend that weekend and of course, celebrating a Michigan victory.

Go Blue. 

brewandbluesaturdays

February 20th, 2015 at 4:33 PM ^

I think you missed the point... Not going on a full fledged honeymoon no matter how I look at it. I will watch the game no matter what. It's either the mountains of mammoth lakes or the mountains of Utah... Utah just allows me the opportunity to attend the game. I also think you missed the point that she's pumped on the idea too. 

Michigasling

February 20th, 2015 at 5:06 PM ^

Although I wouldn't go so far as to get married to see an away game, I am a female and there are times I can't admit that I'm turning down comp tix for something because I have to sneak away and watch a Michigan sports event.  And that sentence he obviously missed?  Good sign for the marriage. 

MGoSoCal

February 20th, 2015 at 8:44 PM ^

My family executed orders to California in Summer 2013 and drove across the country. We made our way through the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and finally made our way down to Salt Lake City on our way to California. We really enjoyed the Museum of Natural History, and my wife doesn't even like that kind of stuff. I would recommend going there if you have some time. Their dinosaur exhibit was amazing. There's also some really great Mormon temples throughout that city that are really cool to stop by and look at. Now if you head South after the game to Las Vegas, stop by Zion National Park. It's beautiful. Just google for pictures of that place. I'd rather do the north rim of the Grand Canyon for a day then go to Vegas but it's your mini honeymoon.... So go to Vegas and have fun. I'll be going on a fishing trip to Mammoth Lakes in May with some guys in the family and really love it there. If you wanted to do something close to that AND catch the game then I'd look going to Park City, Utah. It's right through the pass when you're heading East out of Salt Lake City and is a lot of fun. It's very similar to Mammoth Lakes, in my opinion.

Alton

February 20th, 2015 at 4:44 PM ^

I enjoyed Zion, but Bryce Canyon (about an hour away) was much more to my liking, because it was less crowded but also because it seemed like there was a wider range of things to do there.  Hike down into the canyon & back up again; it is 2-4 hours very well spent, IMO.

evenyoubrutus

February 20th, 2015 at 4:26 PM ^

I am already planning my trip to the Utah game and I have discovered the unfortunate policy that airlines apparently double or triple the price of tickets if you do not have a Saturday stay. Why? The world may never know.

m1jjb00

February 20th, 2015 at 9:18 PM ^

Because people who stay over Saturdays are more flexible and can therefore shop around for lower prices.  So, the airlines have to compete on price with those guys.  Those who don't stay on Saturday aren't typically as flexible and the airlines are competing on convenience: when is their flight versus other flights.  If a particular flight is a winner, then the airline gets to practically name its price.  Much of this is business related where the customer shopping for the flight isn't paying for it.

I WAS THERE

February 20th, 2015 at 4:27 PM ^

Great idea, great story, and congratulations...but not thread worthy. Go tell your Facelife friends, 99% of the people here don't care, and personally, I hate you now for going to the opener.

mGrowOld

February 20th, 2015 at 5:26 PM ^

You arent new around here so I'm little surprised we've got to go over the posting rules...AGAIN....with you BrewandBlue.

Step 1: Think of something you'd like to share with the rest of the board.

Step 2: Compose your thoughts in either a Diary or an MGoBoard thread (remember - spelling counts!)

Step 3 And this is the one you keep forgetting.  SEND THREETLEVELBLUE AN EMAIL ASKING 'IS MY THOUGHT THREAD WORTHY?"  

Step 4: If Threetlevelblue deems your thought to be thread worthy you may then and ONLY THEN hit the "save" button.

Protip - If your thread idea doesnt get greenlighted by TLB might I suggest spending some quality time in either the Friday Posbang or Tuesday afternoon what are you drinking threads. Those are always fun.

Oh - one more thing.  Have fun on your honeymoon.  I lived in Salt Lake City after graduating from Michigan in 1982 and it's increadibly pretty so enjoy your time there!

 

PurpleStuff

February 20th, 2015 at 4:36 PM ^

We've discussed going and making it part of an extended road trip, but I have a feeling tickets are going to be pretty bonkers.  The stadium only holds 45,000, this is the biggest name they've had visit in who knows how long, plus you have the Harbaugh hype on our end. 

Just have a feeling tickets are going to be more than I'd like to spend for one non-conference game.  Would be nice to go, but I'd probably rather put $500 back in my pocket and watch on TV.  That being said, I will almost assuredly pull the trigger one night while drunkenly scanning StubHub.

dcallen39

February 20th, 2015 at 4:47 PM ^

Zion's National Park is really beautiful. The mountains of northern Utah are really beautiful in early September. If you are wanting to stay near SLC you should consider Park City. It is somewhat overpriced, but it does give you a unique place to stay in the mountains. 

I am not sure what your hobbies are (besides watching football), but I tell everyone who visits Utah to go on a hike to the top of a mountain. There are hikes to match all physical abilities, and some of the most beautiful hikes are just south of the University of Utah. 

I wish I could attend the game. I will be in SLC from June 1st to August 26th. So close. I will have to watch Michigan beat my alma mater on TV. I will be at the Minnesota game though! 

 

oriental andrew

February 20th, 2015 at 5:11 PM ^

Never been to that one, but one of the travel bloggers I follow has done a pretty detailed trip report on it.

http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/12/25/review-st-regis-deer-…

It really looks amazing. Funicular (!) to the main property, fire pit with s'mores, gorgeous views, complimentary champagne in the evenings, and ski in/out for the winter months. I don't know what room type you've got booked, but you should have a great time at the property. 

dcallen39

February 20th, 2015 at 5:13 PM ^

I have only stayed at the Park City Resort condos, and the Marriott in Park City. Deer Valley is near Park City, and it will give you access to all of the local shops, and restaurants in the area. 

As far as hikes go I recommend Mount Olympus. It is a little more challenging, but the views from the top can be spectacular. The hike to Lake Blanche is easier, and gives you a different perspective of the mountains (and you can keep walking to 2 other close by lakes). If you have extra time and want more challenge the hike to the top of Mount Timpanogos is always a popular one (it takes roughly 8-10 hours). 

If you are more interested in a casual drive, you can drive up to Empire Pass (it is right outside of Park City). It is a short drive that leads you out of the valley area. 

I am sure either way you will have a blast. The Univeristy of Utah is in a cool location, and you can enjoy the view of the foothills from the stadium. Although the stadium is small, it can get loud, and Utah fans are passionate. 

Good luck and have fun! 

(and congratulations to you and your fiance)

 

MEZman

February 20th, 2015 at 5:28 PM ^

Just be aware that Mt. Olympus is something like a 6 hour hike and Lake Blanche took the wife and I about 5 hours (though I did get off the trail a bit). I was not at all prepared for Lake Blanche as we had just moved here and all we took was a bottle of water each. I was bonking the whole way down and it was bad enough that I went out and bought a hydration pack and hiking shoes the next day. Just make sure you research the hikes before getting yourself in too deep (a lesson I learned the hard way). Nowadays I'd be fine as I am an avid hiker and live at high altitude.

M Fanfare

February 20th, 2015 at 5:51 PM ^

The St. Regis is swanky as hell. Definitely a good honeymoon spot. There's lots of hiking and biking in the area. Park City Mountain Resort has summer attractions (Alpine Slide, Alpine Coaster, Zip Line). Main Street is fun to walk up and down, and there's lots of good food (hit the High West Distillery, their lunch is fantastic). Lots of fun stuff to do in Park City.

Alton

February 20th, 2015 at 4:48 PM ^

I will be there.  If you see a couple in Michigan gear in Yellowstone and/or the Tetons earlier that week, be sure to say "Go Blue!"

I'm already quite concerned about ticket availability, though.  From the chatter here, it seems like there will be more Michigan fans at the 2015 Utah game than there were at the 2014 Utah game.  Even at the beginning.

MEZman

February 20th, 2015 at 4:58 PM ^

Yeah, the UofU fans have been turning out pretty well for the past couple of years. With this being Michigan coming to town and the first game of the year I'm guessing it's going to be even worse than usual. The wife works for the UofU and we're not even sure how easy it will be for us to get tickets. Good luck everyone.

JoeyFootball19

February 20th, 2015 at 4:53 PM ^

Awesome story thanks for sharing. I got married last fall and I had to make sure Michigan had a bye week considering 7 out of the 9 groomsmen were huge Michigan fans. Things we do for our wives. 

In regards to the opening weekend, i'll be in Vegas for the opening weekend of College football as I do every year. Can't wait to be repping my Maize n Blue in Sin City.

 

 

GO BLUE!

LSAClassOf2000

February 20th, 2015 at 4:55 PM ^

First and foremost, congratulations on getting married!

As for myself, I will celebrate my 11th anniversary in April, but I will say that these conflicts do arise from time to time even into the marriage. I had to set up a system whereby I could text cooking instructions to my wife and then be home before a certain time to actually serve a Thanksgiving dinner on the day of the 2011 Michigan-Ohio State game and it was not an easy negotiation. 

This year for the Utah game, as it conflicts with nothing, we are in the preliminary stages of planning a "Here's To Harbaugh" party at the house, considering I will have a nice long weekend around Labor Day like I normally do. My wife thinks a Thursday party for a non-conference football game only underscores my obsessive nature, but I don't care really and she's now well aware of this foible.