Vernal, Utah is a fun little town to visit. Visiting Vernal is a great idea because you won't get bored. Even though it's only 4.62 square miles, it has lots of restaurants, hiking trails, museums, and not to mention their super big rec center!
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:
Planning Your Trip
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Find a time that you can go. Find a one to two-week span where you have the free time to visit Vernal. If you want to really look around and get to know the town, a longer time would be better. If you have a week off from work, you won't have time to go on every hike or look at every beautiful structure in the landscape.
- Unless you live very close to Vernal, more than a weekend would be ideal. A single weekend isn't enough to do much.
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Research Vernal. Get on Google maps or just Google and look up Vernal so that you can get a general idea of what's there. Write down hotels and their numbers, museums you want to visit, and restaurants you want to try.
- You should also research the Ashley National Forest and hiking trails if you plan to hike or fish. The Ashley National forest has most of the better areas to do so.
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Check the weather. This step is important! Check the weather on at least two sources (Because the weather is unpredictable in Vernal). You should check it twice, soon before you leave and right before you leave in case the forecast changes.
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Pack. According to the weather, pack your clothes. It's a good idea to make a packing list when you have the forecast open by you, or write down the weather so you can pack well. Always be prepared for changes in the weather--pack a jacket and raincoat.
- Be prepared for wind. In the summer (and sometimes winter), Vernal gets a lot of wind. Not breezes...wind!
- Don't forget the sunblock! The sun is intense in Vernal, and if you want to go hiking or swimming, you'll want it.
- Bring a swimsuit. Unless you don't know how to swim or don't like to, you're going to end up in the water one way or another! There are so many places to swim it's almost impossible not to while you're there.
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Make a reservation. Make a reservation for whatever place you want to stay, whether it's a campground or hotel. Call or go online to make one (most campgrounds are website only for reservations). Have a few options in case one of them is full.
- If you are staying in a hotel, this step is optional.
- This step is significant if you are going to stay in a campground. They like to fill up quickly in the summer.
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Borrow some brochures from a friend or pick some up after you go there. Brochures will help you find your way around so that you don't get lost, and you can find other interesting places to go. If you don't want to take the time to do this step, it's okay to skip it but not recommended.
- A good place to get brochures is the Utah Field House of Natural History has many, many brochures (you have to pay a fee to get in).
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:
Having a Good Time
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Visit a museum. One of the best ways to learn about Vernal's history and gather some new information is to visit a museum. There are a number of these, and each one is in Vernal. Some you have to pay to get in, but it's never an enormous price.
- It's not required to go to a museum. However, it would help if you tried to visit at least one. This will help you get a general idea of Vernal and its peoples' most significant interests.
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Go to the Farmer’s Market. The market happens weekly, on Saturdays during the summer. It is located on the lawn right in front of the Uintah County Library. You can buy fresh fruits and veggies and handmade jams, jellies and sweets.
- Be prepared to spend lots of money! Even if you don’t want to buy something, you’re sure to walk out with a treat or trinket.
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Visit Dinosaur National Monument. If you love dinosaurs, you should make a point to go on a day trip to Dinosaur National Monument. It's about half an hour to an hour outside of Vernal and is a great day-trip. There are trails (both short and long), and you can take a short ride up to the Wall of Bones, a giant wall filled with fossils.
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Go on a hike. A good way to get out in nature and get some exercise is to hike. It doesn't have to be a long one, but taking a hike is fun and healthy. Almost all of the hikes in Dinosaur National Monument will take you to fossils or through nature in a way you’ve never experienced before.
- A good trial to try is the Sound of Silence . It’s beautiful and isn’t too hard. The views are stunning as well.
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Fish, if you like to, or even if you’ve never tried to fish. Near Vernal, there are a few rivers and reservoirs. In the winter, you can ice fish, and in the summer, you can rent a boat (or bring your own) and fish further out.
- There are some yearly events and fishing competitions. Check [1] for the latest news and information.
- Be sure to check the fishing regulations and have a fishing permit!
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Be adventurous. The best way to get out and really experience Vernal is to be open to new ideas and activities. Not jump-off-a-cliff kind of open-minded, but if you hear about "That restaurant that is really good,” try it! When you come to Vernal with an open mind, you can see much more.
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Visit a store on Main Street. Some of the locally owned stores are very cute, and you might even find a cool knick-knack to take home. This step is optional, but it's a good idea if you have some extra time to spend.
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Eat out. Eat out on your vacation! There are so many good places to eat out, and you should make it a point to eat out at least once. Even if you don't dine in, you should take out. There are so many good restaurants like Lemongrass and the 7-11. Also, it makes your trip more enjoyable.
- If you've gone on a long hike, you should treat yourself to eating out. However, if you are trying to lose weight, you don't have to. Eating out is always a good reward, though.
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