Things to do in Moab when you're cold

There is not really any reliable weather forecasting that happens in and around Moab. Probably there are a number of factors involved (widely diverse topography, distance and remoteness from the Big Smoke of Salt Lake City, low population and therefore few votes, etc.) Whatever the cause, the fact remains that when the weather report tells you it's sunny and warm(ish), it's 50-50 when you look out the window or step out the door. 


Sunday was a prime example. Cold and windy despite the chirpy weather report, it was not a day for leisurely strolling about the national park taking breathtaking photos and eating a picnic lunch en plein air. So, we opted for a driving tour of Moab and environs.


It's surprising how many things there are to do in Moab when it's cold and so are you, to wit:


1. Anthropological data-gathering: 

There are a lot of artifacts, both recent and not-so-much....

Golf course rock art -- Formative period

Milt's Diner

Milt's bills itself as the oldest restaurant in Moab, dating from 1954. It features about a dozen indoor seats in the old style and a bit of outdoor seating.

And posters of Opie, Andy and Aunt Bee:

Remember that? When Ron Howard had actual hair?


Just down the street from Milt's is the trademark '50s motel:

No PC here.... And across the street from the Apache, Dave's Corner Market proudly featuring photos of a young Dave at the Apache with none other than The Duke (sans toupee) who stayed there during filming of The Comancheros in 1962.

And, from the modern era, the local laundromat, The Wet Spot:

Um, yeah.... on to more refined pursuits.


2. Making music


The town park, besides including the extensive bicycle path, Youth Garden Project and off-leash dog park, has an amazing array of musical instruments, just waiting for passers-by to make a little (or a lot of) music.

Only one young musician was at it but it was Sunday, after all.


3. Checking out the real estate on offer


Moab boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles. 

For a mere $150,000 you could be the proud owner of this fine mobile home complete with.... 

.... school bus with its own deck overlooking the back yard. 


If you're inclined to start from scratch, you could opt for a lovely new bungalow next door to the local VW graveyard.

4. Observing local wildlife

Brew pubs are one of only a few places in Utah where you can buy beer that's more than 3.2% alcohol. This is the only one in Moab, tho' Eddie McStiffs, which was once a brew pub, still offers brew pub beer they tender out to a brewing co-operative in Salt Lake City.


5. Relaxing in the hot tub

And so convenient -- just outside our back door. We haven't made it yet, but there's still time.