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Your trusted guide to Provo, Orem & Utah Valley

Abigail Giordano

Senior Writer, Provo.com

Abigail Giordano

Abigail Giordano is a senior writer at Provo.com covering student life, family resources, and community events across Utah Valley. Her writing focuses on making Provo more accessible and navigable for newcomers, students, and families — the practical guides that help people feel at home faster.

From BYU game-day food guides to the best group restaurants for large parties, Abigail's work consistently answers the questions that new residents and students actually ask.

Areas of Expertise

Student Life BYU Campus Guides Family Resources Community Events Food & Restaurant Guides Budget-Friendly Living Seasonal Activities Outdoor Adventures

Articles by Abigail

Backcountry Skiing 101 from Utah Valley: The Gear, the Training, the Zones, and the Order to Do It In
BYU Student Sports Tickets: The ROC Pass, the 24-Hour Request Window, the Olympic-Sports Priority System That Replaced the Lottery, and the Transfer Rules (2026–27)
Cross-Country Skiing Near Provo: Sundance's Nordic Center, Soldier Hollow, and the Aspen Grove Road (2026-27)
Free Things Your City Gives You in Utah Valley: Shade Trees, Water Rebates, Toilet and Sprinkler Money, Compost, the Spring Cleanup, and the Energy Programs Nobody Applies For (2026)
Jr. Jazz in Utah Valley: Every City's Registration Window, Fees, and How the Draft Works (2026-27)
Learning to Ski or Snowboard Near Provo: Lessons, Kids' Programs, and the Real First-Day Cost (2026-27)
The Out-of-State Student's Paperwork in Utah: Driver License, Car Registration, Voting, Taxes, Insurance and Residency — What You Must Change, What You May Keep, and What Changing Costs You (2026)
Santa in Utah Valley: Breakfasts, Photos, Runs and Parades — The December Calendar (2026)
Ski Passes for Utah Valley Families: Sundance vs. Ikon vs. Epic vs. Yeti — The Pass Math (2026-27)
Snowmobiling Near Provo: American Fork Canyon, the Midway-to-Tibble Fork Trail, Daniels Summit, Strawberry, and the Rules (2026-27)
Spring Break from Provo: St. George, Moab, Vegas, the Coast — The Student Version, Including the Awkward Fact That BYU Doesn't Have One (2027)
Trampoline Parks & Indoor Play Places in Utah Valley: Every Jump Park, Ninja Course, and Toddler Playground, and Which One Fits Your Kid (2026)
Trunk-or-Treats and Little-Kid Halloween in Utah Valley: How the Ward Circuit Works, the Daylight Events, and a Plan for a Child Under Six (2026)
Youth Soccer in Utah Valley: Rec, Club and Academy — The Three Tiers, What They Cost, and How a Family Picks One (2026–27)
Cedar Valley High vs Westlake High: The Two Schools West of the Lake
Shopping a Mortgage Lender in Utah: How to Compare
Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Utah Valley
Your First Non-Student Apartment: What Changes When the University Is Not in the Room
Who Actually Builds Houses in Utah Valley
Lehi High vs Skyridge High: One City, Two Schools, 108 Years Apart
Two High Schools, One District: Lone Peak vs American Fork High
Provo Canyon Photo Spots: Where and When to Shoot (2026)
Spanish Fork High vs Maple Mountain High: One City, Two Schools
Starting a Business the Year You Graduate: The Utah Paperwork, in Order
Local Makers in Utah Valley: Where They Sell, When to Buy, and How Handmade Pricing Actually Works
Selling Homemade Food in Utah: The Exemption, the Informed Final Consumer, and What You Still Cannot Sell
Sledding in Utah Valley: How to Read a Hill, and the Runout That Causes the Injuries
Snowshoeing Near Provo: What It Actually Requires, and the Terrain Question That Comes First
Volunteering at Utah Valley's Food Banks and Pantries
Halloween Night in North Provo: A 62,073-Seat Stadium Empties Into Trick-or-Treat Hours
Service Hours in Utah Valley: A Guide for Students and Student Groups
Volunteering as a Tutor or Mentor in Utah Valley
BYU Football Tickets: How the System Actually Works, and What the Law Says About It
BYU vs Notre Dame, 17 October 2026: The Game-Week Guide to Provo's Biggest Saturday
Cornbelly's: The Complete Guide to Both Locations, and Why Spanish Fork Is the One Nobody Tells You About
Día de los Muertos in Utah Valley: What the Observance Actually Is, and How It Is Kept Here
Halloween in Utah Valley: The October Circuit, the Traffic Problem, and Who Actually Has the Right of Way
Haunted Attractions in Utah Valley: What You Are Actually Buying, and the Fire Code That Governs It
Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farms in Utah Valley: How the Season Works, and the Sign You Should Read at the Gate
The Best Fried Chicken in Utah Valley (2026): Five Different Cuisines Hiding Behind One Search Term
Coding Bootcamps in Utah Valley: The Industry Started Here, and the Word 'Registered' Does Not Mean What You Think
Dog Training in Utah Valley: Nobody Licenses Trainers, So Here Is How to Read the Letters After Their Name
Eureka and the Tintic Ghost Towns: A Day Trip Past Santaquin, and the Lead Problem Nobody Mentions
Foster Care and Adoption in Utah County: The Three Agencies, the Real Timeline, and What Nobody Tells You First
I-15 Through Utah County: Exits, Express Lanes, and the Rules Nobody Reads
Ice Fishing Near Provo: Which Water Freezes, Which Doesn't, and the Four-Inch Rule
Indoor Golf Simulators in Utah Valley: How to Play Through a Wasatch Winter
Lehi Round-Up: The Rodeo Week That Predates Silicon Slopes by 85 Years
Public Libraries in Utah County: Why There Is No County Card, and What Yours Actually Gets You
Greek and Mediterranean Food in Utah Valley: One Word, Four Different Meals
Omniture: How Two BYU Dropouts Built the Company That Became Adobe's Utah Campus
Provo vs Logan: Choosing Between Utah's Two College Valleys
Provost, Provo: A Neighborhood Guide to the Southeast Grid
Reception Center or Backyard? The Real Comparison for a Utah Valley Wedding
Spring Runoff and Flood Risk in Utah Valley: Why Snowpack Is Not the Number That Matters
Traverse Mountain, Lehi: The Area, the Subdivision, and Why People Keep Confusing the Two
Renting a Tuxedo or Suit in Utah Valley: Four Seasons of Demand and Nobody Open on Sunday
The Chains Utah Built: Kneaders, Cafe Rio, Costa Vida and the Valley That Exports Restaurants
Veterans Services in Utah County: Where to Actually Go, and the Free Help People Pay For
Window Cleaning in Utah Valley: The Hard-Water Problem Nobody Warns You About
The Best Sandwiches and Delis in Provo and Orem: Where the Bread Is Made and Who Is Open Sunday
The BYU Museum of Art: A Free World-Class Museum, and the Room Almost Nobody Asks About
Fly Fishing the Provo River: Three Rivers Wearing One Name
Hearing Aids and Audiologists in Utah Valley: What Changed in 2022, and What Still Requires a Prescription
Lehi vs Provo: The Two Ends of Utah Valley Are Not the Same Decision
Rockhounding from Utah Valley: Topaz, Geodes, Trilobites and the 25-Pound Rule
Teaching Jobs in Utah Valley: Three Districts Becoming Five, and the Licensing Routes That Actually Get You Hired
In-State Tuition in Utah: The Twelve-Month Rule, the Deadline Nobody Reads, and Why It Does Not Apply at BYU
The Best Barbecue in Utah Valley: Five Formats That Share a Word and Nothing Else
EV Charging in Utah Valley: Where the Fast Chargers Actually Are
Latino Markets, Panaderías and Carnicerías in Provo: The Only Places Open on Sunday
Polynesian and Hawaiian Food in Utah Valley: The Community Is Tongan, the Restaurants Are Hawaiian
Cracked Windshields in Provo: The Utah Rule Everyone Quotes Wrong
Backyard Chickens in Provo: Six Hens, No Roosters, and a Lot Size That Decides Everything
Getting a Business License in Provo: The Four Agencies, the Two Home-Occupation Tiers, and the Short-Term Rental Trap
Chimneys and Fireplaces in Utah Valley: Even an EPA-Certified Stove Is Illegal on a Mandatory Day
Hardware Stores in Utah Valley: Three Formats, and the One Most People Under-Use
Getting Rid of the Big Stuff in Utah Valley: Mattresses, Paint, TVs and the Couch
Donating Plasma in Provo: How It Works, Who Can, and What the Centers Don't Advertise
Printing, Copies & Custom Shirts in Provo: Who Does What, and Who Is Open Saturday
Provo City Hall: Which Counter You Need, and Whether It Is Even in the Building
The Provo Mayor's Office: What the Job Actually Controls
Provo ZIP Codes, Explained: Why There Are Six and Only Three Are Places
Towed in Provo: The Sign at the Entrance Decides Whether They Were Allowed To
Tree Removal in Utah Valley: The Tree Out Front Probably Isn't Yours
The Utah County Commission: Three People, Staggered Terms, and More Power Than Most Residents Realize
Wildlife Removal in Utah Valley: You Can Kill the Raccoon. You Can't Drive It Up the Canyon.
ATV & UTV Rentals Near Provo: Nobody Rents From Provo, and Other Things Worth Knowing First
The Best Seafood in Utah Valley: Boils, Ceviche & Eating Fish 700 Miles From the Ocean
The Best Steakhouses in Utah Valley: Every Format, and Which One You Actually Want
Bookstores in Provo & Orem: Where to Buy Used, Rare, New and Textbooks in Utah Valley
Dinosaur Museums in Utah Valley: The Big One in Lehi, the Free One in Provo, and Which Your Kid Actually Wants
Jack and Jill Lanes, Lehi: The 1957 Bowling Alley Named After Two Daughters
Lawn Mowing and Yard Care in Utah Valley: Timing, Hiring, and the Secondary Water Trap
Massage Therapy in Provo: What the Person Working on You Is Legally Required to Show
Vets in Utah Valley: The Midnight Gap Nobody Tells You About Until 1 a.m.
Yoga in Provo: Nobody Licenses Your Teacher, and the Studio May Owe You a Bond
All-Together Playground: The Park 4,100 Volunteers Built in Six Days
Assisted Living & Senior Care in Utah Valley: How to Read the System
Utah Valley Bridal Expos: How to Work One Without Getting Worked
Dance Classes in Provo: The City Studio Nobody Knows About, and How to Read the Rest
Getting Your First Provo Job: Applications That Actually Work Here
Haunted Places in Utah Valley: The Stories, and the History Underneath Them
Hines Mansion: Provo's Victorian Landmark, and the B&B That Says It Isn't One
The Hutchings Museum: Lehi's Strange, Wonderful Cabinet of Everything
Buses From Provo to Vegas, St. George & Beyond: The Intercity Guide
Museum of Natural Curiosity: A Complete Guide to Thanksgiving Point's Play Museum
Music Lessons in Provo: Inside the Piano-Teacher Economy
The Provo Dating Show: How a Student YouTube Series Became a Genre
The Soap Factory in Provo: What It Is and Whether It Is Worth It
Swim Lessons in Provo: Levels, Registration Timing, and the Trick Almost Nobody Uses
Where to Swim in Utah Valley: Pools, Splash Pads and Open Water
The Grid: Inside Pleasant Grove's Three-Story Indoor Kart Track
Waterfalls in Utah Valley: Every One Worth the Drive, Ranked by Effort
Arcades in Provo & Orem: The Nickel Arcades, the Redemption Floors, and Which Is Which
Bowling in Provo & Orem: Every Lane in Utah Valley, Ranked by What You Actually Want
Cheap Hotels in Provo: What Actually Drives the Price
Parking in Downtown Provo Without Getting a Ticket
Driving Schools in Provo: Driver Ed, Road Tests & the Third-Party Shortcut
Lincoln Beach: Utah Lake's Quiet South Shore, and What to Check Before You Drive
Provo Beach: The Indoor Surf Park at Riverwoods, and How to Do It Without Overspending
PVU or SLC: Which Airport Should You Fly From?
The Rooftop Concert Series: Provo's Free Friday Night, Explained
The Shops at Riverwoods: Provo's Outdoor Village, and How to Use It
Tattoo & Piercing in Provo: Shops, Utah Law & What to Check First
The UVX Is the Best Thing About Getting Around Provo
Buying a Used Car in Utah Valley: Titles, KSL, and the As-Is Rule
Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point: What It Costs, What's Open, and the Waterfall Problem
The Bean Museum: Provo's Free Natural History Collection
Brick Oven: Seventy Years on One Provo Corner
The BYU Honor Code, Explained for People Who Aren't Mormon
Dispersed Camping Near Provo: The Rules, The Roads & What Most Guides Get Wrong (2026)
LaVell Edwards Stadium: The Building, the Name, and the Bag Rule That Catches Everyone
The Murdock Canal Trail: Utah County's Flat 17 Miles
Stadium of Fire: How Provo's Fourth of July Actually Works
Tibble Fork Reservoir: What to Know Before You Go
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival: What It Is and How to Do It Right
Steamboats, Carp and the June Sucker: Utah Lake's Strange History
Velour: The Dry, All-Ages Room That Keeps Producing National Bands
The Visiting Fan's Guide to Provo: What Big 12 Fans Should Know (2026)
BYU Football Parking & Game-Day Traffic: The Survival Guide (2026)
Disc Golf in Utah Valley: Every Course, Ranked Honestly
Heber Valley & Midway from Provo: The Day Trip Through the Canyon
Hotels Near BYU: Walk Times, Game Weekends & Where to Actually Book (2026)
Park City from Provo: The Year-Round Day Trip Guide
Provo Nightlife & Evening Entertainment: What's Actually Open After Dark (2026)
Shopping in Provo & Utah Valley: Malls, Downtown, Outlets & Where Locals Actually Go (2026)
The Utah Valley Parade of Homes: How It Works, How Tickets Work & How to Actually Tour It
Zion and St. George from Provo: The Southern Utah Weekend
Things to Do in Provo, Utah: A Local's Guide (2026)
Cascade Springs: The Complete Visitor Guide (2026)
Kyhv Peak (Formerly Squaw Peak): The Complete Guide (2026)
Things to Do in Lindon, Utah: A Local's Guide (2026)
Things to Do in Orem, Utah: A Local's Guide (2026)
Things to Do in Vineyard, Utah: A Local's Guide (2026)
Things to Do on the North Bench: Highland, Alpine & Cedar Hills (2026)
Timpanogos Cave National Monument: The Complete Visitor Guide (2026)
UVU's Aviation Program: What It Is & Why Provo's Sky Is Busy
How to Not Overpay for Textbooks at BYU & UVU (Fall 2026)
Crumbl: How a Logan Cookie Shop Ended Up Headquartered in Lindon
Finding a Trustworthy Mechanic in Utah Valley
Flying from Provo Airport (PVU): The Complete Guide
Golf in Utah Valley: The Complete Guide to Every Course Worth Playing
Heating & Cooling in Utah Valley: What This Climate Does to Your HVAC
Live Theater in Utah Valley: Where to See a Show
Weekend Trips You Can Fly to Nonstop from Provo
Pest Control in Utah Valley: What You'll Actually Deal With
Things to Do in American Fork, Utah (2026)
Things to Do in Payson, Utah (2026)
Things to Do in Pleasant Grove, Utah (2026)
Things to Do in Springville, Utah (2026)
Waterwise Landscaping in Utah Valley: Lawns, Localscapes & Actually Saving Water
Kids Eat Free in Utah Valley: Deals & Free Summer Meals (2026)
New Construction vs. Resale in Utah Valley: An Honest 2026 Comparison
Getting Married in Utah Valley on a Budget: What a Wedding Really Costs in 2026
How to Plan a Utah Valley Wedding: A Month-by-Month Timeline
Wedding DJs and Bands in Utah Valley: Music & Entertainment (2026)
Wedding Dress Shopping in Utah Valley: Bridal Shops, Modest Gowns & Alterations (2026)
How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in Utah Valley (2026)
Wedding Videographers in Utah Valley: Films, Costs & Booking (2026)
48 Hours in Provo: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary (2026)
Best Food Near UVU Campus (2026)
Buying a BYU-Area Rental in 2026: The Honest Investor's Guide
BYU Basketball Game Day Guide: Marriott Center (2026–27)
The Complete Guide to Epic Sports Park: Provo's 100-Acre Tournament Machine
Finding a Pediatrician in Utah Valley: A Parent's Guide
The First-Generation Student's Guide to UVU: You Belong Here (and Here's the Map)
Rent or Buy in Provo? The Honest 2026 Math
University Place: The Complete Guide to Orem's Reinvented Mall (2026)
Utah Valley Wedding Venues: The Complete 2026 Guide
Outdoor Movie Nights in Utah Valley: Where to Watch Under the Stars (2026)
Summer Sales in Utah: A College Student's Guide (2026)
American Fork Canyon, Utah: The Complete Guide (2026)
Things to Do in Eagle Mountain, Utah (2026)
Things to Do in Lehi, Utah (2026): Thanksgiving Point, the Outlets & the Mill
Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, Utah (2026)
Things to Do in Spanish Fork, Utah (2026)
The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre: The Complete Guide to Orem's Amphitheater Under the Wasatch
Best Ramen & Noodle Shops in Provo & Orem (2026)
Best Smoothie & Juice Bars in Provo & Orem (2026)
Best Outdoor Dining & Patio Restaurants in Provo (2026)
Best Restaurants for Groups in Provo (2026)
Cheap Eats in Provo: Where to Eat Well for Under $10, and Why the Prices You Read Are Wrong
Food Delivery in Provo: What It Actually Costs, What Won't Come, and Why Your Driver Can't Find You
Gluten-Free in Provo & Orem: The Dedicated Kitchens, and the Menu That Marks Gluten Backwards
Restaurants Open on Sunday in Provo (2026)
Provo for Grad Students & Young Professionals (2026)
Running Routes in Provo: A Runner's Guide (2026)
Provo for Transfer Students: What to Expect (2026)
Fall in Provo: The Complete Autumn Guide (2026)
Student Meal Prep Guide: Eating Well on $200/Month (2026)
Camping Near Provo: Best Campgrounds & Tips (2026)
Provo Freedom Festival: The Complete Guide (2026)
The International Student's Guide to Provo (2026)
Best Grocery Stores in Provo & Orem (2026)
Setting Up Utilities in Provo: The Complete Checklist (2026)
Best Chinese & Asian Food in Provo & Orem (2026)
Thanksgiving Point: The Complete Visitor Guide (2026)
Best Desserts & Bakeries in Provo & Orem (2026)
BYU Football Game Day Guide (2026)
Summer Activities in Provo & Utah Valley (2026)
Best Gyms & Fitness Options in Provo (2026)
Best Indian Food in Provo & Orem (2026)
The Complete BYU Student Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Rock Canyon Trail Guide: Provo's Best Canyon Hike (2026)
Best Ice Cream in Provo & Orem (2026)
Best Day Trips from Provo, Utah (2026)
Provo vs Salt Lake City: Where Should You Live in Utah? (2026)
30 Best Restaurants in Provo (2026)
Best Food Near BYU Campus (2026)
Student Discounts & Deals in Provo (2026)
Free Things to Do in Provo (2026)
Sundance Mountain Resort: Your Complete Guide (2026)
Downtown Provo Neighborhood Guide (2026)