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Hey Cache Valley friends!

Can we all agree that fall just hits different here?

Between the crisp canyon air, the smell of fresh pumpkin bread, and that annual debate over whether it’s “sweater weather” or “still shorts season,” we’re fully in our cozy era.

This week’s lineup has everything from ghost tours to drag shows (yes, really!) and a few can’t-miss family-friendly fall activities.

Grab your cocoa, snuggle up in your favorite cardigan, and let’s dive into what’s happening around the valley!

In this issue:

- Word on the Street
- Where to Be
- I'll Take One of Everything
- Life Comes at You Fast

- Locals Who Mean Business

- This Made Us Smile

Utah’s “Secret” Lakeside Community Might Not Stay Secret for Long

Tucked away in Logan like the bonus fry at the bottom of your takeout bag, there’s a private lakeside neighborhood that’s equal parts dreamy and exclusive.

Think: glassy water views, kayaks parked in backyards, and sunsets that make you consider taking up poetry. 

But word’s getting out (oops).

So if you’ve ever wondered where those picture-perfect Utah homes hide, you might want to peek at this one before everyone else does.

Private Lakeside Community in Logan Might Be Utah’s Best-Kept Secret — But Not for Long

Aggie Plans on Pause: What’s Really Going On at USU

Turns out the “Aggie Reinvestment Plan” isn’t canceled—it’s just taking a little breather while Utah lawmakers sort through the fine print (and probably a few spreadsheets). 

USU’s interim president stepped in to clear the air, explaining what the delay actually means for students, faculty, and the future of Aggie Nation.

Spoiler: it’s not as dramatic as Facebook made it sound.

USU Interim President Clarifies Utah Lawmakers’ Deferment of Aggie Reinvestment Plan – The Herald Journal

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (and to Talk About It)

World Mental Health Day isn’t just another hashtag—it’s a reminder that behind every “I’m fine” is a story that matters.

Utah State students and faculty are opening up and breaking the stigma with some heartfelt (and surprisingly hopeful) conversations about mental health.

Take a minute to read this one—it’s the kind of good-for-your-soul stuff we could all use a little more of. 

World Mental Health Day Promotes Awareness

REAL ESTATE LISTING

The Maple Hollow Retreat That’ll Make You Rethink “Staycations”

Tucked at the end of a private lane in Providence, this 4.77-acre mountain hideaway is where rustic charm meets “wow, that’s a Sub-Zero fridge.”

Think: cathedral windows framing the Wellsvilles, dual gourmet kitchens for your inner chef (or your inner snack enthusiast), and not one—but two dreamy master suites built for cozy mornings and mountain views.

Oh, and the garages? Let’s just say even your cars will feel pampered. 

This isn’t just a home—it’s a whole mood.

See 760 Maple Hollow Ln, Providence on Zillow

Take the YouTube Tour | Aerial View Here

Allowance Just Went Digital (Sorry, Piggy Banks)

Training Wheels for Money—Without the Crash Course in Overdraft Fees

Firecracker Chicken: The Sweet-Heat Hero Your Dinner Table Deserves

If your weeknight meals have been feeling a little meh, this fiery favorite is here to wake things up! 

Imagine crispy chicken bites tossed in a sweet, spicy glaze that’s basically fireworks for your taste buds.

It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and just fancy enough to make your family think you suddenly got a cooking show deal.

Perfect over rice, noodles, or—let’s be honest—straight from the pan while no one’s watching.

Your Fall Family Bucket List (Cache Valley Style!)

Let’s be honest—fall in Cache Valley is basically main character season.

Between the crunchy leaves, cozy hoodies, and the smell of cinnamon floating through every kitchen from Hyrum to Hyde Park, it’s the perfect time to slow down, bundle up, and actually enjoy being a family (without a single soccer practice in sight). 

Here’s your crash course in making the most of it—no plane ticket required:

 Go Full Pumpkin Spice Mode 
Find your inner basic (no shame!) and hit a local pumpkin patch. Let the kids pick the biggest one they can carry—or more realistically, the one you’ll end up carrying. Then spend the evening elbow-deep in pumpkin guts and roasting seeds like it’s a survival show.

Leaf-Peeping, Cache Valley Edition 
You don’t have to drive far—just head up Logan Canyon with a thermos of hot cocoa and a Spotify playlist that feels like a cozy flannel. The colors right now? Like Mother Nature discovered Instagram filters.

Backyard Bonfire & S’mores Night 
Grab a pack of marshmallows, a few friends, and someone with a fire pit. (There’s always one.) Bonus points if you bring Reese’s instead of Hershey bars. Trust us—it’s life-changing.

DIY Fall Photo Shoot 
Forget the fancy photographer—just throw on your cutest sweaters and snap pics at First Dam, Zollinger Park, or your favorite tree-lined street. The lighting? Chef’s kiss. The chaos of trying to get everyone to smile at once? Priceless.

Apple Everything 
Bake an apple crisp, make caramel apples, or—if you’re feeling extra ambitious—visit one of the local orchards and pick your own. Just don’t let your toddler take a bite out of every apple “to test it.”

Scary(ish) Movie Marathon 
Gather on the couch with blankets, popcorn, and family-friendly spooky flicks—Hocus Pocus, Casper, and maybe one that makes Dad jump just a little.

Make a Gratitude Jar 
Get crafty. Every night, write something you’re thankful for and toss it in a jar. By Thanksgiving, you’ll have a stack of little reminders that even the craziest days come with good moments.

So there you have it—seven perfectly cozy, budget-friendly ways to make fall magic right here in Cache Valley.

And if all else fails? Just grab a cider donut, take a deep breath of that crisp mountain air, and remind yourself—you’re living in a postcard.

Inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s Fall Activities for Families.

Sweater Weather Just Called… and It Said “Pink Pineapple, Please!”

That first crisp morning chill hits and suddenly you’re craving pumpkin bread, fuzzy socks, and a sweater that makes you feel like the main character in a fall rom-com.

Enter: Pink Pineapple Clothing — Cache Valley’s own boutique of cozy dreams.

Their new sweater collection is basically a warm hug you can wear… chunky knits, oversized cardis, and colors that scream “I drink cider and make good choices.”

Whether you’re chasing kids, Diet Coke, or that perfect Instagram photo in the leaves, these sweaters have main character energy written all over them.

So go ahead — treat yourself to something cute before the next cold front rolls in.

You’ll thank yourself every time you step outside and don’t shiver like a chihuahua.

And that’s a wrap on this week in Cache Valley — where the trees are showing off and everyone’s pretending they don’t already have their Halloween candy half-eaten.

Whether you’re pumpkin-painting, sweater-shopping, or just leaf-peeping your way through the weekend, we hope you make the most of this magical season.

- your Cache Valley Locals team

P.S. P.S. Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links — which means if you treat yourself to something cozy, you’re helping support more local fun right here in Cache Valley.

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