call to be sure those roads haven't been closed. That generally happens in late October. Both are paved. Also, don't try AF Canon on a weekend. It gets crowded - really, really crowded. Weekdays are a better bet. Nebo's a long drive, but it's gorgeous. Maybe pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it.

Provo/Orem's actually a cool place for food. Koko lunchbox is a fun little Korean restaurant near campus. Not fancy. But fun. Roll Up Crepes just up the road in Orem is better than the reviews suggest. My family's had good luck at Seven Brothers Burgers at the River Woods outdoor shopping mall. Malawi's Pizza (in the same mall) ain't bad either. For ice cream, try Rockwell's in downtown Provo. If your wanderings take you all the way up to Pleasant Grove, try Cravings - Alisha's Cupcakes.

Just killin' time? Like books? Try Pioneer Book, also in downtown Provo. They've painted the front of the place to look like a shelf of two-story tall volumes. Kinda neat. Looking for BYU gear? The BYU Store on campus generally has a big selection - though it tends to thin out a bit on gameday. Speaking of campus, it's really pretty and very safe - a nice place for a stroll. Shopping? I'd drive up to the Outlets at Traverse Mountain. Actually, if you're driving down from Salt Lake, you'll go right by 'em. Cabela's is right next door. You'll pass Scheel's sporting goods on the way down, too. Stop in and ride the ferris wheel - yup, they built a big one inside the store. Into fantasy settings? Evermore is something you'd probably like. The original owner toured Europe searching for antiques and artifacts to incorporate in his interactive fantasy theme park. They're not marked, so they can be hard to pick out from among the park's many replicas, but it's still very cool. Lots of people show up in costume.

Bryce Canyon's amazing. Pick a night and drive to the end of the park's main road. The star-gazing is epic due to the lack of light pollution. During the day, the park can get pretty crowded — even during autumn. Go anyway. It's worth it. If Scenic Byway 12 is open and you have the time, drive it. But be prepared for sheer drop-offs on both sides of the road.

North Carolina's beautiful Lived there for a short time and loved it. Utah's just as pretty and interesting - just in different ways. Enjoy your trip!