If your family just got word that you’re heading to Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, you’ve come to the right place. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill guide.
You won’t discover what schools are the best, where you should live, or the best doctor; instead, you’ll find things you want to know about like favorite day trips, radio stations, and all the yummy places to eat.
This Duty Station Spotlight is from Susan, a boy mama and Air Force wife.
She love books, baking, Hallmark movies, and anything outdoors. Her family has been at Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, for the past two years. Check out her blog, McCoog Squadron, and follow her on Instagram.
First Things First: The Basics
What were your first impressions of the area?
It is beautiful! The Wasatch mountains are everywhere you look. It is a view I am going to really miss!
How did you feel at the the end of the tour? Did your impressions change?
I will always have such a huge place in my heart for Utah. It is absolutely beautiful and the people are wonderful there! I was very excited when we first arrived. We love the outdoors and were excited to experience something new.
I think when you first arrive, you need to explore! (Go see downtown Ogden, go hiking, visit Antelope Island.) Really dive in and experience all of the great things the local area has to offer!
What is ONE THING you wish you had known before moving to Hill AFB?
I wish I knew that people will knock on your door! I’ve never experienced door to door salesman or anything like that before moving to Utah. It scared me at first! (But everyone was always very nice.) Just make sure if that’s not your thing to get a sign asking for no soliciting!
Good (Local) Eats
If someone came to visit you, and you had to take them out to eat, what would your TOP THREE favorite places be?
Burger Bar
Slackwater
Roosters Brewing Co.
Favorite place(s) for coffee and/or dessert?
Is there a farmer’s market scene in there? Tell us about it!
There is one in downtown Ogden!
How about a fun night out on the town for a date night?
Slackwater was our favorite place for date night! We are craft beer fans and love a fancy pizza! Roosters would also be a close second. Great food and the atmosphere of both locations is really fun!
Get Around (and out of) Town
Top five favorite things to do in Ogden:
Hike Canyon Waterfall trail
Visit Antelope Island
Visit the Ogden Christmas village (during the holidays of course)
Visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City
Visit Park City
Picture this: You have a whole weekend to go somewhere within driving distance: Where are you going and what are you doing?
Visit Park City! The downtown is really fun, great restaurants, cools shops and the mountains are absolutely gorgeous. And if you’re a skier or snowboarder- even better!
Any museums worth checking out?
Visit the Hill Aerospace Museum. It’s free and right off base!
All the Extras
Info on your favorite hair salon/hair dresser, please and thank you.
I frequented the Ulta salon in Riverdale! I always had a great experience!
Like a Local
Were there any instagramers, bloggers, or specific non-military affiliated Facebook groups you followed?
Hill AFB Families Helping Families was a great group on Facebook!
Any festivals, fairs, or events worth checking out?
My favorite was the Ogden Christmas Market!
Tell us about the weather.
It’s HOT in the summer but with no humidity it’s not too bad. Winter is pretty cold and you’ll probably see a lot of snow!
This past spring we experienced a pretty alarming earthquake. We were okay and I believe there was only a small amount of damage to a few older buildings, but I didn’t realize we even got earthquakes in Utah!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention aboutWhere is this duty sta… for someone who is moving there soon?
My best advice would be to get out there and experience everything you can! While I am excited for our next adventure there was still a lot on our Utah bucket list that we never had the chance to do!
Your Turn!
If you’ve been stationed at Hill AFB in Ogden, Utah, please share your favorites in the comments!
Nice Post.