The Temple

My son James at the Provo City Center Temple, my 31st temple

James at the Provo City Center Temple before his mission, 2018

2018

the fountain at the Provo City Center Temple

my daughter Rebecca on a run to the Provo City Center Temple, 2022

The Provo City Center Temple is one of the most unique temples that I have ever visited. I have attended this temple several times. It was dedicated in 2016. It used to be the Provo Tabernacle, but suffered a fire in December of 2010 and was renovated into what is now the Provo City Center Temple! Its uniqueness is also part of its beauty. There are many things I love about this temple, including the stained glass windows, the Christus in the pavilion on the temple grounds, the murals in the endowment room, the rust-colored marble floor boards on the spiral staircase, the artwork on the walls, the beehives on the outside stairs, the unique fountain outside, and the beautiful grounds. But my very favorite thing about this temple is the dark wood that you find throughout the entire temple, particularly on the elegant staircases. There is a beautiful painting of a blond girl in a field of flowers that reminds me of my daughters. I also love the beautiful Celestial room and especially the unique chandelier inside it. Be prepared to climb stairs (there are elevators as well) while attending a session at this temple. This temple is located at 50 South University Avenue in Provo.

If you're visiting the Provo area, you're in luck because this busy college town (home of Brigham Young University, with Utah Valley University close-by in Orem) has plenty to keep you busy, including two temples! Provo and Orem combine into what seems like one very large city. Many of my favorite restaurants are located in this area, including Olive Garden, Cafe Rio, Zuppa, and just about any fast-food restaurant you can think of. Our family loves to go to Leatherby's at night and enjoy some delicious custard and cheese fries. Some must-see attractions in the Provo area include Bridal Veil Falls, a hike to the "Y," and a walk along the Provo River on the extensive walk-way. If you've never been to Brigham Young University, take a few minutes to walk around this impressive and very clean campus (good luck finding a parking spot though!).

Places to Stay:

The most recent time I attended the Provo City Center Temple, I stayed at the Hampton Inn on University Avenue, which is only several minutes away from the temple. On one of my trips to Provo I stayed at Hyatt Place in Provo. It was very nice, but didn't have parking because they were under construction. I don't know what the parking situation is now. I've also stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott, which is the closest I have ever stayed to campus. It was very nice, and close to campus, but I'm not sure the extra money was worth the location. I have also stayed at the Ramada by Wyndham, which is also on University Avenue and is great for if you're on a budget. It is not as nice as the Hampton, Hyatt, or Marriott, but it is clean and does have breakfast, although not as nice a breakfast as the Hampton. Of all of the hotels I've stayed at in Provo, I would probably choose the Hampton again because it is still a ten minute drive to campus, even though it is on the south end of Provo.