Offbeat America Season 3 Episode 1 Beehive House and More
- March 12, 2006
- 21 min
Offbeat America is a travel series that explores the weird and eccentric sights that can be found across the United States. In season 3, episode 1, titled "Beehive House and More", host Jeff Edmondson takes viewers on a journey to discover some of the unique and unconventional attractions scattered around Utah.
The episode kicks off at the Beehive House, a historic mansion in downtown Salt Lake City that was once home to Brigham Young, the second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff takes a tour of the ornate building, which boasts impressive architecture and interior design. He learns about the history of the house and its previous occupants - it was also used as the office for Young's role as Governor of the Utah Territory in the mid-1800s.
Next, Jeff heads out to the Great Salt Lake to investigate the unusual phenomenon of saltwater taffy. He meets with a local candy maker who specializes in producing this unique treat, which has been a popular souvenir for tourists visiting the area for years. The candy maker explains the process of making taffy from scratch, and Jeff gets a chance to sample some of the delicious flavors.
Continuing his exploration of local culinary delights, Jeff visits a restaurant that specializes in fry sauce - a uniquely Utahn condiment that is said to have originated in the state. The sauce is a blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, and a few other secret ingredients, and is typically used as a dipping sauce for French fries. Jeff samples the sauce and even tries his hand at making his own batch.
Moving on from food, Jeff visits a quirky sculpture park in the middle of the desert. The park features a collection of large-scale sculptures made from recycled materials, including old cars, scrap metal, and discarded machinery. The sculptor behind the pieces explains his inspiration for the works, and Jeff marvels at the creativity and ingenuity involved in their creation.
The episode concludes with a trip to a former mining town that has been transformed into a living history exhibit. The town features a range of historical buildings, including a brothel and a saloon, and visitors can learn about the lives of the miners who once inhabited the area. Jeff takes a tour of the town and gets a taste of what life was like during the gold rush era.
Overall, "Beehive House and More" is a fun and fascinating journey through some of the weird and wonderful sights that can be found in Utah. Jeff's enthusiasm and curiosity make him the perfect guide to the offbeat attractions on display, and viewers are sure to be entertained and intrigued by the unique stories and experiences on offer.