We Can Fix That 

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THE PICKLE: Handmade products make great gifts for summer birthdays—but where to find them?
THE FIX: Craft Lake City, Utah’s first annual outdoor alternative arts festival, appeals to both expert DIY artists and creative types who’ve never gripped a pair of knitting needles. In this post-Stitch ’n’ Bitch era, there’s no telling what vendors will showcase. Inspired by festivals like the Bazaar Bizarre and sponsored by SLUG magazine, Craft Lake City aims to present screened posters, progressive crafts, reconstructed clothing, hand-pressed books and other items that represent a new wave of handy folk. For a preview of things to come, check out Craft Sabbath the first Sunday of every month.
Craft Lake City, Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2-10 p.m. CraftLake- City.com, MySpace.com/CraftSabbath

THE PICKLE: After much resistance, you’re ready to embrace fútbol.
THE FIX: When professional soccer first hit town in 2005, many folks raised a skeptical brow and gave the sport a year at most before organizers took the team elsewhere. Four years later, Real Salt Lake is holding its own and attracting new followers with each low-scoring victory. Tickets are relatively inexpensive and Real’s new Rio Tinto Stadium digs are an improvement over its former football-stadium rental. Did we mention the stadium offers in-seat food service?%uFFFD Goal!!!!
Real.SaltLake.mlsnet.com

THE PICKLE: Through the long winter months, you’ve been dreaming of refreshing glass of Saison. THE FIX: Many of Utah’s local breweries put out special brews just for the summer months. It’s like Christmas in July. This year’s offerings include the Four brewery’s Sum’r, an organic ale made with lemony Japanese hops. Wasatch has two summer seasonal brews for 2009: Summer Twilight, a Kolsch, and a Czech-style pilsner with 5.6 percent alcohol called Summerbrau. Then there are the trusty standby summer beers from local breweries like Red Rock’s smoky Bamberg Rauch bier. We can always hope for a repeat of Squatters Belgian-style Saison Fifth Element from summer 2008. FourPlusBrewing.com, WasatchBeers.com, RedrockBrewing.com, Squatters.com

THE PICKLE: Only a sandwich of crisp vegetables will do in the 100-degree heat, but the produce at the grocery store tastes like wood.
THE FIX: A growing number of Utah microfarms can supply all your summertime produce needs through a program called community-supported agriculture. You purchase a “share” in a farm before the growing season and receive regular allotments throughout Utah’s June-October growing season. Most of the 14-or-so participating farms are already booked for this summer, but now is a good time to add your name to a 2010 mailing list.
CSAUtah.org

THE PICKLE: No amount of air conditioning will alleviate that sticky August feeling.
THE FIX: Take a dip. Nothing takes the edge off summer like a swimming pool. Don’t let fears of cryptosporidium keep you away from the community pool; Utah is filled with quality watering holes. And increased health-department regulation implemented after disease outbreaks in 2007 should keep splashing safe. Salt Lake County alone boasts 19 public pools, including the beautiful Steiner Aquatic Center, built as a training facility for the 2002 Olympics near the U of U. Before swimming, just remember: Wait a half hour after eating, and whatever you do, don’t look up the word “cryptosporidium.”
Recreation.SLCO.org/admin/aquatics/aquatics.html

THE PICKLE: You’re jonesing to catch a wave, but you live in landlocked Utah.
THE FIX: Yes, we do live in a desert, but there are some places where you can reconnect with your primal tidal pull. Wave pools are featured at a number of Utah water parks, including Seven Peaks in Provo and Raging Waters in West Valley. Hop on a rentable inner tube, and bob along at the whim of the waters—or, if you’re less keen on the big waves, float along the parks’ lazy rivers. And then there’s Utah’s year-round ocean: Layton’s Surf ‘n Swim. The supersize wave pool might not quite match the thrills of the Pipeline on Oahu, but it’s still more kicks than most of the things you’ll do this summer. Many people don’t realize this, but Surf ‘n Swim features four different types of waves from around the world. Apparently, not all waves are created equal.
SevenPeaks.com; RagingWatersUtah.com; Layton’s Surf ‘n Swim (LaytonCity.org)

THE PICKLE: You’d love to picnic under the stars, but you’re too lazy to shop for food.
THE FIX: Up at Deer Valley Resort, they’ll assemble gourmet picnic baskets for you and have ’em waiting when you show up for any of the Deer Valley Concert Series shows, including the Utah Symphony’s Music Festival performances, the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights series and the Park City Jazz Festival. This season’s baskets will feature yummy options such as lightly smoked salmon or chilled petit filet of beef; antipasto of steamed artichokes with homemade aioli, imported olives, Creminelli truffled salami and pear tomatoes; double cream French Brie with a fresh baguette; and fresh fruit along with delectable sweets from Deer Valley pastry chef Letty Flatt. Baskets are $40 per person or $75 for a two-person basket. Seventy-two hour advance notice is required to order a Picnic Basket, so plan accordingly. Accompanying wines or beer can also be ordered with advance notice.
Deer Valley Resort, Park City, 435-645- 6613, DeerValley.com

THE PICKLE: Your backyard hammock doesn’t offer nearly enough swing time. THE FIX: Bend, twist and fly with AntiGravity Yoga. Developed by Utah native Christopher Harrison, the creative fitness regime incorporates modified versions of the movements gymnasts engage in to explore the air along with dance, pilates and calisthenics techniques. The workout is designed with the everyday athlete or weekend warrior in mind and is now being offered in select locations including Salt Lake City’s Imagination Place. Classes are held seven days a week. Get realigned and in shape for summer! 1155 E. 3300 South, 801-463-9067, ImaginationPlace.com