JUNE 2020, Issue 5 Joe's Valley Festival Monthly Newsletter
Mayor Travis Bacon first heard about the Joe’s Valley Fest while serving on the Emery County Travel Bureau during the filming of Reel Rock 14. It didn’t take long for him to realize what a special sport rock climbing was and the positive influence it was bringing to the Green River community. While impressive and extreme it was clear that bringing the climbing community and Emery County together was vital in nurturing one of the greatest climbing destinations in the world. Travis wanted to help get the word out there about Joe’s, educate about the land, and continue to integrate locals and climbers together. He takes pride in being a driving force for the festival each year and can’t say enough good things about its impact.
As the mayor of Green River, Travis wears a lot of different hats. On top of his many duties as the town's most civil servant, he serves on multiple councils and also runs the River Terrace Inn and Sleepy Hollow Motel. The inspiration for the Motel (which came first) was created from his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of his cattle. It was created to support the family and cattle farm while bringing the Green River community and travelers together. Collectively they’ve been in business for the last 65 years and have loved growing with the town. Pro insider tip: When you stay at the River Terrace Inn ask for his dad’s killer green chile.
In light of everything happening with COVID-19, there has been a silver lining with seeing the Green River community rise up together and get more involved. It’s been bittersweet to see everyone on the planet affected by this but everyone supporting each other and coming together as one. As climbers, hikers, and visitors it is helpful to remember that Green River is a part of Emery County and very close to Joe’s! It offers wonderful hotels, campgrounds, and family restaurants. Especially if you’re heading to Joe’s from Colorado this is the place to stop!
Last summer's ribbon cutting for the new hiking riverside trail at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum.
Fun Facts!!
Rumor has it that the River Terrace Inn has some delicious food! What’s your favorite thing on the menu? The French Toast! With the works - a little powdered sugar, maple syrup, and butter.
What’s your favorite thing about Joe’s Valley? The flavor - the international and national. You meet so many different people and learn so much. It is a mecca for so many different people. It’s an awesome buffet of humans. It’s good stuff.
What’s the oldest thing you own? My Great grandfather’s lever-action 32 special rifle from 1906.
Who’s been one of your most memorable guests at the River Terrace Inn? We’ve had a lot of celebrities visit throughout the years. When I was a kid I ran Pronto Pizza out of the inn. I remember Don King (American boxing promoter) visiting and loving my pizza.
What is your favorite thing about living in Green River? I’ve been trying to put my finger on that forever and I just can’t. Green River is the center of all that is good and holy. It’s the center of life. There is a heuristic quality to this place that makes me want to stay forever. There’s a spirit to this town.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never make a decision while you’re upset or angry.
What movie or book do you know the most quotes from? Lord of the Rings!
