Hi Dion; As others have posted, there is not a major astro store here locally. But in a blatant plug for myself, any of my telescopes are for sale. Whenever anyone observes with me, they are welcome to "test" my scopes out. As I normally observe from dark skies, this is a very good test. So if you want to "touch it, and heft it and try it out", as you say below, come and try one of my scopes! My currently available telescopes are: 16" f5.5 Kriege style truss-tube dob, 8" f 5.6 dob, and 4" f3.9 dob. Soon to be completed is a 6" f8 scope. These are all hand made and are of high optical quality. Clear skies, Mat -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dion Davidson Sent: Saturday, July 06, 2013 11:14 AM To: Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Retail astronomy in Utah I wanted to probe the collective memory of this group to find out about retail astronomy in Utah. I know the Clark Planetarium sells a few telescopes in its store. I know Inkley's on 21st S used to have a small telescope selection and a cabinet of cool accessories and eyepieces. Have there been any other examples of telescopes for sale in Utah? I'm not talking about classified ads or online sales, but the real-life, touch-and-see-before-you-buy kind. I guess I'm wondering why there isn't a telescope store here, like OPT or ScopeCity. We have darker skies (or easier access to them) than most of the places where those retail stores are located. We have, it seems, a large community of science-loving, earth-friendly (and sky friendly) people who might patronize such an establishment. And considering the cost of many good telescopes and accessories it seems that some of us might be more inclined to buy if we could see it and touch it and heft it and try it out before we commit. No wonder the lesser-quality telescopes on display at big box stores and toy stores sell - you can put a bow on them! Just wondering. Dion "I thought the telescope was broken, but upon further looking into it, I found out it was not." _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". This message and any attachments are solely for the use of intended recipients. The information contained herein may include trade secrets, protected health or personal information, privileged or otherwise confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you received this email in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this email and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please contact the sender and delete the message and any attachment from your system. Thank you for your cooperation