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Things To Do In Sugar House: Fun Activities; Where to Shop; Places to Eat

Please Note: We’re continuing to post about local businesses, events, and area attractions; however, things often change due to COVID-19 restrictions.  So please, double-check before you visit any of our recommended spots to confirm availability, accessibility, or any restrictions.  Stay safe. Be well. And support Local! Thank you.
 

One of the oldest neighborhoods in the Salt Lake Valley, and the former location of the Sugar House Prison, Sugar House has become one of the hottest and trendiest neighborhoods in Utah. Which means there are plenty of things to do in Sugar House – from entertainment, great food, and fun places to shop.

Things to do in Sugar House: Entertainment

 

Sugar House is in the heart of the city, but there are all kinds of activities for runners, cyclists, and swimmers.  Come to think of it, Sugar House is the perfect spot to train for that triathlon.  Bonus: these spots are perfect for families too.

 

  • Visit Sugar House Park – Sugar House Park, the former site of the prison, is popular year-round.  Head to the park any evening during the summer and you’ll find all kinds of activities. From organized team sports, classes, families out with kids, and people taking laps around the park itself.  Winter calls for sledding on the hills surrounding the park.
  • Go Swimming at the Fairmont Aquatic Center – For fitness buffs, if running or cycling is not your thing, head over to Fairmont Aquatic Center and swim some laps in the pool. Or take your kids to the leisure pool during hot summer days to cool off.  They also offer classes and camps for your kids too. Swimming, gymnastics, and martial arts are just a few of their offerings.
  • Hike Parley’s Trail – Parley’s trail, connects the Bonneville Shoreline trail at the mouth of Parley’s Canyon to the Jordan River Parkway.  Walk, run, or ride part or all of the eight-mile trail that runs through the heart of Sugar House.  Don’t forget to check out Parley’s Historic Nature Park at the mouth of the canyon.

Things to do in Sugar House: Where to Shop

Sugar House is full of small, locally-owned shops that range from quirky, to sophisticated to entirely unique.  Here are a few of our faves – the types of shops you can get lost in looking around.

 

  • Tea Zaanti-  Salt City’s Best TeaHouse. Find a wide selection of tea where you will have the opportunity of tasting some delicious and exotic options that you can’t miss. Go and have a TEA-rrific time.
  • Central Book Exchange – a staple in Sugar House for decades; they claim to have over 90,000 items in their ever-changing inventory. This is one place in which, you could quickly lose a few hours. They also happen to be our neighbors! Go on, enjoy.
  • Got Beauty – a locally owned Salon, Spa, and Boutique. Find all your beauty needs and then some. They have some great gift options as well. 

Things to do in Sugar House: Places to Eat

From bars, a little hole in the wall eateries, and posh restaurants, Sugar House has dozens of great spots – all within a few blocks of the central business district!  You’ll want to explore on your own, but here are a few of our go-to spots.

 

  • The Ruin (Best Spot to Grab a Drink) – You’ve been out all day shopping or playing, or working for that matter, and you need to unwind a little.  Check out one of Sugar House’s newest bars, The Ruin. Tucked next to Hidden Hollow in Sugar House, you’ll find friendly people, good drinks, and good food
  • Somi (A Taste of Vietnam) – Right near The Ruin, on Wilmington Plaza, you will find Somi, serving up their classic Vietnamese dishes. Their Lemongrass Beef Noodle pho is fantastic.  They also have great lunch specials.
  • BGR Sugar House (Best Place for a Fast Bite) – If a burger is more to your liking, head across the street to BGR: Burgers Grilled Right. They always have a monthly special you can only get for that month, and then it is gone. BONUS: you can get any of their burgers on a pretzel bun, what is not to love about that. Try the Korean BBQ, it may sound a little odd, but it is excellent.  They also have great vegetarian options.

Looking for more to do in Salt Lake:

 

 

Our Favorite Salt Lake Farmers Markets

Please Note: We’re continuing to post about local businesses, events, and area attractions; however, things often change due to COVID-19 restrictions.  So please, double-check before you visit any of our recommended spots to confirm availability, accessibility, or any restrictions.  Stay safe. Be well. And support Local! Thank you. 

It is almost that time! Salt Lake farmers markets bring local farmers, producers and purveyors together in a centralized, open-aired market to sell their fresh products to the public. Farmers Markets are popping up all over the state, and we could not be happier. Supporting local is paramount to building our communities, keeping money in our economy and making connections.
Here are a few of our favorites:

Sugar House Farmers Market 

This family-friendly neighborhood market focuses on local products with a Sugar House flair. Enjoy fresh produce, unique craft artisans, and delicious foods on a Wednesday evening.

Fairmont Park

June-October

(Schedule to be confirmed)

Downtown SLC Farmers Market

Now entering its 28th year as Salt Lake’s long-running summer tradition, the Saturday market supports local farmers and producers by offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef, dairy, eggs, honey and locally made baked goods and other culinary delights.

Pioneer Park

June – October 

8am-1pm

Liberty Park Farmers Market 

one of SLC’s newer markets, this market is great for families with fun kids activities, an art market, and a robust produce market.

Liberty Park

June 12th through October 9th

Fridays 4 pm – Dusk

 

Daybreak Farmers Market 

This market launched last year and has been a huge hit. Here you will find small producers, locally crafted good, organic produce, wild seafood, and many other fun vendors creating leather goods, pottery etc.

Daybreak-11274 Kestrel Rise Road

June 6th – October 31st

Saturdays, 10am-1pm

BEYOND SALT LAKE CITY

Park Silly Market  

Entering its 13th season, the Park Silly market takes place on Sundays on Park City’s Main street and includes artisans, local foods, jewelers, and local products. The Park Silly Market is full of fun vendors, an energetic vibe- some folks dress in costume, and great treats.

Park City’s Historic Main Street

(Postponed until June 6, 2021)

A Short History of Sugar House in Salt Lake City

It is no secret that we have a fondness for Sugar House. Its rich history coupled with the area’s current vibe, and thriving communities, make the Sugar House neighborhoods quaint, welcoming and full of opportunity.

How it came to be:

Sugar House was established in 1853, six years after the Mormon pioneers settled in the valley, making it among Salt Lake City’s oldest neighborhoods. Today, the tree-lined streets and character filled bungalows make walking the best way to experience all that Sugar House has to offer.

 

Situated west of the mouth of Parleys Canyon and the area southeast of Salt Lake City, Sugar House is located from 1700 South to 2700 South and 700 East to 2000 East. Sprawling retail developments, eateries and mountain views are just a few of the treasures found here.

What’s in a name?

Sugar House was aptly named in reference to the sugar beet test factory owned by the Deseret Manufacturing Company in the area. The name came about as a suggestion by Margaret McMeans Smoot, the wife of the then mayor of Salt Lake City, Abraham O. Smoot.

 

Sugar House was the home of Utah’s first state prison for nearly a century, operated by the federal government until Utah gained statehood in 1896. Today, the spacious Sugar House Park and Highland High School, occupy the space after a decade long campaign run by businessman Horace Sorensen to turn it into a park. The Legislature passed the statute to create a state park from the old prison site in 1947. The prison was then moved to the point of the mountain in Draper in 1951.

 

Our Tribute: 

Today, Sugar House is booming with local businesses, restaurants and shopping and has become one of the state’s most desirable locations. We admire it so much, we had an artist recreate this historical scene on our building, we think it turned out amazing!

Where the Fun is on New Year’s Eve

Please Note: We’re continuing to post about local businesses, events, and area attractions; however, things often change due to COVID-19 restrictions.  So please, double-check before you visit any of our recommended spots to confirm availability, accessibility, or any restrictions.  Stay safe. Be well. And support Local! Thank you. 

There is plenty to do in Salt Lake, and beyond, on New Year’s Eve. If ringing in the new year on the town suits your fancy, we have compiled a shortlist of both family-friendly and adult options for you to consider.

Fireworks at University Place

Enjoy music and tasty foods from local food trucks. Fireworks show begins at midnight with FREE New Year swag while supplies last.
Food Trucks include: Kona Ice Hot Kocoa, Donut Kabobs, and World’s Best Corndogs

University Place Orem

10:30pm-12:30am

575 E. University Pkwy

 

Masquerade Ball at the Zermatt

Clad the family in masks for the family-friendly Masquerade Ball at the Zermatt Resort, it is sure to be a good time. Complete with food, a cash bar, party hats, a DJ and midnight balloon drop and toast (alcohol-free options available), this will be a memorable evening.

Zermatt Resort

Until 1am

784 W. Resort Drive, Midway

 

 

 

Zoo Lights

Last night to take in the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. Bundle up and meander around the zoo gazing upon hundreds of beautifully lit zoo animals. New this year are 10 life-size, animal-shaped lanterns. Warm-up with some hot chocolate or other tasty treats available.

Hogle Zoo

5:30pm-9pm

2600 E. Sunnyside Ave.

Noon Year’s Eve at the Aquarium

Celebrate the New Year a little early. There will be a count down and confetti blast at the stroke of noon on Monday, December 31 with friends from B98.7 There will be a live DJ in the lobby from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., along with prize drawings, photo booth, and other fun activities for the whole family.

 

Living Planet Aquarium

11am-1pm

12033 S. Lone Peak Pkwy

 

 

Looking for other fun things to do in Salt Lake City?  Check these out:

Things to Do at Christmas Time in Salt Lake

New to Salt Lake?

Sugar House Dining

Top Sugar House Dining Spots You Don’t Want To Miss!

Our favorite Sugar House dining spots to nosh, drink, meet, chow, sip

Sugar House is known as a dining destination – from quick eats to stunning sit downs there are a host of options. Here are our TOP 5 Sugar House dining choices that cover the whole range.

 

1.  Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House

Right in the heart of Sugar House, Kimi’s is one of our favorite Sugar House dining spots.  You can find both a lounge with on-point martinis, appetizers, and oysters.  And for dinner?  THIS is the spot for date night.  They mix and mingle surf and turf like the pros they are.

Bonus?  The building is just beautiful.  It is the old Sugar House post office.  You have to see it to believe it.

2. The Dodo Restaurant

The Dodo is a classic Sugar House dining spot, a real neighborhood bistro.  Lunch?  Check.  Dinner? Check.  Brunch?  Check.  Kids Menu? Check.  And it is ALL delish.  They’ve been around in one version or another since the 80s, and for good reason.  The best part? Their pastries are just heaven.

 

 

3. The Soup Kitchen

Another iconic Sugar House dining location? The Soup Kitchen.  The first location opened in 1974 and they are busy every single day.  Look for the daily specials or if you just want pure comfort food, go for the classic tomato soup / grilled cheese combo.

The best part?  You can easily get lunch here for $7.00.  It also happens to be directly across from the Market Source Real Estate offices!

4.  BGR Sugar House

BGR Sugar House (Best Place for a Fast Bite) – If a burger is more to your liking, head across the street to BGR: Burgers Grilled Right. They always have a monthly special you can only get for that month, and then it is gone. BONUS: you can get any of their burgers on a pretzel bun, what is not to love about that. Try the Korean BBQ, it may sound a little odd, but it is excellent.  They also have great vegetarian options.

 

 

5.  O’Falafel

This is one of those slightly off the beaten path spots.  O’Falafel is just slightly west of the heart of the Sugar House dining scene.  As their name suggests, they make the best falafel in town.  Throw in some hummus, and some baklava and you have an amazing meal.

Little hint:  Use lots of the hot sauce on your falafel – it only makes it better.

What are your favorite Sugar House dining spots?  We’d love to hear!

No.  Really – we are always trying to get to know the great places in our town.  Comments please.