Founded in 1847 by the Mormon pioneers, and still the home of the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and one of only two major urban areas in the Great Basin, Salt Lake City has lots to see and do. The downtown area has been up and coming for several years now and continues to grow up. But don’t take my word for it, check some of these places out.
Things to do:
The Gallivan Center
See what is happening at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake. From concerts to food events, and the yearly Craft Lake City DIY event, there is always something happening at the Gallivan. And check out ice skating all winter long at the ice rink starting in November. And every Thursday for all the businesses in the area, there are a collection of food trucks where you can swing by for lunch.
Salt Lake Film Society
If you don’t want to be outside, why not catch a film at the Broadway Center Cinema. As part of the Salt Lake Film Society, the Broadway features some of the best independent films all year, and during the Sundance Film Festival, you can catch many of the Sundance films there as well.
Farmers Market
Just down the road from the cinema, at Pioneer Park during the summer and at the Rio Grande Depot during the winter, check out the downtown farmers market.
Every Saturday from June to October, swing by Pioneer Park in the AM for fresh produce, local meat, eggs, and other locally made sauces, spreads, baked goods, and culinary accouterments. The market moves indoors to the Rio Grande Depot from November to April where you can still find great local products.
Where to Shop:
Boozetique
Also on Broadway is Boozetique, a great little shop for all your cocktail needs. From glassware, corkscrews, and shakers to bitters, simple syrups and more, you will find all your drinking needs.
Golden Braid Books
Down the street and around the corner a little ways, you will find Golden Braid Books, a little oasis in the busy city. Offerings include gifts and books for feeding the mind, spirit, and soul. Find items to fix your feng shui or find that best seller you have been looking forward to reading all year.
When you’re shopped out and need a bite to eat, there are fantastic restaurants within a few minutes walk.
Where to Eat:
HSL Restaurant
You’ve been out all day shopping or playing, or working for that matter, and you need to unwind a little. You’ll want a reservation for this one, but Chef and owner and James Beard award winner Briar Handly is doing some fantastic things here. Get the cauliflower; you will not be disappointed.
Under Current Bar
After dinner, head around the corner to Under Current, an upscale neighborhood bar. They can make all the classic cocktails you might want and have a bar-tending staff that can create just about whatever you are in the mood for. If you still need a bite after dinner, they make some killer fries.
Beer Bar
And speaking of fries, head on over to Beer Bar where you can find all things beer, of course, and grab some excellent Belgian style frites. With German-style beer hall tables, and a menu that consists of sausages and fries, what’s not to love. But if beer is not your thing, step through the door to the adjoining Bar X and grab yourself another cocktail.
