Salt Lake City Guide
Residents of Salt Lake City revel in the many different sides to this beautifully situated and laid-back city. Rather than the staid town many perceive SLC to be, it’s one of the best kept secrets around, with enough activities, entertainment, and quirks to fill anyone’s social calendar.
The proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes skiing one of the most popular of Salt Lake City things to do. The Brighton, Alta, Solitude, and Snowbird resorts all serve as the launching pad for some of the greatest skiing adventures possible. Off-season, hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the Red Butte Garden and City Creek Canyon keeps SLC residents moving forward. Down from the mountains, Salt Lake City is a hip, urban environment that has a funky undercurrent. The city has a flourishing arts community, including more than 20 galleries downtown. Meanwhile, the annual Living Traditions Festival brings the art of the city’s diverse ethnic community front and center.
A great mix of Salt Lake City eateries, such as the “new Mexican” cuisine at Café Madrid, are turning ordinary diners into “foodies”. Other restaurants that are drawing raves in SLC include the Stella Grill, Ruby River Steakhouse, and the vegan Vertical Diner on West Temple. For a night on the town, keep things simple with the casually funky ambiance of Tony’s Bar, which features a game room and a dance floor. For live music, the Urban Lounge leads the way with funk, rock, and country.
Some of the best Salt Lake City deals are at seldom-seen quirky events like the Utah Undie Run, the Utah Art Center pARTy Bus, and the off-the-wall art/fashion at Blonde Grizzly. This guide to Salt Lake City ventures beneath the city's calm exterior to find the hip, off-beat things to do in Salt Lake City that many never get a chance to see.