Downtown Salt Lake City: Five Great Things to Do

I have lived in Salt Lake City for the past 5 years (with a brief interlude to parts unknown) and it is definitely a place that grows on you- I love it more with each passing year. People coming to ski in the area are often awed at the natural beauty of this place and rightly so, but there are also things that have nothing to do with skiing that are worth exploring.

City Creek and the park that bears its name, flows alongside Capitol Hill just north of downtown Salt Lake City. Cars are restricted and there are several dirt paths to follow along the stream, but the main path leads into and around a small canyon and comes out to around three miles. You won't believe something this serene could exist so close to a major city. You can enter this park at the Northeast corner of State street and North Temple.

Temple Square is beautiful to see anytime of year, with or without any interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Around Christmas there are thousands and thousands of lights that make a memorable stroll. Or if you are sightseeing in the spring there are thousands and thousands of flowers, most notably tulips, to feast your eyes on. The Brigham Young Historic, Assembly Hall, Church Museum and many other things totally unique to Utah are all found here.

After you have worn yourself out with all that walking, head to my favorite little eatery in the downtown area called Robin's Nest. Located at 311 South Main, the sandwiches are like none you've had anywhere else. The soups are also great, as well as the salads. It's very affordable, with most menu items coming in under 5 or 6 bucks.

Now that your stomach is satiated, it might be time to relax a little bit and be entertained. Broadway Centre Cinemas, located at 111 East Broadway, shows independent films year round. It was also one of the first locations used for the Sundance Film Festival in the late seventies and continues to host films from the festival to this day.

If after all of this, you are still looking for someplace to hang out, then you have to head to the Salt Lake Roasting Company for a great cup of joe. Located at 320 East 400 South, there is no other place that can beat the selection or the ambiance of this popular hangout. Of course, you can also get a little dessert while you are there.

I hope you enjoy Salt Lake City as much as I do!