Salt Lake City Day Guide
Emily, a cool cat from the Bay Area, contacted us with hopes of discovering some fun/cool places to stop by in our hometown. We thought long and hard about our favorite places to shop and dine in Salt Lake—and it was surprisingly hard to whittle down—but here’s what we came up with. Emily (and other visitors who can use this little day guide), we hope you enjoy your stay. We think Salt Lake is awesome.
This is what we’d do, if we had just one day:
Start with breakfast at Finn’s. We recommend the Norwegian heart-shaped waffles with lingonberries and sour cream, partially because they’re so cute.
Next, head to the quaint Ninth and Ninth district (900 S. 900 East) where you can browse fun shops like Hip and Humble for trendy-meets-classy home decor; Koo de Ker for hip dresses skirts and tops; Ten for European sneaks; The Children’s Hour for the latest from European designers; Cahoots for kitschy/quirky gifts and cards; and Floribunda for classic stationery and gifts.
After all that walk-and-shop business, retire within the walls of the Salt Lake City Library (210 E. 400 South). Hey, not to brag, but not every city’s library gets voted Library of the Year. Another reader, Jen, shared these favorite things about this awe-inspiring place:
- The bike rack made out of steel letters spell “READ.”
- The glass elevators (when aligned) have the words “People who live in glass houses should now throw stones” etched across them.
- A giant hanging head mobile which, when up close, you can see is made up of little open books with butterflies inside. And if you look really closely, you can see them flap their wings.
- The kids level is wonderful. Everything is made especially on their level. Even the books shelves are categorized by height: the lowest for the picture type books, the higher shelves for the Harry Potter-ready. And they have different rooms for reading (an attic, snow cave, etc.).
With your head full of words, head to Salt Lake new Caffe Niche (779 E. 300 South) to fill your stomach. We trust you’ll like the menu, the service and the atmosphere.
Then, after a little energy boost, take it to the streets of 300 South. Start at Frosty Darling (177 E. 300), our favorite kid on the block. From there, head east to pop into any of the antique shops and cool art galleries.
For an afternoon treat, we recommend the Les Madeleines bakery (650 S. State Street). There’s nothing a Madagascar cupcake with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate sprinkles, a passion fruit truffle or meyer lemon meringue tartlette can’t fix. But if it’s dinner you’re ready for, we can’t say enough about Settebello. Try to get there early, rumor has it that the lines just keep getting longer, but it’s only for good reason: to-die-for pizza.
If you still have sweets on the mind (can you tell how our brains work?) try Hatch Family Chocolates in the Avenues neighborhood (390 4th Avenue) for a one-of-a-kind dessert experience. We love the milkshakes and the ice cream.
Have fun, Emily! We arranged things so the weather will be nice while you’re here. If all else fails, stop by Liberty Heights Fresh for some goodies and head to Red Butte Garden for a nice, spring, afternoon picnic.
Any other ideas for Emily? We know you heart SLC just as much as we do.
April 26th, 2007 at 7:59 am
Having moved from Salt Lake 8 years ago, I get homesick every time I read your blog. The city sure has changed since I left, but I can’t wait to try your wonderful recommendations next time I come through. Thanks for the great content!
April 26th, 2007 at 9:29 am
I would say head up to brunch at Snowbird…and the tulips at Temple Square are to die for right now!
April 26th, 2007 at 9:58 am
First let me say, WOW SLC rocks! Although, those who are looking for something different than the hustle and bustle of the city life one should take the road “more” traveled here in SLC, and on your way up to the ski resorts and check out the beautiful mountains or go for a drive around the Alpine loop! One could always stop by and grab a hardy breakfast at the local Carl’s Café and then make there way up to Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon. If one were to choose Big Cottonwood Canyon they could always take Guardsman Pass and end up in good ‘ole Park City. What ever one chooses to do in SLC they will not be let down. You can’t go wrong from the beauty of the canyons to the fun and exciting city life.
April 26th, 2007 at 10:26 am
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail has spectacular views of the entire valley. The wildflowers are blooming right now and should be in their prime next week.
April 26th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
If I had just one day, I might have to make a stop at Bombay House. After all the places we’ve tried here in NY, nothing even comes close. Especially the Tikka Masala and the Naan bread. My next stop might have to be Snoasis. But only if it’s summer time. I think they’re open Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s seriously the best snow cone in Utah.
April 26th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
9th and 9th is great, but also try to get to the shopping around 2100 South 1100 East. I love showing off the Sugarhouse area to out of towners. They need to know that Utah isn’t just a cookie-cutter city.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
I cant go to SLC without stopping at Sam Wellers used books – 300 S. Main Street. They have millions of books that I can afford with my starving student salary. I can also never get enough of temple square. The floors and free movies are reason enough to send me there. (plus, l love bride watching)
April 26th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
One of the best (and most overlooked) things about Salt Lake is the amazing thrift stores we have. If someone’s in town and are a bargain hunter/thrifter, take them to The DI in sugar house or on the westside. Thrift Town in Holliday too. And if someone is looking for vintage shops to poke around in Decades on State Street is kind of amazing, if not somewhat obnoxious to deal with.
If you’re after a picnic lunch, I’d say stop at emmagration market and get sandwhiches before you head to Lindsey Gardens or Snowbird….mmm…
April 27th, 2007 at 4:01 am
Oh it all looks so good. I love the shot of the buildings and the mountains. Makes me want to visit!
April 27th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I’m so excited to do some of those things! I have been to Hatch Family Chocolates and you have to try the hot chocolate, even in the spring. Also, brunch at the Grand America (if you want to splurge) is the BEST!
April 27th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Thanks ladies.. i’ll be hitting a lot of these tomorrow. Hatch Family chocolates, Finn’s, and thrift stores are always on the agenda. I really appreciate the uber cool guide to SLC!
April 27th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
I know I only leave comments when it seems to be about food and Les Madeleines Patisserie. But, seriously, no one should miss out on going there. It’s at 660 S. State, I believe. On the west side of the street. Go before ten if you want to get some kouing aman. Oh, I love SLC. There are so many great places to visit! But that’s the one stop I’m always going to make when I fly in from NY.
April 27th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Another fun breakfast/lunch joint is Eggs in the City on 1300 S and 1700 E. The cheese blintz’s are to-die-for! Plus, you have the very cool Immigration Market across the street.