Salt Lake City may not be on the top of your list of places to visit, let alone Utah, but it totally should be. While at Sundance in January it seemed wise to explore the area as much as possible. Like, really explore. Not just see famed areas or monuments, but discover things that would excite a variety of people – including those style focused travelers who are after the best places to shop. This is part one of things to do and see when in Salt Lake City. Shopping and snow activities get a separate spotlight…obvs!
Tony Caputo’s Food Market & Deli
Caputo’s is a leading vendor of regional Italian and Southern European foods. They offer a wide selection of charcuteries, cheeses, olive oils, and fine chocolates (including Utah’s ownSolstice and Durci) available at the four locations around the SLC area, as well as online. But what I think makes this place so cool are the classes and events people can partake in. You can enjoy Caputo’s “Cheese Cave” through a tasting class, learn healthy Italian meals with a cooking class, and explore different whiskies from around the world through their spirit series. It’s a fun way to understand the products in-store by way of interaction and education.
East High School
This was the location of where High School Musical was filmed! Ok, I’m getting very excited and I can’t explain why. I’ve never even seen High School Musical, but when we were driving passed EHS and it was mentioned, I can’t recall if I shrieked or inexplicably beamed with joy, or what was happening to be honest. All I know is that I got, and still get, very hype about this factoid. And knowing now that there is a High School Musical 4 (geez… shouldn’t they be in college by now!?) in the works, it seems more than perfect to mention EHS is in Salt Lake City. Soooooo, if you want to accidently bump into Zac Efron, or Corbin Blue, or Vanessa Hudgens (I swear to you, I have never seen a film. I just know the cast list for some creepy reason) you should probably convince your friends to vacay in Salt Lake soon. Just know, I’m not clear if you’re allowed to visit the school, or what the policy is… you need to check that out before just showing up like stalkers. I just got clearance to mention East High School is where the High School Musical franchise is filmed. You, my dears, are very welcome!
ZCMI Façade
Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution (or ZCMI) was the first department store in the United States founded in 1868 by Brigham Young. Located in the bustling downtown area of Salt Lake City, ZCMI is no longer an active department store since its selling in 1999, but the iconic façade is the most notable memory of such an instrumental part of today’s society left standing. It’s definitely worth a visit whenever in the area.
Temple Square
So Temple Square is just a few minutes walking from ZCMI, if I remember correctly. I had no idea what I was in for, but I have an admiration for all religious effigies and homes. Due to not being a Mormon, I wasn’t permitted into their church BUT they do have a visitor’s center where they have a replica of what the Mormon Church actually looks like. There are quite a few things to see and do on the the grounds including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. If you’re scratching your head thinking you’ve heard of them, it’s because you have. They are world renowned. Some guest artists include Angela Lansbury, Audra McDonald, Gladys Knight, the Muppets of Sesame Street, and the late Natalie Cole. Visitors can attend both rehearsals and performances.
Base and Meridian is on the corner of Temple Square – 0 West South Temple to be exact – and is the point from where all city streets were named and numbered. There’s a very easy grid system that Salt Lake City utilizes streets starting from 0 East, 0 West, 0 North, and 0 South. The idea was explained to me at least five different times, yet only the number 200 stuck. The theory itself is basic if you think about an XY graph, but if it’s not your home, things can get a bit complex. (Yes, that is my excuse!) Anyway, this dates back to 1847 and works pretty well still today…. I think… says the girl who still can’t grasp this concept. HA!
Ever wanted to know about your roots? Like waaaayyy back… to the Tudors and Moors, back? Ok, so at The Family History Library you do that. It’s the largest database, IN THE WORLD, of its kind and obviously attracts global visitors who have questions about their history. The library provides records and genealogical information of more than three billion deceased ancestors worldwide and house knowledgeable research specialists and volunteers to help you unearth your lost family tree. This would be such an awesome present to someone who wants to know more about their family lineage, especially with Mother’s/Father’s Day coming up. Just a little hint to those who still give boring flowers and “World’s Best Dad” mugs. Seriously people, you’ve got to do better if you are over the age of 14!