So there was this really cute area called 9th and 9th in Salt Lake City that I was taken to. It sort of reminded me of Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg or the Montrose area of Houston where many of the shops carry a certain aesthetic that ruminate with the community. If I could describe it with a phrase it would be “bearded hipster” or “mun”. It’s the sort of area you could find the most obscure, one-of-a-kind imported goods not even available in New York. Basically, it is every millennials dream, based off face value alone, to live here.
Tower Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in Salt Lake City and is actually located in 9th and 9th. Built in the 1920s, its façade has been altered a few times from the original architecture resembling that of the Tower of London whilst still offering the works to quench a cinephile’s thirst. It’s run by the Salt Lake Film Society and showcases indie films as well as the occasional old[er] classics. If you’re like me and tend to fall asleep at the movies, you can choose a rental from their eclectic selection of films for at-home viewing pleasure.
Historic South Temple Street holds the most prestigious addresses since the city’s creation. What caught my eye was how many places of worship resided in such close proximity, but later found out the historical importance of the homes in-between including The Cathedral of Madeleine, Utah Governor’s Mansion, and Salt Lake Masonic Temple. There is a walking tour available that gives you a glimpse of these majestic pieces of architecture with over 20 stops provided by Utah Heritage Foundation. They also provide an abridged version for children aged 9 – 12. The complete on-foot tour requires roughly 2 ½ hours… so, you know… choose your tour day accordingly. P.S. If you’re a history or architecture lover, you should really visit their site to see what it consists of. There’s no doubt you won’t fall in love.
The University of Utah Hospital is a research and teaching hospital credited as the home of the world’s first permanently implanted artificial heart and home to the only children’s hospital in the state. On the same campus lives Fort Douglas which dates back to the time of Civil War. Besides its military importance, Fort Douglas played a major role in the economic rise of Utah as soldiers were housed there during the “gold rush” exploration. Unfortunately, or fortunately, however you look at it, they found silver and further created silver mine towns similar to those in Colorado, Montana, Oregon…actually many of the states on the west coast. Today, most silver in Utah comes from Bingham Canyon Mine. They too have a walking tour of the area which will offer more insight to barracks historical impression, along with a museum.
The Natural History Museum of Utah of all the places mentioned is the most ideal for people of all ages. Be warned there are LOTS of kids roaming the many floors, but it’s totally worth it if you’re visiting with only adults. Seriously, my favorite part was the Native Voices installation featuring audio, video, and authentic cultural artifacts from Utah’s indigenous people. Due to the sensitivity of the pieces they are housed in glass encasings for safekeeping, but the story behind each one juxtaposed to the visuals is indescribable. The painted buffalo hide robe on display reminded me of an assignment we did in 3rd grade. Comparing the original to what we were forced to recreate in grade school… our teacher should strike it from all her future curricula. Seriously, ever person who learned the assbackwards, botched stories of Native Americans, get ready for a much needed reality check.