Salt Lake City

Two things everyone should do if they visit Salt Lake City: Since it is "Mormon" country, get to know the culture with a free tour of Temple Square. You will marvel at enormous, gothic structures and learn a little about the predominant culture. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and more than willing to share their views and thoughts with you.

Another highlight is the Great Salt lake itself. Next to the Dead Sea, this is the saltiest body of water on Earth! The lake's shoreline fluctuates, but there is always "beach" access somewhere, usually around "Saltair," a local "resort." Take a swim and TRY to sink. It is quite a thrill...trust me!

Quick Tips:

As with anywhere, get to know the culture. Get off of the "main drag" and explore. "State Street" has numerous antique and pawn shops, "The Gateway" is a shoppers paradise, and if you can get to "Jordan Commons" just 70 blocks south of downtown, or so, the ambiance of the Mayan Restaurant (and others) is worth the trip. The Arboretum at the University of Utah is fun anytime of the year, and Hansen Planetarium (downtown) offers several "Laser Shows" each day. And this is just the city! Remember that you are surrounded by mountains, and hiking/camping is available literally on the front door step!

Best Way To Get Around:

Although downtown Salt Lake is criss-crossed with easy and cheap public transit, once you venture outside the city, public transit becomes less frequent. There is a "Free Fare Zone" around the center of the city and the "main" city attractions.

Unless you plan to stay ONLY in the city, a rental car is a must. Taxis are available, but a car is a necessity in the Western U.S. With a population of barely 3 million people, traffic is minimal, even during the "rush hour."

With Keith Lockhart as the director, you will enjoy a rousing performance each time. The Utah Symphony is among top symphonies in the United States...why else would Mr. Lockhart come to Salt Lake City every year?

Performaces usually take place in Abravenal Hall, which is, acoustically speaking, very advanced. However, it is small enough to offer an intimate performance, and you will not be disappointed.

Performances happen nearly everyweekend, and information can be obtained from your hotel, or online: http://www.utahsymphony.com

Just a 10 minute drive North of Salt Lake City, this is the only amusement park in the state. It offers world-class rides, world-class entertainment, and a fun, family atmosphere. Bring your swim suits, because they also have a waterslide park, right in the middle of the Amusement Park!

"Pioneer Village" gives history buffs a chance to look into the past, and provides a unique perspective on life in the old west. The Wild West Shootout is always a favorite with visitors, complete with stuntmen falling off buildings, and girls being rescued! You watch from the side street as the plot unfolds!

There are picnic facilities, an onsite campground, and plenty to eat and drink along the way to the live entertainment! Music revues, original dance shows, and clowns, mimes, and jugglers all take part in make Lagoon a Fun, Family experience!

There are several "beaches" along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The lake is shallow for the first couple dozen feet, and then gets progressively deeper. It is possible to swim, but keep the water out of your eyes! Being the second saltiest body of water on earth, it is quite a unique feature in the middle of a "desert."

Try to sink! It is impossible to sink in the Great Salt Lake. It's like swimming in the Dead Sea, and almost as salty! Swimming is the main attraction, although sailboats are available for rental and charter, as are a limited number of motor boats. BBQ facilities are available on most of the public beaches, and bathhouses with showers are availabel as well

Near the Great Salt Lake Marina, is a "resort" called Saltair. The original Saltair was built in the late 1800s as a resort for the city folk. As the shoreline rose, Saltair was flooded, and abandoned. The Saltair you see now is the fifth (or is it sixth?) attempt at a resort on the lake's shore. Inside Saltair, there are craft booths, a food court, and even live entertainment. Once in a while a concert takes place at Saltair, and it is quite the atmosphere!