So you've decided to take the trip to Salt Lake City this week, following Michigan basketball as it goes to play Utah on Wednesday. You've never been and don't know where to go? Or perhaps you've been there and are looking for new places.
AnnArbor.com is here to help. After speaking with some locals and gauging their favorites as well as digging on some Web sites, here's a quick primer on what to do and where to go in Salt Lake City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Utah Jazz. And if you have other recommendations or suggestions, drop them in the comments below. See ya in Salt Lake.
Idaho State's Sherrod Baldwin, left, guards Utah's Luka Drca (5) on Saturday in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo: Associated Press)
12/8: AFI, In The Venue
12/8: “Ten Out of Tenn” tour: Andrew Belle, Butterfly Boucher, Trent Dabbs; Kilby Court
12/9: Phil Vassar, EnergySolutions Arena
12/9: Zero 7 and Phantogram, The Depot
12/9: Marduk, Mantic Ritual, Merrimack and Nachtmystium; Club Vegas
12/10: Orlando Magic at Utah Jazz
Things to do:
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is listed by TripAdvisor.com as the No. 1 attraction in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake Temple. Rated No. 4 by TripAdvisor.com, it is the original temple built for Mormons.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir. One of the most famous choirs in the world performs.
Great Salt Lake.
Park City, Utah. Huge ski resort about a half-hour away from downtown Salt Lake City. An international ski competition will take place there this week, too. So Michigan isn’t the only game in town. Plus, Olympic Park is there, where you can go for a ride on a bobsled track starting Dec. 19.
Salt Lake Olympic Cauldron Park. Opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Games were held here, which is right near the University of Utah.
Places to eat:
Tony Caputo Market & Deli, 308 W. Broadway. Italian deli recommended by Yelp.
Park Café, 604 E 1300 S. (801) 487-1670. Good American breakfast and brunch place, according to Yelp. Open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. And it’s cheap.
Red Iguana, 736 West North Temple. (801) 322-1489. A Mexican joint that is moderately priced, rated four stars by Yelp, and my friend Jeff recommended we dine there Tuesday night. He usually eats well.
Meditrina, 1394 S West Temple. (801) 485-2055. Urbanspoon.com says 81 percent of people like this place that serves Tapas, European and vegetarian food. And for those like me that might be traveling to Utah with Celiac or gluten intolerance, urbanspoon says the restaurant is gluten-free friendly.
Nightlife:
As of July 1, 2009, you no longer need a membership card to drink in Salt Lake City establishments. So now that you know that:
Brewvies Cinema Pub, 677 S 200 W, Ste. D. (801) 355-5500. Combine movies and a night out with alcohol and you get Brewvies, rated at 4.5 stars by Yelp!
Desert Edge Brewery At The Pub, 602 South 500 East, Trolley Square. Rated four stars by Yelp.
Piper Down An Olde World Pub, 1492 S State St. (801) 468-1492. Irish pub.
The Tavernacle Social Club, 201 E 300 S. (801) 519-8900. Dueling piano bar in the heart of downtown. Rated 4 stars by Yelp! Tuesday night is karaoke. Wednesday night is dueling pianos.
Other Salt Lake facts:
According to AnnArbor.com’s Pete Bigelow, you need something called a “crossing flag” to help you cross the street. I’ll work on a picture for Twitter.
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by e-mail at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein.
