Utah Travel - A Walking Tour of Salt Lake City

Explore Salt Lake City’s natural and cultural charms

The commanding Wasach Mountains lie east of Salt Lake City. Their name derives from the Paiute Indians, meaning “mountains of many waters.” Oh yes, the water. It’s true - Great Salt Lake is salty. The lake has reached salinity levels eight times that of sea water.

These natural charmers surround a city that is as rich in cultural heritage as it is in beauty. Most central city sites are within walking distance from each other, and the wide thoroughfares make exploration of the downtown core very accessible. Pioneer logic dictates that the streets be made wide enough for a team of four oxen and a covered wagon to turn around. The Brigham Young Monument just north of the intersection at Main Street and South Temple denotes the originating point for Salt Lake’s grid system of street numbering. A three-ton eagle tops the Eagle Gate at State Street and South Temple.

Salt Lake City hosts the annual Utah Arts Festival held at the Gateway District Of the Union Pacific Railroad site. This four-day outdoor celebration of the arts focuses on artists’ work and its interaction with the public. The main attraction is the Artists Marketplace, showing local and international artists and their creative expression. Sculpture, painting, visual arts, graphics, pottery, live music and photography are only a few facets of the festival.

I stroll down Art Street and take part in the process of making my art mark. My attempt to draw a smile on the faceless Mona Lisa proves worthy of a laugh and a much needed art lesson. Art Street is a creative hands-on outlet designed for all ages. The festival is a fantastic family outing that is sure to act as a collage of culture for Salt Lake City for many years to come.

The downtown core of Salt Lake City is a compact area, housing some of the city’s major points of interest. The city’s best known attraction is Temple Square, home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and is the focal point of downtown. Free tours are offered seven days a week and the famous choir can be heard twice weekly.

Across from Temple Square are four floors of shops, restaurants and services making the Crossroads Plaza one of the country’s largest indoor shopping malls. ZCMI Mall across the street occupies two floors, and offers late night shopping hours.

The Promised Valley Playhouse, just south of the ZCMI Center has been restored for live theater and special programs. It serves as a center for the arts and is home to a myriad of cultural entertainment. The Playhouse provides the community with a full season of live musical and dramatic productions from September to May.

Billed as one of the most innovative planetariums in the world, The Hansen Planetarium entertains and informs audiences with star shows projected on the ceiling (a 50-foot geodesic dome) with laser/music performances. A space science museum, interactive exhibits, and a unique gift shop are all part of the three exciting floors. ( www.hansenplanetarium.net )

The recently constructed John W. Gallivan Utah Center has become the other focal point of downtown Salt Lake. Featured here are art projects, an ice rink, a huge outdoor chess board and performance areas. The center serves as a hub for exhibits, fairs, poetry readings, debates, public gatherings, parades, festivals and holiday celebrations. Touted as “Salt Lake’s Outdoor Living Room”, it’s a fun place to spend some leisure time and watch Salt Lakers go by. ‘‘

Under the sizzling heat of the high Utah sun, leisure time can also be spent craving a tall cold one. Microbreweries are hopping on the barley band wagon, a trend that is becoming a popular pastime in Salt Lake City.

The top of the hops I discovered was Fuggles, at 367 West 2OO South Street, Salt Lake’s only downtown microbrewery. Because the design of the pub is split between tavern and restaurant, it makes it accessible to children. The menu boasts alternative items to the usual pub fare, and its signature ale didn’t pale in comparison to the food. The open hearth thin crust pizza was my choice.

To enjoy yourself in Salt Lake City, all you need is an adventurous spirit, a map and an appetite. Create your own walking tour and enjoy the friendly welcome mat that will greet your feet with a smile.

Author: Tracey Rayson