Salt Lake City in a Day?! (Joseph: squatters, house, restaurant)

[Hartsmart]

My husband and I are driving cross country. Leaving MA 9/21, will get to Salt Lake around the 24th. Would like to know what we "MUST" see? We love food, outdoors, and the arts if that helps. But we are open to anything. Places with a view, good local food & brew, and points of interest... Please let me know what we shouldn't miss. We have only 1 day in town. Thanks!

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Hartsmart

My husband and I are driving cross country. Leaving MA 9/21, will get to Salt Lake around the 24th. Would like to know what we "MUST" see? We love food, outdoors, and the arts if that helps. But we are open to anything. Places with a view, good local food & brew, and points of interest... Please let me know what we shouldn't miss. We have only 1 day in town. Thanks!

Well, I can't imagine being in Salt Lake City for just one day and not seeing Temple Square. I would suggest a 40-minute tour of the grounds and another hour just browsing the immediate vicinity on your own. Be sure to go across the street to the LDS Conference Center. Tell one of the men or women who greets you that you don't have time for a lengthy tour, but would like to see the auditorium. It seats 21,000 people and is really impressive. Then ask for directions to the LDS Church Office Building and take the elevator to the 26th floor where you can see a panoramic view of the city.

The Lion House Pantry would be a great place for lunch. It's a little restaurant in the lower level of Brigham Young's old home. The food is served cafeteria style, but don't let that put you off. It's excellent! If the weather is nice and the backyard and patio are open, you can eat outside under the shade trees.

The Utah State Capitol has recently been renovated and is an absolute must-see. It's one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings I've ever been in. There are guided tours of the building there, too, and another great view of the city. It's also just a few blocks away from Temple Square.

I'll be thinking of some more things, but will also wait to see what everybody else says before offering any more suggestions.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Temple Sq is a beautiful place to walk around. Fountains, nice flowers, probably many still blooming. I liked peeking in the Taberbacle building (you know, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?).

If time and can get there, the Red Iguana on North Temple just past the interstate overpass has outstanding and inexpensive food. For beer, a lot of people like Squatters Brew Pub - food too.

[Katzpur]

Oh, I just remembered...

If you are here on the 24th, you may wish to go to a Tabernacle Choir rehearsal. They rehearse every Thursday night (and the 24th is a Thursday) for the upcoming Sunday's broadcast. It's free of charge and I'm pretty sure you can come and go as you like.

[irman]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

They rehearse every Thursday night (and the 24th is a Thursday) for the upcoming Sunday's broadcast. It's free of charge and I'm pretty sure you can come and go as you like.

Just keep in mind that it is a rehearsal !
Still worthwhile being there as a final thing to do on your one day trip.
And .. yes, come as you like (somewhat decent).

[Hartsmart]

is it worth checking out antelope island?

[rivettijensen]

Antelope Island is pretty but that would pretty much take up your whole day.

For food, you MUST go to Tony Ca p u t o's on 300 South and 300 West. It's the best Italian deli this side of New York. It has been written up in several national papers and I'm pretty sure Guy Fieri has gone there on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (Food Network). It's incredible!

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Hartsmart

is it worth checking out antelope island?

I love Antelope Island, and I disagree that it would take up a day. It's only about 20 minutes or so from downtown Salt Lake City, where you will probably be staying anyway. There isn't a ton of stuff to do out there, so you could spend an hour out on the island and pretty much get a good look at both the lake and the Salt Lake City skyline from there in that amount of time. If you decide you want to see the Great Salt Lake, do not waste your time going to any of the beaches at Saltair. They're ugly and dirty and the smell can be quite disgusting. Antelope Island, on the other hand, is unique and very picturesque in its own way. I would highly recommend it.

[Lmejh]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I love Antelope Island, and I disagree that it would take up a day. It's only about 20 minutes or so from downtown Salt Lake City, where you will probably be staying anyway. There isn't a ton of stuff to do out there, so you could spend an hour out on the island and pretty much get a good look at both the lake and the Salt Lake City skyline from there in that amount of time. If you decide you want to see the Great Salt Lake, do not waste your time going to any of the beaches at Saltair. They're ugly and dirty and the smell can be quite disgusting. Antelope Island, on the other hand, is unique and very picturesque in its own way. I would highly recommend it.

Although, in my opinion, any Great Salt Lake beach is disgusting. Took us there in fifth grade for a field trip - I'll never subject my children to entering that cesspool. However, Antelope Island itself is pretty fascinating. There's a visitor center there that's worth taking a look.

[MrAnderson]

Temple Square - go up to the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and check out the view. Capitol. Walk down Main Street...maybe take the Trax around the downtown vicinity to see what it's like (it's free for downtown areas). The downtown area isn't too big and is full of historic buildings, amazing architecture, and beautiful streetscapes. City Library (one of the best in the Nation). Gateway and the Planetarium located there. Liberty Park.