Cynthia & Vincent
Things To Do
Tracy Aviary
Located in Salt Lake City's Liberty Park, the Tracy Aviary is the oldest in the nation with over 400 birds representing over 135 different species. We recommend taking a stroll through the park while you're here.
Antelope Island State Park
For fantastic views of Great Salt Lake and to spot some bison, make your way to this state park located approximately 41 miles north of Salt Lake City. Take Exit 332 off Interstate 15, then drive west on Antelope Drive to the park entrance gate. The park is 7 miles west of the entrance gate across the Davis County Causeway.
Utah's National Parks
If you have time for an extended stay, we recommend visiting some or all of Utah's five national Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capital Reef. A four and a half hour drive south of Salt Lake City, Zion National Park is one of Cyndi's favorites. Enjoy the desert and red rock views, go for a hike, rent a mountain bike or ATV, and marvel at Zion's mars-like landscape. Note there are a few entrances to the park. We recommend traveling through the Springdale entrance for souvenirs and restaurants. Make a pit stop at Cyndi and Vinny's favorite coffee and quick eats spot along the way: River Rock Roasting Company in La Verkin, UT.
Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and together with the University of Utah, is a state arboretum. Today, Red Butte Garden has 21 acres of display gardens and over five miles of hiking trails. The Garden, which is community-funded, has grown into one of the nation’s pre-eminent botanic gardens with 200,000 annual visitors, over 10,000 members, and over 300 active volunteers.
TNT Guns & Range
Aside from its mountains and deserts, Utah loves three things: God, guns, and 'Merica. For your firearm fix, head to this indoor range. TNT offers private shooting suites, a rifle range, and clay pigeon shotgun range.
Temple Square
Utah is the home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members of the church are often referred to as Mormons or LDS. Tour the temple grounds, stop in one of the visitor centers, or visit one of the many historical buildings in the square to learn about the faith, history of Salt Lake City, and the pioneers who first settled here. Note the temple itself is not open for tours.
Natural History Museum of Utah
History buff? Plan a morning or afternoon here. The Natural History Museum of Utah has many exhibits, including several focused on the history of the Intermountain West.
Dinosaur National Monument
Experience the world's most famous dinosaur fossil quarry at Dinosaur National Monument. Dinosaur National Monument is your all-access pass to a bygone era, the unique environment of the late Jurassic now locked up in stone and yielding its ancient mysteries to modern science. Located on the Colorado and Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument is about three hours east of Salt Lake City. Note that only the Utah side of the park in Jensen houses the dinosaur fossils.
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
For an extended trip, we recommend visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming. Grand Teton National Park is about a four and a half hour drive north of Salt Lake City. We recommend staying in Jackson, WY as your home base where there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Be sure to stop at the Cowboy Bar and Moo's Gourmet Ice Cream downtown. Take a drive down Moose Wilson Road outside of Jackson at sunrise or sunset for the best chances of spotting wildlife close to town. From Jackson, Yellowstone National Park is about an hour and a half drive north. Book a guided tour, hike, camp, fish, boat, and spot wildlife in both parks including antelope, elk, bison, and bears. Wyoming is grizzly and grey wolf territory - consider yourself lucky if you spot them! You'll need to plan to be out at sunrise or sunset for the best chances of seeing wildlife.
Roots Cafe
Roots is our favorite low-key brunch spot. Cozy, comfortable, and a local fresh menu make for a reliable dining experience. Roots does not serve alcohol, but they have specialty drinks including fresh juice, teas, and kombucha available. Pro tip: call ahead and put your name on the waiting list. If there's still a wait when you arrive, check out the attached vintage shop, The Old Flamingo.
The Rose Establishment
Hip, down-home coffeehouse with exotic beans & loose-leaf tea, plus in-house bakery & sandwich menu. Fresh, healthy, options. The tartines are delicious.
Eva's Bakery
Bread, croissants, and pastries, oh my! Stop into Eva's for a sweet treat and coffee. Eva's is also open for breakfast and lunch. This is another popular spot downtown but worth the wait!
Takashi
Utah is land-locked but you wouldn't know it by tasting Takashi's sushi, which is made with fresh fish flown in daily. Great food, great prices, and great location downtown. Pro tip: they do not take reservations, so be prepared for a wait. Our favorite sushi rolls are the Little Mermaid, Evergreen, Ramon's, and Easy Rider. The tobiko is also excellent and Vinny's go-to order. Head over during lunch hours or arrive at opening (5:30 pm) for a better shot at a lower wait time. Takashi is closed on Sundays.
White Horse Spirits & Kitchen
White Horse is a cocktail bar with a full brunch, lunch and dinner menu. We love to stop in for a drink and some bar snacks, specifically the Egg n' Chips. Pro tip: make a reservation if you plan on sitting down for a meal.
Red Iguana
Branded as Utah's "Killer Mexican Food," Red Iguana lives up to the hype. They specialize in mole, a traditional Mexican sauce. Pair your meal with one of their margaritas and you will not be disappointed. Pro tip: as with many of Salt Lake City's most popular restaurants, you should expect a wait. For parties of six or more, you may be able to get a reservation depending on availability. Red Iguana does not have an indoor waiting area, so be prepared to join the line outside.
High West Distillery and Saloon
High West was founded in Utah and has won several awards for its whiskey. The saloon is a must-visit gastro-distillery, featuring alpine-inspired western fare. Try Vinny's favorite whiskey, the Rendezvous Rye. High West is located 30 minutes East of Salt Lake City in Park City. We highly recommend strolling through Park City's Main Street and stopping into its many boutiques and art galleries.