Things To Do
Natural History Museum of Utah
Interested in learning more about Utah's history, including the thousands of years of indigenous history that preceded its invasion and settlement by White Mormon pioneers who were driven out of several other states? Then come here. Terry probably went there as a kid on a school field trip but doesn't remember. It's located at the University of Utah, which much of Terry's family attended, and has other stuff that's not that interesting.
Red Iguana
If you don't eat at Red Iguana (and specifically, their mole), then you never visited SLC. It's that legendary. Terry's family has gone here for years, where they've treated many happy guests, including Elena.
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Terry's family has gone here for years for really good Japanese food, including award-winning nabekyaki udon, which Elena fell deeply in love with.
Squatters Pub
Squatters has been around forever. Sample one of Utah's many local beers (yes, you read that right). Other good pubs are Red Rock Brewery and Proper Brewing, which has a great burger joint that's attached.
Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining
This is Terry's favorite bar in SLC. Feel the rush of drinking high-quality bourbons, whiskies, cocktails, and beer in a hip atmosphere just a few blocks away from the headquarters of the Mormon Church. For other great bars, Terry recommends Bourbon House, Tinwell, Beer Bar, and Bar X (owned by the Dad from Modern Family; he lives in SLC). There are probably more, as SLC's bar scene has exploded in the last 5-10 years.
Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine Trail
This is a favorite hiking trail of Terry's family. The trailhead is located at Brighton Ski Resort, a short 5-minute drive from Solitude up Big Cottonwood Canyon. There are three lakes total. It's a relatively easy hike with lots of mountain wildflowers and the occasional wild elk.
The Great Saltair
If you want to check out the Great Salt Lake, Terry recommends doing so from Saltair, a once-popular lakeside amusement park that's now long abandoned and kind of creepy but cool. It's like going back in time.
High West Saloon
Yes, not only can you find whiskey in Utah, but some of the best whiskey you've ever had. Their Campfire is Terry's favorite whiskey. Check out their distillery, try some samples, eat some food, enjoy the mountain scenery.
Park City Alpine Slide
This was Terry's favorite thing to do in Park City when he was a kid and it still is.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
For those interested in Asian American history, this is where the last spike for the Transcontinental Railroad was driven by two Chinese immigrant laborers, representing the more than 10,000 Chinese workers who helped build the Central Pacific portion that started in Sacramento and spanned the Sierra Nevadas, Nevada, and Utah. The park contains a monument dedicated to the Chinese immigrant labor force donated by a Chinese American historical society.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The salty remnants of Lake Bonneville, an ancient lake that spanned much of the Mountain West. The famous land-based artwork, and one of Elena's favorites, the Spiral Jetty, is located here.
Bear Lake
Terry has fond childhood memories of eating Bear Lake's famous raspberry shakes.
Dinosaur National Monument
Topaz Concentration Camp
More Asian American history in Utah. Topaz was one of the U.S. concentration camps created to imprison the more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during WWII. According to the linked guide (which contains some inappropriate wording, but offers some helpful tips), it's easily accessible if you plan on driving down to Moab to visit Arches and/or Canyonlands.
Navajo Tribal Parks (including Four Corners Monument)
Zion National Park
Capitol Reef
Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon
