Salt Lake City isn’t exactly known as “party city.” But, there’s a lot of fun to be had in SLC and easy to do on foot. Many city centers have been decimated by the expanding suburban shopping areas. But, downtown SLC has maintained a vibrant city center, in my opinion, for three reasons: Vivint Smart Home Arena (home to the Utah Jazz and an event location), the Salt Palace Convention Center, and Temple Square. All three sites are easy walking distance of each other and surrounded by hotel and restaurant facilities.
This innovative signage in front of the Salt Palace Convention Center
Bruce and I flew into SLC on Saturday, our focus on the Sunday night Eagles Concert. With time available to explore the town, we dropped our bags at the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown and walked less than a mile to the Clark Planetarium, 110 S 400 W. The planetarium offers activities for all ages.
George Rhoads’ 30′ kinetic sculpture titled Newton’s Daydream. It’s free and fun.
We began our time at the Clark seeing the IMAX show, The Search for Life in Space -3D. Tickets can be obtained on-line (https://slco.org/clark-planetarium/) or on site. There are two movie venues, the IMAX and the Hansen Dome Theater where you recline in your seat and the movie is projected on the dome ceiling. Here we watched a fascinating show called, Extreme Planets. The current exhibit is on meteors which includes outstanding examples that you’re allowed to touch.
Whether you’re looking for casual or upscale dining, from pizza to top-choice steaks, it’s just around the block. With the great weather this time of year, outdoor dining is popular. Friends enjoying good food and comradery fills the air. Surprisingly, there’s no need to do a Google search. Just stroll down the street until you see a place that strikes your fancy. You can’t go wrong.
Sunday was the perfect day to visit Temple Square, the home of he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Regardless of your religious affiliation, this manicured, ten acre complex is worth your time to learn and enjoy. Guides and tours are readily available. There is no pressure and no one will ask you for your personal information.
SLC Mormon Temple, completed in 1893. Constructed from quartz monzonite mined at Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Temple is not open to the general public.
The Visitor’s Center has a replica of the Temple with cut-outs so visitors can see the interior of the church. Special events are held in the Temple such as weddings and special services, but only to members of good standing. The most interesting building on the campus was the Tabernacle. This is open to the general public. This is where the famous Tabernacle choir holds concerts. They weren’t performing while we were there, but one of the tour guides turned on a recording so we could listen to the great acoustics of the building.
The gold-leafed Angel Moroni, sits on high of the center east tower to the Temple, created by Cyrus E. Dallin.
After our morning exploring Temple Square, we were off to do some more exploring, this time at the Mystery Escape Room, 130 S Rio Grande. Escape games are rapidly gaining in popularity in cities across the US. This one is downtown within easy access to our hotel. There are a variety of themes you can select from and the number of people varies, but usually a group of six people works best. For an hour, the group tries to figure out how to “escape” from the room. You might select 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or Sherlock Holmes or one of the other themes. Tickets are approximately $30.00/per person.
Eagles’ Tour:
The highlight of our SLC trip was the Eagles’ Concert at Vivint Smart Home Arena. In early January, 2016, Glenn Frey, lead singer of the Eagles, died from surgical complications from rheumatoid arthritis. His son, Deacon Frey, has taken his place on tour.
Deacon Frey, son of lead singer Glenn Frey, now performing with the Eagles on tour.
For 2-1/2 hours, non-stop, the Eagles performed for a cheering and appreciative audience.
The Eagles in concert at Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, May 20, 2018
From left to right, Timothy B. Schmidt, Don Henley, Deacon Frey, and Joe Walsh.
The special effects were mesmerizing as they enhanced the lyrics of those songs that we’ve cried and laughed to for over forty years.
Special effects backdrop of Joe Walsh.
The final song performed was Hotel California, one of their all-time greats. The audience wouldn’t let them stop and called them back for two more songs, finally ending with Desperado. A good time was had by all.
Other fun activities in the SLC area, but requires transportation:
Donut Falls: less than an hour’s drive from downtown SLC is Donut Falls. This is a 1.5 mile easy to moderate hike to the falls, which is appropriately named because of how the water flows through a donut shaped rock. Be sure to bring water, nutrition bars and wear sunscreen. This area is owned by the City of Salt Lake and is open year round to the public. No fees to do the hike.
Fast Kart Indoor Speedway, 3969 South 500 West. Fast Kart has state of the art go-karts which can speed around two tracks in excess of 40 mph. Priced by time, for example, 10 minutes is $22. That gives you 18-22 laps. Depending on your endurance and “need for speed” the cost could add up quickly.
All my previous Salt Lake City experiences have been tied to one of the magnificent ski resorts, Snowbird, Alta and several others. Now I realize that SLC is a year around destination city. The people are friendly, prices are reasonable, and entertainment is around every corner. Visit SLC!
About the Author:
In 2010, Annie Coburn created FAB Senior Travel, a blog for mature and adventurous travelers. Her blog features travel articles from contributors as well as her own travels. Annie has published five travel books targeting the greatest cities on earth: Walk Paris, Walk Beijing, Walk London, Walk NYC, and Ellie’s Grand Adventure. She recently spent seven-months living and traveling in South America.
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Website: http:// www.fabseniortravel.com
Bruce and Annie at Vivint Smart Home Arena just before the beginning of the Eagles’ concert.
