By Sonja Stark, timesunion.com -- Visitors from around the world are drawn to Salt Lake City for many unique landmarks and attractions. From hiking the Wasatch to learning about dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum to feeding feathered friends at the Tracy Aviary, there’s no shortage of things to do.
However, Mormon or not, many come to Salt Lake City to do exactly what I did on Saturday – wander the peaceful, tranquil grounds of Temple Square. In fact, it’s Utah’s most visited attraction with tours available in 40 languages.
I’m in the Beehive State until Wednesday on assignment at the Convention Center, one block from the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or Mormons). After finishing up for the day, I found myself drawn to Temple Square for photos.
After roaming freely for 30 minutes, my uneasiness began to vacillate. There would be no bolt of lighting striking my soul today. 35 acres of manicured perfection welcomes people of all faiths (or no faith), backgrounds and opinions, at no cost.
The unseasonably warm weekend prompts others to swell around garden beds of fragrant tulips, trillium and purple crocuses. Immense infinity pools, waterfalls and terraced streams dazzle the eye and enchant the imagination. A venerable castle-like building, casted yellow by the melting sun, is the hallmark of the south visitors side. Surrounding the building is the Tabernacle with it’s world-famous acoustics, the Assembly Hall and the Visitors Center.
Whether people come to pray, play or proselytize, this shining showpiece of Mormon history and cultural stories aims to inspire and provoke questions.