By Valory Reed, Locale Magazine -- #SaltLake is trending—trending in a really big way. Salt Lake is one of America’s five new foodie cities, three of its mountains are in the 2015 Top Ski Resorts—the Snowbird, Alta and Solitude. It has also been named the least stressed city. Furthermore, it is home to the number one College for Skiers—the University of Utah. The inside scoop on this Utah outpost? Salt Lake has a casual, community vibe, though it is a healthy, mid-sized metropolis. The stunning Wasatch Mountain backdrop houses eight world-class resorts in an hour’s drive of downtown. It seems colonies of artisans from food, wine, and the arts now call Salt Lake home so they too can enjoy the outdoors and friendly lifestyle. Getting around is even stress-free and green via the city’s light rail and bus system, Ride UTA, which drives up the winding canyons to the ski resort’s doorstep for you. With a bevy of direct flights from Orange County, San Diego, and LAX, you can be on the mountain with a wide grin enjoying the famed Utah powder by lunch. Be sure to put some of these places in your itinerary the next time to take a trip to Salt Lake for an unforgettable trip. Enjoy!
STAY
Hotel Monaco, A Kimpton Hotel
15 W 200 So
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.805.1801 | www.monaco-saltlakecity.com
The Hotel Monaco is a cool vibe, modern boutique hotel centrally located to fun dining, event centers, galleries and more.
Native Knowledge: The Greatest Snow On Earth package includes a one-day lift ticket, equipment storage, “altitude adjustment amenity” and overnight valet.
The Peery Hotel
110 W Broadway
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.521.4300 | www.peeryhotel.com
This historic hotel is oozing old world luxury and charm, but coupled with Salt Lake’s genuine caring hospitality. The location is around the corner from the new shopping and dining mecca, City Creek Center.
Native Knowledge: The Peery is offering a $99 one-night rate during the 12-venue Eve Winter Fest Event, December 29-31.
EAT
Pallet
237 So 400 W
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801.935.4431 | Www.eatpallet.com
If you cherish atmosphere as much as extraordinary food, you’ll love Pallet, once chosen “Best Pure Utah Décor.” The building was originally a loading dock for Salt Lake Valley’s first creamery. Pallet has painstakingly preserved this framework all while creating tasty food and artistic cocktails.
Native Knowledge: Locals rave about the Parmesan Truffle Fries and the Short Rib Ravioli.
Pago
898 So 900 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
801.532.0777 | www.pagoslc.com
Pago’s central force is to showcase local producers, which may include stock from their 7,000 sq ft micro-garden. Located in a small, historic Woodman Building, the menu evolves seasonally based on which ingredients are showing their colors at the time. Expect a creative and tasty wine menu as famed wine producer Evan Lewandowski is Pago’s sommelier.
Native Knowledge: Though dinner is a stand out with choices like Salt Roasted Pear and Bavette Steak, word is that brunch steals the show with an amazing Croque Madame. Also, if you stay in a rental home or condo, consider an in-home culinary extravaganza from SLC Pop, who hosts private, multi-course dining experiences by current Season 12 Top Chef Contestant Katie Weinner. For more info contact info@slcpop.com.
DO
Alta Ski Resort
Hwy 210
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Alta, UT 84092
801.359.1078 | www.alta.com
Alta is a big, beautiful, classic ski mountain. As the second resort in the nation to install a chairlift, ski fanatics have been clamoring to this mountain for 75 years. You can explore the powder in Alta’s 116+ trails or go big with the AltaSnowbird Pass adding another 169 runs from neighboring resort, Snowbird, to your menu.
Native Knowledge: Your aggressive younger skier will dig Teen Camp for 13-17 year olds December 26-January 2. Each day of the camp will include coaching that helps teen skiers challenge Alta’s adventurous terrain and different snow conditions.
Utah Symphony Après Ski
123 W So Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.533.6683 | www.utahsymphony.org
Relax and savor beautiful live music after an exhilarating day on the slopes. Mention “après-ski” when calling the Utah Symphony/Utah Opera box office to snag the best seats in the house for only $35. Be sure and save your lift pass from that week as you’ll need to show it at Will Call. Celebrate the 2015 New Year with fun, upbeat marches and lively dance numbers in “New Year in Vienna” January 2-3.
Eve Winter Festival
801.333.1133 | www.eveslc.com
Salt Lake celebrates its bountiful winter season with a three-day, multi-venue party, December 29-31, teeming with live concerts, DJs, drinks, food, art, sports and family events. You can buy specific event passes or save big bucks and purchase an all access pass. Better yet, raise the bar and go fancy with a VIP pass.
Native Knowledge: If you want to give your wallet a rest, there are many free activities. Sift through the free events schedule here.