The View at Snowbird

The View is one of the best condos at Snowbird. Really it's located on the mountain right between Alta and Snowbird, but faces Snowbird, and most importantly is ski-in ski-out for Snowbird.

Looking at the photos you'd never believe these condos have been here for about 20 years. This particular unit is privately owned, but has just been remodeled and is available for rent for the first time ever. Originally it was the model and you can still see why. It's been a great gathering place for friends and family and now it can be a place for yours. Contact Alta Chalets for rental information.

The 1905 Salt Lake City Library—OC Tanner's Flagship Store

Today, on a recommendation from a friend, I visited the OC Tanner Flagship store. For those of you unfamiliar with OC Tanner they are a large Utah company that specializes in fine jewelry and gifts.

Beautiful and unique architecture combined with the ease of accessibility, are two of the things that have always attracted me to Salt Lake City. I can't get enough of downtown—so, while I was wandering around today I made it a point to visit 15 South State Street. (Near the area of downtown currently going through a huge renovation / transformation with the City Creek project.)

I'm going to completely skip describing the contents of the store, impressive as they are, and focus on the building. OC Tanner's flagship retail store was built in 1905 as Salt Lake City's first public library building—before that Salt Lake had a territorial library as early as 1851. The original plot of land was donated by John Quackenbos Packard and valued at $20,000, the building cost $100,000 to complete and was home to over 14,000 books.

Like many public buildings constructed at the turn of the century the library was designed in the Neoclassical style by the New York firm Heins and LeFarge (of the New York Subway). After the building's life as a library it became the Hansen Planetarium until 2001.

Today after two years and a complete gutting of the building (by Big D Construction) the new store is fabulous—worth the visit. Much of the original design has been restored, including the stairs to the second floor, and of course the exterior. I'll let you experience the rest for yourself. Whether you're looking for a diamond or not, give it a visit.

Salon H2O at the Gateway

I never used to think that salons in malls were any good. The kind of places that catered to people who didn't make appointments in advance, just wanted to run in for a quick fix.

That was before I tried Studio H2O Salon. I went in because H2O Salon was recommended to me and when I Googled them it looked like a place with a lot of style. Call me a design snob, but I want a salon with a lot of style. The owner Tita and Twan are dedicated to keeping current on all the latest technology and products. They carry high-end brands such as: Bumble and Bumble, Kérastase and OPI. I've been several times now and have always left happy with the style and the service.

They also do great pedicures and this month are offering hot stone pedicures for only $25.00—I think that's a deal worth sharing with you. Studio H2O Salon is at the Gateway Mall, upstairs by the Megaplex. Call 801.456.HAIR if you want an appointment (yes, they do walk-ins) but they do get busy.

Yellow Snow Ice Cream

Yellow Snow Park City's newest Ice Cream and Coffee house was opened by Shawn McClennan—ice cream maker and snowboarder extraordinaire.












I was there for the grand opening and sampled both the ice cream (mint chocolate crunch) and the coffee. It's a good thing I don't live close, or I might become too much of a regular . . . There are 20 to 30 varieties of fresh ice cream and sherbet daily, plus all the usual gourmet coffee drinks and assorted snacks. It's a large, inviting space right next door to Fuego, in Prospector Square. They also have outdoor tables and games and often have live music.

If you're in Park City it's an excellent place to hangout with kids or without, they're open everyday from 6 am to midnight.

Over The Counter Cafe

Over the Counter Café

Hung over? Already hungry and done hiking by 11 am? Just plain starved or in the mood for some good ‘ole home style cookin’? Over The Counter is the only place to go. Their generous portions, low prices and fast service are incredible but won’t compare to the satisfaction you’ll feel after you’re done eating. My favorite? A number 2- bacon, sourdough toast, scrambled, cheese on the home fries. This is sure to satisfy. Or get an omlete, they have the best in town. Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, but remember to bring cash or a check, they don’t take cards.

 

Over The Counter- 2343 E 3300 S, open from 7 am to 2 pm. 

King's English

You are cleaning out some old boxes and you come across one of your favorite books. You open it and begin reading, the words bring back images of your favorite character and the smell of the paper and ink reminds you of the beach, the soft bed, the warm sun while you were reading it. The smell of books both old and new is one of my favorite things about The King’s English bookstore. This locally owned store holds so many adventures and stories just waiting behind its door. They have a wonderful children’s section that begs even adults to pick up Where the Wild Things Are and reunite with childhood memories.

Not only is the selection and atmosphere of the cozy store great, but the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful when you can’t even begin to narrow your choices down. And the best part of shopping here is you’re supporting a local business. If you can’t wait to start reading, grab a bite at Mazza, another local eatery serving incredible Middle Eastern cuisine and take sometime living an adventure through the pages of a great book.

King’s English- 1511 South 1500 East, open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.

Mazza 1515 South 1500 East

Sugarhouse Coffee

Sugarhouse Coffee

Salt Lake on a Sunday night is usually a ghost town. But in a small area of the city, there is life. Sugarhouse has always been known as the “up and coming, artsy” neighborhood, and while most of the cool original shops were torn down in hopes of developing a more “general public” friendly shopping area (think Gap vs. a consignment clothing store), there is one place that survives. Sugarhouse Coffee’s back patio faces a side street, and not knowing the area, you’re more than likely to drive by, but I can tell you its worth a stop. First off, they’re open late, and offer live music inside many nights. Its one of the only places on a warm Sunday night where you can enjoy the company of many different types of people without being afraid of being kicked out at closing time. The coffee itself is awesome; they have some very innovative and different drinks, all created by the long time staff. Upstairs is a cool lounge/art space where local artist display their work. The staff is very friendly and can be seen hanging out there in their off time. All in all it’s a cool place to hang out with friends, do homework, take your parents, or just people watch. I give it two thumbs up.

Sugarhouse Coffee is located on 1045 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City - (801) 486-3311