Salt Lake Girl

The View at Snowbird

2011-11-23T22:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T00:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

The first public library in Salt Lake opened in 1898, but the current Main Salt Lake City Library is a modern icon of Salt Lake's progress and modernity. Designed by Moshe Safdie, it's a beautiful glass structure full of natural light. It's massive at 240,000 square feet and include stores, art galleries, a coffee shop and the home of KCPW (not to mention an excellent book, magazine and media collection). The outdoor area is really a large park full of native plants and water features that in June hosts the Utah Arts Festival.

The roof is also a garden that can be accessed by a long curving outdoor stairway, or with the inside glass elevators. From the top all of Salt Lake is visible this vantage point. Inside or out—the library is not the stuffy old-school type setting or atmosphere—it's just a really great place to hang out or get inspired.

The Library is located across from City Hall in Library Square at: 210 East and 400 South
Monday - Thursday 9 - 9
Friday and Saturday 9 - 6
Sunday 1 - 5

European Pastries in Salt Lake - Gourmandise the Bakery

2009-08-05T13:57:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but for me there's nothing like a freshly made pastry and espresso for breakfast. It's a special event at Gourmandise (which means a taste for fine food in French) where the options are almost unlimited. With choices that include croissants, eclairs, European style breads, muffins and cookies, I find it very hard to decide.

Gourmandise was voted Salt Lake's best pastries by City Weekly and City Search, also the "Best Quick Fix for Happiness", and I have to admit I agree. With decadent dessert, breakfast, lunch, dinner and a kid's menu there's something to make everyone happy. They also offer two things that are high on my list: outdoor dining and free internet. I tried them first because they had a great offer on citydeals.com for a discounted gift certificate and I haven't stopped dropping in.

As I write this I find myself so full of today's special panini that I just don't have room for dessert — I think I'll have to take one to go . . .

Gourmandise is located at: 250 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 • Phone: 801.328.3330

Great Salt Lake Dates

2009-08-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

I’ve often found myself doing something and thinking- this would be fun to do on a date. But when it actually comes time to go on a date, I’m usually hard pressed to remember my good ideas. Here are a few of the date ideas I remembered. And I’ll keep adding as I come up with more.

1. Brunch at the Alta Lodge and a hike- Sunday brunch begins at 9 am and goes until 2 pm, Saturday Lunch begins at 10 am and goes until 2 pm. You can hike before (I recommend Cecret Lake) and reward yourself with brunch, or your can eat your heart out and walk it off afterwards. Another nice, easy walk is on the Summer Road.

2. Twilight Concert Series at The Galivan Center- Every Thursday night, downtown Salt Lake hosts a free concert at the Galivan Center. Many local eateries set up booths where you can buy awesome food, and there are local artists selling their products, from jewelry to henna tattoos. The concert goes from 7 pm to 10 pm.

3. Sundance Resort moonlight ride- whenever there is a full moon, the main chairlift at Sundance in Provo, UT opens for a roundtrip ride. Bring a blanket and enjoy a quiet ride to the top and back down. Afterwards, relax in the bar and listen to live music.

4. Horseback riding in Mineral Basin, Snowbird- Take the tram to the top of the mountain where you will be brought to your horses and begin your trail ride through the gorgeous Mineral Basin. This is a great daytime activity when it’s too hot in the valley to go outside.

5. Picnic at Red Butte Gardens- Red Butte gardens, located by the University of Utah is large and spectacular at any time during the summer. There are many places to sit and take in the scenery. Afterwards, sit on the main lawn and have a romantic picnic.

6. The Hogle Zoo- the zoo isn’t just for kids! Take your special someone to the Hogle Zoo and spend the afternoon wandering around looking at the animals. The zoo offers all the great summer treats, like snow cones and cotton candy, but you’re also welcome to bring your own food. I recommend checking out the elephants, Christy, the 23 year old African Elephant is pregnant and due any day now!

7. Saturday Farmer’s Market in Pioneer Park- the farmers market goes from 8 am to 12 noon. There are many local products from produce to food to art. It’s a great place to grab a wonderful breakfast or lunch from the local vendors. I usually go, get henna tattoos, some food and then go to a matinee movie at the Gateway which is only a couple blocks away.

8. Swimming in Snowbird at the Cliff Lodge- The Cliff Lodge at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, boasts a large pool on the roof. It’s a little pricey, $20 a person, but I think it’s worth it. For one thing, you have to be 18 to enjoy the pool, which means it’s the perfect place to go and relax, its also located in the Wasatch National Forest, which means you’ll be surrounded by green trees and beautiful mountain air.

Some of these might be obvious ideas, but depending on the times and days you go, these seemingly simple ideas could prove to be very romantic. And guys, all of these places would be very good proposal ideas, just a little hint…

Welcome to Salt Lake Girl

2009-07-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Ah to be young… and have nothing to do… Welcome to the old Salt Lake City, UT, my hometown. My name is Samantha and I’ve decided to help others find something fun to do. I love Utah, its one of the most beautiful places in the world. When I turned 21 I realized the regardless of the beauty, this place is different. I mean, Salt Lake isn’t exactly linked with exciting nightlife, but it can be if you know where to look. I’ve dabbled in the arts, music, food, outdoors activities and local events and found there aren’t too many resources or guides to help you find out where to go or what to do I thought I’d try my hand at making entertaining yourself as simple and easy as possible.

One thing I know is that two heads are better than one, and more than that are even better, so please, comment and review my reviews.

Enjoy, and stay tuned!

-Sam