What to do in SLC

For a quick primer, read http://wikitravel.org/en/Utah

In late August, the leaves in the mountains will just begin to turn. There are many canyons with day-hiking trails that can be found just off road. Among our favorites are Millcreek Canyon (pay by the car, many maintained trails), see http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/wcnf/unit/slrd/recreation/picnicking/mill_creek_picnic.shtml, and the Red Butte Gardens (pay per person, lots of well-maintained trails). If you'd like to try your hand at mountain biking, Deer Valley Resort in Park City has chair lifts that will take you and your bike to some of the more fun trails.

There are a handful of architectural sites. Check out the City Library on 200 East and 400 South. You will also see many of my clients hanging out there to get out of the heat. The spiral jetty on the north end of the Great Salt Lake is a famous, world architectural wonder. And, Temple Square (South Temple and State St) is something to experience if coming from out-of-state.

If shopping is your bag, there a couple of shopping centers. The Gateway, an outdoor shopping mall, is located just west of downtown at 400 West 200 South. Trolley Square, an old trolley car garage, is located on the eastern part of downtown at 700 East and 500 South. If you just have to go to a mall, on the south end of the valley you can find Fashion Place Mall (approximately 5600 South State St.)

Favorite Watering Holes and restaurants. Please familiarize yourself with Utah's unique liquor laws. Contrary to popular opinion, it is possible to get a drink in Utah. Read the section regarding liquor laws in http://wikitravel.org/en/Utah

Want to catch a movie, a beer, and a pizza? Go to Brewvies (see www.brewvies.com). This theatre tends to play second run blockbusters and art-house flicks. The beer is the 3.2% variety, and the pizzas are very tasty. Other standard movie theatres include the Broadway cinemas (arthouse/indie) on 300 South State St., Regency Theatres (arthouse/indie) at Trolley Square, the Tower Theater (indie) at 900 South 900 East, and Megaplex at the Gateway (current, popular movies).

At a place called a private club, you may be asked if you are a "member." No worries. You can buy a temporary membership for a few bucks. Think of it as a cover charge. However, this cover charge of a few bucks will get you and your party in the door and drinking in no time. Favorite private club? The Bayou (State Street and 650 South). Other decent private clubs include Red Door (200 South Main St.), Circle Lounge (350 South State St.), Green Street (at Trolley Square), the Republican (Irish bar) at 900 South State St., and Piper Down (1600 South State St.).

There are plenty of great dining options. Our favorite is Trio, located on 900 East and 700 South. Great sushi can be had at Happy Sumo, located within the Gateway Mall. Mazza serves fantastic middle eastern cuisine in a great neighborhood atmosphere at 1500 South 1500 East. Across the street from Mazza is the Paris Bistro, a spendy French restaurant. Canelas, on 200 East and 500 South is a great, local Italian eatery, as is it's neighbor, Urban Bistro. Squatter's Brew Pub has a great all-around menu and serves brunch on Sundays. They are located at 150 West 300 South. Bambara at Hotel Monaco is fantastic (200 South Main Street). Stoneground Pizzeria serves moderate to expensive Italian/American fare, located on 400 South and 230 East. Market Street Grill and the Oyster Bar (private club) are SLC institutions, serving steak and seafood.

If protesting is your bag, you could join SLC's mayor in protesting G.W. Bush's visit to SLC. Should happen on either Sunday or Monday. I'll try to make it.

You like hippies and outdoor markets? The hippies and yuppies take over Pioneer Park on Saturday mornings (400 South and 300 West) for the weekly Farmers' Market. You like drum circles? Go to Liberty Park on 700 East and 900 South on Sunday afternoon. Bring your own bongos.

I'll update this list as I think of more things.