“This is a place,” said pioneer extraordinary Brigham Young, after several months of an exhaustive hike to some of the country's harshest places.
The “place” he addressed is now known as Salt Lake City. At that time, though, in 1847, it was nothing more than barren land, where a group of weary Mormon immigrants found themselves after giving up all other worldly possessions for the chance to rebuild their lives. One can only guess about the reaction of his weary followers. Surrounded by cracked wormwood and barren soil, as well as among a desert lake, there must have been a serious look to foresee a grand metropolis that would absolutely prove it would be the promised land for hedonists and ascetics.
My relationship with Salt Lake City is quite extensive. In the end, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve been in this state capital of Hay. And I must admit that I am not tired of this yet. Salt Lake City was intended for dozens of family trips. He served as a place to meet friends and relatives. And most of my travel elsewhere usually occurs at Salt Lake City International Airport - the region’s predominant air hub.
Salt Lake City is an eclectic jumble of modern and outdated, fantasy and simple, kitsch and virtuous. The city serves as the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and yet only about half of its inhabitants classify themselves as such.
The city boasts wide streets full of retail outlets and fine restaurants. However, the city center is rather small, since most of the population of the valley is located in the outer suburbs. Its focal point is the great LDS temple, which serves as a landmark in this area. The rest of the city consists of lightweight nets with a grid to the north, south, east and west of the temple.
Although only right-wing members of the LDS faith can enter the temple, surrounding gardens and buildings are available to visitors. Daily volunteer missionaries from more than 40 countries seek to share the history, belief, and doctrine of the Church of Mormon in 30 different languages in several individual tours of Temple Square.
Despite the fact that downtown Salt Lake City is charming enough to keep itself from similar other major US cities, these are easily accessible parts of the desert that attractively attract visitors to Utah. The nearby mountains of the Washat Front act as a glorious bastion of perennial outdoor activities. The surrounding forests cater to all types - from the spear-pitching dwellers tents to lavish five-star resorts. And in the midst of all this is Park City, the giddy younger brother of Salt Lake.
Ski resorts dot the landscape. In fact, the airport is four hours away. Visitors and locals, as always, flock to the slopes every winter to experience what “Ski Utah!” Claims to be “the biggest snow on earth”. And given the popularity of such resorts, “Ski Utah!” Just might be for something.
Although soft, powdery snow is the main temptation for Park City during the winter months, this is by no means the only draw. Every January, the Sundance Film Festival shows independent films from across the country and around the world. During the festival, Park City turns from a rustic winter village into a sensational Hollywood battle. Glitz and glamor overtake strength and wildness.
Feeling the many facets of Salt Lake City, most visitors believe they are calling for Brigham Young. Salt Lake really is a “place” - a place for gourmet cuisine, shopping, skiing, hiking, cycling, winding and contemplating. So go for it. Visit Utah and make it your place.
