For Kevin’s “late 30’s” birthday — I don’t dare say the number on this blog — we did a road trip starting off in Salt Lake City. I can’t tell you how many people asked us in disbelief, “So you’re celebrating your birthday… in Salt Lake?” Well, I guess it does sound a little strange! But I’ve never been one for typical celebrations. And Kevin has only been there once before (and doesn’t sound like he did a lot). But I chose Salt Lake because it’s a good jumping off point for a road trip to Las Vegas (with stops along the way in Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park).
After the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City attracted a slew of new businesses — especially restaurants. In fact, we spent most of our time here eating. So here are some recommendations for your next trip – especially for the foodie.
Day 1: Late Arrival in Salt Lake City
We arrived late Friday, picked up the rental car and drove 15 minutes to reach downtown (we are definitely not in LA!). First be sure to hit up Hatch Family Chocolates, which stays open until 11 PM on Fridays and has a variety of truffles and ice cream. So many decisions, so we decided to get both! I couldn’t get enough of the dark chocolate peanut butter truffles. It doesn’t count on your birthday (well, technically it’s Kevin’s birthday, but whatever!).
Kevin samples pretty much all the ice cream flavors, while I picked out some truffles
Just a 5 minute drive away is the Hotel Monaco where we stayed (and blocks from Temple Square). This place is the perfect base and they even stocked the room with a bottle of wine, more chocolate (!) and snacks for Kevin’s birthday. A nice touch!
Our room at the Hotel Monaco – there was a moose on the bed, though this wasn’t part of the birthday gifts (unless I wanted to pay $25…we’re good with the free birthday wine, thank you!)
Since the hotel is so close to Temple Square, we walked to check out the massive temple lit up at night. Talk about a contrast to the nearby bar scene just blocks away! Keys on Main is a piano bar nearby and would recommend for a fun night (if you have the energy, which we didn’t and went back to sleep!).
Temple Square, just a few blocks away from the Hotel Monaco
Inside ‘Keys on Main,’ a piano bar just blocks from Temple Square and near Hotel Monaco. Business was booming! We were exhausted but definitely would hit up on our next trip.
Day 2: Salt Lake City, a foodie mecca!
Downtown Salt Lake Farmer’s Market – busy already at 8:30 am
Time your trip to arrive for the Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market in Pioneer Park (8 am – 2 pm). We arrived around 8:30 am and the place was already packed. It’s more than just produce. The market has art, ceramics and live music.
These looked really good even this early. I see fruit for breakfast!
Young students along with retirees are spaced all around the park playing instruments
A must-stop is Tony Caputo’s Market Deli, located just across the street from the market (north of Pioneer Park), which opens at 9 am on Saturdays. They’re known for their meatball sandwiches, but of course, Kevin went straight to the cheese section and sampled a few…dozen!
Where did Kevin go? The cheese section naturally. They even have a cheese cave.
The market also carries my favorite — locally-produced dark chocolate called Millcreek Cacao Roasters. They sell it at the Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles (and naturally, twice the price!).
My favorite chocolate, locally produced in Salt Lake City
After eating our way through the morning, it was time for us to dive into genealogy at the Family History Library, which is run by the Mormon Church. This facility contains what is considered the world’s largest collection of genealogical records under one roof. When you enter the library, help is available to assist with your research. There are forms you can fill out with any and all data you already know (so come prepared with basic info). One of the easiest ways to begin a search is to start with the place where your ancestors lived, because records are organized first by the geographical origin.
One of Kevin’s favorite stops along the way — putting together his family tree with a helper from the Family History Library (and no, Kevin doesn’t have 3 hands!)
I could hardly pull Kevin away from this place. But somehow convinced him to check out the free organ concert at noon at the Mormon Tabernacle. They give a demo of the acoustics at the beginning, which was the highlight for us. First ripping a piece of paper, then dropping pins into a bin (which you could hear all the way in the back of the room). Once the organ started, I knew it wouldn’t be long before we lost Kevin to a deep nap. So we skipped out early and went back to the Family Research Center where Kevin continued his deep dive (while I went out and explored/shopped downtown).
Kevin laughs because he knows I’m going to call him out for sleeping during the Mormon Tabernacle organ concert
Talk about a busy day – and we did all this before 2 PM! We packed up our things and went south to Provo next and had more ice cream at the Brigham Young University Creamery. But would only recommend this stop if you have the time (since it took us an hour to get through the line!). I got a kick out of such flavor names like the “Bishop’s Bash” and the “Earnestly Chocolate.” I was too bitter to get any ice cream – we are on a time schedule people! I was fuming, though this oddly only made Kevin more calm.
The Brigham Young Creamery, the school’s ice cream shop, is only for those with a lot of time. We spent 1 hour in line! Though Kevin did love it
From Provo, it was another 3 hours to reach Capitol Reef National Park, passing through barren landscapes with a house only every few miles. Who lives out here? But we even spotted a double rainbow — oh my god, a DOUBLE RAINBOW (just like the YouTube video that went viral). Of course, I had to repeat this over and over.
Double rainbow!!! What does it mean?
Then reaching Capitol Reef National Park – one of the least visited parks in the system. A must is the scenic 10-mile drive.
Enjoying another rainbow (though not a double one) along the 10-mile scenic drive in Capitol Reef National Park
The park got its name in part from the great white rock formations, which resemble the U.S. Capitol Building
It’s another 2 hours to Bryce Canyon. Whew, it’s a long day (and delayed slightly by the ice cream trip). But we got into Tropic, Utah by 10 pm. I’m ready for a good night’s sleep.
Stay tuned for more of Kevin’s birthday adventures!
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