Salt Lake City, Utah, is best known as the home of Mormonism. Although around 40 per cent of the population of Salt Lake City are Mormon (not all of them practicing), there is more to this town than it's conservative roots. Salt Lake City is brimming with a surprising number of quirky bars, festivals and off-beat venues that give a nice balance.
The Annual Utah Belly Dancing Festival is probably the best example, bringing a little Eastern sensuality to town each year. This is the last of the regular annual belly-dancing festivals in and around Salt Lake City (there were once four), and is now the reigning queen.
Religious Sights
Even if you are not particularly religious, don't dismiss the attractions of Salt Lake City's christian icons. Temple Square is the best known landmark in town and as well as being a great meeting point, is also an architectural attraction and the perfect spot for a little people-watching. It should be noted that non-Mormons are not allowed to enter the Temple proper, and even practicing Mormons must be issued with a special invitation, so don't be offended if you and your camera are turned away. There is still plenty to explore though, as the Square covers three blocks with the Tabernacle and genealogical library. The history of local Mormonism is also the history of Salt Lake City, being founded as it was by Brigham Young, one of the founding fathers of the church. This makes Temple Square a rich resource for understanding the roots of Salt Lake City.
While you're here, try to get a seat for a session of the Tabernacle Choir. This (rightly) world-famous choral group performs on a Sunday morning (of course) at 9.30. If this is a little early for your tastes, the public is welcome to attend rehearsals, held on Thursday evenings. The Choir is backed by one of the world's largest pipe organs, and the acoustics are good enough to bring a tear to the eye of any music-lover.
Outdoors
Salt Lake City is one of the most under-rated areas of natural beauty and chances for outdoor sports in the country. Maybe it's something to do with the local emphasis on wholesome fun, but whatever the reason, you can participate in a huge variety of sports in and around the city. Snow sports are especially popular (the prices are great value too, especially in comparison with the big guns like Whistler) with hiking, canoeing and rock-climbing being pretty high on the list as well. The faux-ocean of the Great Salt Lake (the largest salt-water lake in the Western Hemisphere) is perfect for a day of sunbathing, swimming and picnics, as well as a little socializing. The beaches can get pretty crowded on a sunny weekend, but the friendly atmosphere tends to mitigate any discomfort.
Food and Drink
If all the clean living is too far outside your comfort zone, Brewvies Cinema Pub is the best place to balance your karma. Located downtown (677 South 200 West), they specialize in local beers, pizza and cut-price movies, all in the kind of shabby venue that is the complete opposite of all your misconceptions of Salt Lake City.
Art
ArtSpace Inc. is a more than eighty thousand square feet of art, living space and urban garden. Designed to creak down the barriers between 'art' and 'the real world' ArtSpace is well worth an afternoon trip. Suite 235, 230 South West
Hotels
Accommodation in Salt Lake City is varied, although most are in the chain-style family of hotels. Rates range between $50 per room per night (close to the airport) to around $160 per room per night for something a little more central.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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