I visited Salt Lake City in 2002 with my friend, Melissa, who I met at University, and who I was staying with in Washington State at the time. Her aunt was having a mid life crisis after divorcing her husband at 50 something. Melissa's Dad decided it was a good idea if we went to visit her 'to cheer her up' and paid for our flights for a three day trip. I wouldn't personally have chosen it as a 'must see' desination but it was a free trip! Salt Lake City is a pretty weird city but interesting in many ways.....
*** About Salt Lake City ***
Salt Lake City is the State Capital of Utah and is found, bang in the middle of the United States. Salt Lake City is best known as the international Headquarters the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and has a population of around 180,000. The climate is very dry year round but it is
very hot in the Summer and very cold in the winter. The main geographical feature is the huge lake (the largest in the US) after which the city is named and the river Jordan which runs through the city and into the lake. The area surrounding the City is mountainous and the Winter Olympics were held in the City in 2002.
**** History ****
Salt Lake City was founded on July 24, 1847, by a group of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. The founding group numbered 148, consisting of 143 men, three women, and two children. The Mormons came to the valley in search of a place where they could practice their religion, free from hostililty and persecution.
Young laid out the community in 4-hectare (10-acre) plots around Temple Square, which became the center of the Mormon faith. Construction on the Mormon temple began in 1853, but was not completed for another 40 years.
The Mormons' practice of polygamy (having multiple wives) and their alleged disregard of federal authority led to conflict with the government. In 1857 a dispute called the Utah War began because the U.S. government believed that the Mormons were undermining federal laws. However today, they live in relative harmony although their traditions and ways differ considerably from the rest of America.
**** The City ****
The city is generally like any other in America, wide boulevards with fast food stands aplenty, pretty good shopping, a nice park etc.
>>> The Temple Area.
The biggest tourist attraction is Temple Square. The temples are free to enter although you pay the price of the girls, of all nationalities, who patroll the area looking to convert and/or recruit you to the Mormon Faith. We were asked repeatedly if we believed in Jesus which I have to say made me feel distinctly uncomfortable and we were handed leaflet after leaflet by girls scatered across the site inteded soley for this purpose.
However, the Temples are impressive and grand and well worth the trouble. It's likely that you will take a guided tour in a small group. You can't just wander around and there are certain areas that are out of bounds. The tour was relatively interesting and discusses the history of the Mormons, outlining the differences between the Mormon faith and Christianity as they show you around the grounds.
>>>Other Attractions.
There arn't a great deal of other major tourist attractions as such. There are a number of museums such as the Military Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts and the National History Museum. There are also the National Botanical Gardens, a zoo and a planetarium. As I did not get to visit any of the places then I offer no further comment.
>>> Salt Lake Citys Alcohol Policy.
Because it's a religious city they have some crazy policies regarding alcohol and even caffeine. Basically you aren't allowed it. As is usual in the States you have to be 21 before you're allowed to drink any alcohol. This wasn't good for me as at the time I was 20.... However Salt Lake has it's own set of rules to the rest of the country. You can order a beer anywhere. But if you want to drink spirits you have to be a private member of a 'club'. We attempted to go for lunch in Mel's aunts club but we weren't even allowed in to eat because I wasn't yet 21. Crazy.... The city also has some crazy laws about caffeine consumption. There is one street (in the part of town where the temples are) along which you are not allowed to have a can of coke or a coffee in your hands! Isn't that just fabulous! I always wondered if they had people on watch ready to conficate caffeine conatining beverages from the unsuspecting tourists.
**** The Area ****
We took a trip out to the lake itself but this isn't especially anything to get excited about. The lake is smelly, flies buzz around you everywhere and the area, once full of amusements, is now run down and dilapidated. We went at sunset and the views across the lake were stunning but it really isn't somewhere that you would want to spend alot of time.
Utah as a state is stunning and I am gutted that I never got to venture into any of the five National Parks within easy reach of the city to see the magnificant sand stone structures the state is famous for. This is a huge regret of mine but it simply wasn't possible during this trip.
***Summary and Conclusions***
Definitely not a must see destination if you are in the states, although it would be an ideal start for a trip though the deserts of Utah, some of the best natural sights in the US. I give Salt Lake City 3/5 as it was an interesting and enlightening trip but I can't say I have any huge desire to return.
Pictures of Salt Lake City
Map
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