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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City offers a plethora of great things to do and see. There are many ways to spend a day in Salt Lake City, but if you get the chance to visit during the winter season, I suggest giving a few of these things a try.
Activities to do during the day:
Downhill Skiing
Utah is known for having “the best snow on Earth.” Enjoy world class skiing at a handful of resorts located just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake. Go to http://www.skiutah.com/ for deals on passes and snow reports.
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Salt Lake City is surrounded by beautiful canyons that offer great snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Millcreek Canyon is a favorite of mine that offers a handful of short or long snowshoeing hikes as well as a groomed trail for cross country skiers.
A shorter more family friendly place to snowshoe is Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Ensign Peak hike
A fairly steep but short hike, the reward for climbing Ensign Peak is a beautiful view of the city at the top. Because the hike is on a south facing slope, it is generally clear from large amounts of snow throughout the winter. Snowshoes are not necessary.
Temple Square
The grounds on Temple Square are beautiful. Near the water fountains or the reflecting pond is a perfect place to grab a bench, relax and enjoy the scenery. Christmas lights here are amazing during the winter season. The visitor center is interesting, with a striking statue of Christ inside.
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Winning the Best Active Town by Outside Magazine, Park City has proved it has a lot to offer residents. For those who just want to visit for a day or weekend, though, we've compiled a list of six things you should do between hikes and mountain bike trails.Activities for families with kids:**Discovery Gateway**
Discovery Gateway offers many educational and creative play contraptions for young kids that will keep the whole family entertained for hours.
444 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
Clark Planetarium
Located near the Gateway mall, the Hansen Planetarium offers star shows and laser shows with a gift shop the kids enjoy.
110 4th West, Salt Lake City
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of my favorite museums in Salt Lake City. This brand new museum is must whether you have kids or not.
301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City
Downtown City Creek Shopping
This shopping mall has a stunning arched glass rooftop that covers the walkways in cold weather. City Creek offers great stores with beautiful water features and landscaping throughout. There is also a small indoor dinosaur playground inside the eatery which offers a fun distraction for toddlers.
50 S Main St, Salt Lake City
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Gateway MallThe Gateway Mall offers outdoor shopping with restaurant, and the Discovery Park and Planetarium to keep you entertained if you need a break.
400 W 100 S, Salt Lake City
Pibs Exchange
Located in Sugarhouse, this fun second-hand clothing store offers current high-end brands.
Farmer’s Market
The Farmer's Market offers yummy food vendors, produce, fresh flowers, musicians, jewelry and art. It is open outside June through October and in the winter, the market moves inside the Rio Grande Station located downtown.
300 S. Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City
Good places to eat in Salt Lake City:Of course a great city isn’t complete without amazing food. Check out some of my favorite spots to grab breakfast, lunch or a quick bite.
Eva’s Bakery Boulangerie
Eva's Bakery Boulangerie has the best coconut macaroons and chocolate croissants I've tasted. You can grab a quick bite from the counter, or sit down for delicious menu items like stuffed French toast, beet salad and carbonara mac and cheese.
155 S Main St, Salt Lake City
Ruby Snap Cookies
This little shop offers creative names and flavor combinations for their sweet treats. Yum.
770 S 300 W, Salt Lake City
Bruges Waffles & Frites
What can be bad about gourmet waffles? They are delicious for an early breakfast or brunch or really any time of the day. Their thick waffles come with a variety of delicious, fresh toppings.
336 W 300 S (Broadway), Salt Lake City
Tony Caputos
This delicious eatery offers Italian subs and salads for lunch as well as a great European market.
314 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City
If you enjoy playing in the outdoors, eating good food, and shopping, you'll be sure to enjoy a day well spent in beautiful Salt Lake City.
Bryn Bingham is co-founder of Globecandy, a travel blog that celebrates the sweet spots around the globe. To learn more visit her at www.globecandy.com
