Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, the “Center of Scenic America,” is the geographical center of the eleven Western States and the commercial, recreational, and financial center of the Intermountain West. From its red-rock deserts and national parks in the south to its pine and aspen-forested mountains and Great Salt Lake in the north, Utah is a land of astounding scenic diversity. Fifteen national parks and monuments are within an easy day’s drive from Salt Lake City. More than half of the State’s population lives within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City on the western fringe of the Wasatch Mountains, known locally as the “Wasatch Front.”
Salt Lake City was founded July 24, 1847, by the Mormon Pioneers led by Brigham Young. Salt Lake City has evolved to become a major city, which is not only diverse and beautiful, but also safe and friendly.
Ready access to the mountain country surrounding the city and a four season climate invite participation in outdoor life including skiing, biking, hiking, boating, hunting and fishing. The forests abound with deer and elk; the streams with several types of trout, and the marshes an abundance of ducks, geese, quail and pheasants.
In addition to the PAC-12 Utah Utes, Salt Lake City is home to several sports teams; the Utah Jazz (the 1997/1998 NBA Western Conference Champions), ECHL Utah Grizzlies Hockey, Utah Blaze Arena Football, MSL Real Salt Lake Soccer and AAA Salt Lake Bees Baseball all play in Salt Lake City. There are 35 golf courses within an hour’s drive and if winter sports are your thing, Utah plays host to numerous professional ski and snowboard events throughout the season.
During the winter, the “Greatest Snow on Earth” settles on the Wasatch Mountains east of the city. Deep powder snow, every type of terrain, excellent lifts and trams, Thanksgiving –to-May seasons are all available at the seven world class ski resorts that are within an hour’s drive from the city.
Salt Lake City’s restaurant scene is on the move. Exciting new restaurants are opening every day and there are dining choices to meet every taste and budget. Think you can’t get a drink? Think again. Gone are the days of private clubs and confusing rules. Cheers!
Downtown Salt Lake City offers an outstanding wealth of arts and entertainment. At the Capitol Theatre, you’ll see Ballet West perform, as well as America’s most-traveled modern dance troupe, the Ririe-Woodbury. The City also has a Repertory Dance Theatre. The Utah Opera Company, and the nationally-rated Utah Symphony perform most Friday and Saturday evenings in Symphony Hall. Utah prides itself on its family friendly culture and there are plenty of things to do for active families. From amusement parks and zoos to museums and cultural events there is something for every family.