A thriving craft beer scene, vibrant nightlife and world class sports. What’s not to like about Utah’s capital?
Salt Lake City is born again. In recent years there’s been a growing buzz about the revitalised capital of the Beehive State – from its international dining and underground craft cocktail scenes to electrifying sports and entertainment options. Now, with nonstop summer flights from London Heathrow, British holidaymakers are starting to discover its charms too. If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly US destination to explore this summer, here are five ways to check out SLC.
1. SCAVENGE YOUR WAY AROUND TOWN: The Urban Adventure Quest app turns Salt Lake City into a gigantic board game. Guided from any smart phone, your team solve clues, complete challenges and unearth hidden gems during a raucous three hour scavenger hunt, while simultaneously exploring the city and learning about its history. Priced from $49 (around £38) for a team of two-five participants. urbanadventurequest.com
2. WATCH WORLD CLASS FOOTBALL: Premier League football might be over for another year, but don’t despair. This summer, there’s a pre-season trip to Utah for League Cup and Europa League Champions Manchester United. Real Salt Lake will host the Red Devils at their picturesque Rio Tinto Stadium on 17 July – with plenty of tickets still available from $120 (around £93). riotintostadium.com/events/rsl-vs-manchester-united
3. EXPLORE THE WORLD’S LARGEST GENEALOGICAL LIBRARY: At the geographical centre of Salt Lake City, you’ll find Temple Square, Utah’s number one tourist attraction. The 35-acre complex owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (better known as the Mormons) offers free tours run by volunteers, though the Salt Lake Temple itself remains off limits to those outside the faith. Visitors can also learn about their ancestral heritage during a ‘Family History Search’ activity at The Family History Library, the world’s largest genealogical library. Afterwards you’re perfectly positioned to explore downtown and its top attractions with The Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass – priced from $32 (around £42). templesquare.com / www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/connect-pass
4. TOAST THE UTAH BEER FESTIVAL: A lot of people still labour under the misapprehension that Utah is a dry state. It’s not. Toast this fact at the state’s biggest beer festival in Salt Lake City on 19 August, with live music, food trucks and karaoke in Washington Square. Among the hundreds of beers on offer, seek out one of the finest local brews, Polygamy Porter (“Why Have Just One?” is the award-winning beer’s advertising slogan). beerfests.com/events/utah-beer-festival
5. HEAD FOR THE HILLS: Salt Lake City lies within easy reach of some of the world’s most internationally-renowned resorts like Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley all packed during the winter months. But there’s plenty of action to be had up high in the summertime too. At just 29 miles from Salt Lake’s International Airport, Snowbird in particular has become an increasingly popular summer resort. Active adventures available include an aerial tram, mountain coaster, alpine slide and world-class mountain biking – plus from 12 August to 15 October, the resort’s annual Oktoberfest celebration returns. What’s more, in summer you’ll stay in the same luxury ski accommodation – but for a fraction of the price. snowbird.com/summer
Becky Johnson, Senior Global Manager for the Utah Office of Tourism, Film & Global Branding, comments: “Thanks to its close proximity to nearly a dozen major ski resorts, many people automatically think of Salt Lake City as a winter destination. While true, there’s plenty to explore here in the summer months too, and Delta Air Lines’ nonstop summer flights from London make it easy for British travellers to experience our beautiful state capital.”
Travel to Utah: America As You Like It (0208 742 8299 / www.americaasyoulikeit.com) has a seven night holiday to Utah priced from £1,920 per person. Departing on 15 July 2017, the price includes return nonstop flights on Delta Air Lines from London Heathrow to Salt Lake City, seven nights room only accommodation (four at the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel and three at the Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort) plus car hire for the trip duration. Based on two adults travelling and sharing accommodation. The price for travel for a departure on 17 August 2017 is £2,065 per person.
For more information on Utah, visit www.visitutah.com