Back From Salt Lake City
 

Dayle, lucky, Barbara, Connie, others - I promised I would come back with a report! It was a beautiful, clean, easy, friendly city and we had a great time. My dh and ds went to Temple Square and the Capitol and Antelope Island on days when I was still in my conference, and enjoyed them all. We went to Olympic Park, which was awesome! I never imagined they would let us so close to the skiiers and such. Park City was a nice day trip, too. Unfortunately we didn't get to some of the other places like Bear Lake or Snowbird, because ds got sick for 2 days with a fever. We were referred to a great MD though, in a Univ of Utah clinic (place was sugar something-or-other, Dr. Leiser.)<BR><BR>We enjoyed the "dancing fountain" in a new outdoor mall at the end of the Trax line near Delta Center, or I should say ds enjoyed it, as did Gymboree I suppose, when we went there to buy him a new dry outfit :p<BR>We stayed at the Grand America, and it was really, really nice. Our only complaint is that they don't build in a lot of costs that other hotels do, so for instance, you had to pay to use the fitness center and indoor pool, and to park (self OR valet), etc. The customer service was great, though, and the food and accomodations. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again - got a great deal on expedia.<BR><BR>What else? Oh! there is a massage therapist at the spa at the hotel named Lucas who was one of the best I've ever had! So even you locals, try him out - it was worth every penny! Tell him the pharmacist from PA sent you :)<BR><BR>THe only thing we didn't like was Saltair, which just seemed dumpy, so we left. <BR><BR>The weather was perfect, too - is this your typical June weather? It was 80's-90's every day with bright sun. I wondered if we lucked out, or if you are that lucky all the time!<BR><BR>Another hint for summer travellers to this area - if you're renting a car, you can get an SUV for a compact price. They have more SUV's than anything, for obvious reasons, so they chop prices on them in the summer.<BR><BR>Thanks for all your suggestions - it was a great trip!

Thanks for the report. I visited SLC once about 12 years ago and have fond memories. I can't wait to return! Candee

Shel - Thanks for posting about your trip. I'm glad you have a great time. The outdoor mall is called The Gateway. That is pretty typical weather for June, except we are in a drought now, so usually we get a bit more rain. You are right about Saltair, I would never take anyone there. Did you end up using Trax?

Hi... I am leaving for Salt Lake Saturday. I'll be there 1 week for a VERY intense convention.<BR>I have been invited to private events at Log Haven, The Metropolitan and Olympic Park. I wondered if I should be excited about these places.<BR>I am staying at the Embassy Suites and will have a few free hours to shop on Saturday. I want to go to the Sundance store in Sugarhouse, or something like that. Is it worth it?<BR>What mall or shopping area within a taxi ride should I visit?<BR>Thanks, in advance.<BR>PS... I am a travel pro but I have never been to SLC.

Hi Shel!<BR><BR>I'm so glad you and your family had a good time! Thanks for reporting back. Yes, Saltaire is pretty bad. <BR><BR>Our past winter was colder than normal & this spring/summer so far much hotter than normal. We're cooking today at 100+!<BR><BR>Travlpro - you should definitely go to those private events. You're in for a real treat! Log Haven is paradise in the summer - part way up Mill Creek Canyon just east of town. the Olympic Park is super, fun & educational. You will be IMPRESSED!<BR><BR>Have fun!

Barbara, thanks for reminding me! Yes, I took Trax to the University during the time I was there wihtout dh and ds. It was very easy, clean, reasonable, etc. Once they came and we got our rental SUV, they usually drove me one way or the other, but ds was awfully fond of Trax :) I took a taxi over the first night because I was in a hurry, and it was $8 each way, vs $1.25 for Trax, and Trax was just as convenient and fast.<BR><BR>Yes, the Gateway, that was it!! The fountain was a lot of fun for ds.<BR><BR>Hmm, I am only familiar with Olympic Park from your list, and as I said, I really enjoyed it there a lot! I didn't get to do much shopping.<BR>

Tvlpro - Log Haven is a fabulous, romantic, expensive restaurant that I love. You'll like shopping the Gateway or Crossroads Mall across from Temple Square. I haven't shopped at the Sundance store, so can't comment on it. If you wanted to go to the Sundance Resort (it's beautiful) it is only little more than an hour's drive from Salt Lake. They have an outdoor theater production summer nights, which is a lot of fun.

Oh, Travlpro, <BR><BR>I meant to comment on the Sundance Catalogue Outlet Store too. I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to shop there.<BR><BR>But Sundance Resort is one of my favorite places in the entire world. It's beyond beautiful. Best season for scenery is the fall when all the aspens are gold!