I am travelling to SLC in June (from PA) for a conference at the Univ, and my dh and toddler are joining me half-way through. We are going to stay a few extra days at the end to see the sights.

First of all, any lodgin suggestions? We need a nice, but basic place near the U for the first few days they are with me, then after the conference we would like to move to a more upscale place. From what I've *briefly* read so far here, several recommendations for Park City have been made!

Second of all, we love to eat and luckily so does our son, so we want some good restaurant suggestions. Nothing terribly fancy with him, but he is really great in restaurants.

Third, of course, is what to see and do! My dh will have one full day and one half day alone with him to go exploring, and then we'll have 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 days all together. We'll have a car the whole time.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I will let Dayle chime in and answer this question for you. She does a great job of it. I will read her response carefully and if she leaves something out. Or I can add something I will.

There is a bed and breakfast near the Capital Building, downtown and the University that I love. http://www.wolfekrest.com/ It is owned by Kay Malone, Karl Malone's wife (Utah Jazz.) It's beautiful and my favorite. It doesn't have a pool however, which probably is a must with a toddler.

You don't have to stay in Park City to enjoy it. It is less than 45 min. from Salt Lake City. I think you'd be happier just staying in one spot and not having to change hotels.

The nicest hotel in Utah is the new Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City. The Little America hotel is very nice, as well as the Hotel Monaco. All of the downtown hotels are within 10 min. of the University.

There is a Mexican restaurant in Sandy called the Mayan, the food isn't worthing going there for, but my little kids loved the animated talking animals that talked to them.

There is an amusement park about 30 min. north of Salt Lake that has a water park and lots of rides for young kids - Lagoon.

The weather in June is usually great for outdoor activities - just have a picnic in a park or in the mountains and let the little one run. Have fun!

Hi Shel! Lucky is giving me a rep to live up to - yikes....anyway I know there is a Marriott right at the Research Park next to the U. That may be the recommended hotel for your conference. They do a lot of that.

Also near the U is the Hogel Zoo which your tot might be old enough to enjoy. SLC has lots of very nice public parks too. Sugarhouse Park at 1300 East 2100 South has a duck pond which kids always love. Temple Square is lovely in the summer. A nice place for a stroll, the flowers & gardens are wonderful.

Since you will have 2 or 3 days as a family, I really would get out of the city & come up to our beautiful mountains. Park City would definitely be the choice. Many, many options for lodging. You can go condo, hotel or B&B. Hotels: Radisson, The Yarrow, 3 Marriotts. The Marriott at Prospector Square is the least nice as far as location. For condos call one of the central reservations 800 #s. Also check out the www.parkcity2002.com site. At the base of Park City Mountain Resort, they have a little amusement area with mini golf, pony rides, live music on the weekend late afternoons. There is also an alpine slide that is an absolute blast for all ages, but your little one may be too little for that. Don't let that stop Mom & Dad! PC also has several golf courses, horseback riding, hot air balloons, hiking, shopping, fishing, Main Street, great restaurants, bike riding trails, etc. You should also visit the Utah Olympic Park, Winter Games venue. It's a year-round training facility and very interesting & impressive. The freestyle aerialists put on a show Saturdays at noon that is really fantastic. You must get tickets in advance, they sell out every weekend.

In Heber, a valley about 20 min drive from PC, there is the Heber Creeper, an antique steam locomotive that has day & dinner rides through Provo Canyon next to the river. Haven't done it myself, but lots of people like it.

Hope this helps!

Thanks so much for the great info! Very helpful. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as time gets closer. (Sorry it took me so long to get back and thank you, we had colds run through the family the past few weeks. Spring, where are you?!?!)

Shel

Drive northeast to Bear Lake. It's a pretty drive through a canyon. It's a big lake with pretty scenery. They grow raspberries all over the place and the specialty of the area is raspberry shakes.

It would be a nice drive out of town.

Topping for Creekcaster!

Thank you all again for the help! We'll be in SLC soon now, and we have some great ideas of things we want to do. We're staying at the Grand America (good deal on Expedia!). Will the Trax be my best bet to get to the University every am, so my dh and son don't have to venture out that early? Or is a taxi or some other option better? I'm sure the concierge will help with lots of our details, I'm just getting excited now! The weather forecast looks lovely.

Thanks!

Please send us a trip report on what you found interesting in SLC.

Shel,

Haven't taken the new Trax to the U, but it would definitely be worth trying to see if it works for you.

Have fun.

Hi again Shel,

Regarding taking TRAX to the U. It depends where your conf is. The U is a big place & the TRAX ends at the football stadium (where the Opening/Closing ceremonies were held). You could have a long, hot walk from there. Taxi might be better.