A Romantic Weekend Getaway to Salt Lake City

Our Local Expert Says:

The Ellerbeck is a bed and breakfast in a gorgeous Victorian mansion just walking distance from Temple Square and other city sights.

Description:

The Ellerbeck mansion is a restored Victorian home nestled in the heart of the historic Avenues residential district of downtown Salt Lake City. Just five blocks from the city center, guests can walk to Historic Temple Square, the new 21,000 seat Conference Center and the ZCMI Shopping Mall. A dozen world class ski resorts in the Salt Lake and Park City area are all within a short drive. Renovated and restored to its original charm, the Mansion boasts hardwood floors, original mouldings and stained glass and period theme decor. WE are unable to accept same day reservations. Please advise arrival time to Innkeeper at 801-355-2500. Check in is between 4-7 pm. Late arrivals will be charged additional unless previous arrangements were made.

As seen on

Description:

Food, service, and decor make this restaurant number one. Two small, but private rooms create an intimate setting for groups of 10 to 20, while the main dining room includes discreet banquettes surrounding the see-and-be-seen tables. The dining room offers an elegant dining experience with a menu of seafood, beef, lamb, and veal. The desserts, especially the souffles, are divine. The food is expertly prepared and gracefully presented. An extensive wine list and full liquor assortment are available.

Description:

There is no place like this shop when your cravings call for sweetness. This bakery has a variety of treats ranging from brownies to baked bread. Come in for a cup of coffee with a friend and split some chocolate cake, or bring a book with you and sit awhile. This is a great place to come after dinner or late at night to enjoy a large assortment of desserts and each is priced reasonably.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are in need of some fresh air and exercise after a day of business meetings, head to the scenic and peaceful Memory Grove Park just blocks form the City Center.

Description:

This beautiful park, dedicated to the veterans of Utah, is refreshingly quiet and serene. The towering trees throughout and the Harbor of Beauty pond create a feeling of peacefulness for those who just want a quiet, meditative walk in the park. On the east bank is the Freedom Trail. On the west, the paved path goes all the way up to City Creek Canyon. The park is dog-friendly as long as pets are leashed—however, owners may unleash dogs in the canyon.

Our Local Expert Says:

Stunning views of the city from the Salt Lake City Public Library's roof plus impressive environmentally sound architecture make this place a must-see on your city tour.

Description:

With nearly 250,000 square feet of floor space, a six-story open glass lobby, and award-winning, modern architecture, this work of art houses the Salt Lake City Library's main collection. With something for everyone, it features an third-floor art gallery, special children's area, public computers, digital media, plenty of reading couches, work desks, and free DSL. Underground parking is free for the first thirty minutes ($1.50 for every thirty minutes thereafter), and can be reached on the northern side of the building, on 400 South Street. During the summer, be sure to check out the rooftop garden, or other happenings in the campus's outdoor Library Square.

Our Local Expert Says:

With 50 flavor-packed coffees from all over the world brewed on site and fabulous pastries and desserts - the Salt Lake Roasting Company is one of Utah's best coffee houses.

Description:

Located on the outskirts of downtown Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Roasting Company serves up hot brews and fresh baked goods to a mixed clientèle. The two-storey cafe boasts a casual decor. Guests sip lattes indoors at wooden tables and the bar or in the warm weather, outside, on the tree-sheltered patio. Late hours and patio seating make this a popular spot for a post dinner coffee.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of Salt Lake City's best and most popular outdoor summer concerts.

Description:

Sitting on the northeastern end of Salt Lake City, and nestled into the foothills, Red Butte Garden is tucked into the northeastern corner of the University of Utah. With more than two hundred species of plants, a newly designed, copper-wrapped main building, this provides a beautiful environment for a casual stroll or educational tour. Open all year. If you're here in the summer, be sure to check online for their summer concert lineup. Taking place during the extremely pleasant Salt Lake evenings, internationally famous artists (such as John Hiatt, the Indigo Girls, and Herbie Hancock) perform to packed audiences in their outdoor theater. Bring a picnic blanket, some cheese, crackers, and wine! If you have a little extra time and energy, you can depart from the gardens to join up with the miles of crisscrossing trails of the Bonneville Shoreline system.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great outdoor dining during Salt Lake's extremely pleasant summer evenings.

Description:

All of the Italian dishes at Cafe Molise are simply mouth watering. The chicken dishes, especially the Marsala and the chicken and prosciutto dishes, are particularly recommended. There are nearly a dozen pasta offerings as well, each unusual and delicious. The lasagne is perhaps the most highly recommended. The prices for all the generous dishes on the menu are very reasonable. Alcohol is also available. Wines by the glass are reasonably priced. The cafe often features live jazz performances as well.

Our Local Expert Says:

With its host of historic buildings and its beautiful manicured lawns, Temple Square is a must-see for first-time visitors to Salt Lake City.

Description:

Temple Square is the number-one tourist attraction in the state of Utah, attracting 3-5 million visitors each year. And for the 13 million Latter-day Saints around the world, this is the historic and spiritual center of the church.

The downtown destination is the home of the iconic Salt Lake Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, two large Visitors Centers, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and the 20,000 seat Conference Center. On one weekend each April and October, the Square buzzes with tens of thousands of Mormon visitors from around the world for the church's semi-annual General Conference.

During the holiday season, the well-manicured trees and buildings are lit beautifully and become a magnet for couples contemplating a wedding at the temple in the spring.

Throughout the year, free concerts are held at the Tabernacle and the adjacent Assembly Hall, every Sunday morning the Tabernacle Choir performs its weekly "Music and the Spoken Word" program free for the public, and a variety of free films and expositions are shown in the neighboring Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Did we mention that all of this is available at no cost? Volunteering Mormon missionaries on the square will smilingly offer explanations and answer questions about the faith – and that's free too.

Our Local Expert Says:

Absolutely the best microbrewery in town, Squatters pours a fine selection of classics, seasonal, and specialty brews.

Description:

Salt Lake's original brewpub has become a local favorite. Innovative cuisine, casual style and patio dining in the summer have made this one of downtown's hot spots. The enclosed garden patio is a summer lunchtime delight, while the cozy fireplace and timber poles inside give the restaurant a rustic look. Favorites include the beer-battered fish and chips and all of the specialty pizzas. The on-site brewery ensures your porter, lager, or stout will be delicious.