In a world of overrated pleasures, there are lots of underrated pleasures ripe for the taking – things that will set your spirits free, and not bludgeon your bank account. Salt Lake City certainly has its share.
Consider:
- A gallery. That’s the name of this museum, and it houses one of the finest collections of glass and ceramics around. The motif is modern, the collection diverse and the sculpture garden an oasis of calm in a crazy world.
- After a trip to the cutting edge, visit a monument to a courageous bunch of pioneers – The Beehive House. This National Historic Landmark pays homage to the folk who conquered this arid stretch of desert back in 1854. It served as the official residence of Brigham Young when he was governor of the Utah Territory.
- Get out of doors and drink in the ambiance of Salt Lake and surrounds. Start close, at Ensign Peak. Hike or bike to the summit. When you get there take a deep breath and glory in an extraordinary view of Salt Lake City.
- If you’re really in search of nature, you don’t have to stray far from the airport to immerse yourself in one of the best birding sites in the country. Park at the Great Salt Lake Marina, or Saltair. From there set out for the mudflats. In the summertime you can spy snowy plover, willet, long-billed curlew, American avocet, black-necked stilt and such.
- Looking for something farther afield? Take a drive to Big Cottonwood Canyon. From the main road, the canyon narrows almost immediately into some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in this country. It’s one of those underrated treasures you can take home from the trip.
Salt Lake City International Airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines. From SLC, the carrier fields 279 daily departures to some 87 destinations.
(Image: Edgar Zuniga Jr.)
