subject: Tourist Attractions You May Not Know [print this page] Utah! Wait, why are we vacationing there? Good question, but not one easily answered. Sure, Utah doesn't have theme parks like Disneyland or Six Flags, but it's quite the rural playground! The mountains are gorgeous, the stone is red in half the state, and no worries about an asthma attack due to pollution like you'd get in down town San Francisco.
The hikes and trails are incredible, and in some places, the animals will come so close you could almost touch them. Still, don't feed them; it's not good for them or you. There are hidden lakes and valleys, flowers that bloom in the winter, and pines so tall they make a skyscraper look silly.
If you're more of a city type person, Salt Lake City is small compared to most state capitols across the country, but it has less pollution (no Utah Asthma from that) and fewer grand sights to see, so you might actually VISIT everything in a couple days! The Salt Lake City Library is an interesting building, housing books and a small shopping center, as well as several unique art displays and some educational works like a beehive and bee life cycle. If you live close by, this is also a fun, cheap date, especially if you take your partner down to the kids area and read a book in one of the cozy cubby holes.
Also, there is the Latter Day Saint "Temple Square" to visit. Yeah, it's religious, but it's one of the closest things to a "castle" that America can boast. We're just a little too young to have things like that. The tabernacle in the same square boasts a roof and ceiling that defies modern architecture and the information center debunks Pastor Jeffries thoughts that Mormons aren't Christian. Well, the full name is "The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints," so that alone says something.
If you want to just avoid that controversy, however, take a look at the Spiral Getty! It's still available out in the Great Salt Lake, just check to see what times it's visible. And floating in the lake is really easy, but make sure you take tons of water, because that salt will dehydrate you fast.
And I guess if the kids are still clamoring for a theme park, you can take them to Lagoon, but it's more like a permanent carnival with a few cool rides. Still, Utah's not so boring as you thought. Give it a try sometime!
