Utah’s capital city is a place of contrasts. Even with a population of about two million people, Salt Lake City is surprisingly laidback and the hustle and bustle (read: frenetic pace) of a metropolis are nowhere to be found here. The evenings are quiet, and the small-town vibes of the city are evident in the warmth and friendliness of the locals.
Utah is steeped in Mormon traditions, and Salt Lake City is home to the Temple Square, which is the headquarters of the Mormon Church. But there is liberalism in the air too. Coffeehouses, yoga clubs, eateries that serve organic and exotic (Himalayan and East African, to name a few) exude boho chic while swanky entertainment complexes encourage indulgence. The modern metropolis of Salt Lake City is not far removed from the natural world either. Flanked by the Great Salt Lake on one side and the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Mountains on the other, great hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities abound just about an hour from Salt Lake City.