Salt Lake City Staycation
Art
You may be in town for the Sundance or Slamdance film festivals, and you may need a vacation from this vacation. Or you may be a born-and-raised, diehard Salt Laker looking for your next home away from home. In either case, you need an SLC staycation. Look to SLUG’s staycation suggestions, organized by day and location, for a full Salt Lake City experience: tasty meals, places to restore your body and mind, shops for the best finds—and more. Whenever you retreat to your bed-and-breakfast or home, you’ll have treated yourself. You deserve your SLC staycation.
Day One
The Ellerbeck Mansion
ellerbeckbedandbreakfast.com
140 N. B St. || 801.486.3333
The Ellerbeck Mansion hearkens to the tried-and-true tenets of good customer service and antique mystique. Built in 1892, this bed and breakfast features inviting rooms named for the seasons. Relish the mid-century furniture in the foyer or open your book by the upstairs fire. The rooms offer TV and wifi, but the mansion’s charm fully resonates by disconnecting and living in the present. The Ellerbeck is near Downtown and has kettle-like vintage radiators, so earplugs are encouraged, but its off-the-beaten-path ambience is transporting. Be sure to let the staff know what time you’d like a delicious, house-made breakfast in the morning! –Alexander Ortega
El Cabrito
956 W. 1000 N. || 801.363.2645 || M–Su: 9a–9p
In Salt Lake City’s charming Rose Park neighborhood, El Cabrito fills a niche that warms up lunch-goers: barbacoa de chivo—goat barbecue. Among a mélange of Mexican restaurants in the Salt Lake Valley, El Cabrito offers a concentrated menu of comida típica, and their goat is sweet and succulent. El Cabrito’s atmosphere cozily houses an authentic Mexican-food experience, with homemade flour tortillas to boot. Try the goat tacos or a gordita for lighter fare. The service is quick, friendly and delicious, and the competitive prices help make this lunch (or dinner) spot a no-brainer. –Alexander Ortega
Copper Common
111 E. Broadway #190
801.355.0543 || coppercommon.com
Su–Th: 5–11p; F–Sa: 5p–2a
Copper Common offers a lavish atmosphere that melds the classic cocktail bar with a contemporary cocktail flair. The modern cocktail bar serves up a variety of signature cocktails, such as the Cobre Flip, with ancho chili liqueur, crème de menthe, walnut liqueur and a whole egg. Its moody ambience is warm with rich, dark woods and backlit bottles. Sandwiches, salads and bar snacks are on the menu as well as espresso and beer. Since it is nestled next to Broadway Theatre, which shows arthouse and independent films, you can catch a flick while in the neighborhood. –Tyson Call
Day Two
Luna Dust Vintage
405 E. 1700 S. || 801.831.2076
facebook.com/LunaDustVintage
Call ahead for hours
No bigger than your childhood bedroom, Luna Dust Vintage is a cave of wonders when it comes to antique and vintage goodies. Owner Brooke Campos handpicked every item in the shop and has a wide selection of trinkets, records, oddities, groovy threads and stylish accessories that anyone could use to create a kickass outfit. Prices range anywhere from $5 to $300 depending on the item, whether you’re picking up a handful of pieces or one of Campos’ vintage metal T-shirts. Sifting through the eclectic offerings is all a part of the magic of owning a one-of-a-kind piece—there’s definitely something for everyone at this friendly, charming shop. –Zaina Abujebarah
Alchemy Coffee
390 E. 1700 S. || 801.322.0735
alchemycoffee.com || M, W–Sa: 6:30a–7p;
T: 6:30a–9p; Su: 7a–7p
A surefire cure for cabin fever is great coffee and a good book. Alchemy Coffee offers a full range of espresso drinks and coffee along with an eclectic, homey atmosphere. The beautiful space is adorned with vintage couches and chairs in quirky colors, and art hangs all over the exposed brick walls. The staff is friendly and laid-back, willing and able to explain the difference between a cafe latté and café au lait. Alchemy Coffee offers vegan baked goods from City Cakes, sandwiches made in-house as well as house-made chocolate sauce for their mocha lattés. –Tyson Call
Weller Book Works
607 Trolley Square
801.328.2586 || wellerbookworks.com
M–Th: 11a–8p; F–Sa:10a–9p; Su: 12–5p
Located in Trolley Square—a streetcar depot turned shopping center long before that kind of thing was cool—Weller Book Works is to SLC what Powell’s is to Portland. The open and airy brick-walled space has modern titles both new and used, as well as an extensive collection of antique and collectible books, which means that you can go in looking for Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, The Sympathizer, and also come home with an unexpected treasure, such as a rare 19th-century monograph of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings of the male genitalia. –Tyson Call
The State Room
638 S. State St.
T: 801.596.3560 || thestateroom.com
Once a children’s theater, The State Room is now a premier concert venue, maintaining theater-style seating for patrons 21-plus. The sound and acoustics in the space are top-notch, which divinely underscores the talent gracing the stage. Grab a microbrew on tap either downstairs or near the top of the seating. The State Room often hosts Americana-, soul- and roots-based music. Upcoming acts include: Talia Keys & The Love, 01.07; ALO, 01.10; Anders Osborne & Jackie Green, 01.14; Analog Son, 01.19; Hamilton Leithauser, 01.23; Jonatha Brooke, 01.26; Dan Layus of Augustana, 01.27; Mokie, 01.28; Brett Dennen, 01.31; The Nth Power, 02.01; BowieVision, 02.03. –Alexander Ortega
Day Three
Rye
239 S. 500 E. || 801.364.4655 || ryeslc.com
Brunch // M–F: 9a–2p; Sa–Su: 9a–3p
Dinner // F–Sa: 6p–11p
Dressing up shouldn’t be necessary to get good-quality cuisine. Rye is the kind of place that takes their fare seriously but won’t mean-mug you for not wearing heels or a tie (or if you do). They offer breakfast food that is delicious as well as organic, cage-free, free-range and locally sourced when possible. Expect to see things on the menu such as their renowned breakfast bowl, with ballard pork belly, rice, house kimchi and basted egg. Go for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and try their truffled mac & cheese with a craft cocktail, all for a reasonable price. –Tyson Call
CUAC
175 E. 200 S. || 385.215.6768 || cuartcenter.org
T–F: 11a–6p; Sa: 12–4p
Since CUAC moved to Salt Lake in 2011, the artist-run, artist-centric nonprofit has continued to push the envelope of Utah’s contemporary art scene. The gallery’s curatorial and aesthetic vision fosters exhibitions featuring slews of local, national and international artists. Notably, CUAC provides a platform for both emerging and established Utah artists to showcase their work as players in contemporary art’s global conversation. As a venue, CUAC also compels viewers into the conversation through a space that complements an ethos of education, community and collaboration. Bright, open and quiet, the CUAC gallery engages its visitors with a contemporary art experience that is intimate and accessible. (Get Over It by Jared Steffensen and Christopher Kelly; Cake by Scott Malbaurn) –Kathy Zhou
Vive Juicery
219 E. Broadway
801.824.9190 || vivejuicery.com
M–F: 8a–6p; Sa: 9a–6p
By working with local farms and being “fueled by love,” Vive Juicery brings fresh, cold-pressed juices to the streets of Salt Lake City. There are three different locations along the Wasatch Front, and in each, the aesthetics are absolutely eye-catching, crisp and inviting. Vive’s menu offerings are jam-packed with cold-pressed juices, nut milks, seasonal options, shots and cleanses—all made with local ingredients—so making a selection could be challenging. However, the staff is incredibly friendly and more than happy to answer any questions or offer recommendations, whether you’re interested in getting a single, invigorating shot or an entire cleanse. –Zaina Abujebarah
Diabolical Records
238 S. Edison St.
801.792.9204
diabolicalrecords.com || M–F: 11a–8p; Sa: 12–8p
Hidden away on Edison Street, Diabolical Records holds an abundance of affordable records. Whether you’re looking for the classics, contemporary mainstays or the latest local releases, you can find anything you’re hunting down. Adam Tye and Alana Boscan are always willing to give recommendations if you’re looking for something new. They do an amazing job at creating a cool, relaxed atmosphere that shines beyond shopping hours: They host donation-based shows for local and touring bands pretty much any night of the week. This is a go-to spot for anyone looking to dig deeper into Salt Lake City’s music scene. –Zaina Abujebarah
Day Four
Centered City Yoga
926 E. 900 S. || 801.521.9642
centeredcityyoga.com
M–F: 6a–10p; Sa: 7:30a–9p;
Su: 7:30a–8p
Centered City Yoga is yoga for everyone. Established in 2003, this 9th and 9th studio has quickly become a communal home for folks from all walks of life. The space floods quickly with natural light, and its three polished, expansive floors serve as flawless backdrops for the dozens of classes offered, which range from candlelit power yoga to belly dance–asana fusion to meditation. The CCY team is talented, devoted and approachable. Like their students, the instructors offer diversity in experience, style and practice. For any and all seeking stillness or movement, wellness or mindfulness, solace or invigoration, CCY will both ground and uplift. –Kathy Zhou
The Stockist
875 E. 900 S. || 801.532.3458
thestockistshop.com
M–Sa: 10a–8p; Su: 11a–5p
In the middle of the walkable, inclusive and happening district of 9th & 9th (along the recently designated Harvey Milk Boulevard), The Stockist offers immaculately curated and harder-to-find clothing and accessories on the bleeding edge of men’s and women’s functional fashion. Wool and denim abound, and one gets the feeling that everything in store could be worn around either a campfire or a cozy cocktail bar. With brands like Red Wing, Converse, Filson and Iron & Resin, as well as jewelry, leather goods and candles, The Stockist is a must-visit for fashionable, warm clothing, especially if it’s snowing and the standby lines for Sundance tickets are long. –Tyson Call
Tea Grotto
401 E. 900 S. || 801.466.8255 || teagrotto.com
M–Sa: 10a–8p; Su: 10a–6p
Once you step into this shop, it’s hard to believe that you’re still in Salt Lake City. Right away, ambient edison-bulb lighting and relaxing music drift anyone who visits away into a rustic, zen paradise. Tea Grotto is a relaxing getaway with shelves full of tea and a staff that’s always prepared to give you some wonderful suggestions. With a wide selection of black, rooibos, herbal, green, chai teas and so many more, there’s no question that Tea Grotto will have the perfect tea for you. Tea Grotto is an amazing spot to study, get work done or just relax for a while.
–Zaina Abujebarah
Koko Kitchen
702 S. 300 E. || 801.364.4888
Lunch // M–Th: 11a–2:30p; F–Sa: 11:30a–3p
Dinner // M–Th: 5:30–9p; F–Sa: 5:30–9:30p
Hankering for comfort food? Make your way to the home-style fixings of the family-run Koko Kitchen. Head to the back of this welcoming neighborhood fixture for a sushi bar serving fresh rolls and sashimi—otherwise, take your time with Koko’s vast, affordable menu before ordering at the counter. Snack on tonkatsu, croquettes or gyoza and sip on miso or sake. You can’t go wrong with Koko’s hearty entrées—eat your fill of teriyaki, yakisoba and more, and take your pick from various meat, tofu and veggie options. Don’t forget to slurp: Garnished with green onion, seaweed, egg and fishcake, Koko’s beloved Shoyu ramen always hits the spot. –Kathy Zhou
Editor’s Note: The original article incorrectly misspelled Analog Son and Brett Dennen. The corrections have been made.