A short Guide to SLC

A handy guide to Salt Lake City:
Hopefully this proves helpful to those that are visiting BFG Studios in November and future guests whom maybe coming soon. This is not wholly exhaustive but should provide a nice starting point.

Those who enjoy action games may have already seen this but someone produced a great Assassin's Creed Parkour video in SLC. Serves as a nice stylized tour of our fair city.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAhPaiajwDY

Transportation.
The SLC public transit system, UTA, is not as robust as some cities but for general exploration in the Downtown area a day pass will serve you well. Beyond downtown UTA does a reasonably good job of getting around if you want to venture throughout the valley; however wait times increase quite a bit. The day pass fare includes usage of both the Bus and Train Trax system. Currently $5.75.
http://www.rideuta.com/

Otherwise I recommend considering renting a car with a GPS. This will provide the greatest flexibility and quickest form of transport. UTA will not be adequate to get you to Centerville.

Parking in SLC and the general valley is fairly painless unless there are major events occurring in the downtown area then it can be quite wretched. Typically parking is relatively inexpensive if you cannot find a free spot. Meters are currently at $2 an hour. Sundays and after 8PM is free.

The Salt Lake Valley follows a mostly consistent grid system for directions, the anchor point is in downtown starting at Temple Square. Typically directions are numerical coordinates but there are certain major roads that go by name. The grid system resets outside the main Salt Lake Valley.

Restaurant recommendations.

Red Iguana is a great Mexican restaurant that some of the Tex team mentioned being great.
There are two locations in close proximity to each other. The original location has the most unique atmosphere but is rather small. Whereas the second location is larger and the wait times are typically significantly less.

Every dish I have tried has been delectable and satisfying. I highly recommend trying out one of their Mole dishes. Also their Cochinita Pibil is awesome along with Puntas De Filete A La Nortena, mmm spicy deliciousness.

In the past I would recommend their Tres Leches for dessert but they have significantly reduced the portion size. Really a shame since theirs was amazing.

Red Iguana 2
866 W. South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
http://www.rediguana.com/red2.html

Suppose to be some great Gelato, never been myself.
Capo Gelateria
262 S 200 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Moochies
Mighty tasty subs and such.
These folks Philly Cheesesteaks are fantastic, highly recommend getting mushrooms and roasted bell peppers added on. Their Jalapeno mayonnaise is nice to add if you want a little extra zest.

http://www.moochiesmeatballs.com/moochies.htm
232 East 800 South, Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 596-1350 or (801) 364-023
HOURS: Mon-Sat 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Closed Sunday

The Kathmandu is a great Indian & Nepali restaurant with excellent food and variety of dishes to choose from, lovely naan bread. Amazing flavors and they can adjust the fiery quotient for the more delicate palates. Their Lassi is a little sweet for my taste but still nice.
They have two locations I've only been to the one in the Holladay area but I imagine their downtown SLC location should be just as nice.

http://www.thekathmandu.net/
3142 South Highland Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT, 84106
Tel: 801-466-3504

Bars and Clubs recommendations

For those that enjoy indulging in evenings of inebriation this list compiled by the City Weekly may prove useful.
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article- ... t_page=all

I do not frequent bars so I cannot provide any first hand recommendations but I'll ask some friends that do.

One place I can recommend for those that enjoy a place with a nice low key atmosphere that has great pool tables, food, and Fri & Sat evening live acts is Fat's Grill in the Sugarhouse area. Oh smoke free as well aside from the grill.

Typically the sound levels, without a band playing downstairs, are often at a point that permits having comfortable conversation. I enjoy playing pool there, and has been a great place for a date, and is convenient for some Americana grub and drinks. Plus they have a few big screen displays that typically have various sports events on.

http://fatsgrillslc.com/
2182 South Highland Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 484-9467

For a taste of local brews you may want to visit Wasatch & Squatters Beers.
http://www.utahbeers.com/contact.html
or
http://www.squatters.com/default.aspx

I do not enjoy nightclubs so again no first hand recommendations, although Area 51 is supposed to be fun or The Urban Lounge.

If one prefers ballroom I currently do not know of any really 'swanky joints' per se but I know of several fun spots where the focus is dancing not on lavish decor if anyone is interested.

Myself, I love ballroom dancing.

Museum recommendations.

For those who are airplane aficionados the Hill Air Force Base - Hill Aerospace Museum is just 30 minutes north of Centerville and is free admission but donations are welcomed. However I do not have any further recommendations north of SLC.
http://www.hill.af.mil/library/museum/

Natural History Museum of Utah is a great place and has a beautiful view of the SL valley, especially on the observation deck. Not nearly as massive and mind blowing as say the one in NYC but definitely worthwhile. –Aside note I would recommend visiting Red Butte Gardens but it is at its best during spring and summer.
http://nhmu.utah.edu/

Utah Museum of Contemporary Art it should be a nice one stop for some modern art, otherwise checkout the Phillips Art Gallery. I have not visited the UMOCA but I find the PAG a great place for contemporary art.
http://www.utahmoca.org/
http://www.phillips-gallery.com/index.html

The Leonardo I hear is a great museum, aside from the relatively high admission price. Currently there is a very cool "Da Vinci The Genius" exhibition till January. The building was formerly the main SL Library so it is a rather large space to explore. In the AC Parkour video you can see the new SL library.
http://www.theleonardo.org/
http://www.theleonardo.org/exhibits/dis ... he-genius/

Utah Museum of Fine Arts typically has a great cross section of contemporary and ancient art. I love this place, although parking can be a little tricky on the weekdays. Located on the University of Utah campus.
-Aside note, the U of U Rice Eccles Stadium served as the main stadium for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
http://umfa.utah.edu/

The major unique place to check out for many is Temple Square and the surrounding area.
First place to really explore is Temple Square proper, very lovely architecture and gardens on the grounds. There are two visitor centers where one can find tour guides, which are free, for the TS area. Since fall is in full swing and fast transition to winter the gorgeous gardens are kaput. Any who may be visiting after Thanksgiving should check out the TS Christmas lights during the evening.

After which one may want to explore some of the other historical sites nearby such as the Beehive or Lion Houses. By the way the Lion House does have a pantry which has some nice ‘pioneer’ grub. The dinner rolls are fluffy joys of decadence. http://templesquarehospitality.com/rest ... pantry.php

The LDS Church History Museum is also a nice place to explore and has free guided tours. In addition to the museum there is also a small art gallery. It does provide a nice condensed overview of the LDS Church for those curious.
http://www.visittemplesquare.com/attractions

Feel free to ask any questions, happy to help out.
I know some folks have met up around the globe, anyone interested I would like to meet up with any of you when visiting SLC.

Cheers!
Ashkey