Buying a home is one of the greatest and often the most stressful investments. Saving for the deposit and fees means the ol’ pocket book should only be opened for necessities. But life can’t be all red beans and rice. You need to have some fun and explore this great city, but preferably in a cheap and cheerful manner. Once work is over and we’ve done our bit for the community, we Muvers love to relax, so we’ve compiled an eclectic list of frugal (FREE) and interesting happenings in and around Salt Lake City. It should keep you and yours entertained and your bank account brimming. You’re welcome.
Squirrel Away
Rustle up the kids – your own, familial or neighborhood and lead the pack to the beloved King’s English Bookshop in the charming 15th District for a reading and signing of ‘The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World’ by New York Times bestselling authors, Shannon and Dean Hale. February 7, The King’s English Bookshop – 1511 South 1500 East, 7pm.
Near Life Experience
Mark your calendars for an inspirational evening at Snowbird Mountain Resort as adventurous backcountry skier/mountaineer, Noah Howell shares some of his thrilling experiences. Utah Adventure Journal’s speaker series is free, although donations to Utah’s Avalanche Center are greatly appreciated. February 9, WildFlower Lounge, Snowbird Mountain Resort, 6pm-8pm.
Mixology
The University of Utah and Westminster College will host a Red Bull-sponsored ‘Play and Destroy’ – a one-on-one iPod music battle. Everyone is welcome to play or ‘spin’, but only one can truly slay. Up to 16 student competitors will compete across a variety of ‘battlegories’, with the crown being bestowed upon whoever captivates the crowd. February 9, Urban Lounge – 241 South, 500 East, 9.30pm.
Beehive Buzz Words
Consider yourself an orthographer? (An excellent speller). Then don’t miss Urban Lounge’s adult-styled spelling bee, complete with pub setting. Expect animated support (or heckling) as participants are selected at random. Tip: pack a pocket-sized dictionary! Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the finalists and ultimate winner. February 9, Urban Lounge – 241 South, 500 East, 6pm.
Hoot if You’re Happy
From Orthography to ornithology (the study/love of birds). Ornos and their flock can gather to meet Galileo, the short-eared owl. HawkWatch International will host an open house event for G’s inauguration into the raptor ambassador posse. Swing by for a meet and greet, or stay a lil’ longer and learn about short-eared owls and the extended family. You’re welcome to stay as long or as briefly as you like. February 9, HawkWatch International – 2240 South, 900 East, 6pm.
Powder Power
SLUG Games is Utah’s annual amateur ski and snowboard contest. Everyone is invited to compete, including under 17s. Come one, come all! Show off your mad skills and be in the running to win some even madder prizes. February 11, Milly Chalet (Brighton Resort), 10am. *For those unable to make it up to the mountain, visit The King’s English Bookshop to meet Steph Jagger as she discusses and signs her book, ‘Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery’. February 11, The King’s English – 1511 South, 1500 East. 2pm to 4pm.
Focused Fraternization
If Hip-Hop’s your thing, head to Urban Lounge for ‘Localized’ – the monthly music event featuring headlining artists, Zigga, Shanghaii and V.O. Sensei. February 15, Urban Lounge – 241 South, 500 East. Doors open at 8pm.
It’s How We Stroll
Salt Lake Gallery Stroll happens on the third Friday of each month. Participating SLC galleries welcome all to meet and mingle with the artists while browsing exciting visual art collections. “Bring friends. Meet artists. Take home a masterpiece. Be part of art!” The third Friday of every month, except December. www.gallerystroll.org
Nepal Rises
Reflect on the devastation and subsequent bravery demonstrated, post earthquake as told through photographer Lindsey Daniels’ lens following the 7.8 quake in Nepal on April 25, 2015. Lindsay’s small but effective crew was one of the first to land in Kathmandu the next day. Armed with medical supplies and photography equipment, they provided relief to over 180,000 people within the first few weeks of the disaster, while also sharing the grit and determination of the Nepalese. Exhibiting now until March 18, Sprague Branch Library (2131 South, 1100 East). Open daily. Hours vary. Visit www.slcpl.org for details.
Seek Serenity
Irrespective of your faith, Temple Square’s pristine architecture and lush gardens are beautiful. It’s the perfect place to while away a few hours and a photographer’s playground with its many statues, endless wedding ceremonies and countless visitors. Temple Square also contains the Family History Library, The Tabernacle, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) headquarters – one of the youngest religions in the world and hallowed ground for so many Mormons, since pioneering the township in 1847. Cathedral of the Madeleine is but a few blocks to the east and a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with cathedral ceilings, gargoyles and stained glass. It’s also home to the only co-educational Catholic Choir School in the US. Both places of workshop are open daily. Temple Square from 9am to 9pm and the Cathedral of the Madeleine from 8am to 8pm.
Capitolize Your Time
Visit the neoclassical State Capitol building, designed by local architect Richard K.A. Kletting in 1916 from granite sourced directly from the quarry behind. The Capitol Building contains two active legislative chambers, a ceremonial Supreme Court chamber, and the State’s ‘top dogs’ offices. A four-year restoration project between 2004 and 2008 enhanced and reinforced the structure in the event of an earthquake. Take a guided tour and learn about Utah’s political history as well as the significance of the seagulls painted on the ceiling. You can also marvel at, but we don’t suggest standing directly beneath the 6000-pound chandelier. Free hour-long tours are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and also at 6pm and 7pm on Wednesdays.
Window Shop ‘til You Drop
City Creek Center is stunning, so opt to window shop and appreciate all that the center offers, with its pristine façade and babbling creek running right through its center. The retractable glass roof sets this mall apart as shoppers comfortably experience the weather – be it sunshine, rain or magical snow. There’s a choreographed-to-music water fountain with fire accents, fire pits, food court, pretty gardens and a pedestrian sky bridge, which is the ideal vantage point for photographers wanting to catch a spectacular view down Main Street. Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm. Closed on Sundays.
Bird’s-eye View
Head up to Ensign Peak for a challenging but relatively short hike to bask in the very same view that pioneer, Brigham Young witnessed as he and his brethren surveyed and planned the land that would become Salt Lake City and beyond. The breathlessness you might feel as you ascend is worth the view overlooking the urban sprawl within the valley, the Wasatch to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west and behold; Great Salt Lake itself – the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. (Approximately 75 miles long and about 35 miles wide) Take water, trail mix and don’t forget your phone/camera. North Sandrun Road, Capitol Hill.
Six-Degrees
Visit the helpful folk at the Family History Library and discover your roots. It’s the largest refectory in the world, holding genealogical records dating back to 1550. Everyone is welcome to visit and scour the records for familiar names and faces. 35 North West Temple. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.
Call The Muve Group on 801.474.2274 and let us help you unearth your own fun-filled home in Salt Lake City.
