I am currently in Detroit, Michigan making a connecting flight from Harrisburg, PA to Seattle, WA. It was a ridiculously early flight which boarded at 5:10 a.m. I wanted to get home so I would still have some of my Saturday with my family back in Port Angeles, WA, but wowza! What a long day of travel and setting the alarm to wake up at 2:45 a.m. (that is 11:45 p.m. pacific time)… yeah… not so fun. But, luckily I was able to sleep for most of the 2-hour flight.
After landing in Detroit, as I made my way to the connecting gate, I spotted a McDonald’s and since I knew the next leg of the flight is a long one, I stopped to grab an egg and cheese biscuit. It’s my go-to breakfast item, which is complimented with any icy Diet Coke. It was crowded and I maneuvered to a spot where I could put the lid on my refreshing soda. I had stopped next to a couple who were eating their breakfast. I smiled and nodded at the gentleman, which is my normal polite thing I do when I come into eye contact with someone. He then surprised me by speaking to me, and asked, “Where are you headed?” I said, “Seattle, how about you?” He said, “Salt Lake.” I said, “Oh is that home for you?” He then told me that they were from Detroit but were heading on a ski vacation. I said I was actually originally from the Salt Lake area and that Salt Lake City was definitely the right place to go for skiing. Then he asked me what they should do today since they have some time to kill? I thought for a second and said, “You should definitely see Temple Square.” I could see by the look on his face and his wife’s face that they didn’t want to go there. As someone who has lived in the Salt Lake area most of my life, I explained that it was the number one place where I took people who came from out of town.
I also said that if they were going to spend much time downtown, there was the Church history museum and Family History Library where they could look up ancestors and learn about family history.
They didn’t show much interest and asked about the zoo. I told them that it was a really fun zoo and I told them about Ruth’s Diner as a great place to eat close to Hogle Zoo. I also mentioned City Creek and that there was a lot to do downtown. The conversation wound down and then I was off to my gate.
As I walked away I thought that it was too bad that they seemed to have a negative perception of Temple Square. It is always the highlight of everyone’s visit, whether they’ve come from France or from North Carolina, everyone really loves their visit.
So if you are reading this and you are wondering what to do in Salt Lake City, nobody ever regrets going to see Temple Square. In fact, what I’ve heard most people say is that they wished that they had more time. There is a lot of history and the temple itself is beautiful. I love Temple Square, my wife loves Temple Square, and our children love to visit Temple Square. You will enjoy it if you are alone, with your family, or even with a big group. I should mention that I know that they are doing some renovations currently, but I’ve heard they are adding even more things for visitors to see. In the meantime, expect a little construction. (This was written March 7, 2020)
OK. One last thing. Here is an insider tip. If you really want to have a memorable experience that you will look back on fondly for the rest of your life, catch a live performance of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Every Sunday since 1929, the perform a radio and TV program called “Music and the Spoken Word.” It is a free performance every Sunday morning. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Trust me on this. This will be the crowning event of your trip to Salt Lake City! After hearing the choir, spend some time on Temple Square. It is one of my favorite places in the world. You won’t regret it. Whatever hesitation you might have, it isn’t warranted and you’ll be happy you took my advice. Drop me a line and let me know how you liked it.
Rocky Mountain Sunshine 