New Years

The Beehive House

On the Northwest corner of State Street and South Temple sits The Beehive House, the home of Brigham Young.  Built in 1853-55, it served as his home while he was the Governor of the Utah Territory and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The Beehive House offers free tours of the Brigham Young home.
During the 30 minute tour you will see what life was like for the Young family.
Make sure to pay attention to the fine craftsmanship and wood detail with in the home.


The Beehive House
(801) 240- 2681
67 East South Temple

Open daily 9:30 am - 8:30 pm

Salt Lake City New Years Event

After 16 successful years of "First Night" New Years Eve celebration, Salt Lake City is hosting a huge New Years Eve bash.  It actually runs for 3 days and 3 nights.  It's called EVE.   

EVE will be a gigantic street party in downtown Salt Lake City. There will be plenty of places to chill down and warm up and a thousand ways to celebrate.

EVE will include live local music, dance parties, ski and snowboard action sports competitions, DJs, film screenings, laser shows, art installations, activities for kids, interactive resolutions, fire dancers and a spectacular midnight fireworks show on New Year's Eve.

  

Signature projects include eBay It Forward, EVE Air action sports (with 50 tons of snow), Battle of the Tribute Bands II, BounceTown (a massive town of inflatable playgrounds), a fire and ice sculpture garden, the Bandemonium main stage and Ballroom (think thousands of beach balls, a DJ and lighting installations).

Ride TRAX free Dec. 29-31 with your EVE pass, courtesy of Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper.

When: December 29 and 30 (6-10 pm), 31 (6 pm-midnight)

Tickets: $10/day, kids 10 and under are free.  

EVE passes can be purchased at participating Fresh Markets, Maverik and at on-site box offices (cash only) at the Salt Palace, Off Broadway Theatre, Broadway Center Cinemas and the Gateway concierge.

Location: The Salt Palace and West Temple between 100 and 200 South

More information: www.eveslc.com

Do you know of other great New Years Eve parties? 

Let us know what your plans are.

Mrs. Fields Factory Tour

Mrs. Fields Gifts in Salt Lake City has a fun free tour of their gifting facility.
It's a great activity for kids and adults, they even cater to groups such as Boy Scouts or schools.
To tour Mrs. Fields simply make a reservation here.

During the 30 minute tour you will see the entire production of Mrs. Fields gourmet gifts beginning with the  dough, where you get to step inside their giant freezers.  You will get to see how they package their products and gifts, their big machinery and the gourmet bakery.

The tour ends in the Mrs. Fields outlet store where you will find bargain prices on cookies and gifts. 


Mrs. Fields factory tour guidelines.

You can also find great recipes, tips and tricks from the Mrs. Fields blog.


Mrs. Fields Gifts
www.mrsfields.com
1717 South 4800 West
(801) 412-8727

Tour hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 11:00 am and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Closed on major holidays

Christmas

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Are you in the need of some last minute stocking stuffers? We are here to help!
Head to your local grocery store where you can find all the stocking stuffers you will need.

Yo can also add
1. a deck of cards
2. hand lotion
3. peanuts
4. pony tail holders
5. notebook
6. bottle of Mountain Dew
7. a new tooth brush
8. Hot Wheels
9. a picture frame
10. coloring book and crayons

Don't forget many grocery stores carry a variety of gift cards as well.

Banbury Cross Donuts

By Dianna Davis

Banbury Cross Donuts serves up some of the best donuts in Salt Lake City!
Most mornings you will find their parking lot and drive through window packed with Utahns waiting for their delicious donuts. If the lot looks full there is more parking along 700 South.

Make sure to arrive before 11:00 am for the best selections.

Some of our favorites include:

Sprinkles

Cinnamon

Bear claws

Strawberry 

Maple bars

                          

Banbury Cross Donuts
705 South 700 East
(801) 573-1433

Hours
Monday - Saturday 5 am to 5 pm
Sunday 6 am to 1 pm

Games for the Game Lover

Are you still looking for a gift for the game lover in your life?  Or maybe  a gift for someone who doesn't yet know they love games.  Here are a few suggestions for some last minute games.  Some are new, while others are classics.

Penguin Pile-up is fun for the younger set.  

It is suggested for ages 5 and up.  It can be played with 2-6 players

Guess Who is a fun game for kids ages 6-12.

 Mexican Train Dominos-there are many versions out there.  

It can be a fun game for kids ages 8 and older but adults enjoy it too.

Othello is a classic game.  It is suggested for kids 8 and older and involves 2 players.

 The Settlers of Catan is a fun game for ages 10 and older. 

It is for 3-4 players although you can purchase expansion kits for more players.

Say Anything is a fun new game for 3-8 players ages 10 and older.

Ticket to Ride is a great game!  It is suggested for ages 8 and older while 2-5 players can play.  

There are also  Nordic Countries and Europe editions.

These games can be found at
Target
Wal-mart or
The Red Balloon Toy Store

Johnny Kolache- Now Closed

by I Heart Salt Lake

Located on 9th south and 200 West in a restored yellow storefront is  Johnny Kolaches, specializing in what the name suggests, kolaches.  Johnny Boots, a Utah transplant from Houston,  founded the shop in September of 2008 and has been getting Salt Lakers hooked on the treats ever since.

What's a kolache?  It's a traditional Czech pastry, popular in immigrant communities in Texas and Oklahoma.  These delicious little pastries have a variety of fillings baked into an indentation in the center.  Once you try one, you'll be hooked.

Johnny has taken these tasty pastries to a new level by adding all sorts of fillings.  Breakfast kolaches are filled with a choice of sausage, bacon, ham, cheese and in some cases jalapeños for a little kick.  The classic fruit filled kolaches are a staple with choices like raspberry, cherry, apple and blueberry almost always available.  Johnny also turns some of the dough into scrumptious classic sweet rolls that can't be passed up.   Johnny doesn't stop there.  He also has lunch options too--filled kolaches and "kolandwiches" made with bread from the kolache dough.  A few favorites are the BBQ Pulled pork kolache or the chicken salad kolandwich. 

Johnny Kolache
www.johnnykolache.com

900 South 248 West 

Salt Lake City

Monday- Friday 7-2 pm

Saturday 8-2

Warning, get there early if you have a specific craving because the breakfast kolaches go fast!

Sweet's Candy Factory Tour

By Dianna Davis

Did you know that Sweet's Candy Company in Salt Lake City offers free factory tours?

The tours run Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Reservations only.
Reservations are done online and are very simple.

The tour is about 40 minutes long.  But make sure to leave extra time to shop the Sweet's Factory outlet store, where you will find delicious candy at discounted prices.

During the tour you will learn about the history of Sweet's Candy Company, how candy is made and packaged and much more.

Be aware that there are specific tour guidelines such as everyone must wear a hairnet (including babies), open toed shoes are NOT allowed, no purses or bags are allowed. Don't worry they have a place where you can check your purse.

Kids of all ages will love seeing a real candy factory and if that's not cool enough, the samples at the end are sure to make them happy.

www.sweetscandy.com
3780 West Directors Row
Salt Lake City
(801) 886-1444 

Hours
Monday - Thursday 8 am to 5 pm
Friday 8 am to noon

Mountain West Ballet's Nutcracker

by Julie Knaphus

Celebrate this holiday season with the artists of Mountain West Ballet in Sandy as they perform the timeless classic The Nutcracker. Complete with all the wonder and magic that has entertained audiences for generations, this tale of Clara and her handsome nutcracker prince will come to life.  

This is the 26th year for Mountain West Ballet to perform this holiday classic.  They opened last weekend at Mount Jordan Middle School theater.  There are 5 remaining performances.  There will be evening performances on 17th, 18th and 20th at 7:30 pm.  One remaining matinee will be performed on the 18th at 2:00 pm.  Tickets can be purchased online or purchased at the door.

For more information check out Mountain West Ballet.org

Winner of Rumbi Island Grill

The winner of the Rumbi Island Grill is

hillary neff 

 Hillary email us at info@iheartsaltlake.com to claim your prize 

Gift Ideas for the Fitness Junkie

Are you in need of some gift ideas for the fitness junkie in your life?
Here are some ideas that can all be purchased here in Salt Lake.

1) Ay Ay Ay skapri
2) Yoga mat bag
3) Jogging stroller
4) GPS-enabled training device
5) Ay Ay Ay kangaroo hoody
6) Asics running shoes

Sharon's Cafe

by Julie Knaphus

Sharon's Cafe is a great owner-operated neighborhood diner.  Sharon and her staff cook up and serve great home-style food.  Breakfast is served all day.  But beware they are only opened until 3:00 p.m. each day.  Sharon's offers hot cakes, Utah-style scones, omelets, fresh baked biscuits and gravy, marinated pork and eggs with feta, huevos rancheros and much more.  And that's just the breakfast menu.

Sharon's also serves sandwiches and 1/2 pound burgers.  If you're feeling really hungry, go ahead and try the one pound hamburger!  Anything on Sharon's menu can be ordered any time of day.  So if you're feeling like a burger in the morning, go ahead and order it.

We like that the food is always fresh and made to order.  And Sharon is always there too.  You know she cares about the food they put out.  Great diner food!


Sharon's Cafe
2263 Murray Holladay Road
Holladay
(801) 278-9552

Gift Ideas for a Food Lover

Need some gift ideas for the foodie in your life? We are here to help!
You can find all of these food related gifts locally in Salt Lake.

Food color pen set

Electric fondue set

Meat thermometer

Cotton candy machine

Wilton master tip set

Lion House cook book

Cooking classes are another great gift idea for a food lover.

You can find cooking classes at:

Lugano

Orson Gygi

Sur La Table

Thanksgiving Point

Tony Caputo's

Viking Cooking School

The Red Balloon Toy Store

 By Dianna Davis

The Red Balloon Toy Store is a locally owned toy store that has been serving Utah Parents and kids for over 30 years. They specialize in unique toys that can't be found on the aisles of big chain stores. But don't worry, they carry other favorites like Legos as well.  The Red Balloon carries a wide selection of top quality and educational toys from around the world. 

You can find many brand names that can be hard to find like, Madame Alexander, Corolle Dolls, and Klutz books at The Red Balloon Toy Store. They also have a wide selection of games, puzzles, art supplies and more. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you find just what you are looking for. If you need ideas, they offer suggestions to help you.

Your kids will love playing with the many toys set out for display while you shop. With toys for kids of every age and complimentary gift wrapping you can't go wrong. Did I mention they have the largest Playmobile selection in the state?
Stop by a Red Balloon Toy Store near you to complete your holiday shopping.

The Red Balloon has 2 stores in the valley plus another store in American Fork.
Sandy
778 East 9400 South
Sandy, Utah 84094
801 572-6692


Salt Lake
2033 East 3300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
801 467-7232

 
American Fork
468 North 990 West #B4
Am. Fork, Utah 84604
801 756-7278

Gifts for the Unversity of Utah Fan

 By Dianna Davis

Buying the perfect gift can be hard. Don't worry, we are here to help.
Here is I Heart Salt Lake's gift guide for the U of U fan. 

 University of Utah grill cover

Utah Utes license plate frame

U of U hitch cover

 

 Utes logo t shirt

Black Utah Utes hat 

Utes pasta

University of Utah drum and feather fire pit

U of U door knocker

You can find more University of Utah gear at the University of Utah bookstore or your local Fanzz store.

Rumbi Island Grill Giveaway

I Heart Salt Lake wants to get the month going right.  

So we are giving away a $25 gift card to a Utah based company, Rumbi Island Grill. 

Rumbi's menu includes gourmet rice bowls, crisp salads, soup, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. Favorites include the Voodoo Chicken Salad, Hawaiian Teriyaki Rice Bowl, and the Luau Pork Plate.
Rumbi Island Grill has 8 locatioons to serve you in the Salt Lake Valley. 

To enter leave a comment on this post telling us one thing you heart about Salt Lake.

Bonus entries
Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect
Follow I Heart Salt Lake on Twitter
Like I Heart Salt Lake on Facebook
Post on Facebook or tweet about this giveaway including a link to the giveaway
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, December 12th
Winner will be announced Monday, Decembeer 13th
Winner will be chosen by Random.org

Winner!

The winner of the Bjorn's Brew giveaway is

Laurie

Congratulations!

Crown Burgers

By Julie Knaphus

Crown Burgers has been serving up burgers to the folks of Salt Lake since 1978. It's a great family owned and run business.  Crown Burgers #1 priority is their customers.  Of course, so is quality. Burgers and sandwiches are prepared in the front counter grill.  Everything is cooked to order.

Crown Burgers has over 100 items on their menu.  But they're famous for their “Crown Burger”.  It is a quarter pound hamburger patty on a sesame seed bun with thousand island dressing, lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese, and then it's topped with lots of hot pastrami.  It is a must for first time customer.  It's a pretty big burger.  Try the kids version if you must.

Crown Burger also has beef burritos, grilled cheese,  fish and chips, fried chicken, gyros, onion rings and their own version of a Utah original "fry sauce".  Stop in and give them a try.


Crown Burgers has 6 locations in the Salt Lake Valley plus one in Layton

377 East 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801) 532-1155

118 North 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
(801) 532-5300

2684 South 3200 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
(801) 972-8586


3190 Highland Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
(801) 467-6633

1986 North Main Street
Layton, Utah 84041
(801) 773-1700

3270 South State Street
South Salt Lake, Utah 84115
(801) 463-6644

 
9604 South State Street
Sandy Utah 84070
(801) 562-4444

Upcoming Holiday Events

Festival of Trees

Dec 1st- Dec 4th

10:00 am- 10:00 pm

South Towne Exposition Center

Candle Light Christmas
Observe a Christmas like the pioneers did - quieter, simpler, fun for all at This is the Place Heritage Park.
View a live nativity, carolers, real reindeer, Christmas lights and more.
Dec 1st- Dec 30th
This is the Place Heritage Park
More information here

Molly Mouse’s Sugar Plum

The Children’s Ballet Theater’s annual holiday production, Molly Mouse. Over 150 life size mice scamper across the stage as Molly's Ballet School prepares for their Holiday production of The Nutcracker.

Dec 2^nd- 4^th

Jeanne’ Wagner Theater

Holiday Art Market
Find one of a kind handmade, one of a kind arts and crafts at the Art Market.
Dec2nd- 4th
1602 East 2100 South
More information here

A Christmas Carol
Dec 3rd- Dec 23rd
Hale Centre Theatre
More information here

White Christmas

The classic Christmas movie has been turned into a lavish holiday spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.

Dec 3^rd-Dec 24^th

Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
300 S. 1400 E.
More information here

ZooLights
Where wildlife meets wild lights!  ZooLights! returns to Hogle Zoo this holiday season with more sparkling lights, over 250 animated light displays and more nightly fun than ever before!
Dec 3rd- Dec 31st
Hogle Zoo
More information here

Holidays at Wheeler Farm Annual Festival of Lights
Enjoy a wagon ride thru the lighted woods, warmth by the fire and a visit with Santa. 
Dec 3rd- Dec 18th
Friday and Saturdays only
More information here

Ballet West Nutcracker

Dec 4^th- Dec 31^st

Capitol Theater
More information here

Trolley Square Annual Holiday Open House
Story time with Santa and his elves, horse drawn carriage rides and more.
Dec 4th
1:00- 8:00 pm
Trolley Square Mall
More information here

Mountain West Ballet Nutcracker
Dec 10th- Dec 20th
Mount Jordan Theater
More information here

Local Utah Blogs

 We are in the process of compiling a list of local Utah blogs.

If you would like to be added to our list follow these directions. 

We would love to add you!