I Spy

Graphics by Jacqueline T Miller
Photo by Tavia McGrath

Do you know where this is in the Salt Lake Valley?

Graphics by Jacqueline T Miller
Photo by Tavia McGrath

Do you know where this is in the Salt Lake Valley?

The Old Flamingo

By Beth Davis
Photos by Tavia McGrath

If you have driven the stretch of 23^rd East between 33^rd and 39^th South, you have surely noticed The Old Flamingo. It’s easy to spot with the flock of pink plastic lawn ornaments.   Inside it is just as surprising.   

It’s a second hand shop with a twist. The owner’s run the shop as a co-op, with several venders displaying their wares. From an assortment of creative backgrounds, these vendors are key to the variety of styles you will find.

Besides all the unique treasures, there is a selection of furniture to suit anyone’s home. Great new finishes on old dressers, tables and shelves create contemporary pieces that rival anything in the latest catalogs you’ve been eyeballing.

They offer the service of refinishing your old furniture as well. So if “repurpose”, “recycle”, or “up-cycle” fit in to your world or budget, they can easily help you out.

Fabulous art, both new and old fills the walls. Really fabulous art! And if you make your own, they have the most diverse collection of frames for your creations. I’ve been in 3 times since it opened, and have yet to leave empty handed. The turnover is quick, so each time it’s a new experience.

While I’ve wandered around the place, the staff has been helpful and inquiries are quickly dealt with, nothing pushy, just genuine service.  The place is upbeat and has a remarkable energy in it.

Wander in and see what you find.

The Old Flamingo

3474 South 2300 East 

Salt Lake City, Utah 

(801) 274-3474

Have you been to The Old Flamingo? Tell us what you thought. 

The Soup Kitchen

Photos by Tavia McGrath

The Soup Kitchen Restaurants have been a long time favorite of ours. Because we love practically everything on their menu, we have a hard time deciding what to get. Good thing they have reasonable prices.

The Soup Kitchen has been serving up delicious sandwiches and hot soup for over 30 years. They have five locations and also offer catering services.

Besides the usual soups and sandwiches they make killer scones, burgers, salads and don't forget to get a cookie while you're there.

The Soup Kitchen Restaurants

422 W 600 N     1411 S Redwood     33rd Main Street     2012 S 11oo E     1185 S Richards

Have you been to The Soup Kitchen? 
What's you're favorite soup or sandwich there?

I Heart Salt Lake Contributor- Tavia McGrath

Meet Tavia, she is a contributor on I Heart Salt Lake.

How long have you lived in Utah:   All my life

Favorite local restaurant:   Long Life Vegi House

Where are your favorite places to shop in the Salt Lake Valley: The Sugarhouse shopping district

Best thing about Salt Lake/Utah:  I love Salt Lake for the diversity that you can’t find in a lot of other areas in Utah.  I realize that Salt Lake isn’t as diverse as cities in other states, but relative to other areas in Utah, it’s quite diverse.

Anything else you want to add:  We need to support our local, independent businesses now more than ever.  I’m devastated by how many of my favorite local restaurants and shops have closed recently.  My neighborhood, Sugarhouse, has always been know for it’s large selection of local, independent businesses, but lately many of those businesses have closed and been replaced by national chains.  Our local businesses need our support in this tough economy.  Buy local!

Backyard Birds and Gardens

Photos by Tavia McGrath

Backyard Birds and Gardens in Sugarhouse is your go to shop for all things birds. They carry bird houses, bird feed, bird baths and much more. They also offer tips and education to help you.

Backyard Birds  also sell nature and garden gifts. It is the perfect place to find a unique gift for the garden and bird lover in your life.

Backyard Birds carries a large selection of  decor for the garden.  They sell wind chimes, clocks, thermometers, windsocks, gnomes, unique bird feeders, bird baths, and much, much more.

Check out Backyard Birds website. Many of the items for sale in their store can be purchased online too.

Backyard Birds and Gardens

2698 South Highland Drive

Monday- Saturday 10 am to 6 pm

Cactus and Tropicals

By Beth Davis
Photos by Tavia McGrath

This holiday season step inside the temperate greenhouse that is Cactus & Tropicals and take in the fresh air. This exquisite plant and gift shop is lovely at any time of the year, but do yourself a favor and see it all decked out for Christmas. The seasonal fare takes on a new flare with the many varieties of poinsettias on display. Amaryllis bulbs and Paper whites are cleverly gift wrapped and ready for giving.

There is no place in the valley with the variety of growing wonders that you will find here. Every blooming plant you can imagine and some you never knew existed, are all available. If it’s a gift you are after, the collection of containers is also complete. Contemporary or traditional, large or small, there is one for every style and budget.

The designers on hand can plant you up an indoor garden or you may choose from the lovely creations on display. They know their business and can guide you in a choice for any occasion.

 You will find elegant Orchids, artistically presented, whose long lasting blooms will delight anyone lucky enough to receive one. And for the ultimate living work of art, there is also an assortment of Bonsai.

Come spring, the blooms spill outside and the shop becomes a nursery and garden center, with perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs. The artistry is evident in the many fountains, containers and statuary. The varieties are both exciting as well as numerous and the latest trends will undoubtedly be available.

A gift shop of gardening, botanical and artistic treasures adds to the experience. But heed this warning; there is something you will want for yourself.

As their name implies; Cactus and Tropical foliage fill the light and open space. It’s lovely, warm and you should find your way to 20^th East & 27^th South. Salt Lake’s corner of Paradise.

Cactus & Tropical

Salt Lake Store

2735 South 2000 East

(801) 485-2542

Draper Store

12252 South Draper Gate Drive

(801) 676-0935

I Spy

Graphics by Jacqueline T Miller
Photo by Tavia McGrath

  Do you know where this is in Salt Lake?

 

I Spy

Graphics by Jacqueline T Miller
Photo by Tavia McGrath

Do you know where this is in Salt Lake?