FoodPlaces to visitSalt Lake City October 14, 2019

Eating Vegan in Salt Lake City – Where to Go

Eating Vegan in Salt Lake City – Where to Go

 

Finding a vegan restaurant in Salt Lake City is easy; the difficult part is deciding which one you will choose. Dining out as a vegan hasn’t always been so easy in the past. While traveling with my extended family to a reunion in Iowa, I was delighted to see a menu offering a “veggie burger”.  My delight quickly turned to disappointment when discovering that their veggie burger was just a beef patty with a single leaf of iceberg lettuce on top. It wasn’t unusual for a waitress to suggest the “Chef’s Salad” as a suitable meal, which included egg, ham, cheese, and topped with a creamy dressing. After requesting eliminating them, it left you with iceberg lettuce with a slice of tomato. Many people simply didn’t understand what vegans ate. Traveling for business or on vacation, meant packing your own food.

Times have certainly changed. Eating a vegan diet, whether it is for medical reasons, food allergies, environmental concerns, or compassion for animals, offers a wide variety of food to eat. Whether you reside in Salt Lake City, or are visiting for business or vacation, the first thing to do is pick up a free copy of the Utah Vegan Guide, which is updated annually by UARC. Typically these booklets can be found at local restaurants.

 

Utah.vegan.guide

This year, the guide has expanded beyond Salt Lake City, covering restaurants from as far north as Logan to as far south as Kanab and St. George, and includes many cities in between. They list restaurants which are 100% vegan, as well as others who offer vegan options on their regular menus.

 

 

The following are just a few of my favorites in no particular order. To be fair, for those that are not mentioned below, there are still more vegan restaurants that I haven’t eaten at yet.

 

Seasons Plant Based Bistro located at 1370 S State Street in Salt Lake City. It offers French and Italian cuisine, with a selection of local and imported beer and wine. On our first visit, the waitress inquired about any food allergies, and pointed out appropriate options from their menu. During our second visit, a few months later, the same waitress not only recognized us, but remembered my wife’s mushroom allergy. The food and service is wonderful.

 

Vegan Bowl located at 8672 S Redwood Road in West Jordan. It offers vegan versions of all your Vietnamese favorites including, ramen stir-fry, egg rolls, banh mi, noodle salads, rice bowls, pho, flan, and drinks, including shakes. Service is very quick.

 

Lil’ Lotus located at 2223 South Highland Drive in Salt Lake City. It offers vegan breakfast burritos, Navajo tacos, mac n’ cheese, hot dogs, and sliders. The food is very flavorful.

 

The Pie Pizzeria has several locations including Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, Midvale, South Jordan and Ogden. This traditional pizzeria often makes it on the Best Pizza lists. They offer Follow Your Heart vegan cheese and other vegan options on their regular menu, in addition to a different specialty pizza each month. Their menu also includes Gluten free options.

 

Monkey Wrench is located at 53 E Gallivan Avenue in Salt Lake City. This vegan ice cream shop makes their ice cream in small batches and offers 16 flavors. They serve it in a cup, a cone, with a brownie, or as sundae or a banana split. Take a pint home with you. They also sell coffee, hot chocolate and vegan pastries.

 

Boltcutter  is located at 57 Gallivan Avenue, Salt Lake City. They offer vegan versions of Mexican classics such as street tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as craft libations. Be sure to try their Buffalo cauliflower and nachos.

 

Buds is located at 509 E 300 South in Salt Lake City. They offer vegan sub sandwiches and salads, including the Pesto, Buffalo, Cheese Steak, Barbacoa. They have a walk-up window to order and pick up your food.  There is no indoor seating, although there is an outdoor patio with picnic bench seating, when the weather is nice. They are great sandwiches to take on the go, and be sure to try their zucchini chocolate chip cookies.

 

Passion Flour is located at 165 E 900 South in Salt Lake City. They offer authentic French pastries, tartines, crepes, sandwiches and coffee. They also take orders for wedding and specialty cakes.

 

Big O Doughnuts  is located at 248 W 900 South in Salt Lake City. They offer vegan gourmet doughnuts with flavors such as spiced apple cider, blueberry lavender, orange cardamom, matcha, rosemary brown sugar, cookies and cream, pumpkin pie, churro and traditional favorites such as Boston cream filled, lemon curd as well as apple fritters. They open at 7 am on weekdays, and 9 am on the weekends. Be sure to go early as they often sell out before their 3 pm closing time.

 

Vertical Diner  is located at 234 W 900 South in Salt Lake City.  Breakfast is served when you want it.  Whether you like it sweet or savory, they have menu items that are sure to please.  They offer comfort food with a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and specialty plates.  They provide catering on-site in their Jade room for up to 40 people or off-site for up to 500.

If you have a personal favorite that I didn’t mention, be sure to share it with me in the comments section below.

 

Upcoming Vegan events:

Vegan Mac Down SLC  Be sure to get your tickets for the 3rd annual Mac Down on Saturday, October 19th at Impact Hub on 150 State Street, #1, in Salt Lake City.  Nine local cooks have prepared their best vegan mac n’ cheese recipes to compete for your vote.  Enjoy music, games, prize giveaways and local vendors.


A Very Vegan Thanksgiving  will be held on Saturday, November 9th at Wasatch Elementary, 30 “R” Street in Salt Lake City. This is an annual fundraiser for Ching Farm Rescue & Sanctuary. Proceeds from this event helps to purchase animal feed and hay for the winter months. Doors will open at 5 pm, dinner will be served at 6 pm.  Silent Auction items will be available to bid on until 7:45 pm.

 

 

 

PetsUncategorized August 15, 2019

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Salt Lake County

Dog Days in the City

 

Dogs and their human companions have several options throughout Salt Lake County to enjoy off-leash dog parks for exercise and socializing. Whether living in the city or just visiting; dogs love having some space to run. A few of the parks offer designated areas for smaller dogs if desired.

 

Dog Days in the City

Dayland Dog Park

 

Dayland Dog Park is located at 13450 S 300 E in Draper. It offers a separate fenced in area for small dogs, as well as a fenced area for larger dogs. The park includes grass, gravel, sand, and water for dogs to wade in. There is shaded seating available.

 

Dog Days in the City

Herman Franks Dog Park

 

Herman Franks Dog Park is located at 1371 S 700 East in Salt Lake City. This park offers partial shade and seating along the perimeter of the fence. It is a single fenced area for dogs of all sizes. It offers an agility course and has a water fountain for dogs.

 

Dog Days in the City

Lions Park

 

Lions Park is located at 361 E Robert Avenue in South Salt Lake. This park has a single fenced in area for dogs of all sizes. It offers agility tunnels and a hoop to jump through, and plenty of space to run and fetch. It has shaded seating. There is an entrance at each end of the dog park, and has curbside parking.

 

Dog Days in the City

Memory Grove Freedom Trail

 

Memory Grove Freedom Trail is located at 375 N at 120 East in Salt Lake City. On street parking can be difficult to find at certain times, but is well worth the effort to seek out. The trail offers a partially shaded hike for dogs and their companions, and has shallow water for the dogs to wade in.

 

Dog Days in the City

Millrace Dog Park

 

Millrace Dog Park is located at 1200 W 5400 South in Taylorsville. This dog park is unique from the others, as it charges an annual fee for a permit tag. Every dog utilizing the park is required to have a permit tag. Find out more about the tag fees and the hours of operation at Millrace Dog ParkThe dog park has a single fenced area for dogs of all sizes. It offers agility tunnels, has a water fountain for dogs, and has shaded seating.

 

Dog Days in the City

Tanner Park

 

Tanner Park is located at 2760 Heritage Way in East Millcreek. Signs are posted designating the leashed and unleashed areas of the trail. The gravel trail is approximately one mile. The trail is lined with trees which offer partial shade. It has two areas where dogs can wade in the water.

 

Dog Days in the City

West Jordan Dog Park

 

West Jordan Dog Park is located at 5982 W New Bingham Hwy in West Jordan. This park is located next to the West Jordan Animal Shelter. The 4.5 acres park is separated into three separate areas. A grassy section is reserved for small and/or passive dogs, and the other two sections are for larger and more active dogs. Larger, active dogs have a choice of grass or gravel fenced-in areas. All three sections offer partially shaded benches.

 

Dog Days in the City

 

The annual Dog Day at Liberty Pool will take place on Saturday, September 7th from 9 am to 4:30 pm at 900 South 650 East. Four separate swim times are scheduled. This event helps to support the Salt Lake County Animal Services education fund.  Price is $10 per dog.  Find additional information at Dog Day.

 

Special Treats

 

Dog Days in the City

 

Looking for a cool treat when the temperature is soaring?  You may want to check out the “ice cream” for dogs at Healthy Pets. It is like more like a Popsicle than ice cream. Our dog, Roxie, enjoyed the Roast Beef flavored treat.

 

Dog Days in the City

 

Ma and Paws Bakery for Dogs also has an excellent selection of treats for special occasions.  This peanut butter based “cake” with yogurt topping was a big hit.

 

Additional Posts about Pets:

Planning for your pets during evacuations

 

 

 

 

HolidaysSalt Lake City June 23, 2019

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

The 4th of July is coming up soon and there are lots of fun options in Salt Lake County for celebrating the holiday throughout the entire day.

 

MagnaMagna Cooper Park located at 8950 West 2600 South. Activities include a flag ceremony, breakfast, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, a parade, and music.  The fireworks display will begin at 10:00 pm.  Click on the link for the full schedule of activities.

 

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

Murray  – Murray Fun Days is held at the Murray Park on 296 E Murray Park Avenue.  Begin your day with breakfast in the park, watching a parade, a 5K race, a chalk art contest, a magician, a puppet show, children’s games, musicians, and much more.  Beginning at 10 pm, watch the fireworks display in the park.  (No personal fireworks permitted).  Click on the link for the full schedule of activities.

 

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

Salt Lake BeesThe Smith’s Ballpark at 77 West 1300 South in Salt Lake City.  Cheer on the Salt Lake Bees as they take on the El Paso Chihuahuas.  A fireworks display will follow the baseball game.

 

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

Sandy10000 Centennial Parkway.  Activities include a flag raising ceremony, a 5K race, spikeball competition, K9 demos, inflatables, crafts, games, food trucks, music and much more.  The fireworks display begins at 10 pm.  No personal fireworks or sparklers are permitted.  This is a pet-free festival; however, service animals are welcome.  Click on the link for the full schedule of activities.

 

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

South Salt Lake Fitts Park located at 3050 South 500 East.  Activities include a pancake breakfast, a 5K race, run or walk, a flag ceremony, a parade, live music, games and food.  Click on the link for the full schedule of activities.

 

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

This is the Place Heritage Park  – located at 2601 Sunnyside Ave in Salt Lake City. The Sons of the American Revolution will begin the day with a flag ceremony.  In addition to the regularly scheduled activities at the park, guests will enjoy the candy cannon, the ringing of the anvil and other special activities planned for the 4th of July.

 

4th of July Celebrations in Salt Lake County

 

West JordanVeterans Memorial Park at 1985 West 7800 South.  A full day of events is scheduled, including a parade, a carnival, a rodeo, music, and ending with a fireworks display.  Personal fireworks are not permitted in city parks.

 

Whether you celebrate the 4th of July privately, or at a community event, please be careful with fireworks.

 

Fireworks Restrictions Map

 

Fireworks Laws in Salt Lake County 

 

Fireworks can be frightening to pets.  Keep your pets safe, by leaving them inside at home.  Be sure to have current contact information on microchip, in the event they do get loose and run away.

 

 

Holidays November 29, 2018

The Festival of Trees Grows With Help of Community Volunteers

The Festival of Trees Grows With Help of Community Volunteers

 

Get in the holiday spirit at the Festival of Trees now through Saturday, December 1st.  In addition to viewing hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, there are aisles of wreaths, gingerbread houses, quilts, Nativities, centerpieces & collectibles.  After walking around the 220,000 square feet of displays, you may want to sit for awhile at one of the two performance stages to watch the dancers and singers performing.

 

The Festival of Trees Grows With Help of Community Volunteers

Gingerbread Houses

 

Children will enjoy a visit with Santa or making crafts at the Kids Korner.  Be sure to stop by the Elf Emporium for handmade gifts for children, the Sweet Shoppe for some fudge, and the Gift Boutique for some early holiday shopping.

 

The Festival of Trees Grows With Help of Community Volunteers

Aisles of Baby to King Sized Quilts

 

Everything at the Festival of Trees has been donated to raise money for Primary Children’s Hospital. It is run by volunteers.  The Festival of Trees was inspired forty-eight years ago by a group of women looking for ways to raise funds for children’s medical costs.  In its first year, $47,000 was raised.  Last year, $2.7 million dollars was raised.

The Festival of Trees is at the Mountain America Expo Center, 9575 State Street in Sandy.  Adult admission tickets are $7.  Children (ages 2-11) are $4.  Children younger than 2 years are free.  Seniors, age 65 and older are $6.  If you have younger children, strollers would be very helpful to bring.  I would recommend leaving heavy coats in your car (if you can manage the walk from your car to the building), to avoid having to carry them around inside as you are walking around for hours.

The trees are beautifully decorated with themes including super heroes, cartoon characters, sporting events, and nostalgic memorabilia.  Many of the trees were designed in the memory of a loved one who has passed away.  One of the trees was in honor of South Salt Lake Officer David Romrell who was killed in the line of duty on November 24th.

Although many of the trees have been sold at auction on the opening night; there are still many that are available to purchase at the listed price.

Holidays November 7, 2018

Veterans Day Celebrations

Veterans Day Celebrations

 

For some, there is confusion on what we are honoring on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day.  Armed Forces Day is observed on the 3rd Saturday of May to recognize men and women are serving in the Armed Forces in the present time.  Memorial Day, also known as “Decoration Day” is observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.  Veterans Day is observed on November 11th annually to honor all military veterans who have served during peace time or at time of war in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day was initially called “Armistice Day” and was to honor veterans of World War I.  On November 11, 1918 at 11 AM, a temporary cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect.  A year later in 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday to be celebrated on November 11th each year to honor the veterans of World War I.  The Act of 1938 was amended in 1954 by replacing the word “Veterans” for “Armistice” to honor all American veterans.

 

 

Veterans Day Celebrations

Needles, Canyonlands National Park

 

Veterans and non-veterans are able to take advantage Free Admission Day  at the National Parks on Veterans Day.

Additionally many restaurants and other businesses offer discounts or free Veterans Day deals.

 

 

Local events in Salt Lake County recognizing our servicemen and women include:

Draper City –  Veterans Day Ceremony Friday, November 9th 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Magna City –  Veterans Day Parade  Sunday, November 11th 11:00 AM Magna Elementary School, 3100 South 8500 West.

Utah PTA/National Guard Annual Veterans Day Concert at the Tabernacle on Temple Square, Saturday, November 10th  at 7:00 PM

University of Utah’s 21st Annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony Schedule of Events

West Valley City – Dinner and Veterans Day Program  Monday, November 12th 5:30 PM at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South  West Valley City

 

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  – John F. Kennedy

 

HolidaysPlaces to visitSalt Lake City June 20, 2018

Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations

Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations

From flag raisings, breakfasts, races, parades, games, entertainment and fireworks there are plenty of activities to celebrate from dawn through dark on the 4th of July in and around Salt Lake County.  Here are some of them.  If you know of any others, please add them in the comment section.

Jordan Park – 1060 South 900 West, Salt Lake City.  Fireworks beginning at 10:00 pm at the North end of the park.

Magna Copper Park – 8950 W 2600 S, Magna, UT, Flag Ceremony at 7:00 am, Lions Club Breakfast from 7:00 am–11:00 am.  5K Fun Run at 7:30 am.  Watch the parade at noon on Main Street and return to Magna Copper Park for games and inflatables from 2:30 to 10:00 pm.  Music from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and fireworks beginning at 10:00 pm.

Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations

Riverton – 12830 South 1700 West, Riverton, Utah.  July 4, Bike and running races, 10K, 5K, 1-Mile, and the Tour De Riverton bike race.  Chuck Wagon Breakfast from 7 am to 10 am.  Games, food and activities at the Riverton City Park throughout the day.  Fireworks begin at 10:00 pm.

Sandy City Hall – 10000 S. Centennial Parkway, Sandy.  Flag Raising and National Anthem at 6:50 am followed by a 5K.  Games, inflatables, crafts, food, and entertainment from 10 am to 10 pm. Fireworks Sky Concert at 10:00 pm.

Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations

South Salt Lake Freedom Festival –Wednesday, July 4, the day kicks off with the 5K/Fun Run at 8 am.  At 9:30 am the Parade will make its way to Fitts Park, 3050 South 500 East, South Salt Lake; where the Freedom Festival will run from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Thanksgiving Point’s Electric Park, Wednesday, July 4 from 4:00 pm to Midnight at 3003 Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, Utah.  Music, games, prizes, concessions and vendors.  Fireworks start at 10:00 pm.

Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations

West Jordan – 8000 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.  Watch the Grand Parade as it makes its way from City Hall to 7000 South from 10:30 am to noon.   Carnival and park activities including entertainment stage at the Veterans Memorial Park at 8030 S 1825 W from noon to 11:00 pm. Fireworks start at 10:15 pm.

Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations

The noise from fireworks can be frightening to pets

If you have pets – it is best to plan to leave your pet at home.  Fireworks can be very frightening to animals and cause them to run away.  Be sure that their micro chip has been updated with current contact information in the event they do become lost.  Be sure to check your yard and other areas where they walk or play for leftover fireworks debris, which can be dangerous if your pet plays or tries to eat it.

Outdoor LivingPlaces to visitSalt Lake City June 11, 2018

The Jordan River Parkway – a network of trails

The Jordan River Parkway - a network of trails

The Jordan River Parkway is an urban park with a network of non-motorized trails that runs along the Jordan River.  The Jordan River flows north from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake wetlands, through Utah, Salt Lake and Davis counties.  The concept for the Jordan River Parkway was developed in the 1970’s to address flood-control, but also included opportunities for recreational use.

The Jordan River Parkway - a network of trails

Bicyclists, walkers and runners enjoy the trail.

The mixed-use trail is used by bicyclists, runners, skaters and walkers.  There is also a separate equestrian trail.  Dogs are permitted on-leash.  Picnic areas as well as playgrounds can be found at various points along the trail.  With the beautiful backdrop, it is not unusual to come across artists sketching or painting the scenery.  Whether you prefer early morning, day time, or evening use, it is a perfect way to relax in nature without leaving the city.  There is no charge for day use or parking.

The Jordan River Parkway - a network of trails

Fishing at the Jordan River Parkway

For some people, the Jordan River Parkway is a perfect place to relax and catch dinner.  If you are fishing  in the Jordan River, be sure to follow the general statewide regulations.

The Jordan River Parkway - a network of trails

Hundreds of species of plants and animals can be found along the Jordan River Parkway’s ecosystem.  It is the perfect place for birding.  These are some of the birds that can be commonly found at the Jordan River Parkway.  In addition, you may see a variety of reptiles, amphibians and mammals.

The Jordan River Parkway - a network of trails

The Jordan River Parkway - a network of trails

The Jordan River Parkway Trail Bridge

In November, 2017 a 120-foot arch bridge over rail yards was completed to enable existing trails to be connected, providing more than 100 miles of continuous off-street paved trail for bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.  It doesn’t matter at what point you enter the trail, or the path that you take, you are sure to find a fun time.