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City Cast Salt Lake

Find the best that Salt Lake City has to offer.

 and adorn your house with skulls and decorative gourds. Leaf peeping is grand (and we’ll get to that later this week), but today we have alternative fall activities that will satisfy any Salt Laker, whether you’re more pumpkin spice or goth chic.

 at Holdman Studios in Lehi. Each pumpkin is $65 and participants must be 15 years or older.

, but they are good for the soul. Craft your own candles with cozy autumnal scents. 

 pumpkin train in October for a scenic view of Heber Valley. Tickets are $10-$15 and include a pumpkin cookie and a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch.

Located at the Utah Motorsports Campus in Grantsville (near Tooele) is the 

. It’s like Oktoberfest and Halloween combined. It will take place over four weekends in October, featuring zombie paintball, local craft brews and a haunted drive-in movie theater.

Check out the local haunts (😱) in Ogden with a 

 in southern Utah. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

 in Santaquin. You can go apple picking and then get apple cider slushies (hot tip: add caramel ice cream) and apple cider donuts. If you bring kids they will experience a sugar high, so let them run around the orchard and tire out.

Send me an email

Fall Activities for Every Type of Salt Laker

Salt Lake's Best

I joined lead producer Emily Means and producer Ivana Martinez on the City Cast Salt Lake podcast to talk about the best ways to 

. Turns out, it’s all about slowing down, doing the things you love, and connecting with people (or cats) in your community.

My most romanticized Salt Lake City day is very food-centric. Ideally, I'm going to a specialty grocery store. A few weekends ago, I went to a pop-up hosted by a variety of local food vendors. That, to me, is ideal! Getting a little treat and then following it up with a hot girl city walk. I feel most romantic when I'm by myself strutting my stuff in downtown SLC among the tall buildings like Mary Tyler Moore.

Ivana Martinez on skating in the park: “My friend was like, let's go roller skating, let’s go to Liberty Park. And you could smell the rain in the air, and nobody's at the park, and it's twilight. We both lace up our skates and we're going around the park with our headphones in and it's a beautiful moment.”

Emily Means on the perfect SLC day: “My husband and I rode our bikes down the 300 S. protected bike lanes to 

 at Pioneer Park. And once we get [there], the most Salt Lake thing happens to me, which is I run into someone I know and strike up a conversation immediately. Then I bought some Utah peaches and got to talk with a farmer from Brigham City. Then, I sipped a latte from 

, where I also ate a hot pastrami sandwich, and just stared lovingly into my husband's eyes and said, ‘This is the most beautiful, perfect day I've ever had.’”

Ivana Martinez on Small Lake City: “I love this city and for me, one way that I get to really enjoy  it is by running into people that I know. For example, getting to know the family who runs my favorite breakfast spot in the Avenues, and getting my breakfast burrito, and then saying hi to the cashier who knows my name.”

Emily Means on petting your neighborhood cats and riding the train:  “I have two recommendations, they are also not for everyone, but maybe you'll find joy in this — pet your neighborhood cats. I used to walk around Liberty Wells just petting cats, block by block. There are so many there. So I love talking with them. I don't know, it just brings me a lot of joy. I also love riding the train. It’s a little slice of life in Salt Lake City, and people are talking with each other or they're trying not to talk to other people. And I'm just sitting there happy as a clam watching it all go down.”

How do you romanticize your Salt Lake City life?

The Best Ways to Romanticize Your Salt Lake Life

The City Cast Salt Lake team ventured to the Utah State Fair to take in the sights and eat fried foods. This cherished annual event is going on through Sunday, Sept. 17. Here are just a few of the best things to see and do there.

 to buy tickets in advance and most importantly scope out all the food options. A star means they’re a fair food champion.

Every year, artists Debbie Brown and Matt McNaughtan use 600-800 pounds of butter to create a unique cow sculpture. It’s been a tradition at the fair since 1998. A large portion of the butter is recycled and reused for several years of sculptures.

We approached the food with a strategic game plan. We needed to cover the three main food groups — savory, sweet, and fried — and also try a couple of the

 items. We started out strong with a foot-long corndog, Navajo taco (a fair food savory winner), and a giant torta that contained boiled hotdogs 

 ham. Then we had a funnel cake, fried oreos (classic), and a 32-ounce lemonade in a baby bottle. Finally, we finished out strong with a bbq turkey leg and fresas con crema (a fair food sweet winner).

One of the best parts of the fair is feeling like a kid again. We couldn’t quite muster the carnival rides on our full stomachs, but we did go on the giant slide. I was reminded of my age when I felt dizzy from the height at the top, but then quickly forgot as I screamed all the way down. What a thrill!

The blue ribbon competitions range from textile arts to agriculture. The Joan of Arc quilt above took our breath away but there were so many incredible submissions. What we really wanted to know is, how do we sign up to be food judges?

There’s a reason why the fair brings hundreds of thousands of guests each year. It provides hours and hours of wholesome family fun. We talked to a group of people there to see the ‘80s Rock Invasion concert and we saw other families who wore matching outfits so they didn’t lose each other. So grab your loved ones, head to Fairpark, and make some memories.

Do you have a favorite Utah State Fair memory?

🎵 Memory 🎵

The Best of the Utah State Fair

Salt Lake sunsets truly cannot be beat. The way the sky lights up with warm oranges, soft pinks, and deep purples. It forces me to pause, to slow down, to reflect, even if for just a moment. Here are a few of the best places to watch the sun go to sleep.

There’s no shortage of amazing hikes in and around Salt Lake (did you hear about the guy who hiked 

?). But for some particularly stellar views, visit 

Hear me out — this is a great option for minimal effort. Because sometimes you make it to the 

and realize you don’t actually want to hike, you want to 

. Can confirm, this also works at the Trader Joe’s parking lot and the 

 in Salt Lake City and take yourself on a date. As the sun goes down, grab a cocktail and talk to strangers, if that’s your thing, or don’t and be the enigmatic main character. Don’t forget to 

Whether you venture to your favorite park or hit up your 

, you really can’t go wrong with a park sunset. Bring a book and a picnic, and 

. If you’re south of the valley, visit 

 in Draper (you might get to watch some paragliders and hang gliders, too).

Where’s your favorite place to watch the sunset?

The Best Places in Salt Lake To Watch the Sunset

September is an awkward time of the year that falls right in between the end of summer and the start of fall. But City Cast Salt Lake producer Ivana Martinez argues it’s one of the best times of the year. She rounds out her 

Note: This year’s festival will be held at Liberty Park due to the construction.

“Say hi to Lulu the whale and grab some local art and some records!”

“I’m so excited for this! I’ve been wanting to go to the symphony for a while. Every time you get to listen to live music, it’s a very ethereal experience. And you get to dress up, too.”

“We’re entering fall, which means scary season. Go catch a play at Pioneer Theatre Company with your friends or boo (👻). Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express will be playing.”

“It’s a magical little experience. You get to see the entire night sky lit up with these lanterns. Try not to light anyone on fire or commit arson.”

When: Friday-Saturday until they’re closed for the winter season.

“It’s nearing that time of year when sitting in your car doesn’t sound completely miserable.”

 while you can. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Catch the full episode of September best bets 👇

Your Guide to September in Salt Lake

The Best Bets For September

We put out a call to ask about your favorite places to cry in Salt Lake and, boy, did you deliver. Whether you’re seeking solace or comfort from a stranger, here are just a few of the best spots to shed a tear in the valley.

“Up in the Avenues anywhere but especially by 

 and the road leading up.” — @alisonshimko

“Empty parking garage or one with cars in it, I don’t get too picky.” — @kenza.roo

. I love the drama of it. Airports just make me feel all the feelings.” — @llpooljandthegang

 pond — Ducks! Dogs! Drums? I’m feeling better already.” — @segolilly

I joined City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta and producer Ivana Martinez to share where I prefer to shed a tear. Listen to the episode below 👇

The Best Places To Cry in Public in Salt Lake

The Best Places To Cry in Salt Lake

What’s not to love about melty cheese on a pile of fried potatoes? If your favorite plate of messy fries didn’t make the list, 

. I’m determined to eat my way through every morsel of cheesy fried goodness that our city has to offer.

. Feta and fries go together like birds of a feather. And you can quote me on that.

. Tender carne asada, jalapeños and pico de gallo.

. OK, idk if polenta fries are technically fries, but anything covered in gravy and cheese curds is a win in my book.

. Garlic aioli, olives, pepperoncini and green peppers. I love getting the combo mix of regular fries and sweet potato waffle fries, but you really can’t go wrong here.

. Braised beef, kimchi, pickled red onions and gochu-mayo (Korean chili pepper mayo). The combination of flavors is heavenly.

The Best Cheese Fries

City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta interviewed prolific hiker Brandon Miller who hiked 54 trails in 54 days. Together, they share the best local hikes for every occasion.

. It's pretty easy going and there's a great view with a little waterfall at the end. Little bonus tip: During the summer, there's a closer trailhead. In the winter, you have to park further back.”

: “And it's in Big Cottonwood, which means no dogs. So if you got a kiddo learning to walk the walk, they won't get knocked over.”

: “Millcreek Canyon, very dog friendly. And there's a section that's gated off during the winter. It's perfect for the summer when that opens up, you can take your dog there. And the specific hike that I'm thinking of is called 

, it's pretty aptly named. It's nice and cool in the summer, to get away from the heat of the valleys.”

: “The really interesting thing that they've done in Millcreek Canyon is even days dogs have to be on a leash, odd days your dog can be off leash. That Dog Lake hike is also so great because it's a nice steady incline, it is a little long, but you never really have to grind. And to your point that it's nice in the summer, it's shaded.”

: “You're not gonna find any dogs in either Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon, since 

. So one that won't have any dogs and one that I love so much is 

. It's definitely a bit of a challenge, I would say more for the experienced hiker that's looking for something a little bit longer.”

: “I would also like to offer for anyone who wants a no dog hike, but isn't ready to grind out Lake Blanche quite yet, 

, which is the very tippy top of Little Cottonwood canyon. You are gonna have to pay a $10 toll to get your car all the way up to the trailhead. It’s pretty doable, beautiful at sunset, and, man, an iconic Utah scene.”

City Cast Salt Lake 🎧

Best Hikes Near Salt Lake For Every Occasion

The Best Hikes Near Salt Lake For Every Occasion

, Brandon Luong, on Hey Salt Lake, and many of you asked, “Where’s the pho?” It may not be prime soup season, but for those of you who are looking to warm your bones any time of the year, Luong outlines his picks for the best bowls of pho in Salt Lake.

“In my humble opinion, any of these restaurants in the top three could be called the best pho in Salt Lake, depending on what you’re looking for.”

“A trendy bar with great cocktails, of which I recommend the cà phê. Chicken-based pho topped with pork belly, wagyu beef, oxtail, or whatever Chef Tommy Nguyen’s heart desires. Asking for a side of chili oil is a must. Available only on Sunday evenings, just 70 bowls are served.”

“Honestly, I’ve found that Pho 33 has been suffering from consistency issues these last few months. When it’s good, it’s among the best this state has to offer. Here you’ll discover a rich broth that’s slightly sweet. I recommend anything with brisket or oxtail. Chili oil available on request, it tastes like tom yum.”

“The official winner of the Pho King Pho Playoffs, also known as The Souper Bowl. Heavily seasoned, flavors of quintessential pho spices are front and center. Side note: The roasted chicken with tomato rice is very underrated. Sometimes I find myself ordering this over the pho.”

“Pho Thin boasts solid technique and offers sides common to Northern-style pho, like pickled onions and Chinese donut sticks meant for dipping. They’re a great pick, whether you want to try something new or stick to the more familiar Southern style of pho. They’ve recently relocated, so Google their hours and location before you go.”

“Chili oil is a relative newcomer to the world of pho. If you’re the type of person that enjoys some heat, I suggest considering Pho Saigon in Murray. They serve a Vietnamese-style chili oil made from garlic and lemongrass, known as ớt sa tế.”

“Where’s the pho?” It may not be prime soup season, but for those of you who are looking to warm your bones any time of the year, Luong outlines his picks for the best bowls of pho in Salt Lake.



Salt Lake's Best Pho

The Pho King's Best Pho

Bryant Heath is a columnist for Salt Lake City Weekly and he’s run 

 in SLC, Millcreek, South Salt Lake, and Holladay. He shared cheap summer thrills 

 and now he has even more places to get your kids out of the house this summer.

, tucked away behind the Cotton Bottom Inn, is its water feature. It’s filled with water pumps, makeshift dams, and multiple pathways that my kids can splash around in for hours. Additionally, Big Cottonwood Creek is nearby with a looped sidewalk for kids to ride bikes on.”

 is very nature-centric with shoreline paths and bridges galore. You can then link up with the Jordan River Trail and head north, hitting up the playground at Modesto Park before winding up at the backside of the International Peace Gardens and Jordan Park.”

“If hiking the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a little intimidating with a set of youngins, try out the path along the banks of Red Butte Creek at the 

 in Yalecrest first. This approximately half-mile, roundtrip gravel path ends at Bonneville Glen where you can have a nice little picnic to help gear up for the ‘hike’ back.”

 held at the Utah Fairgrounds, Aug. 11-13, there’ll be plenty of making and creating to go around. Besides the designated outdoor area, the Fairgrounds have several air-conditioned indoor buildings to keep cool — including a STEM center with science-y activities for kids.”

 Sept. 2-3, at The Gateway Mall. There you can see live mural painting, lowrider competitions, and a range of musical performances. This is all in addition to the myriad of kid-friendly offerings — splash pad, movie theater, planetarium, and children’s museum — that The Gateway normally has.”

Listen to our summer entertainment guide for even more cheap thrills for kids 👇

Summer Daze

Bryant Heath shares his best picks for getting the kids out of the house this summer.