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City Cast Salt Lake

One of my favorite pastimes while riding in a car is checking out people’s license plates. Have you noticed more black and white plates recently? It got me thinking: What kind of license plate do you have, and what does it say about you?

 that include the OGs: “In God We Trust,” “Life Elevated Skier,” and “Life Elevated Arches.” Plus, there’s the lesser-known “Off-Highway Vehicle.” There are also four plates that are no longer issued but are still valid for use, including “Utah Centennial,” Ski Utah!,” “Olympic,” and the cream and black “Utah.”

You may be unaware of special group plates. These raise money for causes through an annual contribution and can be used to honor or recognize certain groups of people — from autism awareness to Zion National Park.

 of license plates — incredibly chic and somehow a little bit bitchy (in the best way possible, of course). It benefits the Historical Society of Utah with an annual contribution of $25.

 license plate is the new kid on the block. It was sponsored by Utah State Sen. Jen Plumb and Rep. Paul Cutler at 

 to help preserve the Great Salt Lake. They need 500 people to sign up before the DMV will send them out, so 

If you could choose, what would your perfect Utah license plate look like?

Send me an email

One of my favorite pastimes while riding in a car is checking out people’s license plates. Have you noticed more black and white plates recently?

Utah License Plates

Utah License Plates, Explained

Salt Lake, Explained

 in the nation that holds a trasngender-focused pride festival. It was started by the nonprofit Genderbands in 2020 (the first was held virtually due to the pandemic). 

 will take place at Memorial Park in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 12-6 p.m., and it’s free to attend.

 occurred in 1966 at Gene Compton’s cafeteria in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, three years before 

 that inspired June’s Pride Month celebration. Tenderloin was one of the few neighborhoods where trans women and drag queens could be themselves in public. One early morning in August, a trans woman who was fed up with ongoing police harassment threw a cup of coffee in an officer’s face, which started a full-on riot.

The gay community hasn’t always been inclusive of trans people. Despite leading the Stonewall uprising, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera — two transgender women of color — were largely shut out of the 

. In 1973, Rivera was booed off stage after attempting to speak at a gay liberation march. Trans pride celebrates, centers, and brings visibility to the trans community.

The Intersection Between Race & Transgender Identity

Transgender women of color are disproportionately targeted in 

. According to the Human Rights Campaign Anti-Trans Violence Report, between 2013 and 2018 there were over 120 reports of anti-trans murders, and 80% of those were trans women of color.

 that you can gift to trans attendees at Utah Trans Pride. A portion of sales will also be donated to Genderbands.

A Brief History on Trans Pride & Why It's Necessary

Like many holidays in the United States, Pioneer Day commemorates a very specific event in a rather complicated history. So what’s the deal with this statewide celebration?

On July 24, 1847 Brigham Young and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

 after trekking thousands of miles across the country to escape religious persecution in Illinois, following the murder of their founder Joseph Smith in 1844. Young reportedly commemorated the momentous occasion by uttering, “This is the right place.” By the end of 1847, nearly 2,000 Mormons had settled in what they called “the promised land.”

 with a parade and various performances. It is an official holiday in the state of Utah.

The aspirations of the Mormon pioneers came at a great price for the Indigenous people of Utah, leading to the spread of disease, wars, and namely the dispossession of land — sometimes through violent means. There are 

 — Ute, Paiute, Navajo, Goshute, and Shoshone —  who 

 before the settlers arrived, though each of them consists of smaller groups or “bands'' with distinct traditions. Many Indigenous people in Utah are making a push for 

education and greater inclusion around the holiday

, and modern counter-celebrations like “Pie and Beer Day” (a play on the word “pioneer”) seek to add depth to a layered history.

How Do You Celebrate Pioneer Day?

What is Pioneer Day?

Do you ever wonder about signs that are one thing but look like another — or are you normal? Today we explore two iconic Salt Lake City relics.

Ritz Classic Bowling was a bowling alley, snack bar, and dance hall that opened in 1958. Those who dragged (

) State Street back in the day probably remember passing the giant bowling pin with neon lights.

The site’s operator, AMF Bowling filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and in 2015 they 

🍦 Snelgrove/Squirrel Brothers Ice Cream

There are two iconic ice cream cone landmarks in Salt Lake City. One in Sugar House (more on that below) and one at the Jimmy John’s on 400 S. and 600 E. The Jimmy John’s location used to be a Squirrels Brother Ice Cream, which was a Snelgrove franchise.

Snelgrove’s first ice cream shop was opened by 

. It was located around 1000 E. and 2100 S. It expanded a couple blocks west in the 1960s into a factory and parlor with a full-blown soda fountain and bar.

 but stopped selling Snelgrove altogether when the business declined. Squirrels Brothers Ice Cream was the last establishment to sell Snelgrove. When it later became a Jimmy John’s, the owners couldn’t modify the ice cream cone because it’s considered 

Do you ever wonder about signs that are one thing but look like another — or are you normal?

Story Behind 2 Salt Lake City Relics

The Story Behind 2 Salt Lake City Relics

Salt Lake City isn’t perfect by any means, but, man, have we had some amazing sunsets this week. It got me thinking about that cute little internet trend where people post about the things they consider perfect about their town/state. Here’s my take on Salt Lake City.

Our cotton candy skies remain unmatched IMHO.

Close proximity to nature and National Parks. 

We are a short drive away from some of the 

. I was in Zion around New Year's and reminded of what a privilege this is.

When the days get longer and warmer after a long blistering winter, and everything is in bloom.

 I know this wouldn’t make a lot of people’s idea of “perfect” (especially if you’re 

 in this city), but I think it’s magical how the city can feel like a small town.

 Yeah, I’m talking about you. I’ve lived in other places, but we have some truly kind people here. My neighbor, who invited me in and let me crash her wine night with friends when I locked myself out of my house without my phone. The coffee shop owner, who brightened my day with sincere conversation and a smile. The reader, who sent a sweet message about Hey Salt Lake and how it helps them feel more connected.

Now it’s your turn, what about Salt Lake City (or the city you live in) do you find perfect in every way?

Salt Lake, Explained

Utah License Plates, Explained

A Brief History on Trans Pride & Why It's Necessary

What is Pioneer Day?

Latest articles

The Story Behind 2 Salt Lake City Relics

Things I Consider Perfect in Salt Lake City