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City Cast Salt Lake

Terina Ria

Are you keeping up with Salt Lake news? See how much stuck with this week’s mini crossword.

Pssst: You’ll find the answers in recent 

Ivana Martinez

Now that cold weather has arrived, it’s the perfect time to relax in one of Utah’s hot springs. Here are five spots worth visiting.

Meadow Hot Springs is about two and a half hours south of Salt Lake City, in Meadow, Utah. The spring sits on private property, but the owner allows public use, so leave no trace. Expect a short walk to the pools. The spring is open year-round and is dog-friendly.​

Need an excuse to spend a day in Midway? About an hour from Salt Lake City, you can soak, swim, and snorkel in the mineral-rich waters of a 55-foot dome. Reserve your spot in advance.

Nestled in Diamond Fork Canyon, about one and a half hours from Salt Lake City, this geothermal spring features milky blue cascading pools in the cooler seasons. Fair warning: The round-trip hike takes about two hours, but the fall views are stunning. Plan on paying for parking at the trailhead, and bring a towel and water. Make sure to pack out. 

Around an hour from Salt Lake City, Crystal Hot Springs has both hot and cold pools and an Olympic-size swimming pool for laps. The best part: It offers discounts for college students, families, and large groups.

Located on BLM land about 40 miles north of Delta, down a 7-mile gravel road, you'll find three small concrete pools filled with adjustable thermal water. It makes for a nice road trip break.

Soak in one of five Utah hot springs, from easy day trips near Salt Lake City to remote desert pools.

Fall Hot Springs in Utah: 5 Soaks You’ll Love

5 Utah Hot Springs To Visit This Fall

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

Shelby Hintze

The food may be the main event, but the table deserves a little attention, too. I'm all for making Thanksgiving feel special without creating more work for yourself. Think festive paper plates (because nobody should be doing dishes all night), a tablecloth that doesn't require ironing, a few whimsical decorations, and a hostess gift that's a little more interesting than a candle. Here are a few local and small-business finds to pull it all together.

On a day like Thanksgiving, don’t worry about doing the dishes. I love, love, love Utah company 

 for the best party goods at reasonable prices (especially if you shop out of season for next year!) I would set 

I’ve been slowly replacing my dish towels with 

 that the company also makes tablecloths, placemats, and runners. I think 

 would be great with the plates we picked out. I know it’s a little pricey, but it is spill-proof and, most importantly, doesn’t need ironing, which is very important to me.

And to decorate the table, I’m obsessed with this 

 (I’ve never met a honeycomb decoration I didn’t like tbh) and this 

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think a great hostess gift is a 

. There are a bunch of different animals, but the state bird … c’mon! (Do not take this to a minimalist household.)

Set a festive Thanksgiving table with Utah-made paper plates, a no-iron tablecloth, honeycomb turkey decor, and a hostess gift from Salt Lake shops.

Add to Cart Salt Lake: November Edition

Add to Cart: November Edition

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Salt Lake

Let the professionals handle the pie, rolls, and maybe even the whole dinner. These local restaurants and bakeries are taking Thanksgiving orders, but you’ll want to act quickly!

: If you’re tired of the traditional pumpkin or apple pies, try an “Oreo cookie pie crust filled with a Hojicha (toasted green tea) chocolate custard atop a chestnut caramel and crispy candied sobacha (buckwheat tea), topped with vanilla bean chantilly and more candied sobacha,” among other twists on traditional flavors. Pick up in Murray and Salt Lake on Nov. 24 and 25.

: Order by Nov. 20; pick up on Nov. 25 in Heber City, Orem, or Salt Lake City.

: Gluten-free options. Order by Nov. 22; pick up on Nov. 25 in Salt Lake City.

: Gluten-free options. Order frozen pies now and bake on Thanksgiving so your house smells like freshly baked pie. You decide if you take credit for it or not.

: DM your order on Instagram, pick up Nov. 25.

: Order by Nov. 20, pick up in Salt Lake City.

: Order quickly because things are already selling out. Pickup available in Salt Lake City, Draper, and American Fork.

: You can get soft dinner rolls and denser baci rolls here. Plus cinnamon rolls or bagels, so you don’t have to think about breakfast.

: They are famous for a reason. And even though the Lion House is closed right now, you can still make the rolls at home with a mix that is just about as good as the original.

: If you’re planning a big gathering, get the comfort food from Big South. Sides feed 15 to 20 people! Order by Nov. 16.

: Everything but the Bird packages and à la carte sides at locations across the valley, plus gluten-free options.

: I wanted to include its “Everything but the Bird” option, but it's already sold out in Draper and Salt Lake. But the "Thanksgiving Feast" that serves up to six people is a great deal for $225, and you can still get some sides and desserts individually.

: If you’re having a small Thanksgiving, try Rouser’s $99 for 2 dinner. Get all the staples without eating leftovers for the next three weeks.

: Full meals, sides, and desserts available in Park City and Salt Lake City.

Skip the cooking this year. Gourmandise, June Pie, Rouser, Vessel Kitchen, and more Utah spots are taking Thanksgiving orders, but act fast.

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner and Pies Around Salt Lake City

Outsource Your Thanksgiving

Emily Means

The holidays can be … a lot. Luckily, there are so many ways to bring light, joy, and coziness into the season. Here are some of the best for November.

More butter is always better — but especially during holiday baking and party season. 

 called "ButterClub." Choose from gorgeous, locally churned options, like the ~swoon~ edible butter candle or flavored whipped butter.

November has loads of volunteer opportunities, with something for every interest and time commitment. 

 for local families with The Guadalupe School, 

clean up the Jordan River Peace Labyrinth

sort donations at the Women's Resource Center

Visit Salt Lake's community service directory

Ambitious gifters, assemble! Whether you're a crafting noob or a seasoned vet, 

 have the supplies stocked and expertise on staff to help you create something special for everyone on your nice list. If you're really starting from zero, 

 on woodworking, card making, or sewing. Even easier: Gift a class!

Friendsgiving is a great concept, until you're crying over a runny pecan pie. If you're a guest, consider 

preordering a pie from Forty-Three Bakery

 (sold at Harmon's!) for a cozy spiked or N/A beverage.You could also leave the cooking to the pros entirely and gather friends around the table at 

 Nov. 6, with vibrant aquatic displays lighting up the plaza through the holidays. Your festival ticket also includes entry to the aquarium, though if you go later in the evening, the animals might be sleeping. Pro tip: Make a whole night of it and have 

 before or after. It's in the neighborhood!

The holidays can be … a lot. Luckily, there are so many ways to bring light, joy, and coziness into the season. Here are some of the best for November 2026 in Salt Lake.

Your Guide to Salt Lake in November 2026

Utah really likes to have wars for some reason and they usually play out on billboards. So in honor of Rivalry Week aka Holy War game next week, do you know where collegiate allegiances lie for some of the state’s biggest retail competitors? P.S. Julia Reagan earned a Ph.D from the U!

Swig or Thirst? Take our quiz and guess which of Utah’s biggest business rivals were founded by BYU or University of Utah alumni.


 BYU or Utah? Guess Where Utah’s Business Founders Went to College

This year’s Brigham Young University vs. University of Utah rivalry game is on 

 in Salt Lake City. If you’re planning a watch party at home, why not take the rivalry a step further by serving snacks from businesses founded by your team’s alumni? It’s a delicious way to show your school spirit, and if your team loses, at least the food will be good.

Start the morning with pastries from The Kolache Place. 

The game kicks off at 10 a.m., which means breakfast is a must. Ross Hruska, a 2014 BYU finance graduate, founded 

Hruska’s Kolaches, now The Kolache Place

, in Provo with his siblings Cory and Devin in 2014. They brought their Texas family’s love of Czech pastries to Utah, offering sweet and savory fillings wrapped in soft, pillowy dough. The raspberry and cream cheese kolache even 

earned a spot on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The only hot dog I’ll even consider eating: J. Dawgs.

 in 2004 while attending BYU, turning a rundown shack near campus into a hot dog stand after pawning his favorite guitar to fund the business. What started as a student’s entrepreneurial gamble has grown into a Utah favorite with eight locations across the state, catering options, and another signature sauce to add to the Utah Sauce Hall of Fame.

Cookies for celebrating or drowning your sorrows.

 Say what you will, but the BYU grads know their way around a baked good. Utah County fans can pre-order cookies, including my favorite sugar cookies topped with Italian buttercream, from 

 offers inventive flavors that go well beyond your standard chocolate chip. And don’t let the louder cookie competitors distract you: A little more time actually baking a cookie can be just as valuable as opening another storefront. (I told you I wanted to trash talk!)

 traces its roots to 1982, when 8-year-old Joel Clark sold his mother’s homemade pancake mix from a red wagon. His brother and fellow Ute, Jon, founded the company in 1995, and Joel took over in 1997 while studying economics at the U. Today, Kodiak Cakes is known for its whole-grain 

, making it a fitting breakfast option for fans who want to fuel up before kickoff.

Classic pizza and burgers from Hires Big H and Litzas Pizza. 

University of Utah graduate Don Hale opened 

 in 1959, and has built a local following for its burgers, fries, and old-school drive-in atmosphere. He later founded 

 after deciding Salt Lake City needed better pies. I’m happy to report that both remain personal favorites.

Chips, salsa, guacamole, and queso from Cafe Rio. 

 is a University of Utah graduate, though he is no longer involved with the company. I tried the 

 recently, and I have to say, it’s getting closer to its former glory. I couldn’t find a confirmed University of Utah or BYU connection for Costa Vida’s ownership, so you don’t have to let alma mater sway your opinion on which restaurant makes the better sweet pork salad.

Hosting a Brigham Young University vs. University of Utah watch party on Nov. 7? Serve kolaches, J. Dawgs, Kodiak Cakes, and Cafe Rio from businesses founded by each team’s alumni.


Holy War 2026: Game Day Snacks From BYU and U of U Alumni

Eat Your Way Through the Holy War

Did you overestimate your ability to make gifts for everyone on your holiday list? That’s OK! Take a class, learn a new skill, or at least block off a couple of hours to work uninterrupted with someone to help you along the way. You get a new skill; your loved one gets a gift.

: Are you feeling the call of your inner Nick Offerman? Take a four-week-long intro to turning course at 

 and leave with four gift-worthy projects. You can also learn to use the woodshop at Make Salt Lake and 

 Go solo or with friends to make your own candle at 

Get a kit with all the supplies to make five cards and then actually MAKE THEM at the 

. A set of ready-made cards for multiple occasions is an awesome gift to your most thoughtful friend.

. Your impending late-night breakdown over a broken needle while you finish all these other projects thanks you.

Make a cutting board, a leather journal, or a set of handmade cards for someone special while picking up a new skill at these local workshops.

Craft Classes in Salt Lake City to Make Holiday Gifts

This article is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Power.

Test Your Energy-Saving Knowledge

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

Salt Lake February News Crossword Puzzle

What Salt Lakers have been wondering. We break down why things in Salt Lake City are the way they are and how they work.

Salt Lake, Explained

Twenty-seven years ago today, a destructive tornado tore through downtown Salt Lake City and left behind an unusual piece of history: a desk. In honor of the anniversary, we’re looking back at that story and a few other Utah deep cuts.

On Aug. 11, 1999, an F2 tornado in Salt Lake City killed one person, injured more than 80, and damaged 300 buildings and homes. Salvaged wood from uprooted trees at the Capitol was turned into a “tornado desk” that now sits in the Governor’s Ceremonial Office. Then-first lady Jacalyn Leavitt even 

turned the story into a children’s book

 in 2001, with tickets starting at just $29. Fair organizers at the time loved booking “rising stars,” including the likes of NSYNC and Britney Spears.

 at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain’s 2013 Christmas tree lighting. What are the chances we’ll get her for the 13th anniversary?

In May 1972, Salt Lake man Michael Hansen 

 in protest of the Vietnam War, and redirected it on a Salt Lake City → Los Angeles → Dallas → Tampa → Havana joy ride.

From Salt Lake’s tornado desk to Destiny’s Child at the State Fair, revisit four surprising moments from Utah history.

4 Utah History Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

Only true local news nerds will ace this one. See how well you’re paying attention to the headlines. Every answer can be found in recent editions of the newsletter. 

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Ice cream is a yearlong treat but especially satisfying when the weather gets warm. As we head into summer, put your knowledge to the test: Do you know where you can find these frozen delicacies?

Spring in Salt Lake means blooming trees, warmer days, and that unmistakable smell. Test your knowledge on the city’s most notorious tree. 

Test Your Salt Lake Knowledge

Name That Ice Cream

Test your memory with our mini news crossword. Every clue comes straight from a recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletter!

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Think you know what it costs to live in Salt Lake City? Take our quiz and guess the rent on these local listings.

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Maybe you skim the news, maybe you read everything: see how much stuck with this week’s mini news crossword.

Hint: Find the answers in recent City Cast Salt Lake newsletters.

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Lately, I’ve seen a number of Australian-style coffee shops in Salt Lake City popping up on my feed. But what even is Australian coffee?

“Australian coffee” isn’t necessarily a specific bean or roast, it’s more about the culture. Instead of chains, Australia’s coffee culture evolved through neighborhood cafes, with baristas focusing on quality and craft. It’s no wonder they fit right into Salt Lake City’s independent coffee scene.

If there is one drink that represents Australian coffee the most, it’s the flat white (though Australia and New Zealand both claim to have invented it). A flat white is made with espresso and finely frothed milk for a signature silky texture. Compared to a typical American latte, it’s stronger and contains a lot less milk.

Generally, flavored syrups aren't as common. But if you want something sweet try an iced coffee, which is espresso, milk, and ice cream. And if you’re in Tyra Banks’ Australia (aka Sydney) you can get a 

Where To Find Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

: One of the newest coffee shops in Millcreek. They take the laid back approach to Aussie coffee culture. Plus, they have a sick kookaburra mural, so you know they’re legit.

An Australian-owned restaurant in Park City that serves Aussie-style iced coffee (cold brew nitro and ice cream).

: With locations in Salt Lake City and Sandy, the founder has over 20 years of coffee experience that started in Sydney. You’ll find flat whites and iced coffee here.

: An Australian-style coffee truck, on a brief hiatus while the owner (a professional rugby player) plays rugby in Boston. But they’re set to reopen in the summer. Bonus: They 

What Is Australian Coffee?

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

This winter has been the warmest in Salt Lake City history, but that’s not the only thing we have in the record books. Think you know what other records SLC holds? Test your knowledge in our mini crossword.

Salt Lake, Explained

Salt Lake February News Crossword Puzzle

Terina Ria

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Salt Lake, Explained

Utah Deep Cuts You Should Know About

Salt Lake June News Crossword Puzzle

Name That Ice Cream

Salt Lake April News Crossword Puzzle

Guess the Rent in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake March News Crossword Puzzle

Where To Try Australian Coffee in Salt Lake

A Mini Crossword of Salt Lake’s Record-Breaking Moments

The latest in Salt Lake

5 Utah Hot Springs To Visit This Fall

Add to Cart: November Edition

Outsource Your Thanksgiving

Your Guide to Salt Lake in November 2026

BYU or Utah? Guess Where Utah’s Business Founders Went to College

Eat Your Way Through the Holy War

Craft Classes in Salt Lake City to Make Holiday Gifts

Test Your Energy-Saving Knowledge