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City Cast Salt Lake

Keep It Local

Keep It Local by City Cast Salt Lake features spotlights on local businesses we love and personal, curated, and neighborly recommendations that will help you live your best Salt Lake life right now. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and big box stores,

sign up now for the new weekly newsletter from City Cast Salt Lake.

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Salt Lake

Shelby Hintze

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

If this is the year you vowed to make all your Christmas gifts, I have some bad news: You have about 60 days. The good news? Utah has a long crafting tradition, and the local crafting community is ready to help.

So grab your shopping list, clear some space on the dining room table, and prepare to develop a very specific new personality trait. Let’s get making!

Needlepoint, Cross-Stitch, and Embroidery

Yes, there’s a difference. And I was reminded that if I confused any of them, I’d get emails.

 in Midvale offer modern takes on this classic craft. Both carry canvases, threads, and other supplies, plus classes for all skill levels. If you finish a project and have absolutely no idea what to do with it next, check out 

 on Instagram for local finishing services.

For patterns, kits, and supplies, I love the selection at 

 in Gardner Village. It’s also a massive quilting store with tons of kits, fabric, quilting notions, and knowledgeable staff. Shout out to the employee who called me brave for buying a tough cross-stitch pattern as my first project. No, I haven’t finished it yet.

Any good sewist knows not all fabric stores will have what you need for your specific project.

 for high-quality apparel fabric, patterns, specialty tools, and everything you need to make something for your friend’s closet.

 For a huge selection, your go-to should be the 

 in West Jordan. I also love the curation at 

 in Provo. Fair warning: You’ll probably leave with fabric for a project you weren’t planning to make. That’s just how it works. Accept it.

 If you’re planning to make a bag for someone on your list, I’d recommend 

 in Salt Lake City. Choosing the fabric is the fun part, but don’t forget the stabilizers, hardware, and straps.

Scrapbooking has gotten a rebrand as junk journaling, and the wood crafts my mom made at Relief Society are making a comeback.

Support Utah-based businesses and shop online from 

 for coordinated collections of paper, stickers, and embellishments.

For classic scrapbooking supplies, check out 

 in Orem (note: the store is not wheelchair accessible). Despite not being a traditional scrapbooking store, I also love 

 in Murray offers unfinished wood projects, seasonal decor, and kits for the kinds of crafts you might remember from childhood.

Whether you’re making bracelets for everyone you know or attempting a pair of earrings that look like they belong in a boutique, these shops can help you find the supplies to make it happen. For walls of beads, findings, and tools, check out 

I know there are a million other craft stores I missed (I didn’t even TOUCH on knitting and crocheting!).

My Happy Place

What’s Your Favorite Craft Store?

Utah has a long crafting tradition, and the local crafting community is ready to help. Here’s where to buy craft supplies for DIY gifts.

Utah Craft Stores for Handmade Christmas Gifts

Utah’s Craft Stores to the Rescue (Because Christmas Is Coming)

For small businesses, it’s not always about selling you something. Sometimes, the goal is to also bring people together — through classes, book readings, seasonal celebrations, and events that turn strangers into regulars. (Of course, if you want to spend a little money while you’re there, no one’s going to complain.)

Whether you’re a corporate baddie (or a corporate saddie) looking for an excuse to leave the house, a parent trying to keep the kids entertained over fall break, or just someone who thinks autumn is best spent out in the community, Salt Lake businesses have plenty going on. Here’s what to add to your weekend agenda.

 On Saturday, Oct. 17, The Gateway will host a full day of author conversations, panels, signings, and local vendors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There’s also a dedicated kids’ stage and storytimes, like with the author of “How to Escape a Playdate.” General admission is free, though select events require tickets. I am going to stock up on books from 

 in the valley. Even if you and the kids have already been to a pumpkin patch this season, run them ragged here anyway and snap cute pictures while you’re at it. Plus, the swings, bean pool, and slides are free with $2 wagon rides, seven days a week. P.S. Check out the 

 for great home decor, local foodstuffs, and see if you can get some love from the shop cat!

 experience for older kids or wimpy adults (guilty). Go trick-or-treating through the haunted house: Same decor and lighting as the main attraction, but nothing is jumping out at you.

Debauchery for Students, Singles, and DINKs

 The Salt Lake Book Festival is for grown-ups, too. Browse independent vendors, catch an author conversation, or make Friday night’s 

Prologue at the Salt Lake City Public Library

 your literary pregame. The kickoff includes an adult spelling bee and a rooftop party with drinks, dancing, and authors.

 at Studio at Soundwell, featuring vintage horror movie decor, spooky cocktails, themed bites, DJs, tarot, and weekly scary-oke. Plus, check out the daytime 

Bring your sense of humor to Crone’s Hollow

 for BYOC Comedy: Bring Your Own Cauldron, featuring 

, and magical mischief. The show is free, but there’s a suggested donation for the performers.

Keep the kids busy with a no-scare haunted house and pumpkin patch, or treat yourself to scary-oke, witchy comedy, and a rooftop book festival party.

Salt Lake Fall Break Guide: Pumpkin Patches to Parties

Fall Break for the Pumpkin Patch Crowd and the Party Crowd

Because sometimes you just want to support Utah-based small businesses from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what I’m eyeing right now.

 from Harmony is giving me “Over the Garden Wall” 

I will read anything by Barbara Kingsolver, so I’m excited to get her new book, 

I’m loving the trend of teeny buttons on a cardigan, and this 

Peach Dragonfruit gummies from Swedish Moose

I allow myself one new candle each fall, and as a proud Rose Park resident, I think I need this 

. Buying candles online is risky, but I need to represent my neighborhood!

Cafe Rio…beauty products? Look, I’m intrigued. Idaho-based Poppy and Pout has teamed up with the iconic Salt Lake City brand. I might have to try the mint limeade-inspired 

 lip balm. Although I think I would prefer a Tomatillo Ranch flavor.

My Salt Lake shopping list

🛍️ What are you buying locally this month? Tell us!

Because sometimes you want to support Utah-based small businesses from the comfort of your couch. Here’s what we’re eyeing right now.

Utah Small Businesses to Shop Online This October

Add to Cart: October Edition

It’s quiz time! Think you know Salt Lake’s haunted trivia? Test your knowledge to find out!

Is the McCune Mansion haunted? Or the Walker Center? Test your haunted history knowledge in this scary quiz.


How Well Do You Know Salt Lake’s Haunted Spots?

Halloween costumes don’t have to come from a plastic bag at a big-box store, and honestly, they’re a lot more fun when they don’t. Whether you want a fully assembled costume, are hunting for the perfect weird accessory, or just want to sneak a little Halloween into your everyday wardrobe, there are plenty of local options. Here’s where to start.

If you want to buy (or rent!) a costume that you can put on and go, these local shops have you covered.

 has a wide selection of new and used adult costumes and accessories, including makeup and temporary hair dye. If you’re building your own costume, the shop also has a solid vintage clothing section.

 in Provo is a theater kid’s dream, with a huge selection of makeup, wigs, and fake blood. You can also rent more elaborate costumes by phone or in-store if your Halloween plans require a little more production value.

, or a bald cap that could transform you into any number of Utah politicians.

 rents pieces to local theater companies, but you don’t have to be in a production to take advantage of the selection. The shop has costumes and pieces from dozens of recent Scera shows, so you can get a little more theatrical with your Halloween look.

Skip the corporate thrift shop and check out local vintage and consignment stores for pieces you can mix, match, and wear again.

 has locations in Salt Lake City and offers new and used clothing and consignment. It’s a good place to start if your costume needs something a little more fashion-forward — or a little more revealing.

 Sexy…anything, Coachella attendee, rave king or queen

 is perfect for costume pieces you’ll actually want to wear again. The curation leans celestial Y2K, ’90s art teacher, Lilith Fair attendee — basically the clothes we wanted to wear but our moms wouldn’t let us.

Look for Halloween-inspired clothes and accessories that can work beyond Oct. 31, whether you want a subtle nod to the holiday or something that says, “Yes, I celebrate Halloween year-round.”

 has fun, kitschy clothes and accessories for men and women with just enough Halloween flair to feel festive without being a one-day-only purchase. I’m particularly into this 

Skeleton tees are about as low-commitment as Halloween fashion gets. This 

 let you celebrate Halloween without worrying about storing a full witch costume for a year.

Halloween costumes don’t have to come from a big-box store. Here are eight shops in the Salt Lake City area to source your 2026 costume.

Trick or Treat Yourself to a Salt Lake Costume

Trick or Treat Yourself to a Local Costume

You may already be seeing Christmas decorations creeping onto the shelves at your favorite big-box stores, but thankfully, local retailers are giving Halloween the attention it deserves. From spooky home decor and creepy collectibles to vintage finds and delightfully weird odds and ends, these local shops are keeping the spirit of Halloween alive … at least until Christmas stuff inevitably takes over.

While Spirit Halloweens are taking over strip malls across the country, 

 has your spooky decor on lock all year long! This South Salt Lake shop specializes in horror, oddities, spooky home decor, and collectibles. The shop started when Landrie Miller wanted to 

 in her house but couldn’t find macabre decor outside of Halloween season. And Spoox Bootique was born, just like Rosemary’s Baby.

And if you’d like your spooky season purchases to not be limited to decor, but also lean towards … the practical, check out 

 for your metaphysical supplies, classes, and events year-round.

For Halloween decor with the oh-so-important touch of nostalgia, check out 

Bonus! Used stuff is more likely to be haunted, too!

 not only has adorable Halloween decor, books, and clothes, but also a 

 is really fun. I’m probably going to add these 

 to my growing candle collection. And while you’re at it, get some 

 at the candy counter and your flu shot at the pharmacy (walk-ins welcome before 5 p.m.)!

And if you’re ready to become the person with the incredible Halloween village that grows every year, or the friend with the figurine collection that takes up the whole mantle, check out 

. Pro tip: Start collecting something now so all your friends and family know what to get you for gifts. It’s a public service, really.

From spooky home decor and creepy collectibles to vintage finds and delightfully weird odds and ends, these local shops are keeping the spirit of Halloween alive.

Spooky Season Starts at these Salt Lake City Shops

Spooky Season Starts at These Local Shops

I have a hard time buying plants. I mean, I do it — and I do plenty of it — but I always get caught up on questions like, “What will this look like once all the flowers are gone?” and “How big does this actually get?”

To get answers to those questions, and to find inspiration, I love visiting the many planned gardens and demonstration gardens around Utah. They’re a great way to see native and water-wise plants in action. Many gardens also offer classes and workshops and host tours led by gardening experts.

Plus, fall is the PERFECT time to get outdoors post-heat, pre-cold.

 include Water Conservation Garden, Herb Garden, Medicinal Garden, and Four Seasons Garden.

 covering gardening, horticulture, nature and ecology, wellness, and creative activities.

 led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

 demonstrates drought-tolerant plants and hydrozoning, showing you plants that need no supplemental watering, all the way up to plants that need a shower a couple times a week.

Perennial Water-wise Garden showcases low-water perennials that provide color throughout the growing seasons.

Powerline Arboretum features trees appropriate for planting under or near power lines — a helpful resource if you’re trying to avoid the classic “oops, this tree got enormous” problem.

 from Master Gardeners and a horticulturist.

Jordan Valley Water Conservation Garden Park

 featuring Utah-friendly plants, pathways, and educational exhibits.

More than 1,000 water-wise plants in the 

, with information about water needs, maintenance, and bloom seasons.

 covering water-efficient landscaping, irrigation, plants, and conservation.

Plant labels throughout the garden, making it easy to identify plants you might want to use in your own yard.

Utah's Best Fall Gardens To Visit

Get Inspired by Fall Gardens

When it comes to gardening, we usually think about spring planting. But here’s a little secret: Many of the best spring plants were actually planted in the fall. Cooler temperatures give plants time to develop strong, healthy root systems before winter, so they’re more established — and often need less water — when spring arrives.

The nurseries below have knowledgeable staff who can help you figure out what to plant, when to plant it, and where it will thrive.

Right now at Millcreek Gardens, you can find markdowns on trees while supplies last. We’re talking 30% to 50% off fruit trees, 20% off shade and flowering trees, and 40% off dogwoods. You’ll also find perennials marked down.

Take it from me. The only tree I’ve had die was one I planted in the spring, while all of my fall-planted trees are thriving. Don’t be like me. Plant your trees now.

⏳ Best Deal for the Time-Strapped Gardener: 

Have you ever looked at a plant at a nursery and thought, “That’s lovely, but it’s not going to fit in my Honda Civic”? Glover Nursery has you covered.

The family-owned nursery has a huge selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials. With certain minimum purchases and plant sizes, they’ll even 

. I did this with one tree, and it was so worth it.

For fall plants, seasonal décor, and a little gardening inspiration, check out Sun River Gardens in Orem. This garden center and home décor powerhouse has some of the best 

 for adding a little fall color to your porch right now.

I also love getting pumpkins here because of the creative displays they put together. And, really, it’s all about the merchandising.

🌿 Best Place for a Little Bit of Everything: 

Red Butte Garden Fall Bulb and Plant Sale

Red Butte Garden’s Fall Bulb & Native Plant Sale runs Sept. 25-26. You’ll find 

, with plenty of options suited to Utah’s climate.

The sale will be at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre, and admission is free.

And if you have any other questions about where to even start planning your water-wise yard, friend of the pod 

YardFarmer has a great list of free resources

Plant Now: Your Utah Garden’s Fall 2026 Shopping Guide

Plant Now: Your Utah Garden’s Fall Shopping Guide

Utah is home to Hispanic- and Latino-owned businesses offering everything from art and music to groceries and fitness classes. So this Hispanic Heritage Month, skip the generic “celebrate diversity” post and actually go spend some money with a local business. Your wallet doesn’t have a language barrier.

Find your new favorite artist, maker, or market

, an Ogden-based market created by first-generation Hispanic entrepreneur Jeanette Castel. The market was founded to give Hispanic and Latino small-business owners a place to showcase their products, share their stories, and connect with the community. The next market is for 

Looking for something to hang on your wall, give as a gift, or just admire? Check out 

. I first saw Esther Merino’s work at Craft Lake City several years ago and have to snag a piece every time I see it! Esther uses her textile and fiber art largely to depict the beauty and strength of Peruvian women. She has been featured in several shows at JKR Gallery in Provo over the last few years, including the 

 brings Mexican American culture and community to life through bold, colorful murals. Founded by artists Miguel Galaz, Alan Ochoa, and Luis Novoa, the collective uses nature, patterns, and calligraphy to create public art that celebrates the cultures and stories woven into Utah communities. You can appreciate their 

 … and maybe even hire them to create one for your business!

, founded by Eli Madrigal, now has 10 locations across Utah. All the stores have different offerings, but I love the pineapple cutting machine at my location in Salt Lake City. The butcher will also fry up a whole fish for you to serve at home if you’re intimidated by hot oil. Not me, but maybe you are. And I find the prices, on produce especially, to be some of the best in the city.

 focuses on traditional dances from every region of Mexico. They offer classes for 

 for adults with some experience. And you can see the team perform at events all over the state.

Looking for a workout that feels more like a party than a punishment? Latina- and queer-owned 

 is built around movement, music and community. The Salt Lake City studio aims to make everyone feel seen and welcome, regardless of experience or fitness level. Expect high-energy cycling, themed rides, Latin-inspired music, and a community where you can show up exactly as you are.