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Salt Lake is your best guide to the Utah lifestyle. From food to fashion, travel and the arts, Salt Lake magazine has something for everyone. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @SLmag.

Nov 23
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Salt Lake City Businesses with Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals

By Lifestyle

Black Friday shopping used to mean getting up early, lining up outside of a big-box store in freezing weather and potentially trampling over your neighbor to get the last discounted KitchenAid mixer in Eggshell White. Things are changing, however. In 2021, more people shopped from home on Black Friday than in stores—66.5 million in person compared to 88 million online, according to Wallethub. 

This year might look a little different as well. With high inflation, our holiday shopping budgets are likely to be a little tighter. (Wallethub also calculated the optimal maximum holiday budget by city, using population, income, age, savings-and monthly expenses. Salt Lake City’s is $897.) So, rather than buying the latest toys to fill the void in our lives, that money might be better spent creating lifelong memories with events and experiences and supporting local Salt Lake City businesses that are getting involved in the Black Friday game.

Adventure Responsibly 3-D Maps

Adventure Responsibly started in Utah by a group of outdoors lovers who began picking up litter in national parks and other highly visited outdoor sites around the west. Really. They make these cool 3-D maps of states, mountain ranges and parks based on USGS Topographical Maps. The group is offering 50% off posters when you buy another at full price. Visit adventureresponsibly.co to shop.

Basalt Day Spa 

On Nov. 26, Basalt Day Spa is offering a one-day gift certificate sale. For every $100 spent, you’ll receive a $20 bonus that can be used in-store or online. 

Best Friends Animal Society

You can bring home any pet for the holidays FEE WAIVED November 25. Visit the Lifesaving Center 12-6 p.m. at 2005 S. 1100 East in Salt Lake City to meet available pets onsite. All pets are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and ready to spend the holidays with you.

Dreamscapes and Bizarre Bazaar

At Dreamscapes, Black Friday only, all tickets will be 25% off for the 25th. You can purchase online or in person. Use code BlackFriday22 upon checkout to redeem this offer. For Bizarre Bazaar, all items up to $150 will be 10% off during Black Friday. Shop local and support local artists!

Eccles Theatre 

Eccles Theatre is offering 20% off select shows with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Shows include A Kurt Bestor Christmas, Mystery Science Theatre and more. 

Gatehouse No.1 

Take 20% off all holiday decor in-store at Gatehouse No.1 in Orem. Ornaments, holiday villages, ribbons, figurines—Gatehouse has everything you need for a charming seasonal display. 

Got Beauty 

Take 25% off Got Beauty’s bath products through the rest of November. Bubble baths, scrubs and hair products make the perfect gift if you can fight the temptations to keep them for yourself.

Harmons Neighborhood Grocer
For every $100 Harmons gift card you buy during the Cyber Monday Sale, you receive a $25 gift card free. 

Hip & Humble

This lovely boutique in the 9th and 9th area (and at Station Park) is often our answer to “oh no, we forgot to get so and so a gift!” It offers a wide range of gifts from very special to very fun. The store is offering 20% off items and a $5 “bounce-back” card with a $50 purchase. And for Shop Small Saturday (Nov. 26, 2020) both locations are throwing a little party with sparkly drinks, raffles, free gifts with purchase and more. Visit hipandhumble.com.

Lagoon Amusement Park 

Save on a 2023 season pass to Lagoon on Black Friday. Their discounted ticket is $160.95 plus tax, regular pricing is $207.95 per person. Those with a  ‘been there, done that attitude will be delighted to know the park has announced a new interactive coaster scheduled to open next year. Learn more about the ride, Primordial, on their site. 

New West Knife Works 

Our favorite local knife maker, New West KnifeWorks, is offering a Black Friday deal on its G-Fusion and Ironwood chef knives. Their artisan kitchen tools are works of art with beautifully designed handles and blades. Note. They are also VERY SHARP. Visit newwestknifeworks.com and use promo code BLACKFRIDAY20 at checkout. The sale runs through Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2020. 

Powder Mountain

The Eden ski resort is offering deals on private lessons and guided tours exclusively on Nov. 25. Take 50% off private lessons booked between Dec. 9 and Dec. 23, ideal for those looking to shape up their skills before the winter season. Or, book an in-bound guided tour for 10% off available from Nov. 25 until Nov. 28. 

Salt Lake Bees Holiday Ticket Packs

The Salt Lake Bees are offering packs of four ($39) or 10 ($89) ticket vouchers now through Dec. 31. The vouchers get you the best available seats to any Salt Lake Bees game, a screaming deal. You still have to buy your own hot dog, beer and peanuts, however. Visit milb.com/salt-lake for all the details. 

Salt & Honey Market

While this artisans’ marketplace (with storefronts at 9th and 9th and the Salt Lake City Visitor’s Center at the Salt Palace) doesn’t have any specific Black Friday deals, it is definitely worth a mention. The stores are solely dedicated to showcasing the work of local artisans and makers and its festive Christmas Market at Fashion Place is open through Dec. 31.

S&S Presents

The owners of Urban Lounge & Metro Music Hall or Kilby Court are once again offering up the “Golden Ticket” packages. These tickets give the lucky holder access to any S&S Presents show (even if they are sold out) for the entire year of 2023. Whoa. There’s one for just adults with 21-and-over access to Urban and Metro ($250) and one for the all-ages Kilby Court shows ($150). One caveat: the Golden Ticket only applies to shows by S&S Presents (which is most of them) and not gigs from outside promoters like Live Nation, Viva La Diva and others. It’s on sale now through Dec. 23. Visit snspresents.com for full details. 

Utah Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo is offering a brand new membership deal this Black Friday. With every purchase of an annual membership, they are throwing in two free tickets to Zoolights, a coveted event that sells out early each year. The promotion runs Nov. 23-27, find more info on pricing and membership levels on their site. 

Utah Shakespeare Festival 

Take $10 off every ticket of the 2023 season in Utah Shakespeare Festivals’ biggest sale of the year. Shows include West Side Story, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jane Austen’s Emma.

Nov 15
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Preview: Illiterate Light w/ Kind Hearted Strangers

By Music

There’s plenty we missed in 2020-21, especially live music. Lucky for us, KRCL is partnering with The State Room to help us make up lost ground by hosting a Virginia-based indie-rock duo, Illiterate Light, on Nov. 18, 2022. In 2019, they were an up-and-coming band who had just signed with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut record. Then the pandemic hit and interrupted their ability to tour and promote it. Of course, great music doesn’t have a shelf-life. It’s never too late to discover a solid debut album even if it’s three years old. Thanks to the DJs at KRCL for staying current, even when the rest of us might be stuck in a time warp. They always seem to find the best new music. There’s no better place to see an exciting new band than The State Room.

The two-piece power duo consists of Jeff Gorman on lead vocal and guitar (he also plays bass notes with a foot pedal) and Jake Cochran on vocals and stand-up drums. Fun fact: Gorman is the nephew of Black Crowes’ founding drummer Steve Gorman.  

Their indie-rock sound, with its folky edges and hints of psychedelia, has been compared to The Band of Horses. I wouldn’t corral them by such a narrow association. Indeed, they are cutting their own path in the Indie-folk genre. Stylistically, they run the gauntlet of early millennia indie rock bands like Fleet Foxes, My Morning Jacket, and Wilco. I can also hear textures of Houndmouth and The Flaming Lips in their sound. Another fun fact: the band’s name was inspired by the line “that illiterate light is with us every night.” from the Wilco song “Theologians.” 

Gorman’s voice has a tonal quality similar to Neil Young’s. In fact, on their live EP In The Moment they scoured Young’s massive catalog to resurrect an obscure, deep-cut, “Vampire Blues.” Their fresh, live version of the 1974 cult classic about the dangers of fossil fuel dependence is both prescient and relevant today. Hopefully, they’ll include it on their setlist for The State Room show. “I Wanna Leave America” and “American Boy” are both great original songs with a Youngian (not to be mistaken with Jungian) flare that makes a connection between the socio-political despair of Young’s 1970s and today.

Their sophomore album Sunburned is set for release in January 2023 with a couple of teaser singles already out like “Heaven Bends” and “Light Me Up,” both trippy and melodic tunes with kaleidoscopic harmonies and a driving rock beat. Armed with a growing repertoire of great indie-folk rock songs and a reputation for a high-energy live show, I can see why KRCL is presenting this dynamic duo.

Opening is Colorado-based roots rockers, Kind Hearted Strangers. They just released an 11-minute opus “Cerberus” that’s an electrified, mind-bending, dead-head-styled jam that should blend nicely with their more contemporary folk-rock songs like “The California Zephyr” and “Red and Blue.”

In a spooky post-Halloween coincidence, I sat down to write this preview while listening to KRCL. They played “Sometimes Love Takes So Long” by Illiterate Light. How did they know what I was writing about? Is that COVID vaccine microchip implanted in my arm tuned to 90.9 FM and the DJ can channel my thoughts? Or can we just trust KRCL plays the best under-the-radar music that commercial radio constantly ignores?

  • Who: Illiterate Light w/ Kind Hearted Strangers
  • What: Indie-folk rock
  • Where: The State Room
  • When: Nov. 18, 2022
  • Tickets and info: thestateroompresents.com, KRCL.org

Nov 04
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Survive the Holidays with Salt Lake Magazine’s Bingo

By Community

Holiday Bingo

Download Your Own Bingo Card to Join in the Holiday Fun! Download

Not enough holiday cheer for you? Try a little alternative version of the game to help you survive (read: drink and stumble through) the holiday family drama…

Family Holiday Party: The Drinking Game

Drink once…

  • Every time someone passes you the old Santa hat that’s making the rounds (drink again if it has any odor or stains)
  • Every time a sibling complains about their Secret Santa Gift
  • Every time you’re asked a probing personal question—when are you going to get married, have kids, etc.
  • Every time you remind yourself that it’s O.K. to set personal boundaries with family
  • Every time someone says “Happy Holidays”
  • Every time someone takes offense to saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”

Drink twice…

  • If there’s an overpowering “Holiday Spice” scented candle
  • If someone arrives late because they were at their Ward Christmas Party 
  • If they bring sparkling apple cider
  • If someone pulls out a family photo album or scrapbook
  • If you forgot to set personal boundaries with family
  • If children are coerced into performing the Nativity 
  • If Mom gets very sensitive about the dryness of the ham and/or turkey 

Finish your drink…

  • When someone makes Mom cry

 Bonus Round: ‘Do You Hear what I Hear?’

Take a drink whenever anyone says any of the following…

  • “I thought we agreed on a $20-limit for gifts?”
  • “You’ll shoot your eye out!” or another overused A Christmas Story quote
  • “I shouldn’t have another, but I’m on vacation…”
  • “I thought we weren’t doing gifts this year?”
  • “Jesus is the reason for the season” 
  • “Son of a nutcracker!” and other Elf quotes
  • “The War on Christmas” 

(PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.)

Oct 20
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Outside the Utah Mighty 5

By Travel

Utah’s much more than The Mighty 5. Sure, its famous national parks — Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capital Reef National Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park — are must-sees, but spectacular scenes don’t end at the parks’ boundaries. 

Just beyond their star-studded borders, you’ll find equally-impressive red-rock slot canyons, sandstone cliffs and limestone plateaus. What these less-popular locales lack in national designation they make up for with easy access, peaceful meandering and uninterrupted wilderness delight. 

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Calf Creek Falls enthrall visitors of Grand Staircase­­–Escalante National Monument. Photo by Michael Kunde / Utah Office of Tourism,

Famous: Capitol Reef National Park

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Views flow through an outdoor cabin at Yonder Escalante. HWY One / courtesy Yonder escalante.

Nearby Fave: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument sits in the same sun-drenched Utah backcountry as Capital Reef National Park. The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12 (from the north) leads travelers through colorful sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, picturesque washes and seemingly endless slickrock. Hike highlights include Lower Calf Creek Falls and Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons.

Set up basecamp in Escalante, which perches on the edge of Grand Staircase National Monument. Pamper yourself in one of Yonder Escalante’s luxury cabins, Airstreams or RV sites, and dine farm-to-table style at Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm in Boulder, Utah. 

Famous: Zion National Park

Nearby Fave: Snow Canyon State Park 

After a visit to Snow Canyon’s Navajo sandstone cliffs that share the same history and geology as Zion National Park to the east, you may find yourself wondering why it’s not designated as a national park. Snow Canyon State Park is a hit with families and all levels of road cyclists, rock climbers and hikers.

Set up basecamp in St. George, just a short 10 miles away. Book a room at Red Mountain Resort, golf at Sand Hollow Resort, relax at the Green Valley Boutique Hotel and Spa, and dine at Wood Ash Rye. 

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A deluxe tent welcomes glampers at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon. Courtesy under canvas Bryce canyon

Famous: Bryce Canyon National Park

Nearby Fave: Red Canyon, Dixie National Forest

As Bryce Canyon’s lesser-known neighbor, Red Canyon inherits road travelers en route to the national park, but stuns them when Scenic Byway 12 runs directly through two red-rock arch tunnels. The highway displays orange-red pinnacles, spires, columns and hoodoos. Unlike Bryce, Red Canyon welcomes mountain bikers, off-roaders and horseback riders. 

If glamping is your style, you’re in luck. Under Canvas recently opened its newest luxury experience Under Canvas Bryce Canyon just 15 minutes outside of Bryce Canyon National Park.  Check undercanvas.com for availability.

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Foodies flock to Hell’s Backbone Grill & Far. Photo by Sandra Salvas / Utah Office of Tourism

Famous: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park

Nearby Fave: Dead Horse Point State Park

Oh, the views! The panorama from Dead Horse Point State Park is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Smack dab in the middle of Moab’s two national parks, Dead Horse’s slender peninsula of land extends off the massive plateau that is home to Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district. If you crave arches, hike to Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch just outside of Arches National Park. 

Reserve a campsite or yurt at any one of Dead Horse Point State Park campgrounds. Take in the spectacular star show from this International Dark Sky Park. Or take the more luxe route by booking a room at Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa in Moab and dining at any one of downtown Moab’s brew pubs, pizzerias, Thai, or sushi restaurants.  

Sep 01
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6 Downtown Salt Lake Bars We Love

By After Dark, Eat & Drink

After a long day of breakouts and keynotes you might want/need to check out one of the many downtown Salt Lake bars. Here is a list of some of our favorite downtown Salt Lake bars for when you’re still on the job with the sales team (or that certain someone from the sales team).

Downtown Salt Lake Bar No. 1 – Keys on Main

downtown Salt Lake bars
Courtesy of US Bus Tours

Sing-along and drink-along with the piano man.

  • What you’re drinking: Anything shaken, stirred or on tap What’s so special: Salt Lake has plenty of live music stops, but Keys on Main’s dueling pianos are all about interactive entertainment. Who’s there: From bachelorette parties to birthdays, there is always a celebration taking place at Keys. Celebrate with the best dressed and most beautiful folks in the city. Come for the dueling pianos, stay for the people watching.

Downtown Salt Lake Bar No. 2 – The Red Door

downtown Salt Lake bar

So you say you want a revolution?

  • What you’re drinking: One-ounce Sapphire martini, dirty What’s so special: The giant Che Guevara mural, red walls and candlelit dimness. Who’s there: Communists and conventioneers. The Red Door is probably Salt Lake’s most intimate drinking establishment: a cozy hideaway that feels like somewhere else—sophisticated and elegant, perfect for a sneering discussion of laissez-faire economics, or just les affaires.

Downtown Salt Lake Bar No. 3 – O’Shucks Bar & Grill

downtown Salt Lake bars
Courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune

Gritty dive bar or sushi bar? You decide.

  • What you’re drinking: Schooner of brewWhat’s so special: The crazy-cheap deals on giant beers and rolls from the in-house Ahh Sushi restaurant every Wednesday. Who’s there: Any and all types: suits, college kids, hipsters–everyone who feels comfortable throwing peanut shells on the floor, then ordering sashimi. And a few pool players.

Downtown Salt Lake Bar No. 4 – Copper Common

downtown Salt Lake bars

A food-forward approach to drinking.

  • What you’re drinking: A Fourth Regiment: High West Double Rye, Carpano Antica Vermouth and three bitters—Peychaud’s, celery and orange What’s so special: The civilized setting and the sophisticated menu—including flown-fresh oysters and what we believe is the best bar burger in the entire world. Who’s there: Well-traveled folks with experienced palates and a taste for adventure.

Downtown Salt Lake Bar No. 5 – The Beer Hive Pub

This Main Street hotspot is all the buzz.

  • What you’re drinking: Epic’s Spiral Jetty or any number of craft microbrews from the extensive list What’s so special: The ice bar, literally a strip of ice that runs the length of the bar to keep your brew at the right temperature Who’s there: Downtowners and conventioneers who like it Old World style. One of the newer hotspots in downtown SLC, The Beerhive attracts a crowd ranging from hipster kids to Happy Hour suits.

Downtown Salt Lake Bar No. 6 – Cheers to You

Grab a stool at a bar that’s old-school.

  • What you’re drinking: Most likely cheap, yellow beer. What’s so special: Red pleather, dim lighting and cheesy decorations make you feel instantly at home. Who’s there: Everyone who knows everyone else—lotsa locals with legitimate IDs—and, on Friday, karaoke fans. Cheers to You isn’t exactly fancy, and it’s no place you’d take a date, but if you want a homey, friendly spot to simply quaff a brew, it’s for you.

Find more food and drink coverage here and why not subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine delivered to your door?