Page 241 • Salt Lake Magazine

Nov 13

13 Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Meals

By Salt Lake Magazine Eat & Drink

Turkey-time is just around the corner, which means buying, preparing, and serving the food, plus clean up. This year, instead of taking all that time away from family to prepare the meal, try out one of these 13 locations across Utah that will serve Thanksgiving favorites without the hassle. More time with family = more memories of Thanksgiving 2019. Did we mention no family-sized mess to clean up afterward? That’s a win-win in our book.

Read our updated list for 2021.

For 2019, we’ve aggregated a blend of turkey dinners, as well as places steering clear from tradition.

Salt Lake City

1. Oasis

Oasis will once again open for Thanksgiving Brunch on Thursday, Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mirroring the creative daily menu filled with local organic vegetables, sustainably ranched meats and freshest seafood, brunch at Oasis Café’s brunch menu is a favorite with locals. It’s loaded with traditional breakfast dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches. Guest favorites include the German buttermilk pancake with blueberry compote or the eggs Benedict Florentine, Chef Efren’s breakfast burrito; the toasted Brie sandwich or a traditional Reuben sandwich.

“Once the turkey is in the oven, families can pop over for a leisurely brunch before returning to their kitchens,” said Will Keesen, general manager. “Honestly, this is really self-serving – I just need a place to eat that morning,” he laughs.

Reservations recommended: 151 S. 500 East, SLC, 801-322-0404, www.oasiscafeslc.com

2. Cafe Niche

Cafe Niche on 300 South will be hosting a special Thanksgiving Day dinner buffet featuring Executive Chef Andy Morrison’s creative take on traditional holiday fare. The celebration goes on from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. and costs $45 per person and $25 for children ages 12 and under, not including tax or gratuity. General Manager/Partner Caprice Ossana has specially selected wines that perfectly complement the menu.

“While we offer a Thanksgiving carving station with roast turkey and prime rib, we have a lot of really fun options too, from funeral potato casserole to sweet potato and jalapeño soup to a delicious kale Caesar,” said Andy Morrison, executive chef. “We are excited to welcome our guests back to celebrate the bounty.”

Reservations recommended: 801-433-3380, www.caffeniche.com.

3. Bambara

Bambara will offer a classic Thanksgiving Buffet 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. including a carving station with turkey, whole New York strip, oysters, shrimp, salads and soup. An array of desserts and pastries will also be offered. Reservations are $63 for adults, $55 for seniors, Kids (5-12) are $25 and kids (4 and under) are free.

“Thanksgiving is such a warm, wonderful holiday for people to come together, but it can be so stressful to host, too. Leave the kitchen and preparation and the dishes behind, and bring your friends and family, and join us for a really special dinner this holiday,” said Nathan Powers, executive chef of Bambara.

Visit bambara-slc.com for more information.

4. Hub & Spoke Diner

If you’re planning on prepping a home-cooked holiday dinner, consider getting brunch with the family before the big meal. It gets everyone out in the world for a bit before falling into a post-feast turkey-coma.

Stop in with the family for Thanksgiving Day breakfast or brunch before the big meal. Make Hub & Spoke Diner your main event for an easy and casual Thanksgiving this year. Serving a selection of their menu favorites plus specials. Thursday, Nov. 28th from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Reservations recommended: 801-487-0698, or visit www.hubandspokediner.com

5. Tuscany

Tuscany is another option for fine dining in Salt Lake City. They’ll be offering a special holiday menu. The holiday menu includes traditional flavors such as turkey, sweet potatoes, and gravy. Don’t forget about classic Thanksgiving dessert, Tuscany is offering a wide variety of homemade pies.

Pricing is $50 for adults, $27 for children ages 12 and under. Serving between 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Reservations recommended: 801-277-9919, or visit tuscanyslc.com

6. Log Haven

For the vegetarians out there, Log Haven is for you. This was one location that advertised a vegetarian option, while also offering traditional and nontraditional plates. Another location for the blended-palate families out there.

Includes soup or salad, choice of turkey, salmon, steak or vegetarian entree and dessert. Adults will be priced at $58.95, with children 3-12 being $31.95. (Again, 3 and under eat free!) Serving a four-course lunch from 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Reservations recommended: 801-272-8255 or visit www.log-haven.com

7. Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops

Spencer’s is another great option for throwing in the Thanksgiving towel this year. They have everything you could possibly want for dinner and more. Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops will take all of the pressure off you with their mouth watering menu which consists of garlic mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, homemade sausage and sage stuffing, green beans, maple sweet potato puree and cranberry sauce. For dessert there will be the option of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie á la mode.

Adults will be priced at $52.00 and children at $22.00.

Reservations recommended: 801-238-4748

Ogden

8. Hearth on 25th

Don’t want to cook Thanksgiving dinner, but also don’t want to go out to eat? Hearth on 25th has you covered. For $126 they are offering a Thanksgiving Turkey Feast ‘To-Go’. The Turkey feast (which serves 6) consists of slow-cooked and wood oven-roasted turkey breasts, legs and thighs, pan gravy from the overnight turkey drippings, Italian sausage and focaccia stuffing made with turkey stock, whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, light and fluffy, ready for some gravy, wood, oven-roasted vegetables with applewood smoked bacon, cranberry, ginger and orange chutney, soft dinner rolls perfect for dinner or leftovers and roasted sweet potatoes with a maple reduction and candied pecans. All food is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients.

In addition to the main feast, Hearth on 25th is offering desserts that will allow you to tailor this Thanksgiving to your personal needs.

Call 801-399-0088 and place your orders by Saturday, Nov. 23rd. Pick-up times will be scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27th

Park City

9. The Brass Tag at Deer Valley Resort

Perhaps you are more of an apple pie person? The Brass Tag’s two dessert choices offer that traditional taste, as well as a pumpkin cheesecake for the pumpkin people. Here, you get options while the price remains the same. It looks The Brass Tag is the place for your turkey day this year.

The award-winning brick-oven restaurant is serving a three-course prix fixe sure to please: Enjoy a choice of roasted butternut squash soup or baby greens and arugula salad, followed a choice of by maple glazed brick oven roasted turkey or oven roasted prime rib. Dessert is pumpkin cheesecake or classic apple pie. Prix Fixe, $49/$20 for children 12 and under.

Visit www.deervalley.com for more information.

10. Butcher’s Chop House

Butcher’s Chop House is another place offering their full menu (we hear the people who aren’t fans of traditional thanksgiving fare!) while also offering a turkey dinner. Bring your traditional and non-traditional friends here for a memorable T-day meal.

Fill up your plate with this two-course “Full Platter” prix fixe. Dig into turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, garlic green beans and candied yams, followed by a choice of pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. Something to note: the restaurant will not be offering its fall 2-for-1 special Thanksgiving Day. The “Full Platter” will be prix fixe, $35 for adults, $18 for children.

Visit www.butcherschophouse.com for more information.

11. Grand Summit Hotel

There’s something for everyone – and it’s all delicious – at the Grand Summit Hotel’s Thanksgiving Buffet at the Canyons Village. From classics like brown sugar and molasses brined turkey, High West whiskey and maple glazed ham, herb and garlic “emberred” prime rib, and cedar plank roasted king salmon, to no shortage of starters, soups, salads, pastas and all your favorite Thanksgiving sides, plus desserts, you and your loved ones are sure to have a meal to remember.

Pricing is $74 for adults, $63 for seniors, $39 for kids ages 6 to 14, children under 5 eat free.

12. The Eating Establishment

The Eating Establishment is offering a three course dinner that includes a mixed green or wedge salad with choice of dressing, slow roasted turkey with homemade stuffing, green beans, classic cranberry sauce, savory mashed potatoes and squash with brown sugar. Dessert includes a choice of beer bar bread pudding or Patricia’s famous pumpkin cheesecake.

Perhaps for the late diners out there, you could take a stroll by for a meal before the big meal. As they say, if delicious comfort food is your thing, the Eating Establishment will be open Thanksgiving Day serving its longtime locals-favorite menu.

Reservations recommended: 435-649-8284 or visit www.theeatingestablishment.net

Southern Utah

13. Ruby’s Inn – The Canyon Diner

While enjoying a large Thanksgiving meal with friends and family is typically the highlight of the weekend; Ruby’s Inn allows guests to enjoy it without hassle. Ruby’s Thanksgiving Day feast includes the buffet as well as menu items for those who prefer a good ribeye steak. This year in addition to assorted homemade pies, Ruby’s is also offering a special Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake. Ruby’s Inn will be open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and the prices will be $23 for adults, $13 for children, and $7 for small children.

“This could be the Thanksgiving where people can actually go home and relax for the rest of the weekend before heading back to work on Monday,” said Lance Syrett, general manager of Ruby’s Inn and a mashed potato aficionado.

Visit www.rubysinn.com/thanksgiving-buffet for Turkey day details.

Nov 08

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Homeless In SLC: It’s not the end of The Road Home.

By Jen Hill City Watch

Kicked out, not enough money or out-of-work and no place to go. Homelessness is not an easy topic to address, but it’s not an easy life, and who can’t relate to that? From a place to sleep to housing assistance, consider what our community might look like without the resources provided from organizations like Catholic Community Services or The Road Home. What if the thousands of individuals (many who are children) had nowhere else to go?

Hands-On Volunteer opportunity!

Starting on Monday, November 18th, 2019 at the new Men’s Resource Center volunteers are invited to help with meal prep and service. Please sign up at .

In a recent article, “Homeless Millennials—Weighing In On Big Changes to City Programs,” Utah Stories, Richard Markosian shares the plight of some locals struggling with these issues, as well as interviews from two young adults who are living by choice on the streets. These “urban campers” sleep by day in an old sewer tunnel and stay awake by walking around at night to stay warm.

With the other recent news of the closing of the downtown Salt Lake Community Shelter, some have been confused or have been given the impression that The Road Home is no longer. As a local non-profit, The Road Home has been serving the SLC community for over 96 years, providing emergency shelter, housing and support services to assist in overcoming homelessness in our community. In the past year alone, The Road Home has provided temporary emergency housing assistance for over 8,000 individuals (1,500 were children) and housing for over 3,000 adults and children.

While the downtown Salt Lake Community Shelter is closing, the transition will play out like this: “The Road Home operates the Salt Lake Community Resource Center until the end of November, and the South Salt Lake Men’s Resource Center will open starting November 18th,” reports Kat Khan, who is the Director of Development for The Road Home. In addition, The Road Home will continue to do its supportive work at the Midvale Family Resource Center and through assisting individuals and families in permanent supportive housing facilities.

Good news, SLC. There will always be a Road Home.

November 5, 2019, was the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 300-men Homeless Resource Center at 1000 West. South Salt Lake City’s Mayor, Cherie Wood explains that “The 300-men who will occupy the facility will find opportunity and a fresh start. South Salt Lake intends to connect those in need to available resources and set them on a path of stability and success.”

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it’s going to be one of the coldest winters on record, and most would agree, everyone should have a safe, warm place to sleep. As it turns out we’ve got some newly elected officials in office, like SLC’s Mayor-Elect, Erin Mendenhall. Make sure to weigh in your opinions about issues like homelessness to her and your district’s city council members, and consider support to CCS or The Road Home.

To read more about SLC’s complex and interesting city life, go here.

Nov 08

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‘Oda Might’ Opens Plan-B’s 2019-2020 Season

By Josh Petersen Arts & Culture

On one side: an accused murderer, a patient in a mental hospital and a spiritual medium whose newfound faith could either be a spiritual awakening or a clever trap.

Oda Might

Plan-B Theatre

Nov. 7-17

Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets and info here.

On the other: an accomplished psychiatrist whose race, gender and sexuality inform her work, even when those same identities cause others to underestimate her.

In Camille Washington’s new play Oda Might, these two characters collide in a psychological thriller that explores spirituality, race and the twisting nature of truth. As the Patient and the Doctor learn more about each other, they question who to trust — and find that in surprising ways, they may not be so different after all.

Orderly (Flo Bravo), Patient (Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin) and Doctor (Yolanda Stange) in Oda Might. (Photo by Rick Pollock, Courtesy Plan-B Theatre)

Though the play is set in the 1990s, Washington had contemporary issues in mind when writing it — she has talked about the play’s connection to identity politics and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The play stars Plan-B alums Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin as the Patient and Yolanda Strange as the Doctor, with Flo Bravo making her Plan B debut as the Orderly. This production is directed by Cheryl Ann Cluff. Like every play at Plan B, Oda Might is written by a Utah playwright, and promises to fulfill this company’s mission to produce boundary-pushing theatre exploring important social issues.

Read more of Salt Lake Magazine’s theater coverage here.

Nov 07

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Backcountry (.com) Responds to Public Pressure, Pledges to Rethink Trademark Lawsuits

By Tony Gill Adventures, Outdoors

After a significant public backlash following reporting that Backcountry (backcountry.com) was pursuing trademark infringement lawsuits against companies using the term “backcountry,” the Utah-based online retailer has posted a public statement from their CEO apologizing for taking “certain actions that we now recognize were not consistent with our values” and pledging to “reexamine our broader approach to trademarks to ensure we are treating others in a way that is consistent with the culture and values envisioned by our founders and embraced by our community.” In short, Backcountry is responding to pressure from their customer base, and at least somewhat are attempting to account for their actions.

A noteworthy development is that Backcountry will be dropping its lawsuit against Marquette Backcountry skis, in which they sought to overturn Marquette Backcountry’s 2010 trademark and secure fees that far exceeded the independent ski brand’s historical profit total. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the lawsuit against Marquette Backcountry included some pretty incendiary language requesting “punitive or exemplary damages … in an amount sufficient to punish and deter defendants and to make an example of them.”

Efforts to market “Backcountry” branded product like these climbing skins precipitated some of the trademark lawsuits.

While the full extent of what transpired between the two companies is unknown, the lawsuit’s language doesn’t seem to align with Backcountry CEO Jonathan Nielsen’s assertion the company “tried to resolve these trademark situations amicably and respectfully, and we only took legal action as a last resort.” While some will be appeased that Backcountry is relenting, their reformed outlook on the trademark issue is likely cold comfort to those like BDCo.—formerly Backcountry Denim Co.—and Backou eBikes—formerly Backcountry eBikes—which have already changed their names in the face of legal action.

Still, the statement from and moves by Backcountry are likely to be viewed as a victory for concerned consumers and outdoor community members over a company that had seemingly abandoned its founding values after being purchased by a private equity firm in 2015. It remains to be seen how Backcountry will navigate trademark issues going forward—especially with their ever-expanding house branded product lineup—and their week or so of relative silence in the face of public criticism will do little to quiet the feeling they acted only after it became clear the company’s bottom line was at risk. That’s a consistent byproduct of capitalism, however, and often the only cudgel consumers wield is the power to empty their wallets somewhere else. We’ll continue to update this story as it develops.

Read the full statement from Backcountry CEO John Nielsen below, and see all our outdoors coverage here.

“Dear Backcountry Community,

We have heard your feedback and concerns, and understand we fumbled in how we pursued trademark claims recently. We made a mistake.

In an attempt to protect the brand we have been building for nearly 25 years, we took certain actions that we now recognize were not consistent with our values, and we truly apologize.

It’s important to note that we tried to resolve these trademark situations amicably and respectfully, and we only took legal action as a last resort. That said, we know we mishandled this, and we are withdrawing the Marquette Backcountry action. We will also reexamine our broader approach to trademarks to ensure we are treating others in a way that is consistent with the culture and values envisioned by our founders and embraced by our community.

We only want what’s best for the whole community and we want every person and business in it to thrive. Backcountry has never been interested in owning the word “backcountry” or completely preventing anyone else from using it. But we clearly misjudged the impact of our actions.

We understand that this step we’ve taken may not be enough for some of you. The hope is that we can ultimately win back your trust, even if it takes time. We are grateful to be a part of your lives, providing you with great gear for your outdoor adventures, and all we want is to go back to doing what we do best. We intend to learn from this and become a better company.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Nielsen, CEO

Backcountry”

Nov 06

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Facts and Fiction in PTC’s ‘Lifespan of a Fact’

By Josh Petersen Arts & Culture

Right now, there’s not much for journalists to laugh about. In an era of constant layoffs, corporate takeovers and endless accusations of “fake news,” it feels like the whole industry is in a mood spiral.

What: The Lifespan of a Fact
When: Nov. 1 – Nov. 16
Where: Pioneer Theatre Company
How: Tickets are available here.
See more Utah theater coverage here.

It’s surprising then, that a play asking complicated questions about journalism and ethics could also be a lively comedy. The Lifespan of a Fact, now playing at Pioneer Theatre Company, can’t solve any of the industry’s crises. It can, however, make you appreciate these journalists while laughing at their foibles.

Emily Penrose (Constance Macy) is a magazine editor looking for her next great story. She finds it in an inventive essay by John D’Agata (Ben Cherry) that describes the suicide of a teenage boy in Las Vegas. It seems like everything’s falling into place. But when Emily asks a young intern named Jim Fingal (John Croft) to complete a standard fact check, he finds dozens of errors, both big and small. John is more concerned with emotional potency than factual exactness — he makes a clear distinction between “accuracy” and “truth.” Jim, meanwhile, thinks that every fact must be totally proven, and he investigates even the tiniest minutiae with obsessive vigor. These opposing viewpoints kick off a spirited and often emotional debate over ethics, integrity and the nature of truth.

Constance Macy (Emily Penrose), Ben Cherry (John D’Agata), and John Kroft (Jim Fingal). Photo courtesy Pioneer Theatre Company.

This appealingly small-scale play zips by in 90 minutes with no intermission, confined to three characters and one long weekend. The script relies on strong performances from its three central actors, and luckily this cast has an easy chemistry. Croft brims with neurotic energy, and his particular brand of anxiety might be, ahem, relatable to certain audience members who are young, underpaid and trying to prove themselves in the magazine industry. (I wouldn’t know.) Macy is an appealing straight woman, and Cherry has fun with his character’s wit and snobbery — he is a wiseass that puts equal emphasis on both parts of that word.

Even as they deal with serious subject matter, playwrights Jeremy Kareken, Gordon Farrell and David Murrell keep a light hand — The Lifespan of a Fact is more Neil Simon than Spotlight. John and Jim’s lively debates are frequently funny, but they also contain real substance. John and Jim are obsessive about their opposing points-of-view, but by the end of the play, they both seem equally valid. Both characters are interested in finding the core truth of the essay, and their back-and-forth reveals that truth is not always black-and-white. The President is still wrong — there’s no such thing as alternative facts. But The Lifespan of a Fact reminds audiences that there’s plenty of fun to be had in the shades of grey.

Nov 06

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Backcountry (.com) Faces Customer Scrutiny Amid Trademark Bullying

By Tony Gill Adventures, Outdoors

Backcountry, the behemoth online outdoor retailer behind backcountry.com that has called Utah home for the past 23 years, is facing a deluge of criticism as word spread following reporting by the Colorado Sun about the company suing smaller outdoor brands for using the term “backcountry” in their name or product catalogue. Backcountry, which first trademarked the term in 2004 and has filed for additional usage trademarks in the intervening years, has since launched a legal offensive against at least 50 different defendants in a publicly available list from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Thus far the companies being sued for trademark infringement have ranged from a small independent ski manufacturer Snapperhead Inventions/Marquette Backcountry for their Marquette Backcountry Ski—which has been sold under the name since 2010—to avalanche safety course instructors Backcountry Babes to jean maker Backcountry Denim Co., now known as BDCO. Some companies, including Backcountry Babes and BDCO, have already settled with Backcountry, though terms haven’t been disclosed. Others like Marquette Backcountry’s founder David Ollila are gearing up for a legal battle.

Fighting back against Backcountry’s legal onslaught simply isn’t feasible for many targeted companies. Legal fees can quickly skyrocket, leaving them with few options but to acquiesce or be faced with financial ruin. It’s also not as simple as merely changing names for some. Backcountry is seeking punitive measures against Ollila and Marquette Backcountry, looking to overturn Marquette Backcountry’s own trademark in addition to requesting fees amounting to what Ollila told the Colorado Sun were more than three times the company’s lifetime profits. The lawsuit details Backcountry’s motives for the request. “Backcountry requests punitive or exemplary damages … in an amount sufficient to punish and deter defendants and to make an example of them.”

Will this “backcountry” terrain run afoul Backcountry’s trademark as well? Best be safe and refer to it as anti-front country until the legal dust settles.

Backcountry is unlikely to end up with a sympathetic public image after engaging in such legal strong-arming. The optics are that of a large corporate entity—Backcountry was purchased by private equity firm TSG Partners in 2015—bullying vulnerable, independent companies in the outdoor space. Complicating things is the fact the term “backcountry” has been in common usage for decades prior to the company’s founding, and many feel it’s unethical if not legally dubious for a company to try and secure exclusive rights to the term. As such the #boycottbackcountry hashtag has been spreading throughout social media with everyone from average consumers to professional athletes speaking out against Backcountry. A longtime Backcountry sponsored athlete we spoke with on condition of anonymity felt “blindsided” by the company’s tactics and lack of a public response, which has left them publicly facing scrutiny about legal proceedings they have no involvement with.

A Utah-based patent and trademark attorney we spoke with provided some context. He also asked to remain anonymous to avoid any professional backlash. “After some initial research and without knowing all the facts of the case, it looks like they’re trying to strengthen their trademark by getting others not to use it. There’s always a chance if you don’t enforce your mark, it could later become unenforceable. You have to think of a trademark as a sword rather than a shield,” the attorney says. “That said, there’s a case to be made it’s a generic term and trademarks shouldn’t be applied to generic terms. I’d be interested to see how that would stand up to further scrutiny. Backcountry’s first registration in 2004 says it was for ‘retail store services, mail order services and computerized online retail services,’ but it’s expanded a lot since then. They filed in 2018 for trademarks on items like avalanche probes and climbing skins. People have been making and selling ‘backcountry’ marketed items like those for a long time.”

Attorney with IPLA John H. Kim was the person who filed for the trademarks on behalf of Backcountry in 2018, and he is yet to respond to our request for comment. Backcountry has also not responded to multiple requests for comment on the issue. As of now, the company is forging ahead with a host of branded Backcountry items that could have huge implications for other industry members going forward.

We will continue to update this story as it develops.

See all our outdoors coverage here.

Nov 03

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Things To Do On Black Friday If You Don’t Want To Shop

By Jeremy Pugh Uncategorized

Christmas is approximately two months away. Nonetheless, as per usual, small and big retailers all over Utah and the rest of the country have started their big holiday season hype. Door-busting Black Friday ads for 2021 are already splashing and popping up everywhere you may look. In preparation, millions of Americans and plenty of Salt Lakers will rise and shine at dawn on the 26^th of November. Their main goal? To hit the stores early and spend the entire day going on the craziest shopping spree of the year. Many will get an early start and use Thanksgiving to put up their tents to be the first in line.

If you couldn’t care less about Black Friday, you simply don’t have any money to spare on discount items this year, or you want to avoid big crowds for safety concerns, read on. We have prepared a few cool alternatives to BF shopping that we think you may enjoy.

Is Skipping Black Friday Really A Good Idea?

What about all the excellent deals and discounts you would be missing? The utter chaos that this holiday creates with the frantic search for the best deals has become a tradition in the US. However, BF is not only popular in the US. In Australia, Black Friday is competing against Boxing Day for the title of the nation’s biggest shopping event. European countries also spend a lot of money on the holiday event that has spread like wildfire across the planet.

Nonetheless, in recent years, there has been a gradual change, with many regular shoppers skipping the weekend madness. Instead, many travel, go out, or spend some quality time with their loved ones. In 2020, 53 percent of consumers were planning on skipping the in-person BF shopping spree because of the pandemic. This year, the same will happen in many parts of the world. This is mainly due to the permanent changes in the economies of world countries and the dynamics of societies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

People have started to look for more meaningful things to do instead of shopping endlessly. Some of the early signs of this change were noticeable in 2015, with a camping retailer closing their doors on BF for the first time. Employees were given a paid day off and they were encouraged to go spend some time in the great outoors. Their disarmed customers were warmly encouraged to do the same. Even more, the same retailed shut down their payment processor online so customers would not be able to do any online shopping. They continued to do the same thing each following year. Their policy is to close their doors and “#OptOutside because that’s where we feel awesome”.

The name of this company is REI and they have set a strong example concerning the shift away from in-person BF shopping. Other big retailers such as like Home Depot, Walmart, and Costco have also made their Black Friday and Thanksgiving plans clear. They will be shutting down their activity on Thanksgiving Day as a means of giving their employees a day off they can spend with the family. Target is encouraging shoppers to do their purchases online for safety reasons.

However, the question remains: will you be missing out on one or two excellent deals on Black Friday if you decide to skip it? Probably. However…

you are also less likely to buy something you do not actually need for the sole purpose of getting a “good deal”
you will avoid cluttering your home with items you have no room for storing
you will prevent your credit card bill from going through the roof in December
you will save money you can use to go on a fun vacation
you will save money on gas

What To Do On The Buy-Nothing Weekend?

Rest

Take the time to get some much-needed rest. Restore your body, take back some of your lost energy and enjoy the peace and quiet. While not exactly a fun alternative activity to BF shopping, it should definitely make you feel better.

Spend quality time with your loved ones

Sleep in, have breakfast in bed with the kids or your significant other, plan a fun movie night, eat all your Thanksgiving leftovers, play family games, or go on a hike. Do whatever has been on your mind lately, but you never found the time for it.

Play fun games on your phone

Research what are the best games to play on a smartphone or tablet, charge your battery and have some good old gaming fun. Engage in a fun game of slots, practice our poker skills, or place your bets during a live dealer game of roulette from the comfort of your home. Who knows, you may end up with some extra money in your bank account this Black Friday!

You could also play some fresh video game or classic holiday bingo game with your family for a more interactive experience.

Put up your Xmas tree

Use Black Friday to bring some early holiday spirit into your home by putting up your Christmas tree and using some DIY decorations.

You could also watch Netflix and just chill with some leftover Halloween candy to your side, visit a National Historic Site, go camping, volunteer, or go to a family entertainment center and engage in even more fun activities with the whole family. Make this year’s Buy Nothing weekend an unforgettable one – there are tons of ways to do it!

Nov 01

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Top 7 Fun Things to Do with Out-of-Town Guests

By Jen Hill Adventures

We’ve all taken a million visiting friends to the same old attractions, but there’s plenty of great things to do that are off-the-beaten-path but still quintessentially Salt Lake.

Your mother-in-law is coming to town. You regularly take Saturday mornings to work out at your favorite Pilates studio with your favorite Pilates instructor. You could skip a week, but why not invite them along?

No. 1:

When SLC resident Amanda Oechsle’s mother-in-law came for a visit from Pittsburgh, beyond the more typical local tourist hot spots like Temple Square or Red Butte Gardens, time to workout together was a high priority on their list. ClassPass is a clever and popular multi-gym fitness pass that opens up a myriad of workout options for locals as well as out-of-towners. Pilates, yoga or spin your time together.

Why not both??

As a saying I just made up goes, those that work out together feel way better going out for pizza and decadent desserts.

No. 2:

After class, sans any guilt, you can stop by one of SL’s best pizzerias, like Pizza Nono at 9th and 9th. This small, kick-started pizzeria has a limited but carefully sourced menu, with a good list of wine and beer and an overflowing feeling of hospitality.

No. 3:

How about going to one of SLC’s bakeries for a warm and gooey cookie? We even held a local cookie contest where Süss Cookie Co., The Koekie Co., Cassie’s Cookies and Ruby Snap to name a few (all earned high marks). Take your pick.

No. 4:

Hot spring anyone? Our region is dotted with several, and just an hour drive north of SL, Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, Utah has the highest mineral content of any national spring. With family-friendly dressing rooms and showers, it’s much like a public swimming pool with basic amenities and provides an affordable getaway.

No. 5: ta da da da!!

Our very own Utah Symphony has an outstanding line up for the current season, coming in November are three performances of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Nov. 15-17, 2019.

For TICKETS go HERE.

No. 5:

Soft-serve ice cream is anything but average at Normal, with novelty flavors that change up monthly. Try a blood orange + black sesame twist served in a taiyaki (traditional Japanese fish-shaped cake).

No. 6:

It’s not simply just about fitness or food around SLC, no sir. I like a Gerswhin tune, how about you? Our very own Utah Symphony has an outstanding line up for the current season, coming in November are three performances of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” If you choose to go to the more casual Unwound performance on November 16, 2019, the orchestra wears denim.

No. 7:

Sure, you could huddle around the TV to watch a movie on Netflix or check out a mainstream movie in a cushy theatre with adjustable lounge chairs, but you’ll have something to really talk about after going to SLFS’s downtown Broadway or Tower Theatre, which has a selection of cult classics, foreign, documentaries and independent films.

To learn more about the hottest spots to go in our great city, go here.

Oct 31

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#Loveutah: One Big Miracle

By Salt Lake Magazine Community

Fundraiser for Hospitality Workers in Dire Straits, a fundraiser for One Small Miracle was held August 11, Bar-X patio, SLC

Matthew Pfohl, Joshua Payne Orchestra

Clint Hollingsworth, Frankie

Alejandro Olivares, Caprice Ossana

Jacob Hall, Scoop, Clarke Holland

Smoke Co. Fire Show

See more #loveutah content here.

Oct 31

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#Loveutah: Peace House

By Salt Lake Magazine Community

Leaders of Peace House, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic abuse and family violence hosted a public ribbon cutting at their new Community Campus.