SALT LAKE CITY THROUGH A LOCAL’S EYE: MINDY MADSEN
Growing up, Mindy Madsen always dreaded the question, “Where are you from?” As soon as she would answer “Utah” or “Salt Lake City” she’d immediately be met with some sort of judgment that was automatically attached to who she was.
Because her family didn’t move to Salt Lake City until she was 10 years old, she didn’t feel a deep connection with the city until much later. Her career in writing took her around the world where she ran the travel blog, Wander to Breathe, however, when fate led her back to Salt Lake City in 2014, she started to develop a new appreciation – and *finally* started calling it “home.”
“It took me letting go of what I thought it meant to “be from Salt Lake City,” she says.
“I had to create my own experience.”
Learning to explore SLC and see it through the eyes of a traveler has helped her find an appreciation for the many amazing parts that can sometimes be overlooked by those traveling through – or even those who have lived here for years. Today it’s a city she finds to be inclusive, and open to all.
With Salt Lake Days she hopes to convey that feeling to locals and visitors alike.
SLC, to Mindy, is no longer just “Mormon Town” … it’s everyone’s town.
Here, she shares her favorite parts of Salt Lake City – from old school movie theaters to inviting yoga studios to where to go for the best wine experience.
We’re listening…
The Peery Hotel
Staycations have become an important part of my living in and learning to love Salt Lake City. They allow me to explore the city and state from the eyes of a wanderer. My favorite hotel that I continue to visit for staycations is The Peery Hotel in Downtown Salt Lake City. This boutique hotel was built in 1910 and is one of the most charming hotels I have ever stayed at… anywhere. I also love that it has a Hilton flag so I can earn points from home.
Cafe Silvestre Mexican Restaurant
This was the first restaurant my family went to when we moved to Salt Lake City. We used to frequent the old location in Millcreek and while that location recently closed, the daughter of the owner of the Millcreek location (and granddaughter of the original owner) bought the last location (in West Valley City) from her family. Geita and her husband Eric are phenomenal chefs with so many innovative ideas and have created this amazing new menu. The vibe of the restaurant and the presentation of the food just add to the whole experience.
Greenhouse Effect Coffee & Crepes
This has been my go-to coffee shop for work this last year. It is located in an old house and has a great eclectic vibe. They have a variety of seating indoors and outdoors and even a little book nook with a couch that is a whole vibe. The coffee is great and so are the crepes (test out their wide assortment of both savory and sweet)! While I go there for a cozy workspace, I’ll admit I often get distracted people-watching. From what I’ve seen, it seems to be the coffee spot for first dates. It is also open until 10 pm during the week and 11 pm on the weekends… which is a game changer when you have a deadline!
Vitalize Studio
I have practiced and taught at many different yoga studios in the valley over the years. While all of them have been beautiful spaces and often new and modern, I have a unique love for older buildings with stories and charm. That’s why I love Vitalize Studio – the space is a historic building and a simple one room studio that feels warm and welcoming for all. The owner, Lucy is also an amazing teacher and member of our community!
Brewvies Movie Theatre
While a lot of cities these days have fancy new movie theaters with food and drinks, I love the old school vibe of Brewvies, with its simple seats and wooden bar to set your food and drinks on. On Monday nights they have a film Buff series where they show old movies for free – this was one of my favorite things to do during summer break when I was teaching. (And shout out to them and the universe for just happening to show my all time fave “Cocktail” on my birthday a few years ago!) Brewvies isn’t just old school though, they are a great spot to screen a new release for a Friday night out.
BTG Wine Bar
When I moved back to Salt Lake City in 2014 I was on the hunt for something to resemble wine tasting. I fell in love with wine tasting weekends when I was living back East and wanted to find something similar. While we don’t have wineries, we do have wine bars! I found BTG (By The Glass) when they were originally located downtown by City Creek, but I love their new location! The historic building they are in has the perfect ambiance for drinking wine and chatting with friends.
Sugarhouse Park
Sugarhouse Park is my favorite place to go when I need a little quiet time in the city. It’s always easy to get to, and with the stream and trees, it offers all the best parts of being up in the mountains, but right outside the city. I leave my shoes in the car and walk barefoot around the park and/or take a blanket and sit by the creek. While I can’t take part in this favorite spot all year long, don’t be surprised if you see me walking in the creek as soon as the snow melts or until the last leaf falls!
