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It's hard to imagine: one day you wake up in Salt Lake City... and it's raining. A rare occurrence, but a possibility nonetheless. And while many people function quite well in the rain - our friends from Oregon and Sweden, perhaps - others prefer to avoid it. If you happen to catch one of Salt Lake's few rainy days this year, then consider checking out this indoor itinerary.
Breakfast
When the sky is falling, there are two key components of a morning meal: good coffee and yummy food. Consider trying the Park Cafe, in Liberty Park. This popular eatery offers great views of the surrounding ponds, and delicious, southwest-inspired breakfasts.
Eye Candy
For a sensory desert, jump in your car and head north to the Natural History Museum of Utah. Located in the all-new, architecturally spectacular Rio Tinto Center, this visually stunning museum is located on the far northeastern end of Salt Lake City - and the outermost corner of the University of Utah campus. Its immediate nearness to the Red Butte foothills of town, combined with its topic of Utah's incredible natural history, allows you to experience a bit of the state's outdoors without getting wet.
Lunch
As long as you're in the area, swing just a touch to the southeast and stop at the Red Butte Cafe. This welcoming restaurant offers a casual environment paired excellent foods and gourmet coffee. They're not in a rush to clear your table, so enjoy an espresso drink and one of their outstanding deserts while you digest your freshly made, nutritious sandwich (or satisfying burger).
Research
You may have been planning to tour Temple Square on your trip. But if it's raining, that outdoor area may no longer be on your list of things to see. Instead you can drive by the Square and go into the neighboring Family History Library. By doing this, you'll get to see the Square (if only in passing), check out a major Mormon institution, and learn quite a lot about your own family history.
Dinner
Once you've figured out who your great-great-great-grandfather was, and where he lived, then you may feel ready to conclude your genealogy afternoon. If you have just one night to spend in the city, you'd be wise to check out the state's best sushi at Takashi. Rivaling the best contemporary Japanese cuisine of San Francisco, this restaurant has won uncounted awards across numerous categories. Treat yourself to a bottle of hot or cold sake, and dessert.
Rainy Streets of Salt Lake — Photo courtesy of Edgar Zuniga Jr.
