by JTwisdom | Jun 22, 2024 | Travels |
Nestled against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As the capital of Utah and the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, colloquially known as the Mormon or LDS Church, Salt Lake City offers visitors a captivating mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and spiritual experiences. At the heart of this dynamic city lies the iconic Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, a renowned musical ensemble that has enchanted audiences for generations. As you explore Salt Lake City, don’t miss a visit to the Tabernacle Choir. To learn more about Mormons, visit Mormonism Explained.
Discovering Salt Lake City’s Charms
Salt Lake City welcomes visitors and offers a wealth of attractions to explore. For outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake City is a paradise waiting to be explored. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the nearby Wasatch Mountains, where many trails offer breathtaking views of the city below. In winter, hit the slopes at one of the nearby ski resorts, renowned for their powdery snow and world-class amenities. For a more leisurely experience, take a scenic drive along the Great Salt Lake and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Next stop: Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at Temple Square, a 10-acre complex that serves as the spiritual and cultural center of the LDS Church. Marvel at the majestic Salt Lake Temple, an architectural masterpiece built by Mormon pioneers that took over 40 years to complete. It was finally finished and dedicated as a temple of God in 1893. It is adorned with intricate spires and gleaming white marble. As of 2024, this historic building is undergoing a massive upgrade to make the pioneer structure earthquake-safe.
Also located on Temple Square are various meticulously landscaped gardens surrounding the Temple, Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, Lion House, Relief Society building, and the Joseph Smith Memorial building. You can also learn about the pioneers who settled the region at the Church History Museum or your own ancestors at the Family Search Center. All of these attractions are free and open to the public.
Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Harmony of the Tabernacle Choir
No visit to Salt Lake City is complete without experiencing the uplifting music of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Founded in 1847, the choir has a storied history dating back to the early days of Mormon settlement in Utah. Today, the Choir has over 360 volunteer singers. The first choir members were the original pioneers who trekked to Utah. The first Black members of the choir were Wynetta Martin Clark and Marilyn Yuille. Although Blacks in Mormonism were subject to the priesthood ban at the time, both joined the choir in 1970. Members of the choir have traditionally had to live within a certain distance of Salt Lake City, however, the choir introduced a new program in 2023, called the global participant program. This program allows members of the Mormon Church who are qualified to join the choir during the church’s semi-annual General Conference every April and October.
The choir has earned international acclaim for its impeccable vocal performances and diverse repertoire, which spans classical masterpieces, spiritual hymns, and contemporary arrangements.
Attend a live performance at the iconic Salt Lake Tabernacle, a historic circular auditorium renowned for its remarkable acoustics. You can listen in at one of the choir’s weekly rehearsals, held every Thursday evening, and witness the dedication and passion that infuse every note sung by its members. You can also attend one of their weekly Sunday performances at 9:30 am. Whether you’re a devout believer or a curious traveler, the Tabernacle Choir’s performances are sure to leave a lasting impression. When planning your trip to Salt Lake City and the Tabernacle Choir, be sure to check the choir’s performance schedule and reserve tickets in advance, as concerts often fill up quickly.
For those unable to attend a live performance in person, the Tabernacle Choir offers a wealth of digital content, including recordings of past concerts and behind-the-scenes interviews with choir members. Tune in to the choir’s weekly broadcast, “Music & the Spoken Word,” which airs on radio and television stations worldwide, and let the soothing melodies uplift your spirits wherever you may be.
Other Attractions
Additionally, take advantage of the city’s vibrant dining scene, which offers diverse culinary delights to suit every palate. From farm-to-table eateries serving locally sourced cuisine to international restaurants showcasing flavors from around the globe, Salt Lake City has something for everyone to enjoy.
Located near the University of Utah campus, the Natural Museum of Utah offers engaging exhibits on the region’s natural history, including dinosaurs, Native American cultures, and the geology of the Great Basin. Utah is renowned for its rich paleontological heritage, particularly its abundance of dinosaur fossils and tracks, some of which can be found in the museum.
If you are willing and able to travel further than the environs of Salt Lake City itself, the state’s varied geology and ancient landscapes have preserved a treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts, making it a prime destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and researchers alike. Dinosaur National Monument is located in Vernal, Utah, near the border of Utah and Colorado. Visitors can view hundreds of dinosaur fossils embedded in the quarry walls, including the remains of Allosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. The park also features scenic hiking trails, river rafting opportunities, and petroglyphs from ancient Native American cultures.
The Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is also located near the University of Utah’s campus in Salt Lake City. Explore over 100 acres of botanical gardens and hiking trails at Red Butte. The gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a diverse collection of plants from around the world, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
This is the Place Heritage Park, a living history museum in Salt Lake City that focuses on offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past. The park occupies over 450 acres of picturesque terrain and features historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences that celebrate Utah’s rich heritage. The park’s name, “This Is The Place,” commemorates the spot where Brigham Young, leader of the Mormon Church, famously declared, “This is the right place,” upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Mormonism, explained celebrates this pioneer heritage.
Visitors to This Is The Place Heritage Park can explore a variety of attractions and activities that showcase different aspects of pioneer life. They can tour historic buildings and a replica of a Native American Village. Artisans and reenactors demonstrate traditional pioneer crafts and trades, such as blacksmithing, candle making, spinning, and woodworking. They can also take a train ride or pony ride and visit the petting zoo.
The Great Salt Lake, for which the city is named, is just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City. It is a natural wonder worth exploring. Visitors can hike, swim, or float in the lake’s buoyant waters or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from Antelope Island State Park.
In conclusion, a journey to Salt Lake City, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, or any of Salt Lake City’s many attractions promises to be a memorable and fun-filled experience. Whether you’re drawn by the city’s natural beauty, its rich history, or the transcendent music of the Tabernacle Choir, you’re sure to be captivated by the wonders that await you in this enchanting corner of the American West.
by | Mar 1, 2023 | Travels |
There is nothing more fulfilling in life than traveling when you can. It offers you the chance to explore new horizons, discover new cultures and try new foods. Learning about places you’ve never been to before and meeting people can help you become a better person and use these skills as part of your everyday life. There are so many different types of travels you can indulge in, from heading on a cruise, to a walking holiday, a resort, or a villa with your family. No matter what you choose, you want to ensure you get the most from it. Here we have put together some top tips that should enable you to do just that.
Photo by Rachel Claire from Pexels
Decide what you want to do in advance
When you go away, chances are you will want to discover the place you are heading to. This will likely involve visiting the sights and finding out more about what the area has to offer. It’s a good idea to book things in advance, whether you want to visit a museum or head to a certain restaurant. This will help you to plan your trip and ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
Try and stay away from the tourist traps
While you want to visit the main sights of a place, there are some tourist traps you want to avoid. When you are looking to go out to eat, stay away from the main squares and streets and instead look for somewhere more tucked away. The food here is likely to be a lot better quality and also tends to be cheaper too. Tourist traps also tend to be uncomfortably crowded and you can find much better spots elsewhere. If you’re heading to the coast, find beaches that are a bit off the beaten track too!
Sort out any health problems before you go
If you are suffering from any sort of health problem, it’s a good idea to try and get it sorted before you go. Not only will this mean you get more from your trip by being able to partake easier, but it will also help with your insurance costs. No matter your ailment, whether you need to inquire about a chiropractor help arthritis or someone to look at an injury with your feet or arms, it’s never a good idea to leave problems to get worse. Sorting before you go will make it a lot easier on you when you’re there.
These are just a few top tips that should help you to get the most from your travels. Most people don’t get the chance to travel abroad that often, so it’s essential to make the most of it when you do get to go. Whether you travel far away or somewhere a little nearer to home, you can have a great time by following these tips. Have you recently gone away? Or is it on the horizon? If so, what are you planning to do to have a fulfilling trip? Let us know in the comments below!
by | Jan 6, 2023 | Pets, Travels |
Nothing quite beats having a good vacation. For many people, dogs are a loved and cherished part of the family, and the thought of leaving them behind feels somewhat unfair. The good news is that in this day and age, it is easier than ever for you to take them with you. So many places cater to dogs, and this means that you can have the best time without having to leave your pooch behind.
Consider your Dog’s Needs
It does go without saying, but you have to consider your dog’s needs. Do not be naïve when someone allows dogs on their website. Ring ahead to confirm the pet policy and make sure that your dog is going to be able to come with you wherever you go. You need to check the number of dogs they allow if you have multiple pets. If you want to go on vacation but aren’t sure if your dog is going to be able to handle it, or if you have an older dog who may struggle with the journey then it may be more unfair to take them with you. In instances like this, hiring a pet sitting service is always the best way forward.
Source: Pexels (CC0 License)
Arrange a Visit
You have to make sure that your dog gets their general check-up done every year. Arranging a visit to the vet before you go on your trip away is essential, as your dog may come into contact with fleas, ticks, or even worms when they travel with you. If your dog isn’t chipped already, you should also consider getting this done. If you don’t, then you may find that if you lose your dog, you lower the chance of you being able to find them again, and this is the last thing you need when you are in a foreign country.
Plan Things to Do
Finding accommodation that is dog-friendly is just the start. It is imperative that you think about the bigger picture here. Before you go, list all the things you want to do and the places you want to visit. Find out what restaurants and cafes are open for you to visit, and also take the time to find out if there are any lovely walks. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to have the best time away and that you can make sure that your vacation is everything you hoped it would be. If you skip out on this step, you may find that when you arrive at your destination, things aren’t as you hoped, and this can be a waste of time and money for everyone.
So there are things that you can do to try and make sure that you have plenty to do when out on your travels, and if you follow this guide, you should not have a problem taking your furry friend with you.
by | Nov 7, 2022 | Travels |
Taking a road trip with the entire family can be daunting, but with a little planning, it can be a great way to bond and make memories that will last a lifetime. Yet, when you first think of the idea, you may not know the best way to bring it to life. What plans do you have to make for your road trip to go off without a hitch? When you want to pack the kids and the dog up into your van and hit the road, you must approach it the right way. Let’s take a look.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
For starters, you’ll want to know where you’re going. Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to road trips. When choosing your destination, consider factors such as how far away it is, what there is to do there, and whether or not everyone in the family will enjoy it. A little research goes a long way in ensuring everyone has a good time.
Make a Packing List
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people forget essential items when packing for a road trip. To ensure everyone has everything they need, sit down as a family and make a packing list of all the items each person will need for the trip. This list should include clothes, toiletries, medications, dog food, and other essentials. Once everyone’s packed, go through the list again to ensure nothing was forgotten.
Make the Drive Enjoyable
Now you will want to ensure that the drive will be enjoyable for everyone. Ensure you have enough room and that you’ve not overpacked (and allowed stuff to take up too much space). Also, be sure you’re done choosing a truck seat cover early so your dog will be comfortable too. Then, think of road trip songs or games you can play along the way to keep everyone entertained.
Plan for Breaks
A road trip can be taxing, both physically and mentally. To avoid anyone getting too overwhelmed or cranky, make sure to plan for plenty of breaks along the way. Whether stopping for lunch or taking a quick stretch break at a rest stop, giving everyone regular breaks will help keep everyone refreshed and happy.
Be Flexible with Your Plans
No matter how much you plan ahead, there’s always the potential for going wrong on a road trip – and that’s okay! The most important thing is that everyone is safe and having fun. If something doesn’t go according to plan, don’t sweat it – go with the flow and enjoy the ride!
With a little planning, taking a road trip with the entire family can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your next road trip is one that everyone will remember fondly for years to come.
by | Oct 21, 2022 | Travels |
If you’re planning on traveling solo, you should keep a few things in mind. These five rules will help make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful. So whether you’re just starting to plan your first solo trip or already on the road, stick by these guidelines!
via Pexels
Do your research
This is probably the most important rule for any traveler, solo or otherwise. But it’s especially important for those traveling alone. Before you go anywhere, make sure to do your research on the destination. Read up on the history, culture, and attractions. And most importantly, be aware of the potential dangers. Know where it’s safe to go and what areas to avoid. This will help you stay out of trouble and have a more enjoyable trip.
Stay in touch with home
Solo travelers are often more likely to experience problems while on their trip. Whether it’s getting lost, getting sick, or encountering other difficulties, it’s always good to have someone back home who knows where you are and what you’re up to. Also, make sure to stay in touch with your family and friends while you’re traveling. Check-in regularly and let them know if you’ve changed plans or run into any problems.
Be prepared for the worst
This rule goes hand-in-hand with the first one. When researching your destination, make sure to also look into what to do in an emergency. Know where the nearest hospital is, how to contact the police and the embassy number. It’s also a good idea to have travel insurance if something happens. And finally, always make sure you have a backup plan. If your first choice of accommodation falls through, have a second (and third) option in mind.
Be flexible
One of the best things about solo travel is that you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But that doesn’t mean you should ditch all plans and spontaneity. A little bit of both goes a long way. Make sure to leave some time each day for exploring and trying new things. But also build in some downtime so you can relax and recharge. And if something doesn’t go according to plan, don’t be afraid to change your plans on the fly.
Get insurance
This is another important rule for any traveler, but it’s especially important for those traveling solo. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers you in an emergency. This will give you peace of mind while on your trip and help you if anything happens. A personal injury attorney can also help if you’re ever in an accident abroad.
Following these five rules will help make your solo trip more enjoyable and less stressful. So whether you’re just starting to plan your first trip or already on the road, keep them in mind!
by JTwisdom | Aug 28, 2022 | Italy, Travels |
Ciao! Buongiorno!
It’s been a few months since we returned from our 13-day trip to Italy. We look back with gratitude on a planned trip and waited for almost ten years. We shared our memories and experiences with our family, friends, and colleagues. They asked many questions about the places we visited and the things we did. Most people shared our enthusiasm. Probably the most frequent question we had was, “Why Italy?” My immediate answer was, “Why Not?” I wanted to share with you should consider going to Italy.![]()
The History / Art and Architecture
Italy’s origins date back almost 3,000 years. History abounds with every step. Art and Architecture are on every corner. No matter what city you explore or region you travel through, you will be amazed by the many opportunities at your fingertips. You can spend days learning about the early Roman civilizations and how you can still see the remnants of these cultures in modern-day Rome. You can spend hours gazing at the artwork and sculptures of Renaissance artists in the Academia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and then step outside the gallery and see the same buildings where these artists lived over 500 years ago. Italy would be a dream come true for history geeks and museum nerds.
The Colosseum in Rome
The Food
One cannot think of Italy and not think of food. Pasta, Pizza, Olive Oil, and Gelato immediately come to mind when most people think of Italy. Italian food is known worldwide and is probably the favorite of many people. I have experienced many fine Italian restaurants here in America, and I knew the authentic Italian food would not disappoint. To my amazement, the true Italian food was even better than I could have imagined. Each region of the country had its specialties and its takes on classic dishes. The pizza in Rome is entirely different from that of Bellagio. The fish prepared in Como is not the same as in Burano. We ate pork in Assisi and Venice and had spelt soup in Tuscany. Italy would be a dream come true for Foodies and Food Lovers.
Dinner at the 4 Fiumi Restaurant on the Piazza Navona
A Multitude of Opportunities
Italy comprises twenty regions, similar to the states that make up the United States. Each region offers visitors different opportunities with food, culture, and experiences. Milan, in the north, offers a more cosmopolitan experience with its high couture shopping districts as the country’s financial capital. While Sorrento, in the south, is an agricultural city and offers a more laid-back atmosphere with shops that most people could shop at. Venice focuses on canals and gondolas, while Pompeii focuses on volcanic ruins and excavations. Assisi talks about St. Francis, while Como speaks highly of George Clooney, even though I’ve been told he doesn’t visit as much as he used to. Italy would be a dream come true for adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts.
Gondolas of Venice
The People
My wife and I like to joke that Italy is the land of beautiful people. We often hear people say that Italian people are more sophisticated and have more style than their American counterparts. In many respects, we found that to be true. It was not uncommon to see a woman wearing a fur coat and combat boots while walking her dog in the park, or a couple having lunch in a local cafe while wearing a formal gown and a suit. Italy would be a dream come true for people watchers.
I often tell people they don’t need any specific reason to experience the magnificence of Italy. If you desire to go, just do what you need to make it happen. Pick your cities, design an itinerary and do it. You will not be disappointed. Italy is just that special.
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