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City Cast Salt Lake

From navigating our grid system to not burning bridges, there are certain things you should know as a Salt Laker. On City Cast Salt Lake, producer Ivana Martinez and host Ali Vallarta lay down the unofficial rules of 

Ali says: “It’s one of our defining features. It’s your friend, not your foe. [It becomes easier] once you figure out that everything is built around the temple. If you're on South Temple, you're south of the temple. If you're on North Temple, you're north of the temple, and then all the numbers branch out from there. Suddenly it opens up a world of possibilities to call someone and be like, ‘I'm on 300 W. and 400 S.’”

Ivana says: “The city that we live in is very small and is often referred to as Small Lake City. You will run into so many people here in the city. The person you went on a date with and ghosted or your ex-employer. It’s really important that if you don’t leave on the best terms, at least leave on neutral terms.

"If you kiss your bartender, fully acknowledge that you will probably go back to the same bar. Hopefully, it was a good kiss and your bartender likes you, or you may have to find another bar.”

Ivana says: “I think one of the big no-nos is don't bring your music speaker and play loud music out hiking because people wanna enjoy the sounds of nature and birds chirping and stuff like that. And it's quite frankly rude to assume that people wanna listen to your EDM music. Bring your headphones for that.”

Ali says: “I don't roll up to Boston being like, ‘Do you know any Catholics?’ Like, why are you being so weird? Yes, a little under half of the population of our city is Mormon. But like any faith, there are all kinds of people, right?

"You’re gonna meet Mormons who are queer, who are tatted up, who are still spiritually connected to the faith, who maybe socially struggle with it. It’s a huge church. It’s headquartered here. Get over it.”

Ali says: “Salt Lake Utilities estimates that 40% of people in the Salt Lake Valley have a dog. There are 1.3 million people in Salt Lake County, which means there could be 400,000 dogs in this Valley. Please train your dog.

"No one thinks it's amusing that your dog is poorly behaved. There is nothing more terrifying than when you are running on a trail and some dog is bounding towards you, and the owner is waving and screaming 40 feet behind.”

Ivana says: “Don't wait to get your liquor because liquor stores here close early. If you are getting off [work] like most people at 5, and you have a night out that night, you got to book it to the liquor store by 7 o'clock. And you know that everyone and their mom is gonna be in that store. Go there early and know what you’re going to get. Then get in, get out, because parking is a nightmare.”

What are your cardinal rules for making it in this town?

Send me an email

From navigating our grid system to not burning bridges, there are certain things you should know as a Salt Laker. Here's how to survive and thrive in Small Lake City.

Surviving Salt Lake: Essential Rules

Essential Rules for Surviving Salt Lake

Tips and tricks for living your best Salt Lake City life, by locals, for locals.

Salt Lake Life Hacks

 here at City Cast Salt Lake (and patiently crossing our fingers for 

 that ends Monday, April 29). Whether city or county, libraries are a treasure trove of resources. And we’re not just talking books here.

You can get free seeds to use for gardening. They operate on an honor system, so only take what you need and donate seeds when you can.

 or in-person. There are seven locations of the city library that offer seeds: Main, Marmalade, Day-Riverside, Sprague, Glendale, Chapman, and Anderson-Foothill. Additionally, they’re 

 on the last Saturday of the month through September.

: The seed library generally runs from March-April at select locations, but they have sporadic events 

. Both the city and county libraries have creative offerings. Take advantage of their sewing machines or virtual reality equipment. Some other things you can find are 3D printers, sound booths for audio production, laser cutting, bike repair (tools and manuals), robotics, and Cricut machines 

 at SLC library are designed especially for caregivers of those with memory issues, like Alzheimer's or dementia. The kits include things like books, activities, fidget toys, and CDs to spark conversation and stimulate memories.

 at various library locations around the valley. Anyone under the age of 17 can use it for free or discounted admission to places like Clark Planetarium, UMOCA, the Natural History Museum, and more! If you get four stamps, you’ll get invited to the ZAP Summer Passport Celebration on Aug. 23 at Wheeler Farm.

? The SLC Main Library is an official passport application acceptance facility. It’s a first-come, first-served situation, so keep that in mind. If you need a photo, they can take one for $10; otherwise, bring your own.

 has items like telescopes, tablets, and GoPros that you can borrow with your library card.

Did we miss anything?

Whether city or county, libraries are a treasure trove of resources. And we’re not just talking books here.

Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

How To Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

One thing to know about booze in Utah is there are a lot of rules. Gastronomic SLC has an 

 but here are some of the highlights that you ought to know.

Our liquor licenses are built different. You won’t be able to go to a restaurant that serves alcohol and only order a drink — you’ll need to order food (at least one item) with it. If you find yourself at a restaurant that does allow you to only order a drink, they’re operating under 

, which means no one under 21 is allowed in.

Pours are metered at 1.5 ounces, and free pours are only allowed at private events. You can, however, have a mixed drink with a primary liquor and an extra ounce of an additional liquor, so long as the secondary pour comes from a bottle clearly marked “flavoring.” For example, you could have a drink with 2.5 ounces of vodka and gin if the gin is flavored.

 in the country at 0.05%, which includes not only cars but bikes, too. Plan ahead with a designated driver, public transit, rideshare, or take a hot girl walk.

. But have no fear, there’s a sneaky workaround. Head to your nearest distillery to buy a bottle. Also, a restaurant or bar is an option if you’re looking to buy wine. The only stipulation is you must consume a portion on the premise, but then they can reseal the bottle and you can take it to go.

P.S. For all the natural wine people out there, 

 to stay updated on the whens and wheres of new natural wine shipments.

One thing to know about booze in Utah is there are a lot of rules, but here are some of the highlights that you ought to know.

What You Should Know About Buying Alcohol In Utah

A Guide to Booze In Utah

 are unrivaled. If you’re hitting the trails, here are some simple rules to follow to keep the great outdoors great.

Remember that the outdoors is a shared space, and many people head to nature to find peace and quiet. Be respectful of others by being mindful of your noise level, whether you’re in a group or by yourself. If you listen to music, don’t blare it over a speaker — that’s what headphones are for.

Most trails will have signs showing who it’s for — hikers, bikers, horseback riders. The general rule of thumb: If you’re headed downhill, you should yield to those heading uphill, and everyone should yield to horses. When yielding on a busy trail:

Motorized vehicles yield to bikers, hikers, and horses.

Dogs aren’t allowed in protected watersheds. Watersheds supply Salt Lake City with drinking water, and it’s estimated that 

 comes from the canyons. Know before you go where your pup 

Also, be aware that some of the trails that allow dogs have unique leash restrictions. Millcreek Canyon, for example, only allows dogs off-leash on odd-numbered days.

), but I always try to say hello to people I pass on the trail. Or at least give them a courtesy nod or smile. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. If that’s not enough, being friendly on the trail can also be an 

! If you get lost or hurt, the last person you saw could save your life.

Do your part in protecting our outdoor spaces by leaving no trace, which means that it should look exactly how you found it when you leave. Don’t carve your name on rocks or trees, 

, put your garbage in the proper receptacle (if available) or pack it out with you. And read up on how to “

Think you’re a trail expert? Test your knowledge and take the quiz by Trails Are Common Ground.

Pop quiz!

There’s no denying that Utah’s outdoor spaces are unrivaled. If you’re hitting the trails, here are some simple rules to follow to keep the great outdoors great.

Utah Trail Etiquette

Your Guide to Utah Trail Etiquette

As you know, a large part of Salt Lake City is closed on Sunday. My advice to newcomers: Lean into it. Spend the day doing what you can to recharge.

Here are Hey Salt Lake reader recs for how to spend your day of rest. Plus, listen to me 

“Picnic and wander around Red Butte Garden, hiking anywhere, fantastic Bolly-X class at 

Brunch, of course at Copper Onion and then Broadway Theater matinee. Top Golf. Go to Antelope Island, Liberty Park/Tracy Aviary. Start a Sunday supper club potluck, early evening. Picnic in City Creek or Millcreek Canyon.” - Virginia R.

“We go hiking every Sunday morning and then hit up Citrus Grill for an amazing brunch.” - Dawn G.

“I like to take advantage of the trails. It’s still weekend busy, but definitely not as bad as Saturdays. If I have a friend performing at a drag brunch, I definitely go see them, though I advise eating something before you go. Depending on the location, the mimosas come more rapidly than the food. If indoor climbing is your thing, I’ve found that Sundays are really quiet at The Front. My guess is that a lot of people climb outside on the weekends.” - Sky H.

 and it’s actually amazing, such a supportive chill community for anyone that wants the cool things about church without any doctrine. It’s all about pursuing your own beliefs, and it’s fun to be in an intergenerational environment.” - Chandler R.

“I go to the Grand America spa, relaxing and full of self-care. I’m in love with the tea in the lobby lounge. Make a reservation! It gets booked quick.” - Therese A.

Tell me your favorite Sunday activities 👇

Best Things To Do in Salt Lake on a Sunday

The Best Things To Do in Salt Lake on a Sunday

Find the best of everything that Salt Lake City has to offer.

Salt Lake’s Best

Salt Lake's Best

Whether by bike, bus, or train, how do you get around SLC? If you’re new to town, here are some tips on navigating our city’s modes of transportation.

Salt Lake City has made efforts to try to make our streets more pedestrian and bike friendly despite being a car-centric city. Salt Lake City’s 

, for example, is a pop-up concept that would add more biking and walking trails. And the 

If you haven’t committed to bike ownership quite yet, but want a more convenient way to get around downtown, you can grab a 

, about 30 minutes long, that will take you past all 60 murals of South Salt Lake Mural Fest.

Stay vigilant. Utah drivers are notoriously … 

. Assume that drivers aren’t looking out for you, because most of the time they aren’t.

The Utah Transit Authority is our public transportation system. They offer buses, light rail trains (TRAX), and commuter trains (FrontRunner).

The FrontRunner doesn't run on Sundays. And all UTA services don’t run later than 1 a.m.

 is a great deal for all Salt Lake City residents. It's $42 and you get a subsidized pass that gives you unlimited access to most of the modes of transit, and discounted access to FrontRunner.

: Johnnae Nardone of Sweet Streets makes the case for the 

 with her family of 6. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Once you master the grid system, it’s fairly simple to navigate your way around. Everything is based off of the LDS temple in coordinates. When you’re at 2100 S., you are 21 blocks south of the temple. If you are at 600 E. you are six grid lines over, eastward, from the temple.

If you see this sign you can park here but you’ll have to pay, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., for a maximum of 2 hours at $2.25/hr. You can pay at a pay station or through the 

. On Saturdays you can park for free for 2 hours and Sundays are free all day. If you have a hybrid or EV, 

When a light turns green, look both ways before you hit the gas. It’s likely there will be a car or two that runs the red light.

 Or at least car-light? City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta and lead producer Emily Means weigh out the 

Do you have a life hack for getting around Salt Lake?

Share your tips

Whether by bike, bus, or train, how do you get around Salt Lake City? If you’re new to town, here are some tips on navigating our city’s modes of transportation. 

Newcomers' Guide

Essential Rules for Surviving Salt Lake

How To Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Latest articles

Essential Rules for Surviving Salt Lake

How To Make the Most of Your Salt Lake Library Card

A Guide to Booze In Utah

Your Guide to Utah Trail Etiquette

The Best Things To Do in Salt Lake on a Sunday

How to Navigate Around Salt Lake Like a Local

Latest articles

Your Guide to Utah Trail Etiquette

The Best Things To Do in Salt Lake on a Sunday

How to Navigate Around Salt Lake Like a Local