One may judge a city by its coffee shops. We’re not talking about the Starbucks and Dunkin’s of the world. We’re focusing on the smaller chains and local treasures that reside there. Finding a good coffee shop is like finding the perfect home. Once you find it, you know it’s the one for you.

Here are a few favorites in Salt Lake City that you could try.

Coffee Garden

878 E. 900 S., Salt Lake City, UT

Coffee Garden has an industrial-contemporary style with hints of artistic flair.

It has a distinctly home-like feel, which is likely why it has been deemed the “neighborhood living room.” They have been in the same location for 27 years, and it is the oldest coffee house of their style in Salt Lake City.

“We taught Salt Lake City what good coffee is supposed to taste like,” said owner Alan Hebertson. This is likely why it is such a popular destination for the coffee lovers all around. It has a small, quiet section perfect for a client meeting or work session. It’s quite popular among students at the university as well as a spot to study.

Their most popular drinks are their espresso-based drinks. This author has to agree because their Americano was divine. Their baked goods are another large draw, as the majority are made in-house.

They do not host any events, preferring to make sure the shop is open to all. They frequently support local artists and donate to schools and other events in the 9th & 9th area.

Campos Coffee Roastery & Kitchen

228 S. Edison St., Salt Lake City, UT

Campos Coffee Roastery & Kitchen is an Australian-born shop, with an open and bright modern-industrial feel. The large windows, skylights, and plant life create a lively and enlightening atmosphere for any client meeting, work session, or meeting with friends.

Hillary Merill, Operations Manager let us know about the large, specially-created front windows that can be opened for the optimal indoor/outdoor experience. The windows were designed and built by a company that makes airline hangers, significantly contributing to the industrial vibe.

Campos is a major coffee chain in Australia, but is currently in start-up mode in the U.S., with the only two locations, this one in Salt Lake, and the other in Park City.

Cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks are also the most popular here due to the specific training that baristas receive on how to make the perfect cup. Another  popular drink is the Australian Iced coffee, which is an Iced coffee made with gelato and whipped cream. They also feature many single origin single pours from limited release coffee beans.

Community events like public cuppings, summer BBQs and more are on their way, so you will want to keep up with them on social media to make sure you know as soon as these events get underway.

Sugar House Coffee

2011 S. 1100 E., Salt Lake City, UT

Sugar House Coffee is a hip and artsy space in the heart of Sugar House.

This shop makes our go-to list because of the warm and inviting atmosphere. Art and inspirational quotes line the walls, and the space is nearly always full of an exceedingly diverse group of people, from students to yoga enthusiasts and businesspeople.

Emily Potts, the general manager of Sugar House Coffee considers the place “the ‘Cheers’ of coffee shops,” as they aim to make everyone feel warm and comfortable. The mission of the coffee shop is to “[provide] the community with a public gathering space where everyone is safe to share their story.”

They succeed in bringing the community together by being a part of the Sugar House Art Walk, hosting live jazz music nights twice per month, a monthly book club, and a monthly open mic.

Why not try a warm and inviting drink like the Karmel Sutra, a white caramel mocha, as it is their most popular drink, and pair it with one of their food options. Food options include many vegan and gluten-free selections using products from other local businesses wherever possible.

Three Pines Coffee

165 S. Main St, Salt Lake City, UT

Three Pines Coffee is an ultra-small coffee shop with a retro vibe. It is ideally located on Main Street and is perfect for a pick-me-up when strolling the heart of downtown SLC.

Once inside, you are immediately drawn by their neon signage, vintage coffee machine and shelves full of vinyl.  Look closely and you will spot the record player.

The shop is less than 500 sq. ft. and  only seats about 13 people, creating an intimate coffee experience for those who decide to drink in-house. The owners, Nick Price and Meg Frampton say that the small size “allows us to really focus on the essentials,” like their coffee.

Their drip coffee is generally their most popular, with an espresso with milk following close behind. They like to “keep things simple, pure, and straightforward …  [They] put a lot of time into achieving the optimum extraction and … best possible balance in flavor.” As the weather warms up, the most served beverage becomes their house-made cold brew.

Other local ingredients include locally-sourced whole milk, house-made almond milk, and house-made vanilla syrup.

The Rose Establishment

235 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City, UT

The Rose Establishment is another modern-industrial chic location just outside the Gateway in downtown SLC.

This shop has a small, yet inviting atmosphere, bringing modern touches to a building with a deep history. The space originated as a meat packing plant, and had a lot of lives since then, serving as a restaurant, plant shop, and even a personal residence before it’s current reincarnation.

Shaylee Syme, General Manager of The Rose Establishment says that their lattes and house-made signature drinks, as well as old-school standards (like a London Fog) with Rose Establishment twists make up some of the most popular drinks.

Their high quality coffee and food are some of the greatest draws.

The Rose Establishment will be starting up a gallery stroll in the next few months, and will be hosting other community events such as wine evenings. They are also available for private events. You could even host your wedding there!

Sugar Bean – Honorable Mention

1240 E. 2100 S. Suite 150, Salt Lake City, UT

Sugar Bean Coffee gets an honorable mention as Windermere Utah’s favorite in-building coffee shop. Sugar bean is located in the Redman building in Sugar House, sharing a home office with both Windermere Real Estate and Windermere Commercial Real Estate. When you come in for a cup, stop by to visit with our agents or say hi to our friendly staff.

—

If you’re familiar with Park City, you know there are two things this winter town has in spades: skiing, and luxury lifestyle (wining, dining and leisure). While skiing is a great source of recreation, don’t be fooled into thinking that’s the only thing you can do while in town. Take a look at this list to get inspiration for your next don’t-feel-like-hitting-the-slopes day.

Photo courtesy of The Spur

Check Out our Favorite Dining Destinations

In Park City you certainly have your pick of gastronomie. Back in December, though, we heard from some our fantastic Park City agents about their all-time favorite restaurants and pubs in and around the city. Some of their choices included Boneyard & Wine Dive, High West Distillery, The Spur Bar & Grill, No Name Saloon & Grill, and Fletcher’s. You can take a closer look at their very thorough reviews here.

Go Sledding at Woodward Park City

Woodward is one of the newest additions to the area, and you really can’t miss it as you drive into town. We covered the absolute wealth of activities and recreation they offer in a recent blog post, but we really do have to recommend the sledding.

Park City Magazine describes Woodward as the following:

“This brand-new action sports facility is what dreams are made of for kids and kids at heart. There are skate ramps, trampolines, a spring floor, and pump tracks inside; outside, you’ll find progression parks, freestyle zones, tubing, BMX jumps, parkour, and more. Daily access passes and monthly memberships are available.”

Photo Courtesy of Park City Powder Cats

Park City Powder Cats

We recognize that this is kind of ski-related, but the “how” of getting there is an experience all of its own. Park City Powder Cats eliminates the lift lines, and the “overused” conditions of most commercial resort areas by taking you far, far off the beaten path in a machine called a “snowcat.” The ride up for this day-long excursion is amazing, and the powder you find that tops of the untouched mountains is sublime.

They do add this caveat, however:

“For safety reasons, guests at PC Powder Cats must be advanced or expert skiers and riders. That means you can ride an ungroomed black diamond run in any conditions (powder, slush, ice, crust, etc.). We do not have groomed terrain.”

Image Courtesy of Alpine Distilling

Make Your Own Gin

This two-hour long experience is one that you’ll never forget. Extend your stay with a complimentary 30-minute tour of its production facilities in Silver Creek, and if you’d like to do a tasting, it’s a dainty $15 extra.

According to the website, the $150 personal distilling package includes the following:

“An Alpine Distilling employee will help you will craft your own Gin from botanicals sourced from around the world and using a gluten-free, 100% Corn base. You will leave with your own custom spirit in one 375ml bottle. Price is for one distilling station. Reservations required.”

Climb Up a Frozen Waterfall

This is exactly what TLC warned us not to do in their 1994 hit single, but in Park City it’s worth a little rule breaking to enjoy this special experience. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pro – or even an intermediate climber. All novices are welcome to learn “front-pointing, flat-footing, effective tool swinging, various ice tool placements, efficient movement, maximization of resting opportunities, how to “read” ice, and ways to minimize risk.”

You can register for this activity online through Utah Mountain Adventures, and this course is “typically held on the lower curtains of the world-class Stairway to Heaven formation in Provo Canyon, easily accessible by a 20-minute hike.”

To see more activities that you can take advantage of, right in Park City, check out this awesome article that we drew some of our inspiration from.

—

Choosing less space often has to do with a desire to live a life that’s simpler. Whether you’re retiring, want an eco-friendly, low-maintenance lifestyle or your children have moved away, downsizing might be the best option for you. Here are the advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the move and questions to begin asking yourself now.