Headed to Salt Lake for the ASRM Congress? Don’t miss these unique, beautiful, and very “Utah” activities and attractions!
This weekend, thousands of reproductive health professionals will head to Salt Lake City for the annual ASRM Congress. While attendees may have a tough time tearing themselves away from a jam-packed schedule full of captivating presentations and networking opportunities, it’s definitely worth finding some free time to get out there and do some exploring — Utah’s capital is full of high mountain thrills, fascinating history, and world-class eats. Here are seven things medical professionals won’t want to miss during their time in SLC.
Those looking to spend some time in the great outdoors should definitely check out Ensign Peak. This quick hike, just a few minutes away from the State Capitol building, is a great way to kick off your stay in Salt Lake City. The summit offers panoramic views of the city, and on clear days you can see all the way to the Great Salt Lake. At night, hikers can look all the way down State Street, which is decorated with colorful lights year-round.
You don’t have to be Mormon to appreciate the grandeur of the monuments in Temple Square. Home to the global leadership of the Church of Latter Day Saints, the soaring buildings here attract more visitors annually than the Grand Canyon. The Family History Library is the largest genealogical library in the world and is an amazing public resource for anyone interested in ancestry.
The Alpine Loop is a windy, high-elevation road that connects Salt Lake City with the neighboring cities of Provo and American Fork. With the picturesque Aspen groves hitting their peak golden foliage, October is the perfect time to go for a drive. In addition to the trees, the Alpine Loop is full of scenic overlooks and cascading waterfalls.
This SLC institution has been serving its crowd-pleasing Mexican food since 1965. Red Iguana is best known for its famous moles, which come in seven mouthwatering varieties. Long lines have been a near-constant presence since Guy Fieri dropped by back in 2008, but the same delicious fare is available at Red Iguana 2, located just a block away.
The University of Utah’s Red Butte Garden is an easy way to experience Utah’s stunning natural beauty with minimal physical exertion. A level, fully paved trail winds through hundreds of different flower species, which contrast vividly with the stark mountains in the background. Visitors often say they lose track of time here, so make sure you’re not late getting back to the conference!
Salt Lake City’s population is about 40% Mormon, so coffee shops and bars aren’t quite as popular as they are in the rest of the country. Instead, Utah is home to a cottage industry of soda shops. These beloved fountains serve up mixed drinks like a Dirty Dr. Pepper, a soda with coconut syrup, lime juice, and half-and-half. Two SLC favorites worth checking out are Fiiz Drinks and Swig.
Utah’s Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) keeps it fresh by holding no permanent collection and rotating its four galleries every four months. The museum currently plays host to some of the art world’s most exciting new works, like Berna Reale’s surrealist videos of crime in Brazil. ASRM attendees will be there just in time to see two artists kick off their new exhibits on Monday.
If you’re attending ASRM 2016 and looking to chat digital marketing for your fertility practice or organization, DM me on twitter, @jonathancatly, or come find us on the conference room floor at Booth 826 — we can compare notes on digital strategy, emerging best practices, and our personal picks for the coolest things to do in Salt Lake City.
(Image credit: wikimedia)