CPNP 2019: SLC Locals Know Best

Katie Sloan

Salt Lake City (SLC) may be a new city for the CPNP Annual Meeting, but for many CPNP members, SLC is home. I asked a few locals to give us the inside scoop on this scenic city so that you can begin to plan your visit to SLC for CPNP 2019.

Logistics

Like many cities across the country, Salt Lake City has its unique qualities.

The light rail, called TRAX, is an easy and reliable way to travel from the airport to the host hotel for just a few dollars. Most visitors prefer this mode of transportation due to limited downtown parking, and personally, I loved being able to sit back, relax, and take in the city during the ride to the Grand America Hotel. At the airport, all you have to do is buy a ticket at the kiosk, hop on the green line, and exit the light rail at the Courthouse station, just 1 block from the location of CPNP 2019.

As you prepare for your April trip to Salt Lake, CPNP members recommend bringing layers and sunscreen. Student member Lauren Burgess said, “In Spring specifically, it can go from 60s to snowing within two days.”

Downtown Salt Lake City

You may recall some of the history and features of The Grand America Hotel, the host hotel for CPNP 2019, from the June issue of the CPNP Perspective, but what you might not know is that the hotel is located in the heart of downtown! The Salt Lake City downtown is very walkable, so be sure to pack your sneakers. Local good, drinks, shopping, and entertainment in downtown SLC is just a short walk or a short ride away on the light rail, and better yet, the light rail is free for all rides in the downtown area! This opens up an amazing array of exciting entertainment and food options, including these favorites from SLC locals:

1. Takashi (0.3 mi) (sushi)
2. White Horse (0.3 mi) (bar, American food)
3. Keys on Main (0.5 mi) (piano bar)
4. Copper Onion (0.6 mi) (American food)
5. City Creek Center (0.8 mi) (shopping)
6. Temple Square (0.8 mi) (historic temple)
7. Beer Bar (0.8 mi) (bar)
8. Taqueria 27 (0.8 mi) (Latin American street food)
9. Chile-Tepin (1.0 mi) (Mexican food)
10. Salt Lake Bees (1.2 mi) (baseball)
11. City Creek Canyon (1.5 mi) (recreation)
12. Ensign Peak (3.2 mi) (hiking)
13. Este Pizza SugarHouse (3.6 mi) (pizza)

Distances are noted from The Grand America Hotel

Adventure is Out There

Whether you’re looking off your hotel room balcony or walking around downtown, the mountains paint a backdrop of pure bliss and adventure. There are trails for every level less than 15 minutes away that give you amazing views of the city and surrounding areas, and there are four ski resorts less than an hour away. The best part? You don’t necessarily need a car to go exploring! The light rail passes by many adventurous spots.

Don’t take my word for it. I asked local members what they would recommend for someone who has 4+ hours to explore. Responses ranged from outdoor adventures to musical experiences. Here’s a great list to get you started:

1. Look up a hike in the area that seems to be a good level for you. Cottonwood Canyon is a great place to check out.
2. Go skiing! Snowbird will be open during CPNP 2019 and has several ski/snowbird rental shops. Snowbird is 30 minutes from Downtown and ski buses should still be running.
3. If the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is practicing, try to get there. It is free and the music is wonderful. (pictured)
4. Visit Temple Square, the center of Salt Lake City and the most historic location in the state.
5. Shop high end shops at City Creek Mall (downtown)
6. Take a ghost tour at night. It’s a good way to see the sights!
7. Drive to the Great Salt Lake and explore Antelope Island. It is 60 minutes from downtown, and you will need a car.

We are so excited to host CPNP 2019 surrounded by amazing scenery. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the annual meeting, April 7-10, 2019! Programming topics and speakers will be added online at cpnp.org/2019 as they become available, and registration will open early November 2018.