Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market

I'm a sucker for gatherings. I love crowds.

There is such energy in the surroundings of an event that brings together all different types of people, in one place, for a common interest.

I'll bask in pretty much any kind of happy crowd, but my favorite gatherings typically include several components: canopies, vendors, and music. Lucky for me, Utah seems to be growing quite the variety of these outdoor markets.

The Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market seems to be the grandfather of all the other markets I see popping up. With 20 years of history, this market is definitely one of the coolest things I've been to in the city. We're talking mind-blowing street performers:

Look closely below - this guy's piano is almost naked. At first, I thought it was a cool visual effect but I then realized it was on a homemade trailer hooked to his bike. I'm guessing stripping it down makes it possible for him to drag it around town. (p.s. - he was great)

I wanted to hug this old guy - I refrained myself, but I wanted to. 

In addition to the performers - there was food - refugee animals - local produce - art - crafts - and products galore. 

We donated a few dollars to the local avian rehabilitation organization so my bird-loving kids could sleep that night.

I admired the genius of local artist, Kat Martin via Retro Interventions, that buys old landscapes paintings and 'enhances' them - Seriously - STOP EVERYTHING you're doing and check out her link above....

and last - but certainly not least, the fooooooooood:

For years I've wanted to make the trek down from Utah County, but just never quite pulled it off. Now that I've attended, I'm certain to make this a tradition for our family.

The Downtown Market is open Saturday mornings, June 9th through October 27th from 8am to 1pm. 


Be there.
 Market H

Cupcakes, Concerts, and a Local Cafe

I ended up in just the right place at just the right time in early summer of 2011 and was lucky enough to spend the first Friday of every month supporting The Rooftop Concert Series in Provo, Utah. Those that know me truly know my endless weakness for two things... outdoor markets and outdoor music. These monthly events (June through October) satiated both of those guilty pleasures of mine.

While I do have some background in rock band management, my support to the concert series was primary provided through cupcakes sales (like those seen above) at the little market adjacent to the rooftop. In this time frame I was lucky enough to meet and get to know the owners of Station 22 Cafe.

As they describe themselves, I've found they truly do exactly what they claim to do by digging, "way down deep into our American roots to bring you fresh, reinvented versions of family recipes, classic dishes and some new flavors you never imagined."

I've always partial to the restaurants and cafes where you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. With a friendly but sophisticated atmosphere, you could easily host a business luncheon or even bring the little ones in for dinner.

I need to be honest at this point. I can't even put together comprehensive thoughts or feelings about how much I like this place, mainly because of their giant basket of famous fries.... (beer battered, thick cut, fry sauce to die for all for $4.50). I can't really get past that to tell you about all the other unique homestyle food they have to offer. Take a gander at their menu and you can see for yourself.

The next time you need a mini-vacation in Provo, Utah, pay this place a visit. You can thank me later.