The Perfect Getaway Salt Lake City, Utah

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

It’s known as the Beehive State, and its name is derived from the Native American Ute tribe…meaning people of the mountains.  Utah’s breathtaking sights have made it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and Salt Lake City, its capital, is the gateway to some of the state’s favorite ski resorts and national parks.  Gather your family, pack your bags, and let’s explore Utah…the perfect travel destination for you and your family.  
Salt Lake City boasts of beauty, charm and sophistication, and is the perfect setting for a weekend getaway at any time of the year.  In just a little over an hour flight, you can enjoy the heart of the scenic west, from its glacial peaks to its red rock canyons. All within 60 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, you can take part in golfing, skiing, snowmobiling, rafting, bowling and much, much more.  
Just ten minutes away from Salt Lake International Airport is the beautiful and luxurious Grand America Hotel.  The AAA Five Diamond property is truly a gem, considered one of the finest hotels in America, and the only hotel in the state of Utah to receive the Five Diamond Award.  The Grand America Hotel was built in 2001 to welcome the world to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.  
The 24-story hotel overlooks the heart of downtown, combining Old World craftsmanship, charm and excellent hospitality with modern convenience of today’s travelers.  The Grand America Hotel is a choice venue for family, personal and business travel.  With its rich architectural details, exquisite décor, award winning cuisine prepared by renowned chefs, a health club, full salon, indoor and outdoor pool, an elegant toy boutique, French patisserie, and more, you won’t be disappointed with its luxury as well as affordable pricing.
In the warm months, you can spend the afternoon at the poolside grill, a definite highlight of the hotel.  Kids can enjoy splashing in the pool while the adults enjoy a cocktail or two along with delectable foods by the pool.  When the weather cools off, take advantage of their luxurious indoor pool.  
Relax, stimulate and rejuvenate at the hotel’s Grand Spa, a modern spa with European elegance, offering a complete range of world-class services in a beautiful setting where you can truly unwind.
With world class dining options such as the Garden Café and Lobby Lounge, La Bonne Vie patisserie, afternoon tea service and more, you won’t be disappointed.
There’s much to see in Salt Lake City and a great way to do so is to discover the city on the Big Bus Utah Sightseeing Tour, an open-air bus tour with on-board commentary, visiting 19 of the city’s main sites such as the historic Mormon Temple Square, North Capitol Hill, Fort Douglas and more.   
Spend the day at the Natural History Museum of Utah…with over 150 million years to cover; you and your family will marvel at all the wonders of Utah.  You can also take a trip to Clark Planetarium.   Fun for the kids, at the planetarium, you can learn about the stars, the planets and so much more.  You’ll never run out of things to do in the city.  For more attractions, if you’re planning a trip to Utah, take a peek at www.visitsaltlake.com for detailed information about all that the city has to offer.   
Just a 30-minute drive southeast of downtown and you will be in Park City, Utah, famous for world-class ski and summer resorts.   It’s also home to Utah Olympic Park, a definite must see.  Utah Olympic Park was host to several 2002 Olympic events, and currently hosts national and international competitions and training events.  In the summer, ski jumpers and freestyle aerialists practice their jumps, landing in the park’s 750,000-gallon training pool.  Visitors are treated to self-guided and expert tours of the sites, including the world’s highest altitude ski jumps and fastest sliding track.  For the older kids and adults, take the ride of your life on a bobsled, with speeds of up to 70 miles per hour with 4 G’s of force.  Take a ride down the Extreme Zipline or for the younger kids, enjoy the Alpine Slide, adventure courses and more.  Explore the museums and end the day with the Flying Ace All Stars Freestyle Pool Show. Visit  utaholympiclegacy.com for schedules and pricing.
If you want to keep the fun indoors, visit Jupiter Bowl, Park City’s hot new entertainment venue, with 16 lanes of luxury, three pool tables, a billiards lounge and arcade.  It’s ultra-modern bowling and fun for any age.  Visit www.jupiterbowl.com for more information.
Explore Utah and everything it has to offer.  It’s the perfect place to getaway and enjoy for the entire family.    
The Grand America Hotel offers packages for every member of the family.  For more information, visit www.grandamerica.com/services/families-first.  For transportation services, visit DVIP Event Management at www.dvipinc.com.