As August winds down and the temperature starts to cool, I always ask myself, “Where did the summer go?” The months seem to fly by. One way to treat the blues that inevitably accompany the last few weeks of August, is to making “saying goodbye” to summer a momentous occasion, giving yourself something to look forward to. May I make a suggestion? Plan a staycation! It’s an easy, cost-effective way to enjoy one last weekend before school starts and the leaves begin to fall. Not to mention, a staycation requires very little planning and can be booked at the last minute. Below, I have an itinerary that will make for a perfect way to squeeze the most out of these last weeks of summer. See what you think!
- TV on the Radio Performing at the Twilight Concert Series
Salt Lake City has a vibrant culture of music and boasts numerous picturesque venues where artists can perform. Every summer, bands come in from all over to play at the Summer Twilight Concert Series held at Pioneer Park. Concerts are held every Thursday night and tickets are only $5. It’s a large open venue that attracts thousands of people every week. For musicphiles, it’s a real experience. Too crowded for your tastes? Grab authentic Thai food from Ekamai or an indulgent Belgian waffle from Bruges Waffles and Frites and sit across the street (tables on the street and above the restaurants) – you’ll still hear the music while being able to avoid (some of) the crowd.

Red Butte Garden also hosts a summer concert series, bringing in bands that have more of a following (such as Earth, Wind, and Fire – performing this Friday, August 29th). Though tickets are more expensive, the ambiance is more organized and spacious. The best part? The backdrop. Red Butte Garden is stunning to say the least, and the soaring mountains behind it aren’t too shabby either.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out the array of options here. VisitSaltLake.com is a great resource in planning any Salt Lake City-based staycation. The Bluegrass and BBQ night at the Utah Museum of Natural History sounds especially summer-esque.
And the staycation doesn’t have to end there. Take a short jaunt over to South Temple and check in to stay a night at the Anniversary Inn. Request the Savannah Nights Suite and continue on basking in the warmth of summer. The suite includes a king-size bed, a jetted tub, television, cozy robes, and – as always – complimentary cheesecake, apple cider, and breakfast in the morning. What this suite offers that most don’t is a Turret with a table and chairs surrounded by windows where you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from inside the suite. I can’t think of a better place to spend either a lazy summer evening or bright summer morning – both allow you to enjoy the warmth that August brings before it makes way for cool breezes of Autumn.