Monthly Archives: August 2014

Local Activities, South Temple, Staycation

Say Goodbye to Summer with a Staycation in SLC

August 28, 2014 Jessica Garrett Leave a comment

Summer Twilight Concert Series @ Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City

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.

Capture 2 — Red Butte Garden Concert Series

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.

Proposal Story

An Intimate Proposal

August 21, 2014 Jessica Garrett Leave a comment

When my husband, Tyler, and I were dating he lived near a duck pond. We would often grab day old bread from Jimmy Johns and go feed the ducks at the pond. We had a special bench we would always sit on and laugh and talk about our future. It just became our spot and we loved going there. On the night of October 12, 2013 I knew something was up. Tyler picked me up with a new haircut and a dozen roses. I knew he had the ring we had picked out and had been wondering when he was going to propose, I quickly realized tonight was the night. Tyler drove straight to our duck pond and I knew this was it. I had butterflies in my stomach and my heart was racing. I think I was more nervous than him!

Without even thinking we both walked straight to our bench. Once there, Tyler quickly told me how much he loved me, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. I immediately said yes! He later told me he was more nervous than he had ever been, but I would never have guessed it. It was the most perfect proposal. It was in a place that meant something to us and it was just the two of us there, which is what I had always wanted. What followed was a whirlwind of wedding plans and excitement. We were married on January 17, 2014 and couldn’t be happier. Tyler is the love of my life and I couldn’t ask for a better husband.

Thank you for sharing your engagement story with us Danielle and Tyler! How romantic and intimate – just the two of you and the ducks to watch! We are thrilled to share your story here.

If you are interested in having your proposal story published here on the Anniversary Inn Blog, just email a brief summary of the events and a few photos to anniversaryinnproposalstory@gmail.com. Those who submit their stories are automatically entered into our contest to win a free night at one of the four Anniversary Inn locations (Boise, Logan, 5th South, SLC, and South Temple, SLC). We look forward to hearing from you!

Anniversary, Local Activities, Logan, Restaurant

Spend Your Anniversary at a Mansion

August 14, 2014 Jessica Garrett Leave a comment

It’s a beautiful time of year in Logan, Utah. These are the months that allow us to forget all the snowed in winter days of last year. So it’s time to make the most of it! If you are celebrating your anniversary this summer or fall, we have just the celebration itinerary for you! Still, who needs an anniversary as an excuse to celebrate? Be spontaneous! And follow these simple steps for a romantic weekend spent in luxury characteristic of a time gone by.

Step #1 – Go for a drive
Logan Canyon in route to Bear Lake is one of the most scenic in Utah. Its steepness encourages a slower drive which, in turn, allows you to take in the surroundings and relax in the presence of your sweetie. Think you know everything about your spouse or partner? Bring along a book of questions (similar tothis one). You may learn a thing or two! Or, pick a few favorite soundtracks, roll down the windows, and enjoy a peaceful ride.

Step #2 – Arrive at Pickleville Playhouse
Once you exit the canyon, turn right on Bear Lake Blvd. You will quickly see Pickleville Playhouse on your right (map).Pickleville is a local gem, offering classic theater productions that are becoming harder and harder to come by. This season, they are showingBeauty and the Beast – a timeless tale of finding love, even in the most unlikely of places. Buy ticketshere! But, hurry quick, the show ends August 30th.

***Note: For the full experience, come early and enjoy theirBBQ. If you are looking for a romantic, intimate option, pick a restaurant closer to Logan such as Le Nonne or Elements.

Step #3 – Drive back to Logan for a romantic evening at the Anniversary Inn
Book a night at the Anniversary Inn. After your drive, you will be excited to arrive at a luxurious, comfortable suite. I recommend theMansion Suite. This suite features elegant decor reminiscent of a day gone by – you will feel like Belle herself! Though the aura of the suite will make you feel that you’ve stepped back in time, we don’t scrimp on modern day luxuries such as a jetted tub big enough for two that is place right below a cozy fireplace (turned off May 15 – October 15). The suite also features not one, but two televisions – one for the bed and one for the tub. As always, your stay comes with complimentary sparkling cider and cheesecake – a perfect way to end your night. Your stay will be followed up with complimentary breakfast as well. You will leave feeling pampered and rejuvenated. So what are you waiting for?Book today!

5th South, Local Activities, Restaurant, Staycation

A Staycation Spent Enjoying Bridal Veil Falls…and really good pizza

August 7, 2014 Jessica Garrett Leave a comment

A staycation is defined as: “a vacation (…) spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.” Ultimately, a staycation is an affordable way to vacation as it allows you to experience the sensations of being on vacation – relaxing, adventuring, etc. – without requiring the bill that usually comes along with it. Added bonus? Staycations encourage you to explore the city you live in, to see it with new eyes. So what’s stopping you? After reading the itinerary below, you will have no reason to hesitate.

Hike Bridal Veil Falls:
Start out the morning early (don’t worry, you’ll have time to relax later) and head down to Provo, Utah. Get off on the 800 North Exit (Exit 272) in Orem and head west. Drive for about 4 miles and you will see signs indicating the direction for Provo Canyon. Bridal Veils Park is located about 3.5 miles up the canyon with plenty of parking. Take a short walk down the Provo River Parkway from the park to find the base of the trail to Bridal Veil Falls. Take the short but steep hike to the base of the falls and be rewarded with a beautiful view of the cascading falls accompanied by a refreshing mist to cool you off after the climb. If you are an experienced hiker, continue on to the top of the falls. Beware, the climb is very steep and should only be attempted if you are an advanced hiker. My most important piece of advice is to arrive early. This hike is very popular and tends to get crowded throughout the day. If you want to explore the surrounding area, go for it! You can find more details and the history of Bridal Veils here. Planning your staycation during wintertime? No problem, the veils create a beautiful ice sculpture that is worth seeing (or climbing if you are experienced in ice climbing).

Bridal Veil Park — Bridal Veil Falls Park

Dine at Pizzeria 712:
After your hike, you are bound to be famished! Bringing a picnic is always an option, but remember, you’re on STAYCATION! This means you should spend time out, enjoying the local area. I recommend checking out Pizzeria 712. Pizzeria 712 is a local gem to say the least. The chefs use only locally grown, seasonal ingredients to make their pizza creations which are placed in a classic, wood-burning stove, cooked to perfection. The crust will change your life.

The atmosphere at Pizzeria 712 is casual – you can even observe your pizza being made while chatting with the chefs! They are open for lunch from 11:30-2:30 (a perfect window for your post-hike lunch) and dinner from 5:00-11:00. Check out their lunch and dinner menus. Their pizzas are reasonably priced, so order a few and share them amongst your group so everyone gets to try a taste of something original. If it’s just the two of you, order a salad and two pizzas and you will leave happy. Pizzeria 712 has received numerous accolades throughout Utah and the country (see more reviews here), so come see what all the buzz is about!

Relax the afternoon away:
This is an important part of the staycation – relax! You woke up early to hike, ate a hefty, well-deserved lunch, and now you’re ready for a nap. So indulge already! You would if you were on vacation, so this weekend should be no different. After a relaxing afternoon spent napping, or reading, or watching your favorite TV show, get spruced up for a night on the town. Pick your favorite Salt Lake City Restaurant (think Em’s Restaurant for a romantic evening or the Rio Grande Cafe for a family outing) and head out on the town.

Book a Night at the Anniversary Inn Bridal Veil Falls Suite:

Now, this is the point where you send the kids home (if you haven’t done so already) and spend a romantic evening together at the Anniversary Inn. What better place to spend the remaining hours of your staycation than at the Bridal Veil Falls Suite at our 5th South location?

Enjoy a movie together or take a tub in our jetted jacuzzi to soothe your sore hiking muscles. Or, better yet, just lay in bed enjoying the painted murals of Bridal Veil Falls and reminisce about the day over a piece of complimentary cheesecake accompanied by sparkling apple cider. Most of all, enjoy the evening, you’ve earned it!

The best part about this particular staycation is that it can be catered to a family or couple. If you and your sweetheart want to bring the kiddos along for the hike and pizzeria, then pair off for a romantic evening, it is totally feasible. If you want the entire day to yourselves, the itinerary is equally enjoyable if planned for a duo. So get out! Go explore the local gems like Bridal Veil Falls and Pizzeria 712! And, don’t forget, Anniversary Inn has locations on South Temple and 5th South in Salt Lake as well as locations in Logan and Boise. Book today!