PLACES CW STAFF
PICKS Best Escape From the City Without Leaving the City Limits
SLC Main Library
Best Real-Life Version of Rainbow Road
Lehi I-15 construction Mama Mia! That’s a lot of construction. For those in Utah County, the stretch of freeway between American Fork and Lehi is a thrill-ride to say the least. Who needs Disneyland or Lagoon when just a ride over the bumps and uneven pavement can send cars flying into the air and in typical Utah fashion. See who can go the fastest to get the high score. (EGW)
Best Nerd’s Night Out
Evermore Park
Evermore is most accurately described as what would happen if a low-stakes Dungeons & Dragons game came to life. Guests are encouraged to explore, watch performances and go on quests for the fairy, goblin and dragon-trainer characters that roam the vaguely European-village setting. While part of the park is under construction, it is easy to ignore the dust by getting lost in the immersive world of the park. The park is currently entering its fall “Lore” season ($12$29 a ticket), which serves up a haunted and
DEREK CARLISLE
A reader’s paradise notwithstanding, the fifth floor of the library offers a portal to paradise on their rooftop terrace. With 360 degree views of the mountains, it flaunts an open-air respite for those longing to flee the city without spending a dime. Absent the maddening street noise, one can take a seat on the benches or check out the beautiful garden. Better yet, pick up a coffee or lunch from a shop below to pair with your favorite book as you sink into serenity. On a clear night, aim for the bewitching hour of sunset and you won’t be disappointed. (CF) 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8200, slcpl.org
spooky vibe. The park is open Monday, Friday, Saturday 6-11 p.m. (KE) 382 S. Evermore Lane, Pleasant Grove, evermore.com
Best New Ogden Happenings Hub
The Monarch While Salt Lake City gets most of the attention for big arts events in Utah, you shouldn’t discount Ogden as a vibrant place for art, dining and all manner of lively happenings. The latest addition to Ogden’s 25th Street is an ambitious project that completely renovated the historic Monarch Building, turning it into a combination of event venue, showcase for art installations courtesy O1ARTS, and location for the new WB’s Eatery wine bar and coffeehouse. The November grand opening promises to be just the beginning for another exciting place to be reminded that Ogden has a lot to boast about. (SR) 455 25th St., Ogden, themonarchogden.com
Best Place to Watch a Show
Gallivan Center
I know Ogden Twilight has kind of overshadowed Salt Lake’s Twilight Concert Series in terms of popularity, but it’s quite
lovely watching concerts at the outdoor Gallivan Center. The sun goes down to the soundtrack of rhymes from Vince Staples or the pulsing rock of Courtney Barnett. Off in the distance are the glowing lights from the Walker Center. People are watching across the block from the great height of a parking structure, the sound of music reverberating off city walls. You’re right in the center of town, but you may as well be at the center of the universe. (PH) 239 S. Main, thegallivancenter.com
Best Place to Listen to Music with 20,000 of Your Closest Friends
Usana Amphitheatre
There’s certainly a value to intimate live music experiences, getting you up close and personal with the performers. But there’s something uniquely electrifying about being part of a massive music party, joining with a huge crowd in enjoying the work of some of the most popular and storied music acts in the world. Even if you’re far from the stage, you can still feel that, for a summer night, you’re in the middle of something special. (SR) 5150 S. 5600 West, West Valley City, usana-amp.com BEST OF UTAH 2019 | 45