I want to whet your appetite for another “local” destination that can often be overlooked. My husband and I recently visited Salt Lake City, Utah for some on-the-snow action and sightseeing.

We were happy to discover the laid-back vibe that Salt Lake City has to offer. The people here are easygoing and genuine, which is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of other big cities.

One of the myths about this city is that drinking is not allowed here. Rest assured that it’s OK to have alcohol—the city even has several great breweries. The only word of advice I can give you is in regard to Sundays. Mormons observe the Sabbath on Sunday, so you will have to call ahead to restaurants to make sure they are open before you go.

Overall, I found Salt Lake City to be safe, clean, and very affordable. Now I’ll let you in on what is new and fun to do there while you are on a winter vacation:

WHERE TO STAY

To add some variety to your trip, especially if you are traveling with non-skiers, spend some time downtown by staying there. Hotel Monaco (www.Monaco-SaltLakeCity.com) is a great property in an ideal location. It even offers bicycles to ride around town on; everything is within a few blocks from the hotel. The luxury boutique hotel offers evening wine receptions and a scrumptious morning coffee service. The latter features a hot cocoa bar with every type of topping you can dream up—including bacon! The rooms are spacious, and the hotel itself is top-rated. With restaurants onsite, you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.

If you are planning to hit the mountains, I recommend staying at the Snowbird resort, particularly the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird (www.Snowbird.com). With easy access to the slopes, this property is ideal. The staff is friendly and attentive and just as excited as you are about the snow falling. Another plus is that you don’t have to lug your gear back and forth to your room; lockers are provided and are easy to access when you’re ready to ski or ride.

You might want to schedule a massage with a massage therapist at Wasatch Recovery Massage après-ski at the Cliff Spa. Make sure to arrive early and stay late to take advantage of the steam room and hot tub so you can truly unwind. For a small fee, you can use the spa’s amenities anytime during your stay (it offers a more relaxing and less busy atmosphere than the public areas). For an adult’s night out, enjoy intimate fine dining at the Lodge Bistro. It is located on the pool level of the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird and is just a short walk away. Chef RJ Peterson creates the most mouthwatering dishes. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

THINGS TO DO

Here are where the bargains are! Your best bet is to have your travel agent set you up with a Salt Lake Connect Pass and Ski Salt Lake Super Pass. These discount cards are yours for top attractions and lift tickets, and they will keep you entertained during your stay. The more days you buy, the better the price. And if you don’t know what to do with your time, these are your best options with a great variety.

Do you want to hit the slopes? Choose from Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude ski resorts as your closest options (all are included on the Super Pass). These resorts receive over 500 inches of “the greatest snow on earth” each year. Brighton is the most popular for snowboarders, offering a great park and a variety of terrain. Alta is for skiers only.

Overall, the mountains are family-friendly. The restaurants on the mountains are delicious, too. I think everything tastes extra-good when you’ve been skiing all day!

Back in the city, the Gateway is one of my favorite shopping areas. The outdoor mall has a nice variety, offering over 100 stores and restaurants combined. The Clark Planetarium is also located nearby, which your Connect Pass can be used for. By the time you read this and depending on when you visit, you could be included among the first shoppers at the brand-new City Creek Center shopping area downtown, which opens in March (www.ShopCityCreekCenter.com). It will feature a retractable roof; a creek will run through it; and there will be a pedestrian sky bridge, among other attractions. It seems pretty spectacular to say the least. The city is excited and proud of this new attraction.

Another exciting grand opening in Salt Lake City is the brand-new Natural History Museum of Utah (www.NHMU.Utah.edu). While the museum isn’t exceptionally big, it has so many interactive features that you can visit for hours if you want to. Great for adults and kids alike, I think the impressive displays will peak your interest and keep you entertained as you enjoy the beautifully designed museum inside and out.

While I didn’t get to visit, the Leonardo was recommended and I have heard a lot of great things about this museum (www.TheLeonardo.org). It is also worth checking out.

Visiting Salt Lake City is easy. There are so many great packages to take advantage of, so enlist the help of your travel agent and see what he or she can come up with. Combining travel, lodging, and those discount passes I mentioned will save you a bundle and ensure a great vacation.

Salt Lake City is truly a fantastic four-season destination. If you can’t get there this winter, don’t let that stop you from going during another time of the year.

Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer for four years. She specializes in luxury, sports, and adventure travel, health and fitness, and product reviews. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design.