Do you ever just need to get away? I get that feeling all of the time. The problem is that even though I need to get away I don’t want to go away. When I get that feeling all I really need is 24-48 hours for a change of pace. So I decided that I needed a Salt Lake City Staycation!

Luckily for me I live right outside of Salt Lake City. I go downtown a lot – doctor appointments, dinner, Jazz games, etc. So I got an idea (when I hit the wall and needed a break) for a Salt Lake City Staycation with a group of girlfriends.

Salt Lake City Staycation

It ended up being a fast and fun 24 hours but we packed a lot in and it ended up being the perfect short getaway for a group of friends, a couple, or family! Here are some really great ideas on places stay, where to eat, and what to do that will fill your Salt Lake City Staycation with laughter and fun!I

We had just 24 hours (I wish we had stayed 48). But it was just enough time to relax, laugh, and enjoy some of what the city had to offer.

Where To Stay

Where you stay is important – but it doesn’t have to break the bank. For our Salt Lake City Staycation we stayed at the new Courtyard Salt Lake City Downtown (thanks to Mediavine for covering our hotel costs). Located in the perfect spot downtown, close to many of the attractions (next door to the Vivint Smart Home Arena) restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. There is a Trax station across the street and with it being in the FREE zone so you don’t have to pay to hop a ride if it is chilly outside. The hotel has a pool for the kids, reasonably priced suites for more space, and a coffee shop INSIDE the hotel.

Conveniently located, clean, large rooms, friendly staff, reasonably priced – what more could you ask for?

We got a suite and the room was so large that we were able to set up some late night snacks and treats (thanks to Harmon’s Grocery) and had a late night visit with all 10 of the ladies hanging out until after 2 am. We had a ton of room for everyone to hang out and have a little network and nosh before bed.

What To Eat

Christopher’s Steak House

The first meal that we had was dinner on Friday night thanks to Christopher’s Steak House. Christopher’s was the perfect dinner spot. They put us in a room by ourselves (10 ladies can get loud!) at a large round table. It could not have been more perfect. The service was impeccable from the beginning. Hello! They are Zagat rated: EXCELLENT for a reason!

The food was AMAZING. Christopher’s serves only the highest quality all natural, locally sourced products. I could not decide what to eat so a couple of us decided to split dinners so that we could try a couple of things. I got a fillet mignon and traded half for the special of the night – fresh salmon with an avocado sauce. OMG. I don’t even like fish and I would go back and order that salmon over and over. We asked the waiters to just bring out a couple of their favorite sides for all of us to share. They brought out stuffed mushrooms, baked potatoes, ribs, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, sweet potato fries and more. Everything was so good.

If you are ever downtown for a special occasion check them out. They usually have a Groupon out so check for those if you are planning a visit.

Pig And A Jelly Jar

Looking for a brunch spot? Well of course you are. Brunch is the BEST meal of the weekend. For brunch we were invited to try Pig And A Jelly Jar in Holladay. The place was bustling and for a good reason! It is their newest location and cutest in my opinion. I almost ripped this picture off the wall and took it home. I NEED this in my hallway bathroom!

Pig uses fresh quality local ingredients as often as possible – and it shows! I had the chicken and waffles and they were so amazing! I had heard that it was “the” thing to try and the reviews are spot on! If you like a little savory with your breakfast this is the go to item on the menu!

The perfect BONUS for anyone that has to Instagram their locations (like we do) they have the best photo spot on the outside of the building (not to mention the cuteness inside) perfect for an individual or group photo opp.

What To Do

Shopping at City Creek

Set right downtown City Creek Center is the center of one of the nation’s largest mixed-use downtown redevelopment projects. They have shopping, apartments, a gym, parking, restaurants, and more! This unique shopping center features a retractable glass roof, water features including indoor and outdoor fountains and a creek that runs through the property, walls with stone was quarried in Utah including fossils and trilobites, and HEATED floors for winter. It is the most unique and beautiful shopping experience that I have had in a long time!

No, I did not get into trouble while shopping. But I did have a little fun!

LIVE Game Escape SLC

So now you have eaten and shopped – now what? I’ll tell you! Have you done an escape room yet? If not then you need to try one. It is a perfect experience for a date, family activity, or girls night out.

I have done escape rooms in the past so I knew that we were going to have a good time but some of the other ladies were wary. They put your group in a room and you are given an hour time limit to find clues that will help you get out. They have 3 different themed rooms. My team tried the hardest room and it was challenging to say the least. You can get hints BUT if you think things through (or have a genius with you that thinks outside of the box) you can solve the mystery and escape without help.

What was the outcome? We escaped! Everyone enjoyed themselves and can’t wait to take their families or husbands on a night again in the future! They usually have a Groupon out so check for those if you are planning a visit.

The moral of the story is that there is so much in your city that you never have to have a boring weekend again! I hope you got some ideas from our Salt Lake City Staycation that you can use next time you need a weekend away!

Special thanks to all of our sponsors (food, lodging, activities, and swag) for helping make our Salt Lake City Staycation an amazing 24 hours!

Mediavine, Christopher’s, Pig & a Jelly Jar, Live Game ESCAPE Salt Lake City, City Creek Center, Lehi Roller Mill, Chef Shamy and  Don Julio, Redmond, Harmon’s, Even Stephens, Brooklyn Blush, and Lindsey Kaye Cooking.