SALT LAKE CITY, UT--Day Three

Brews, blazing, baked goods, and beautiful views...

For our final day in  Salt Lake City, we’ll take in an inventive yarn shop as well as some of the city’s iconic sites.

DestiKNITters are a flexible breed.  We like tea just as much as coffee, so today’s adventures launch from:

Tea Zaanti

1324 S 1100 E

Salt Lake City, UT 84105

801-906-8132

teazaanti.com

The owner knits—what’s not to love? This isn’t an early morning place—they open at 10am—but this very sit-and-knit-friendly establishment combines a high quality tea experience with a laid back, homey atmosphere.  Small but well-done food choices round out the menu so you can nibble while you sip and stitch. My sources recommend the cucumber sandwich (of course—how can you have tea without a cucumber sandwich?).

Just down the street you’ll find today’s yarn shop adventure.

Blazing Needles

1365 S 1100 E

Salt Lake City, UT 84105

801-487-5648

blazing-needles.com

Look for the house-like structure with the large metal yarn-and-needles sculpture in the front yard.  Yes, they’re needles, and yes—wait for it—they do indeed blaze:

Blazing Needles is a boisterous, friendly store packed with stock and one of those back tables continually filled with chatting knitters. Owner Cynthia Mills’ love for connecting people shows up all over every welcoming, artistically stuffed room.  

Cynthia (left) and yours truly

“Best friends meet here,” Cynthia boasts, and it’s easy to see why.  “It’s a safe place for community to gather.”  Cynthia cares about how companies do business and fosters good relationships with vendors.  “It’s really all about the people, not selling yarn.”  

Blazing Needles is a flagship store—meaning they carry every yarn in every color—for Shibui, Brooklyn Tweed, and Quince and Co, with more to come.

Fun, creative launches, impromptu parties in the back garden, and community projects like teaching local 4th graders to knit are part of the Blazing Needles experience.  There’s simply no way anyone would leave this shop without something new and wonderful—with the encouragement you need to tackle a new artistic challenge.

Projects, pottery, and yarn seem to spill from every corner. Here’s what caught my eye:

Spearheads Sweater

The stunning yoke on this sweater by Jarod Flood makes a dynamic statement for either men or women. You’ll need six skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Quary in your base color, plus one skein in a contrasting color.

Easy Folded Poncho

There seem to be a million ways to knit this popular pattern, but Cynthia recommends holding strands of Habu Silk N85 and Tsumugi together on a size 6 needle to make this contemporary and elegant version.

Ingeborg Slippers

Who doesn’t adore hand-knit slippers?  Especially when they’re as beautiful as these by local designer Kristin Drysdale. A perfect project to step up (pun intended) your color work, these use 1 ball each of two colors of Rauma Strikkengarn wool.  You’ll have the toastiest toes around, or they also make a great gift for someone who travels frequently.

Knit Along: On the Spice Market Shawl

Melanie Berg’s standout design gets a new kit version with every season—and who wouldn’t want to own several of these gorgeous accessories?  Shibui Stacatto silk and wool blend combine in a palette of colors—you could pick your own, but if you’re like me you’ll know you could never outdo the brilliant kits for color combinations.

Once you’ve stuffed your adorable Blazing Needles tote with yarn and patterns, it’s time to stuff your brain with good books.  That means heading to:

The King’s English Bookshop

1511 S 1500 E

Salt Lake Cty, UT 84105

801-484-9100 

kingsenglish.com 

DestiKNITters know independent bookstores are essential to life!  This wonderful shop entices you with nooks and crannies just begging to be explored.  There’s a little bit of everything here.  We especially love stores committed to supporting local authors with signings and such.  Volumes upon volumes are complimented by just the right amount of gifty things and a truly splendid children’s section.  Go!  Buy!  Save the independent bookstores!

Ready for lunch?  We’re heading downtown to spend the rest of the day in Salt Lake City’s unique city center.

Les Madeleines

216 E 500th S

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

801-355-2294

lesmadeleines.com

Another owner who knits—hooray!  Chef Romina offers a nice variety of soups, sandwiches, and cafe fare for your lunch, but you’re mostly here for the star attraction:  the buttery, flaky pastry known as a Kouing Amann (pronounced “queen-a-mon").  There’s a debate as to whether it’s best heated or not—so get two and conduct your own test.  In fact, get a dozen to go—this place has the most adorable take-out containers I have ever seen. And not just gingerbread men, but Ginger Dudes.  Love.

Next, walk over a few blocks and explore:

Salt Lake City Public Library

210 E 400 S

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

801-524-8200

www.slcpl.org

Safdie Architects photo

Yes, a library.  One look at this place and you’ll see why this Moshe Safdie design is worth a visit.  Visually stunning, the building is worth a good long wander through the cozy sitting areas, or a ride on the a snazzy glass elevator to the rooftop for a city-wide view. If you have kiddos in tow, the children’s area is great fun.

Next, no visit to Salt Lake City would be complete without taking in:

Temple Square

50 W S Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84150

801-240-2534

templesquare.com

The view from the top 

The 35-acre site serves as the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as the LDS Church or the Mormons.  It’s also home to the celebrated Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  No matter what your theology, you can marvel at the near-perfect acoustics of the Tabernacle, enjoy the gardens (especially beautiful at Christmas or in the Spring), and maybe even catch sight of a new bride. While the temple itself is not open to those outside the faith, the Visitor’s Center has an intriguing scale model and other information. 

For dinner, head up to the top floors of the luxurious Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  There you’ll find two restaurants—the casual Garden Restaurant and the more upscale Roof Restaurant—both of which offer unparalleled views of the temple, the complex, and often all the way to Salt Lake.  It’s the perfect way to cap off your adventures in Salt Lake City.

Up next, we cast on the ingeniously constructed Fili Mitts from Unraveled Sheep.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH--Day Two

Caffeine, cupcakes, and cashmere...

Our second day in Salt Lake City starts in a coffee-bar that will bring a smile to fans of my book The Perfect Blend.  While my heroine Maggie Black opens a coffeehouse called “Higher Grounds” in Seattle, this one has the same funky neighborhood feel I’d like to think Maggie wanted:

Higher Ground Coffee

2005 E 3300 S

Salt Lake City, UT 84109

801-485-5427

A quirky rustic atmosphere combines with lots of friendly staff and inventive drink flavors, this place is everything you want in a local shop, including the obligatory free wi-fi. The outdoor patio looks like the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon, but the small collection of rough-hewn tables makes it a cozy spot to get your day going in winter, too.

Once the caffeine sufficiently enters your bloodstream, you’ll only have to cross the street to today’s fiber find:

The Wool Cabin

2020 E 3300th S

Salt Lake City, UT 84109

385-210-1322

thewoolcabin.com

KayLynn and yours truly

When owner KayeLynn Van Wagenen took over ownership of this 35-year-old business in 2016, she set a goal to create “an atmosphere of connectivity.”  The cozy fireplace, snacks, groupings of comfy chairs, and shop pup “Baloo” all contribute toward a place where any wandering DestiKNITter feels totally comfortable.  

Spend just a few minutes here and you’ll watch KayeLynn greet every customer, cheerfully wind their yarn, and offer them the chance to sit down, chat, and snack while she does.  It’s the kind of place you can just sit and knit.  But oh, you’ll definitely want to do some shopping while you’re here.

The shop is filled with a wide range of tactile goodness.  “I want yarns my customers will enjoy touching, enjoy knitting with.”  That translates to a vast selection of natural fibers, but also reasonably priced alternatives for budget knitting, “Trends are okay, but I lean towards the classics that will give a good knitting experience. I’m always looking for something delightful, something that will produce a project that will last.” She promotes local dyers like Sarah Marsden, quilt project bag producer Sherl Gillian, as well as many of the area’s alpaca ranchers and artisans.  

The store boasts numerous opportunities for social knitting as well as a Wednesday morning “help time” to get you over that tough spot or save you from that botched row you can’t figure out how to fix.  Walk in knitting on Tuesday nights offers another chance for yarny fellowship.  A crochet friendly store, The Wool Cabin is set to offer something for every fiber aficionado. 

Here are a few projects you might want to consider:

Reyna Shawlette

Available from The Wool Cabin as a kit, Noora Liavola's Ravelry pattern uses 2 skeins of Fiber Co.'s Acadia. While the designer says she designed the pattern specifically for variegated yarns, you can see it looks equally stunning in a solid or flecked fiber.  If you’re ready to move beyond basic knit and purl stitches, this is an ideal project to expand your skills.

Knit Along:  The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief

Ravelry photo

This Orange Flower Yarn pattern takes one skein of Marsden's Intrepid Tulips hand dyed merino-bamboo blend and knits up a cozy-yet-tailored shawlette just perfect to welcome spring.  Alternating sturdy stockinette with ribbons of eyelet and garter, there’s just enough flair to keep this sensible kerchief easy to knit but not boring to wear.

Fringe Cowl Kit

Two skeins of Chunky Merino Superwash knit up in this clever accessory designed by Cia Abbott.  Finally, a place for those amazing buttons you have to take center stage!  An ideal gift for anyone you love who needs to brighten up their cold weather wardrobe.

Felted Entrelac Bag

Entrelac is something I believe every knitter should attempt.  It looks so very impressive, but is really quite simple once you get the hang of it.  Three skeins of Plymouth Yarn Gina 100% wool or Galway wool worsted get knit up big and then felted down to a perfect size bag to carry your knitting projects.

When you’re done shopping and ready for lunch, head toward the giant green dome down the street to eat at:

Ditta Cafe

1560 E 3300th S

Salt Lake City, UT 84106

801-410-4696

dittacaffe.com

Known just as much for their breakfast burritos as for the green dome that makes this an easy place to find, Ditta is a lovely, friendly spot for lunch.  We had the delicious rustic potato soup, which surprises you with a hearty broth-base rather than the creamy thick texture we expected.  Hang out and make progress on the jigsaw puzzles, play a game of chess, or chat with your tot over a tasty kids’ meal.  The baked goods look yummy, but hold off—we have some serious desserts coming.

And for those desserts, we’ve got two options—try one, or both!

So Cupcake

4002 S Highland Dr

Salt Lake City, UT 84124

801-274-8300

socupcake.com

My favorite touch was the “So Open” sign that lit up when this adorable eatery was open for business.  As a Make-A-Wish family ourselves, I loved that this bakery was born of a Wish trip for owners’ daughter Celina to visit celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.  Fav flavors were key lime, maple bacon, and chocolate-peanut butter.  They serve mini versions so you can try more flavors!

Glaus French Pastry Shoppe

3100 S Highland Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84106

801-486-5908

 An un-fussy, “been here since I was a kid” old-school bakery, tucked in a storefront that boasts the sign Beau Brummel Bakery (a name carried over from the restaurant the owners once had).  My sources touted the whopping eclairs and the pineapple rum cake, which you can also get in petit-fours version (try the lemon graham cracker petit-four while you’re at it).  You’ll also find breads here. 

While you’re waiting for all that sugar to settle, make the drive to Bountiful for our next yarn shop.  If timing has kept you from having lunch yet, stop at:

Plates & Palates

390 N 500th W

Ste 100 C

Bountiful, UT 84010

801-292-2425

platesandpalates.com

My sources tell me the lemon tarragon chicken pasta salad is the way to go here, but I heard raves for the paninis and salads as well.  Clearly, this establishment takes the classic soup/salad/sandwich dynamic up a notch—even before you get to their legendary coconut cake.  Coconut cake?  Twist my arm…

Hemstitched Heirlooms

585 W 2600 S

Bountiful, UT 84010

801-298-8212

hemstitchedheirlooms.com

Hemstitched blankets are a Utah tradition I’d never heard of, but it constitutes a blanket, bib, or burp-cloth with a perforated hem that gets decorated with a crochet edge.  

This unique craft is how Hemstitched Heirlooms got their start, and you can still see a fine collection of supplies to make those treasured items.  But it doesn’t stop there—owner Shannon Rayl realized her dream in 1994 to open a full-scale yarn shop as well.

While her offerings are mostly basics with a few intriguing specialties—there’s an impressive selection of adorable “Top This” hats—the true strength of this shop is the depth of stock.  When Hemstitched Heirlooms carries a yarn, they carry “sweater and afghan volumes of nearly the entire palette.”  That means you’ll always find enough of what you need here.

As you’d expect for an establishment born of blankets, there’s a hefty focus on baby yarns and cheery fibers for children’s projects.  Another speciality—and Shannon’s preferred beginner project—is washcloths.  You’ll never run out of color and pattern options for washcloths here.  

An airy and open space, Hemstitched Heirlooms also has a darling child’s play area and a dedicated classroom.  Here are a few of the projects that caught my eye:

Brioche Cable Cowl Kit

Ski country needs a sturdy, warm cowl, and this one fits the bill.  One skein of Plymouth Galway combines with 2 skeins of multi-colored Gina to create this highly textured piece.  An eye-catcher for sure, and toasty enough to handle any snow the mountains send your way.

GAP-tastic Cowl

Here’s another beautiful cowl where the texture is the star.  Big enough to double wrap, this Jen Geighley design takes 2 skeins of Plymouth Baby Alpaca to surround you in fluffy warmth.  The simple stitch pattern lets the color be the star.

Skylark Cardigan

If you’re ready for a more complex project, consider the lovely vintage vibe of the Skylark Cardigan.  I’ve never been able to master bobbles, but this garment might lure me into another attempt.  Knit from Berroco Corsica cotton cashmere blend, this is sure to be soft yet hold its shape nicely.

Knit Leaves Sweater and Hat

Nothing beats the cuddle of an adorable, stylish baby set.  This Leisure Arts (#4577) pattern set knits up in 3 skeins of Vintage Worsted (if you’re knitting for a newborn, though, use DK weight).  So sweet!

Knit Along:  Summer Shadow Shawl

The lush colors of Zen Yarn Garden just beg to be made into a shawl, and Angela McGarrah’s Summer Shadow pattern is up to the challenge.  I especially like that it comes in two sizes—shawls often feel too small for a gal my size. While it is top down, the bottom half is knit across in a lovely, lacy leaf pattern.  Angela gives detailed instructions on how to determine size so you can feel confident you won’t run out of yarn before all that leafy goodness is done.

Once you’ve filled your yarn bag with fiber finds, feel free to check out some of the other establishments in this little shopping center.  I liked:

Hip & Humble

559 W 2600 S

Bountiful, UT 84010

801-298-3373

hipandhumble.com

Snazzy little boutiques are my favorite places to shop.  This store was a pleasant collection of kitchen gadgets, jewelry, giftware, and clothing.  I loved the friendly touch of a corner playroom for little ones so mom can get her shopping done.  

By now, you’ll probably be ready for coffee.  If you just want a drive-thru, then sources tell me Sips Coffee is great for java or the flavored sodas that are so popular in this area.  If you crave sugar, then Nielsen’s Frozen Custard is nearby, and a raspberry concrete might fit the bill.  However, if you want your coffee to come with shear baked goods bliss, all you need to do is walk up the sidewalk until you find:

Parson’s Bakery

535 W 2600 S

Bountiful, UT 84010

801-298-3059

parsonsbakeryutah.net

Everything looks delicious—and everything is, by all accounts—but trust me the cookie you want is the chocolate parfait. Yes, the sugar cookies are famous, and the pumpkin chocolate chip cookie is unique and tasty—but you want the chocolate parfait.  Hands down the best cookie I believe I’ve ever eaten.  You get food here, but why take up all that space with boring nutrition when you can have the chocolate parfait???

It’s been a long day.  You may just want to go home, but your feet up, and knit.  When the time comes for dinner, however, I have two recommendations—one right nearby and another that’s a bit of a drive:

Just a few door down:  

Ti Ammo Pizza

515 W 2600th S

Bountiful, UT 84010

801-294-5180

tiamopizza.co

A definite notch up from the standard pizza joint, this new establishment is finding a loyal following fast thanks to the excellent food. Family owned and family friendly, the word that kept coming up in descriptions was “authentic.”  Great bruschetta (a personal favorite), too.  And gelato—if you can stand to add more sugar to your day.

A bit of a drive away:

Hoppers Brew Pub

890 Fort Union Blvd

Midvale, UT 84047

801-566-0424

hoppersbrewpub.com

Unlike evil “Doc Hopper” of Muppet Movie fame, this place got enthusiastic nods of endorsement anytime I mentioned it. The menu is classic sports pub fare, complete with a multitude of tvs for game watching—although in other sports, one person felt compelled to mention it also hosts a Pokemon GO portal/gym as well, if you’re into that sort of thing. The menu is good and what you expect from a place like this: beer, garlic fries, massive portion chicken tenders, and…beer cheese. What’s not to like?

Not a bad set of adventures for your second day in Salt Lake City.  Tomorrow, we tackle one more yarn shop and the unique sites downtown.

SALT LAKE CITY UT -- Day One

Day 1: Purls, Peaks, and Pudding

Mention that you’re traveling to Salt Lake City, and you are likely to get one of two topics mentioned in response:  Mormons and skiing.  Both are correct, but hardly the whole picture.  As your intrepid host DestiKNITter, this non-skiing Presbyterian spent a handful of days in the city for the first time recently.  I certainly enjoyed myself, and expect you’ll do the same.  This post and the next two will cover my travels between five of the city’s yarn shops—and lots of other delightful eating and shopping establishments—to guide you should you find yourself in Utah’s high elevation capital.

Any DestiKNITions adventure starts with an excellent cup of coffee.  Find yours at:

Beans & Brews

8619 Sandy Pkwy

Sandy, UT 84070

801-561-5241

http://www.beansandbrews.com/

Bigger than in independent, smaller than a national chain, this multi-location coffeehouse gives off an indie vibe while still providing you with a wide range of places to get your caffeine on.  It’s clearly a local favorite with friendly service, wifi, comfy chairs as well as nice booths, and high-quality drinks.  Chai lattes can be an inconsistent breed, but I found mine to be just perfect. There are dozens of locations throughout Utah and a few surrounding states.

Once your brain is awake and ready for stitching, it’s time to head to today’s fiber fix:

Unraveled Sheep

9316 S 700 E

Sandy, UT 84070

801-255-6833

facebook.com/UnraveledSheep

 You know you’re in a community-rich shop when the circle of knitters in the back is having a spirited discussion as you walk in.  The kind of place where sending you somewhere for lunch comes close to an argument because everyone’s got a strong opinion.  A shop where you could sit down and feel at home even before you finished a single row.  

That's Verla on the left

That’s the atmosphere at Unraveled Sheep.  The storefront windows frame a stunning view of local mountains while the ceilings literally drip with enticing project samples.  Owner Verla Younker has become a tireless advocate for local designers and vendors since she “hit her head against the glass ceiling” 13 years ago and bought the business.  Friendly, big-hearted, supportive, and direct, Verla not only runs the shop but a pair of sought-after “Hideaway Retreats” we were told are “not to be missed.”

The knit- and crochet-friendly shop has an extensive collection of local fibers, weaving supplies like Greensleeves drop spindles, and patterns from local designers.  You’d be hard-pressed to find a shop boasting more baby blankets.  “I stock with lots of basics, but a deep selection of those basics.  We’ll have enough of what you need for just about anything.”

Be advised that this shop, like many Salt Lake City establishments, is closed on Sundays.

Need some inspiration?  Check out these projects:

Manzanilla Cowl

Designer Katy Carroll (“Katinka” on Ravelry) takes 200 yds of Cascade's soft Venezia worsted and transforms it into a delicate, cable-ish confection.  The edges are especially pretty—something I value in a cowl.  Verla says it’s particularly lovely in a tonal hand-dyed yarn.  Just the right balance of snuggly and feminine, wouldn’t you agree?

Bronze Maple Shawl

Crocheters will drool over this stunner from Ryan Hollist, aka Joe d'Arc Crochet. Stitched up with 600 yards of Marianated Yarns’ Scrumptious high twist merino cashmere, this draped delight is one I don’t think I could bring myself to give to someone else.  Were I ever to attempt crochet, this would be the project.

Turn Turn Turn Shawl

At last, a bottom-up shawl I can love!  The pattern by designer Mary Triplett (JustKnits on Ravelry), works from the bottom up in short rows, then turns to add the lacy trim.  Verla suggests local fiber Sublime merino cashmere-nylon blend from Greenwood Fiberworks.  You’ll need one skein each of a tonal and complementing solid.

Knit Along: Fili Top-down Convertible Mitts

These mitt/mitten combos sport a uniquely clever construction I can’t wait to try as our Knit Along from Unraveled Sheep.  Designer Sheila Toy Stromberg works them from the middle down and then back up again.  I’ll be using Elsebeth Lavold’s Silky Wool—a fiber I came to love when I used it in the Celtic Princes Braided Scarf—but Verla also suggests Cascade's Roslyn. Eye-catching cables give these smart-phone friendly hand-warmers an extra dab of style.

Ready for lunch? The opinionated crowd at Unraveled Sheep gave us two fine options:

Olympus Burger

9326 S 700 E

Sandy, UT 84070

801-571-6868

olympusburgers.com

Don’t let the fast-food exterior fool you—this was a highly touted and super-close lunch spot for the Unraveled Sheep crowd.  The namesake burgers and Greek classics are on the menu, but our sources praised the lemon rice soup. Everything is made to order, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you opt for the drive-through, but it’s worth it.

Tin Roof Grill

9284 S 700th E

Sandy, UT 84070

801-566-5226

tinroofgrill.net

Only slightly farther away than Olympus Burger, this eatery offers Italian, tapas small plates, and  a wide variety of other meals.  They’re also famous for their cheesecakes, so there’s lots to love.  I was there in January, but in warmer weather the patio is a great choice as well.  Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this is a family friendly spot and also a good choice for Sunday Brunch.

After lunch, it’s time to take in a bit of the mountains.  Even if you don’t ski, a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road should not be missed.  I tried in vain to capture the grandeur of the scenery in photos, but it simply can’t be done.  The whole majestic mountain thing will make sense as you ascend.  If there are two of you, switch drivers at the top so each of you can have a chance to press your face against the window and be awed.  I ended up in plaster last time I donned skis, and it still was almost enough to tempt me back.  Almost.

Now it’s time to spend the afternoon at a charming shopping village complete with its own fiber fix—Gardner Village in West Jordan.  Priorities being what they are, the yarn shop is our first stop:

Willow Hill Yarn Company

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088
(801)282-0477

willowhillyarncompany.com

Emily on the right

Nothing cheers the spirit like a brand-spanking new yarn shop!  Young new owner Emily Dern took over the establishment (known as Kamille’s for many years) on January 3.  

“I want to create the kind of shop where you can sit and knit and talk to people” says Emily—exactly what a DestiKNITter wants to hear.  There will be a full-blown open house in March, but the store is definitely up and running now.  She wants "all knitters and crocheters to feel welcome--whether your yarn stash is huge or just starting out."  

Offering free beginner classes, Emily is out to lure new enthusiasts to the craft with fun events like movie nights in the homey upstairs gathering space. You can’t help but feel cozy in the historic log cabin packed with yummy yarn.  Alpaca is quite popular, but she has a healthy selection of many fibers for a small-sized shop.

Some projects that caught my eye:

Crazy Cowl

Double knitting makes this one seriously warm accessory.  While any self-striping yarn will work, Emily recommends Shepherd’s Wool Crazy—hence the name.  A perfect gift to show the teen or millennial in your life that knitting is most definitely cool—or, in this case, warm.

The Man Hat

That's the Man Hat on the left

I could not get over how soft and “non-acrylic” feeling this hat was when stitched up in Berroco Comfort Chunky.  I’d never guess this to be a synthetic.  One-by-one ribbing ensures a snug fit and good shaping, and it only takes one skein.  Plymouth’s Chunky Alpaca works well for this one, too.

Lisa Knits Stockings

What’s a log cabin without hand-knit stockings by the fire (or in this case, in the window)? One skein of Berroco Comfort Chunky knits up for a holiday heirloom with this Ravelry pattern by Lisa Knits.  Worsted weight or chunky yarn will yield different sizes and textures, but you can’t  go wrong with these cheery designs.

Knit A Long:  Little Cotton Rabbit Doll and Dress

Way up there on the “aww” scale, this adorable stuffed bunny gets her own hand-knit jumper and matching striped tights with Julie Williams’s pattern.  Willow Hill will offer a Little Cotton Rabbits club, with classes and monthly selection of outfits!  Constructed from HiKoo's SimpliCria Super Baby Alpaca and Simplicity cotton (both from Skacel-HiKoo), this is a irresistible project for advanced-beginner to intermediate knitters.

Now that you’ve scored your requisite yarn, spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the many shops of Gardner Village.  Here were a few of my favorites:

Aunt Elsie’s Trinkets & Treasures

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-561-5557

auntelsiestreasures.com

The sachet scents that surround you upon entering evoke a more refined place and time as you wander this shop filled with antiques, consignments, specialty linens, and other vintage finds.

Celebrations by Modern Display

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-569-0323

moderndisplay.com

Sure, Christmas and Halloween take center stage at this shop, but there were other collectibles and gift items to be had.  My favorites were the enormous holiday villages as well as the Mark Roberts Santa Fairies.

Chocolate Covered Wagon

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-938-1963

chocolatecoveredwagon.com

Gourmet hot chocolate is a big deal in this city, and this is the place to get some of the best.  It was the salt water taffy and the to-die-for sea salt caramel fudge, however, that I’ll remember.  Our friendly clerk was kind enough to turn on the taffy pulling machine and give us a demo!

Upon the Shelf

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-256-9955

gardnervillage.com/upon-the-shelf

A wide, surprising variety of gifts, home decor, and handmade creations, this packed little store held all kinds of things I wished my suitcase was big enough to hold.

There’s also The Bead Farm, Layers Beautiful Bedding for luxurious linens and stunning quilts, the Naborhood Bakery Cafe with with killer tarts and an inventive kids “Cookie College” program, and dozens of other shops.  

When you’re shopped out and ready for dinner, look for the water wheel and head to: 

Archibald’s

1100 W 7800th S

West Jordan, UT 84088

801-566-6940

gardnervillage.com/archibalds-restaurant

I had very good chicken pot pie, but it was what I had before and after that marks this as a great eatery.  The fried green tomatoes appetizer is a house speciality, as is the scrumptious white chocolate bread pudding.  Both are big enough that you’ll definitely need to share (but be warned…you may not want to.)

A delicious end to your first day in Salt Lake City.  Kick back, knit a few rows, and rest up, because tomorrow holds even more adventures.