2009 Christmas Trip to Salt Lake City Part I

Can't remember since when, I started to go travel at least once every year. It sounds some thing luxury, but actually not, I don't really care how short the trip is, I just wanta get out of the place I live and go somewhere else. So, this year, I decided to go to Salt Lake City which is about 5 hours driving distance. Actually, I might not be able to go there because of the snow. About 1-2 weeks ago, The snow was pretty bad, so the roads were covered with ice and snow, which was not very safe for driving, and a lot of accidents occurred along the highway. Luckily that, the weather was warm this week. So, there it is Salt Lake City (SLC).

As I said SLC is only about 5 hrs away, w/ the nice weather, so it's not a hard driving, and I only had to drive along the Interstate highway I -84. On the way there I stopped at several some towns/cities for some local attractions, and rest.

There it is, I-84. Let's Start my Journey~ (It was 4:30 a.m.)
Twin Falls is my first stop on my way to Salt Lake City, but when I reached there it was still dark, so I will visit there again on my way back.
When I reached the mountain area in Utah, my mouth was wide opened and my eyes almost jumped out. The snow scenic view was so so so so so beautiful. The whole area was surrounded by mountains with untouched snow. It looks just like a snow paradise.

About 3 hrs driving, I reached a small town, Snowville, UT. It was the first town I visited in Utah
It's just a small town but can you believe that it has such a long history.
When you see "Snow"ville, I think you will think of snow, and there it is, a snow covered paradise.
After enough rest, Let get started again~
and after a few hours more driving, I finally reached my destination Salt Lake City (SLC).
Salt Lake City/Utah is famous of the huge number of Mormon population. The first permanent settlements in this area was dated back to 1847 with the arrival of the Latter-day Saints (Mormon). The most famous attraction here is the Mormon's Temple Square, which is the head quater of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I'm not interested in Mormon at all, but since I'm here, then I just go check out the historical buildings.
(p.s. If you don't recall what's Mormon, I give you some hints. Those so called Christian missionaries who always wear white shirt, black tie and pants, with a black name tag.)
Check out this link, then for sure you will remember
Salt Lake Temple, this granite building was built in 1893.

The Assembly Hall.

Nauvoo Bell, This bell was not built in Salt Lake City, but in Nauvoo, Illinois in the 1840s. It was brought here by the mormons when they were forced to leave Illinois. (why they were forced to leave, think about thConference Center.

Wherever you go, there's one place is a must to visit, the Downtown/City Center.
There's really nothing much to see in the downtown, but if you want to understand a place's culture and history, this place is a must.
A mix of old and New buildings in downtown.

Walker Center

Nothing much special about this building, I only took the pic because it has a tower at the top.

The LRT and LRT station in SLC.

Another Famous attraction in Salt Lake City is the NBA team Utah Jazz. It's too bad that there was no game when I visited SLC, but I still visited the stadium.

Energy Solutions Arena
Statue of Famous Utah Jazz Player, Karl Malone

Statue of John Stockton

Since I'm in the capitol of Utah State, how can I don't visit the capitol building.

Utah State Capitol Building
The name "Utah" is derived from the Ute Indian language, meaning "people of the mountains".
Guess what this statue is? Hahaha

The most beautiful thing at the capitol building is the view, the building is located at the hill, so you can see almost the entire city from there. The building on the right hand side was the Old Salt Lake City Hall, now is known as the council hall.

Here is the Full View of Salt Lake City right in front of the Capitol Building.

Some pictures inside the capitol building.

Seal of the Utah State.

This building is the Salt Lake City and County Building, built in 1891.

This glass building is the Salt Lake City Library Main branch building. I like this picture a lot, the glass reflection looks very pretty.

Outside the Library.

Main Entrance
City-County Building, and Main Library.

The trip was pretty nice, the worst thing is just.....I went there alone and I didn't really visit the Great Salt Lake. I did pass by, saw the Lake, but didn't stop there. I also didn't visit the speedway. This place is covered with salt, yah, salt. It snowed the night when I stayed in SLC, the road was covered with snow and ice, so I didn't travel much places outside the city area, but next time, for sure i will spend more time and visit more places outside the city area.

Short Road Trip on Highway I-84

Because I am so bored during the Holiday, I decided to go out for driving.

I had no idea where should I go, then I just drove east along the highway 84.
The scenic was beautiful.
I drove and drove and reached a small town called Baker City.
Baker City HallAn Old Library beside the City Hall
An Old Hotel in Baker City which was opened in 1889. The restaurant inside looks nice but I didn't have enough time to eat there.It's a Proof of freaking Chinese is everywhere, and this building was the First National Bank Building. Now is a Chinese Restaurant.