Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic city of Salt Lake City, where your every dream can come true (but don’t quote me on that). In this city I found one of the most important people in my life, and together, we explored her home state and indulged in every pleasure it had to offer. And amongst this, we joined one of the best food tours I’ve ever been on: SLC Local Food Walking Tours.
Moe, our charismatic and knowledgeable guide, started running these tours in 2019, taking visitors on a journey through the city’s rich history and diverse flavours. Upon our meeting, he pointed out the bank of Utah’s first millionaire, who was an member of the church of Latter Day Saints (LDS for short) who couldn’t run for a second term due to a new rule about polygamy (wild!!). The iconic temple stands as ground zero, aligning perfectly with 0 degrees north, south, east, and west.
One of the highlights of the tour was learning all about our tour guide and the cool things he’s done – for example, he runs a doughnut shop which has some of the most solid values I’ve ever seen. Within this program, he takes homeless individuals under his wing, teaching them baking skills, and provides them with a chance of employment.
Moe passionately advocates for continued support post-recovery, leading to a high success rate. He taught us all a lot about history, food, and some of the biggest issues in America today, and as such, this has to be one of the most well-rounded and somewhat personal tours I’ve ever been on.
After a sweet start (and yes, the doughnuts were incredible), our culinary journey took us to Aqua Terra, a steak and sushi haven, and my favourite spot on the tour. We indulged in some of the finest food I’ve ever tried – and this patten of new and delicious cuisine continued for the next few hours. Meanwhile, the conversation flowed as smoothly as the seasoning on our dishes (the thought of the ravioli still has me salivating).
I learnt that Salt Lake City is home to a substantial LDS population, comprising 60% of its residents. As we explored the city, I tried “goat” ice-cream (I will not be giving any further context on this – it is for you to experience for yourself) and Moe continued to fill in my gaps on North American history.
By the end of the tour, I felt as though I’d become friends with some of the other tourgoers, been thoroughly inspired by Moe, and was round enough to roll all the way back down to my accommodation.
Moe’s walking tours offer more than just culinary delights; they’re a narrative of the city’s past and present. They offer a glimpse into the soul of Salt Lake City – a city with a rich history, diverse flavours, and a surprisingly compassionate heart.
So, lace up your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and indulgence.
Ghosts!
But if you think SLC is just about doughnuts and sushi, think again.
As dusk falls, the streets take on an eerie glow, and a different kind of tour emerges: one filled with whispers from the past…
Recently, I had the opportunity to take a tour with US Ghost Adventures Salt Lake City — a chilling and captivating dive into the haunted history lurking beneath the city’s clean-cut façade.
Led by storytellers who know how to chill your spine with a well-timed pause, this ghost tour is not just about jump scares or folklore, but is rooted in true historical accounts, from tales of 19th-century crime to tragedies that still echo through alleyways and old buildings. You’ll wander past infamous sites like the haunted Rio Grande Depot and the eerie McCune Mansion with an EMF in your hand, while learning about SLC’s less wholesome secrets — including spiritualism, death, and the paranormal.
The contrast between day and night in Salt Lake City couldn’t be more dramatic — by day, it’s a warm and welcoming hub of food, culture, and community. By night, it’s a place where shadows stretch long and stories linger. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this tour is an unforgettable way to uncover another layer of the city.
So after filling your belly and your heart with Moe’s soulful storytelling, consider spending your evening peeking behind the veil… because in Salt Lake City, the past is never quite gone.
