A quietness falls over the University of Utah. The semester is over, and summer has begun to take root. The mountains have traded white capped peaks for lush green, and suddenly the valley has transformed into a reader’s paradise.
From peaceful parks to serene coffee shop patios, the Salt Lake Valley offers countless places perfect for getting lost in a good book.
Whether you’re a local looking for a quiet corner or a visitor hoping to layer your summer vacation with literature, this guide explores some of the best outdoor places across the valley where you can relax, read and recharge under the sun.
Memory Grove
300 N Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Tucked away at the northern edge of downtown Salt Lake City, Memory Grove Park offers a reading retreat steeped in history, on a backdrop of natural beauty. Established in the 1920s as a memorial to Utah’s fallen soldiers of World War I, the park has since evolved into a beloved city sanctuary.
Readers might be drawn to sit on its lush green expanse and bask in the silence that its “canyon-like” structure offers from the noise of the city streets. The flora and fauna provide a wonderful ambiance, and the quiet rippling of the water is just the right amount of background noise to score any novel.
President’s Circle
201 S. Presidents Circle #309 Salt Lake City, UT 84112
If you are a student and you’re staying on campus over the summer, there is a wonderful reading spot right under your nose. President’s Circle, which finds its home at the University of Utah, is the epitome of a perfect place to read. It features large trees for overhead shade, benches to sit on and a stellar view of the valley.
Sunset Coffee
7978 S 1300 E Sandy, UT 84094 United States
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Sunset Coffee provides the perfect getaway reading spot. Located in Sandy, Utah, this little hole in the wall is one of the valley’s hidden gems. The back of the coffee shop offers an outdoor patio that jets out from the building and overlooks the valley. It is one of the most popular places in the area to watch the sunset.
So, grab some headphones, order a latte, escape into your favorite novel and watch as the sun paints the sky.
Your Own Backyard
Reading in your backyard is sometimes the way to go, especially on days when the air is warm and the UV is high. The blending of comfort with the feeling of a summer vacation becomes a reader’s bliss. Whether you choose to be stretched out on a patio lounger or tucked beneath the shade of a tree, you don’t have to go far to find an escape. Unlike the uncertainty of public spaces, the backyard setting allows for total immersion, free from distraction and public perception. In a fast-paced world, reading in your backyard is a quiet, personally intimate luxury.
And there you have it, just a few of the many literary escapes hidden around Salt Lake. Reading during a busy school semester can be challenging, so now, as summer dawns, get your “to be read” list ready and explore.
j.thornblad@dailyutahchronicle.com
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