If you’re looking for the perfect place to settle down in the Salt Lake Valley, your search just might be over. Highland Park’s gorgeous mountain views, lovely quaint neighborhoods, convenient central location, and unique shopping and dining will check all your boxes. Nestled in between the vast and incredibly scenic Sugarhouse Park and Millcreek, it is minutes from anywhere—downtown Salt Lake, the University of Utah, Sandy, and of course, enough skiing and hiking to satisfy the most enthusiastic adventurer. Here’s how to spend a day in Highland Park like a local.
RISE & SHINE
Beans & Brews—Start your day here with a cup of their famous coffee or hot chocolate and grab a delicious pastry or hearty breakfast croissant.
Stratford Proper and Feldman’s Deli—Both now offer enticing breakfast menus in addition to lunch and dinner, with generous portions large enough to take home for later.
STROLL & SHOP
Backyard Birds—Going strong over 22 years, Backyard Birds has been voted Salt Lake’s “most enchanting store,” and for good reason. This unique and characterful shop offers a truly remarkable selection of garden goods and bird supplies.
Driftwood Collection—Unassuming from the outside, this boutique houses a startlingly beautiful and eclectic assortment of high-end and hard-to-find vintage clothing.
Frost’s Books—Considered a Highland Park mainstay, this is the best place to go for book club favorites as well as a large assortment of gorgeous calendars, stationary, and gifts. Frost’s proudly carries Utah’s famous Fernwood Mints for when that chocolate craving hits.
Southeast Pharmacy—Our local neighborhood pharmacy and gift shop, Southeast offers a wide selection of gifts and toys, making it the perfect place to multitask while filling that prescription.
Native—Located next to Carden Memorial School, this quaint shop will transport you back to the time when “big box” just didn’t exist. A specially curated collection of floral delights will solve all your gifting and decorating dilemmas.
Cactus and Tropicals—This veritable oasis is filled with plants of all kinds, thoughtfully arranged around a beautiful and calming central water fountain. Their gift shop offers a gorgeous selection of candles, cards, gifts, and decor that you just can’t find anywhere else.
LUNCH
The Old Dutch Shop—Feel instantly transported to the Netherlands when you walk in the door! Try a sensational sandwich with one of their amazing imported cheeses, or browse the shop for authentic and hard-to-find Dutch gifts and treats.
Feldman’s Deli—This award-winning authentic Jewish delicatessen offers a beautiful atmosphere and fun weekend events that include music and comedy hours. Come hungry; portions are big!
Yanni’s Greek Express—Features delicious authentic Greek cuisine. Starving? The “Yanni’s Special” will not disappoint.
FOR THE KIDS
Stratford Park—With its large grassy field, shady trees, playground and pavilion, this park offers a spacious place to gather and play under a backdrop of the beautiful Wasatch mountain range. Located near Parley’s Trail, it’s a great spot to take a break from cycling and settle down for a picnic with the family.
Imperial Park—Nestled in the heart of Highland Park’s darling residential area, Imperial Park is new and thoughtfully planned, featuring a large sand play pit and water pump for children to enjoy, a contemporary (and shaded) playground, and a spacious pavilion, perfect for large gatherings.
Song of the Heart Studio—Introduce your little ones to music theory while strengthening your parent-child connection at this well-loved Kindermusik studio. With its fun and enriching classes, Song of the Heart offers an unforgettable experience of music and wonderment.
GRAB A TREAT
Sweet Sundaes Dessert Shop—Located in a quiet neighborhood in the heart of Highland Park, Sweet Sundaes offers a mouthwatering selection of ice cream and sorbets, Italian sodas, bakery items, floats, and sundaes.
Aloha Surf Shack Shaved Ice—In the summertime, Frost Books hosts this little oasis of big frozen treats that you can enjoy while lounging in their lawn chairs under a big shady tree.
BEAUTIFY
Meraki House Salon—Located near shopping and dining, Meraki House is an excellent full-service salon with a sleek, contemporary ambiance.
27th Street Salon—Next door to Native flowers, this salon offers some of the best beauty services in town as well as an assortment of carefully curated gifts.
JLoyola Hair Studio—Tucked right next to Stratford Proper and Sweet Sundaes desserts, this is the perfect place to freshen up your look before dining out.
DINNER
Stratford Proper—This classy bistro offers fine dining in a cheery suburban setting. Its diverse menu of gastronomic delights will satisfy the most discerning palette. Enjoy their spacious patio dining area under beautiful bistro lighting.
Per Noi Trattoria—An upscale family-owned restaurant, Per Noi offers superb Italian fare in a cozy atmosphere. Wrap up your meal with their famous cannoli or tiramisu. Buon appetito!
Sushi Groove—With their fun urban atmosphere, upbeat music, and unbeatable sushi, you be feeling groovy in no time! Sushi Groove hosts live music and DJ nights, and is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.
NIGHTLIFE
Bongo Lounge—Loved by locals and out-of-towners alike, Bongo’s vintage vibe (think Cheers) will help welcome the weekend. If the pool table, dart boards, and juke box weren’t enough, its three-sided bar and “cheap, good drinks all the time” will have you coming back with the regulars.
Brickyard Bar—Spacious and contemporary, Brickyard offers a menu that puts “pub grub” to shame. With DJ/karaoke night Fridays and live music Saturdays, your weekends are covered. Sunday morning yoga and brunch (“Planks and Dranks”) will help you detox.
VFW—Whether you’re a war veteran or not, you’ll love the intimate feel and nautical ambiance of this tried-and-true dive bar. Great food, pool and darts, and karaoke nights round out the experience.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Visual Art Institute—This has been Highland Park’s premier art studio for over 40 years. It offers a variety of art classes for all ages, levels, and media, and showcases unique creations by local artists.
Salt Lake Golf lounge—Practice your swing all year long with state-of-the-art golf simulations, lessons, and even a golf league.
Want to know more about living in Highland Park? Visit our Highland Park page for neighborhood information and current property listings.
Niche Homes is a boutique real-estate agency specializing in Salt Lake neighborhoods and enclaves. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a home.
