The Avenues, coined by the locals as “The Aves,” may just be Salt Lake City’s most quintessential neighborhood. Established in the 1850s, this area became one of Salt Lake’s first, and most prestigious, neighborhoods. It is set on a grid system of north to south streets, A — V (Virginia St.), and east to west avenues, 1st — 18th. Although mere minutes from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, Avenues residents feel like they are in their own little town. This can be credited to the convenience of locally owned eateries, parks and trails, and an assortment of schools and churches.
While the views and walkability make this neighborhood a desirable place to live, the historic homes and craftsmanship are equally impressive. Whether you are passing through or are fortunate enough to call The Aves home, there is something to explore for ALL. So, grab your walking shoes and prepare to fall in love with the not so hidden, eclectic neighborhood gem known as the Greater Avenues. Here are our recommendations for what to do in The Avenues and how to spend your day like a local.
RISE & SHINE
Find a trail — Whether you are training or just want to get your endorphins going, access the nearby trails for a morning walk, run, or bike. Many of the trails are dog & kid friendly. Check out the AllTrails app for directions, elevation, mileage, and weather. We suggest trying Twin Peak, City Creek Canyon, Bonneville Shoreline, Terrace Hills, I ST. Bike Park, and Memory Grove trails.
Bonneville Blvd. — Ride, walk or bike around the base of City Creek Canyon. This one-way street that starts at the intersection of B St. & 11th Avenue. Odd days bikers welcome. This is a portion of the 2019 Tour of Utah route for Salt Lake City.
Straw Market Utah — The hot and filling breakfast burritos, sweet and savory cinnamon rolls, and crepes made to order are just a few of the favorites menu items to start your day! Their delicious food is paired with their welcoming ambiance on 4th Avenue.
Publik Utah — Tucked in among the houses on 3rd Avenue is this quiet coffee shop with patio seating. Satisfy your morning craving with their daily drip coffee, hummus toast, or housemade granola.
LUNCH & DINNER
Cafe Shambala — This family owned eatery features classic Tibetan food prepared fresh daily with an emphasis on their motto, “Mostly Vegetarian Food for a Long Life.”
Avenues Proper — This industrial-chic craft brewery with indoor and patio dining is just a skip hop away from LDS Hospital. We recommend you order the rarebit pommes frites, bibimbap, or eggs benedict with basil pesto hollandaise. The Avenues Proper also serves brunch (Friday — Sunday) & dinner.
Avenues Bistro on Third — The perfect date night spot that merges fine dining with a comfort food experience. Brunch also served. Don’t miss their huevos rancheros or the housemade curry chicken salad for lunch. You won’t leave disappointed!
Cucina — This deli by day, wine bar by night, is the spot to grab and go or sit down and explore their fine dining menu. Lobster gnocchi, stuffed portabella, and roasted Cornish hen is a sampling on their menu items. Now taking reservations and live music on the patio on Saturday evenings.
GRAB A TREAT
Hatch Family Chocolates — If you are looking to indulge, you have found the spot! For over 17 years, Hatch Family Chocolates has been satisfying SLC’s sweet tooth with frozen hot chocolate, rootbeer floats, housemade ice cream, eclairs, caramel apples & MUCH more. Order from their curbside menu here.
RELAX & BEAUTIFY
Bauhaus Salon — This full-service hair salon is located in the heart of The Avenues on 6th Ave. Owner & artistic director, David Holland says, “this is the place for your hair to be the center of our creative universe.” Make sure to book an appointment in advance!
Kura Door — This holistic Japanese spa focusing on the art of relaxation and rejuvenation will make you forget you are in Utah. The wild lime scalp treatment, ofuro bath, seisei massage, Japanese stone massage are just a few of many options customers can choose from. Consistently rated as one of Utah’s top-rated spas.
FOR THE KIDS
Corrine & Jack Sweet Branch — What was once home to Ensign Elementary is now a SLC local library branch containing over 8,000 square feet for residents to explore books, music, movies, magazines, and free wifi.
Northcrest Swim Club — Beat the heat with the non-profit pool operated by community members. Northcrest offers kids swim lessons, swim & dive teams, as well as water aerobics. Stay up to date with events, hours and closures on their website.
PARKS GALORE
Kletting Park located nestled between homes on B St. is a cute little spot to let the adults relax and the kids to burn energy.
Lindsey Gardens, on the corner of 8th Avenue & M St., is a sizable park with 3 Baseball diamonds adjacent and is home to The Avenues Baseball League. In the winter months, the gentle hills are the perfect spot for sledding.
11th Ave. Park is located to the East of Ensign School you can find soccer fields, 6+ tennis courts, and sidewalks perfect for roller skates, scooters, and bikes with panoramic views of the University and Downtown.
Popperton Park, situated just north of Shriners Hospital, is a shaded park with more beautiful views of Salt Lake City. The Greater Avenues Community Council also has their community garden located here.
Reservoir Park on South Temple is the place for picnic, dogs, and children who love to swing.
Memory Grove Park is the starting point for many of the east bench trails. Named for the war memorials honoring Salt Lake’s heroes, you’ll find lovely shaded benches and picnicking spots.
SIGHTS & STROLLS
Cathedral of Madeleine — It took almost a decade in the early 1900s for the Catholic church to build the Cathedral of Madeleine with its Romanesque exterior and Spanish Gothic interior. While much of the exterior remains the same, during the 1990s the interior underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. The cathedral is listed on the Utah Register of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.
Governor’s Mansion — Thomas Kearn earned his fortune in Park City on silver during the 1800s. He later built the Kearn’s (Governor’s) Mansion. The interior is said to be as equally as exquisite as the Chateauesque exterior. Free tours available by appointment only.
Salt Lake City Cemetery — From Utah’s first and only female governor, to outlaws and the claimed “Sundance kid” burial site, this cemetery is jam packed with Utah history. Dating back to 1849, the City Cemetery spans 122 acres and 9 ½ miles of road. Planted over 170 years ago, the cemetery’s Tree Tour has made this historical location a favorite for wildlife to roam and residents to take in the beauty of the bright pink flowering crabapple blossoms in the spring and witness the Norway Maple’s yellow brilliance in the fall. This list will help you track down Salt Lake’s most notable citizens buried here including our city’s suffragists and first Black pioneers.
Water Conservation Demonstration Garden — Situated on the northern foothills at Terrace Hills Drive and 11th Avenue, this urban garden’s plants are thoughtfully divided into ecozones. Each zone contains native plants and demonstrates their tolerance for the range of climate the four seasons bring to Salt Lake City and its impact on vegetation.
THINKING OF MOVING TO THE AVENUES?
Take our Avenues Photo Tour —See the best The Avenues has to offer and get a better sense of the neighborhood.
Look at Current Listings —Find property information and current listing on our Avenues neighborhood page.
Talk to Kerry Harding —Kerry is our resident realtor and neighborhood expert. She would love to talk to you anytime about her experience moving to The Avenues after living all over the world.
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 or moving to Utah.
