We don’t have many traditions but the ones we do are extra special like this one: going on a trip with our sixteen-year-old child. You see when our children turn sixteen, we go on a trip with the teen, my husband, and I. We usually go to another state and spend a week or two exploring. This is a special time for us to bond and make those special memories with our children before they start going to college, working, driving, or move out. We went to Florida with Peter for his sixteenth birthday. Here are the posts from Peters trip: road trip through west coast Florida, Florida’s gator experience, fun in Orlando, and road trip on the gulf coast.
Esther picked Utah for her sixteenth birthday special trip.
McCune Mansion
I often wish that everyone would and could build a mansion for themselves made out of brick. There is so much charm and character in this beautiful 21-room mansion. I think everyone deserves to call something so stunning their home. Now the reality is that only a few individuals can afford to live in something so grand. Alfred McCune was the wealthiest man in town. He was a railroad builder and a partner in Peruvian mines. It took three years to complete this house.
While we weren’t able to look inside the mansion we strolled around and awed at the exterior of the house. You can rent this home for a few hours for weddings and other occasions. You can call (801) 533-0858 ext. 104 and see if they do historic tours.
Located at 200 North. Maine St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.
Utah State Capitol Building
If I ever have to move from California, Utah is the state I want to move to because they are so relaxed here. In California you have to make a reservation to go into the state capitol and you have to get a photography permit to take pictures inside of it. In Utah, you simply greet a security guard and walk in. Inside the capital the architecture is breathtaking. From the hand painted murals, dome covered with Utah copper, sculptures, two marble grand staircases on opposite sides dividing the Supreme Court and the House of Representatives. You can actually look inside. We came on a weekday, and we had the capitol building all to ourselves for a few minutes. This is a great place to learn about American history and be blown away by the architecture. It is also free to enter.
Located at 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103.
Red Butte Garden
One of the best things about visiting a garden is that it changes with each season and there is always something beautiful to see. We absolutely loved the ornamental grass and the fall anemone. The roses were still in bloom during the fall season. Here you can explore the fragrance garden, the herb garden, the medicinal garden, the four seasons garden, the water pavilion garden, and the children’s garden. There are 21 acres of display gardens so put on your comfortable shoes and get lost for the day. The views from the canyon overlook were a highlight.
Located at 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
Doughnut Falls
We didn’t get much of a waterfall when we went but it was a beautiful 3.3 round trip hike. You will be hiking through aspen forest. When we went it was covered in snow and was extremely icy. Once you pass a wooden bridge take a left. You can enjoy the waterfall without going all the way up. Safety for me always comes first, not sure about my husband who climbed up the steep rocks. We did come across an 8-month-old pregnant woman attempting to go up. If it wasn’t covered in snow and wasn’t icy, then maybe it would be worth trying to climb up. This would not be a hard hike if it was dry, and we were wearing good shoes.
Antelope Island State Park
Have you ever been somewhere spectacular with very few people, and you wonder where are all the people at? It always amazes me how some places that aren’t that special are packed with people while some of my absolute favorite places barely have anyone exploring them. Here you will see hundreds of bison’s roaming and you might even get to see them closer than you feel comfortable with. Antelope Island is only forty minutes outside of Salt Lake City. We loved walking down to the Great Salt Lake where it is five times saltier than the ocean and if you chose to you could get in and float in it. There are many short trails to explore and choose from. We really enjoyed Buffalo Point Trail which is only one mile in and out.
Located at 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075
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