City Attractions(Bryn)

The weekend before the first walkabout, my boyfriend and I went on a whirlwind tour of the city. I chose places in the city that I had heard were unique and easily accessible from the Trax. Our first stop was the library. We didn't enter the library at the time, because we were trying to get to the Farmer's Market before it closed for the day. I didn't know the exact location of the Farmer's Market, so I figured it was in that general area, possibly in Washington Square. Of course, upon arrival, we realized the Farmer's Market was nowhere in sight, so we explored Washington Square for a half-hour before asking a pedestrian where the Market was located.

Washington Square was interesting to us because of the uniqueness of the City & County building, built of stone and profound in structure. The peaks and arches, and the intricate carving on the stone added to the structure's beauty. The contrast between the modern library and this old-world building provided the surrounding blocks with the best of both architectural worlds.

Although Washington Square was peaceful, with its fountains, flowers, and open grassy areas, the Farmer's Market was exciting and upbeat. I wished we would have been able to spend more time there, but we were only able to briefly browse and eat before the Market closed for the day. The first thing I noticed, when waiting in line to purchase food, are the many ethnicities in this one central location. There was much more divesity present at the Farmer's Market than is typical when walking down the streets of Salt Lake City. Not only were many cultures gathered at the Market, but people of different backgrounds and social classes. Many homeless people lay scattered around the trees for a shady place to sleep while children played on the jungle gym immediately beside them. Singles, couples, and families alike came to enjoy all the Market had to offer. Along with the lively, safe, and upbeat atmosphere, there was a feeling of community. The Market is most definitely a place people return to time and time again. Not only was the food incredible, but the booths of clothing, jewelry, art, and other whimisical pieces were items not found anywhere else. The Farmer's Market stressing the advantages of buying local products and helps to keep the city's economy healthy.

After the Farmer's Market we spent some time at the Gateway Mall window-shopping and eating yummy ice-cream! I loved the mall and the outdoor location. It's a nice place for families, teens, and adults to relax and shop.

Quaid chose the next stop: The Planetarium! We explored all the great hands-on activities and took lots of pictures with the astronaut picture on the wall! Finally, we decided on a show to see in the dome theater. After the show, we were able to explore the planetarium's store where they sold many interesting objects having to do with science and astronomy.

There were various other places we vistited including the intersection at 9th and 9th, Temple Square, and the Urban Room and Library, which was the assigned location of my group's first walkabout. I have begun to get more familiar with Salt Lake City and aspects of the city that make it unique. As I continue to go on walkabouts with my City as Text group, I'm confident I will have more experiences in the city that will prove significant to my overall understanding of it.