Exploring Salt Lake City: From Books to Byways

Written By: Robin Houghton, Olivia McCaughan, Allie Plunk, and Jacob Wessels

On our second day in Salt Lake City, LEAP Ambassadors enjoyed a fun-filled day of learning and exploration, from seeing sights from the Salt Lake City Library, to visiting Park City, to taking a scenic tour of Utah’s more natural features. 

SLC Library

LEAP Ambassadors started the day by exploring the Salt Lake City Library. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie (who also designed Crystal Bridges Art Museum), the library is as much a work of art as a center for community. 

The building is uniquely shaped into a triangle with a curved base. This specific shape was chosen to let in the most light through the predominantly glass structure, helping naturally keep the library cool in the summer and warm in the winter according to the differing curves of the sun’s path. Mirroring this curve is an outer wall, inlaid with spaces that businesses can rent out, and a curved amphitheater within the courtyard. 

My favorite floor was probably the first floor. Walking into the library, we were greeted by a piece called Psyche, created by Ralph Helmick and Stu Schecter. It is made up entirely of small hanging books and butterflies, strung in the shape of a head, a play on the Greek word for both mind and butterfly.

Elsewhere in the Library, I was fascinated by the massive volume of CDs, especially those of local artists featured in the audio section, a good example of the library exposing people to new cultural horizons while also supporting the local community. Speaking of which, there was also a place to buy stickers designed by local artists and a seed check-out kiosk where locals could take seeds to plant in their home garden. The concept is that, after the harvest, “borrowers” would return some seeds from the plants they grew. I also admired (and was jealous of!) the incredible resources the creative lounge had to offer, including leathercraft, sewing machines, audio recording, and even a soldering station! 

The roof, featuring 360-degree views of Salt Lake City, was a close second place in my ranking. We were able to see both the mountains and the top of city hall from the same spot. 

As we left, we were all able to come to the same conclusion: the Salt Lake City Library has all the functions of a proper community center, with something for everyone to enjoy. 

Caputo’s Market & Deli

Following our library adventure, we stopped for lunch at Caputo’s Market & Deli for authentic Italian cuisine and specialty foods. Founded in 1997 by Tony Caputo, the deli has become a local institution by bringing high-quality imported European products and traditional Italian flavors to Utah.

We were able to enjoy a variety of dishes. The Caputo, Roasted Reds, Mortadella Mami, and Hot Pastrami each highlighted the quality ingredients and classic combinations that have been staples of Italian delis for generations.

Many of us couldn’t resist browsing Caputo’s famous chocolate selection. We shared and sampled an assortment of chocolates, including one decorated with edible flowers that was as beautiful as it was delicious. We also enjoyed several unique flavors, including Vietnamese Coffee, Orange with Sea Salt, Cardamom, and Chili Chocolate. Personally, my favorite was the Vietnamese Coffee. It captured the bold flavor of coffee without overpowering the chocolate. 

By preserving the culinary traditions of Europe while also introducing them to new audiences, Caputo’s has become an important part of Salt Lake City’s diverse food culture. The experience reminded us that food has the power to connect people with history, culture, and one another.

Park City

Our next stop was Park City, Utah‘s Main Street, an idyllic strip of shops, restaurants and cafes. It was discovered in 1868 when soldiers stationed in Salt Lake City traveled from Big Cottonwood Canyon to find silver. After silver mining slowed and miners began to move on to other lands in search of more minerals, the town became a leading state in winter sports, which led to the creation of Park City’s Historic Main Street. The street is now home to over 200 unique businesses, including 50 one-of-a-kind restaurants.

As the Huntsville Main Street Coordinator, it was very interesting to see how Park City’s Main Street compared to our own. During my walk through town, many things caught my eye: the vibrant landscapes, the numerous souvenir shops, and the distinctive Main Street Trolley. Combining all of these elements created the perfect environment for a wonderful day of shopping and visiting with friends and family.

After visiting this thriving Main Street, I have been inspired to bring many of these aspects back to Huntsville. This Main Street is definitely one for others to look to for guidance on their next project for bringing the community together.

Scenic Byway

After exploring Park City’s Main Street, we spent the afternoon taking a scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountains. In contrast to the previous night’s rigorous hike, this drive was much less exerting, allowing us to take plenty of photos of the beautiful flora and fauna of Utah. 

We began near the top of the Wasatch Mountains, where the cooler weather allowed us to see a vibrant array of wildflowers, which complemented the surrounding mountains. We stopped to take in the quaking aspens (which we were  surprised to learn all share the same root system), and to enjoy even more beautiful views! 

Further down the mountain, in Big Cottonwood Canyon, we saw Silver Lake, which features a short trail ideal for spotting a diverse array of animals. Almost immediately, we spotted a few squirrels and chipmunks around the visitor center, making them perfect practice for photos.  

Things got more exciting as we walked down the boardwalk, almost immediately spotting an osprey diving for prey on the lake. We also observed some less predatory birds, such as sparrows and ducks. We even got to see a beaver swimming around the lake! 

As we moved onto the surrounding trail, we spotted a few robins in the underbrush. About halfway around the lake, we saw a grazing deer and managed to snag a tricky photo of a dragonfly. The greatest sight, however, was near the end of the trail, where we managed to catch glimpses of a moose! 

After taking a multitude of photos- and filling up a camera memory card- we made our way back to the hotel, happy with the day’s pursuits.

Pretty Bird Chicken

Once we were back, we ordered dinner from Pretty Bird, the self-professed best chicken place in Salt Lake City! Owner Viet Pham is a world-renowned chef, who retired from fine dining to set up Pretty Bird and explore his version of the Nashville spicy fried chicken. We enjoyed the flavors and spices of the chicken, but the fries and the street corn weren’t our favorite dishes. Still, it was an interesting addition to our Salt Lake City culinary experience.

Conclusion

Our second day in Salt Lake City was well-spent, filled with learning, exploring, and some lessons to take with us, back to Huntsville, our home towns, and in life. As the day concluded, most of us agreed that Salt Lake City, Utah was one of our new favorite places!

From Mazza’s to Mountains: CSG West Day One

Written By: Jacob Wessels

Before heading out to tackle the local trails, LEAP Ambassadors set out to experience Salt Lake City’s vibrant food scene, fuel up, and to continue our theme of ethnic food destinations in Salt Lake City. Nestled in the 15th and 15th neighborhood, we ate at Mazza, a James Beard Award-nominated Lebanese restaurant.

While the service was a bit spotty, the menu showcased the depth of Lebanese cuisine, striking a balance between familiar favorites and complex specialty dishes. We began with their classic, smooth hummus paired with a distinctively airy, fluffy pita bread and meatballs before exploring their rich entrees. The meatballs especially stood out as an experience in spice blending. Served in a deeply flavorful, rich tomato sauce packed with traditional spices, these meatballs were definitely one of the highlights of the night.

For entrees we went for a wide variety of dishes, including the savory lamb and spinach yakhneh, shawarma, beef and lamb kabobs, and a uniquely balanced chicken dish prepared with olives and dried fruit, the latter of which was the standout among the menu items we sampled.

Fueled by our meal and hoping to beat sunset, we were ready to set off on our hike! When we first set out on the Living Room Trail in Salt Lake City, our main goal was to catch the sunset from the famous rock couches at the top. However, as our very first LEAP hike, the trail turned out to be a lot steeper and harder than we anticipated ((editor’s note: despite repeated discussions about this very topic). The constant incline tested our stamina, and while we pushed through and made it all the way to the summit, we unfortunately missed the sunset. Despite the timing mishap, the journey up was incredibly beautiful and rewarding; we even got to see some local wildlife along the way, including a doe and buck grazing against the backdrop of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Swapping out the familiar, humid Texas forests for the massive, rugged peaks of the Wasatch Range gave us a newfound appreciation for how diverse American geography can be. Climbing up the rocky, high-altitude terrain of Salt Lake City felt worlds away from our usual campus walks, making the physical challenge even more memorable for us, and allowing us to push ourselves outside our comfort zones to experience a completely different side of the country.

By the time we reached the top, the dusk had faded, giving us a stunning view of the city lights. This was definitely the most rewarding part of the night; we felt like we had accomplished something together. The descent proved to be its own adventure, as navigating the very steep trail in the pitch dark felt a bit scary and required us to look out for one another every step of the way. Facing the tough terrain and conquering the dark together created a memory and a shared connection that none of us will ever forget.

LEAPing into Salt Lake City: CSG West Day One

Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, and Allie Plunk

Before the start of the Council of State Government’s annual meeting, LEAP students were able to spend their first day in Utah getting to know the unique culture of Salt Lake City! From city tours to cuisine, it was a great introduction to the vast array of things that Utah has to offer.    

Salt Lake City Bus Tour

The first event on our busy schedule was a bus tour of the city. One of the most striking buildings we were able to see was the Salt Lake City Temple. The temple, which took 40 years to build, was finished in 1893 and is home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It features gothic elements such as gabled spires, pointed-arch windows, and emphatic verticality, striking an impressive silhouette to the city.

While we didn’t have a chance to go into the Temple, we did have the opportunity to attend an organ recital in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was a beautiful space–one that was built in 1867, prior to the railroad coming to SLC. This meant that all the materials had to be sourced locally, conveyed with oxen teams. Despite these limitations, the building is an aesthetic masterpiece and an acoustic marvel!

Of course, the City’s impressiveness extended beyond architecture; we also had a chance to see parks, landscapes, and art installations that also proved intriguing.

“This is the Place” Heritage Park provided us with a striking view of the nature this state offers. The mountains formed from many years of tectonic activity, creating the valley which the city calls home. From the park, we were able to see the city from an elevated and flattering view!

We particularly liked the “This is the Place Monument.” Its name, along with the name of the park, references the famous words by Brigham Young as he decided Salt Lake City would be the place to settle.

Our tour stopped briefly at the State Capital where we had the opportunity to meet Sabin Howard, sculptor of the WWI monument in Washington DC. He gave us a brief overview of his current project that will sit in Utah, a monument to honor the 250th anniversary of America.

A common motif throughout the city was the presence of beehives and beelike structures. The symbolism represents the shared ideals of the Salt Lake community. This mindset ensures that everyone works together to create a better community by contributing to historical conservation efforts and protecting the natural structures.

With many more adventures to come, and much learned about the city, the tour was a great success and a wonderful way to kick off our adventurous week!

Siegfried’s Delicatessen

Following the tour, we ate at local restaurant Seigfried’s Delicatessen. Founded in 1971 by German immigrant Siegfried Meyer, it is Salt Lake City’s only authentic German deli. Now owned by Daiva Stankadichyus, the restaurant continues its celebration of German cuisine through its homemade sausages, sauerkraut, and goulash.

We were all very excited to try new foods– some we had never heard of before, like Knockwurst (a garlicky beef sausage) and Weisswurst (a light pork sausage).

Though not particularly fond of sauerkraut, Robin found Seigfried’s version to be one of her favorites! Isis was charmed by the weiner schnitzel, which she had never tried before. Professor Yawn’s goulash was another table favorite; and Stephanie–an expert on Reuben sandwiches–gave a positive review of the Seigfried version (which featured mayo and mustard rather than Russian dressing).

This adventure into German cuisine served as just one example of the layered culture, much of it shaped by immigrants, of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Exploring the Capitol

Architecture also speaks to the culture and ideas of a place, so it’s not shocking that the LEAP Ambassadors throughout the years have taken an interest in the architecture of different cities. We had the opportunity to tour the Utah State Capitol and experience its intricate design work through an in-depth tour (after getting a taste of its grandeur from a brief stop on our morning bus tour). Our Capitol Docent, Jac, provided many insights into the symbolism present within the multi-story building.

We began in the House of Representatives, where 75 Representatives take their seats beneath the chamber’s ornate ceiling. While beautiful, at first glance, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary, until we noticed two spoons on a few members’ desks. Jac informed us that those spoons were awards for “stirring the pot,” which had us taking notes for potential Ambassador awards.

Throughout the tour, we were in awe of how intentionally the Capitol was designed. The architect, Richard K.A. Kletting, included dozens of motifs throughout that told a detailed story of Utah and its values. The staple symbol of Utah – the beehive – could be found all over the Capitol. From the state seal on the doors, the honeycomb tiling on the floor, and most interestingly, the honeycomb onyx pillars in the Senate chamber, every detail reflected the values crucial to developing Salt Lake City.    

The Utah Senate has 29 districts, only two fewer than Texas. While Utah and Texas have a similar number of state legislators, individual Utah residents enjoy about 8 times more representation than Texas residents in their state legislature. This ratio isn’t much different in the House, either. This creates a strong relationship between constituents and representatives, a highlight of the Utah state government. Jac told us she even is able to have personal relationships with both her Representative and Senator, allowing her to have a deeper connection to what happens in legislation.

Conclusion

The first part of LEAP’s first day in Utah was well spent. In exploring the unique aspects of Salt Lake City, we all gained a valuable understanding of the city’s strong culture of community and sense of history, from a collection of different cuisines, to the various architectural styles, to the friendly people.

Advice in the Advising World: A Sam Center Panel

In academia, summer brings with it some lulls punctuated by freshmen orientations, which are intense periods of advisement. During one of the lulls, the Sam Center Director, Ashley Pruitt, invited a motley group of SHSU staff, administrators, and faculty to share insights with her team of advisors.

The two-hour panelogue was educational and, at times, entertaining, including: Dusty Jones (Math); Keila Tyner (Family and Consumer Sciences); Michael Henderson (College of Arts and Media); Mark Tuttle (COBA); Brian Jordan (History); Dustin Gross (Chemistry); Jason Enia (Political Science and CHSS); and Mike Yawn (LEAP Center).

Pruitt, as always full of directed energy, offered various prompts for discussion:

  • What led to your field?
  • What led to your leadership role?
  • How do you handle anxious or struggling students in your class?
  • What academic mistake taught you the most?
  • What’s something people assume about your field that isn’t necessarily true?
  • What do you wish more people knew about your discipline?
  • What are you currently learning that has nothing to do with your job?
  • What’s your favorite area/component of your discipline?
  • What’s the most memorable student success story you’ve witnessed?
  • What’s a question you wish someone would ask you?

Thus, we learned that while Dusty Jones ended up in the Math world, he began as a “theatre kid.”

We learned that Jason Enia is sometimes greeted with sighs and groans when he tells people that he teaches political science.

We also learned that Keila Tyner spent about ten years in New York, working for high-end companies, a lead-in to her role as Assistant Chair of Fashion Merchandising.

Additional learning included the fact that Brian Jordan does not like a “turning point” conception of history…

…and Michael Henderson was brought to SHSU to teach animation, despite his prior training as a painter. In addition, marketing may be difficult for Henderson: there are numerous artists, and at least one serial killer, with the same name (I would like to see a Venn diagram of these individuals to see how far the circles diverged from one another…).

Beyond these interesting facts, the session gave the opportunity for advisors to meet some University leaders, and the opportunity for University leaders to meet advisors–the latter, it should be noted, are leaders on campus, too. They often have the first real interaction with our incoming students, and over the course of their college career, they develop meaningful relationships with the students. Their presence in students’ lives influence student retention and success….

…and that, in turn, leads to the success of the University.

Many thanks to Director Ashley Pruitt for putting together this panel and for investing in her staff.

LEAP Eats: Pita and Pastries

Written by: Kayla Fleming and Isis Hollis

A LEAP trip wouldn’t be complete without exploring various different cuisines. This past weekend we tried everything from Mediterranean bowls to French pastries!

To prepare for a fulfilling day at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, LEAP Students had the opportunity to eat at Craft Pita, which serves farm to table Mediterranean cuisine. To start, we split the Mezze (a set of small, shareable dishes) Sampler. The hummus, babaganoush, and the turnips were crowd favorites. For some of us, it was our first time having a full mediterranean meal, and it did not disappoint.

Craft Pita is known for its inclusion of Tex Mex influence in otherwise traditional mediterranean food. One example of this was the Lebanese Tacos. Made with falafel, a meat alternative of spiced, mashed chickpeas, the dish surprised us with its complementary flavors. Aside from this exciting dish, we also enjoyed salads, wraps, and hummus bowls!

To finish off the meal, we ordered three deserts for the table: the Turkish Coffee Brownie, Lemon Mint Ice Cream, and Pistachio Ice Cream. The brownie was rich and delicate, while the ice cream was light and refreshing. The lemon mint was a surprising favorite, and we could not stop going back for more. Overall, Craft Pita only added to our wonderful weekend in Houston and prepared us for the exciting day ahead.

Our last stop in the diverse city of Houston was Common Bond Cafe on Sunday. The cafe had a pleasant atmosphere and delicious food! Nearly all of us went with the grilled cheese but we mixed it up with the sides. Robin and I had the tomato soup while Allie and Olivia had the fries. The fries had a unique thin, crispy texture that was very enjoyable.

Not only was the food great, but so were the pastries. I had the strawberry cheesecake muffin that was both photogenic and sweet. Of course their most famous pastry, the Kouign-amann, was a must on our list of things to try. It was buttery and flaky, similar to a croissant but had a crunchy layer of caramelized sugar on the bottom.

After we finished eating, Professor Yawn took us on a tour of some of the famous sculptures located in the Woodlands. Luckly we were able to stop and get a selfie infront of a massive James Surls sculpture.

Both spots, though different in many ways, added even more fun to our trip by expanding our palates and knowledge of different food cultures and artwork around the world!