The Utah area at large has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Anasazi Native Americans initially settled it from 1 to 1300AD. The name Utah derives from an ancient people of the area called the Ute. In 1847 a group of Mormon pioneers, the first Europeans to settle in the area, founded the town that is the origin of present-day Salt Lake City. The pioneers drew up the plans for Salt Lake City, named for the lake dominating the area. Town planners arranged it in a grid-like pattern, with the Temple Square at its center. In 1848 more settlers arrived in the area, these being new converts to Mormonism. Over the next decade, Salt Lake City saw the influx of many immigrants and diverse cultures, making it the cosmopolitan center it is today. During the 1850s, the California Gold Rush brought waves of migrants into the region and an increased military presence. The transcontinental railroad's completion in 1866 attracted more people into the city, and many of the initial "gold diggers" became permanent residents. At the end of the 1800s and early 1900s, mining gold, copper, and silver became a lucrative endeavor for miners and owners, sparking the erection of many a grand mansion in the town. The late 1890s initiated much change in Salt Lake City with the ending of the practice of polygamy within the Mormon community to women's voting rights in 1896. Similarly, the 1900s was the time for progress which saw many buildings going up, the creation of many city parks, sewer systems, and paved streets. During the early 1900s, the city used electric trolleys to transport people around town, but authorities eventually phased these out, replacing them with buses in the 1930s. Over the last half-century, Salt Lake City has experienced the establishment of commercial and shopping centers. In addition, in the early 2000s, a project to revitalize downtown Salt Lake City was launched, bringing much industry and opportunities to the residents. Presently the city is a thriving metropolitan hub with extensive planned expansion on the horizon.

Whether it's movies or festivals in the park, watching a concert, or exploring the magnitude of outdoor and indoor attractions, Salt Lake City offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few extraordinary things to do that you should definitely include in your events calendar:

Historic Temple Square: The Temple Square is the most visited attraction in Utah, with up to five million visitors per year. The square encompasses 35 acres of exquisite architecture and grounds.

Pig & A Jelly Jar: For the ultimate southern comfort food blended with a modern twist, where the food is even more exciting and delightful than the name, this unique culinary experience is a serious MUST in Salt Lake City!

Urban Art Gallery: You can discover this arty treasure in downtown Salt Lake City at The Gateway. It displays an intriguing collection of artworks from local artists offering street art, fine modern art, unique jewelry, t-shirts, and more.