Water is one of the most important geographic ingredients for the local spirits at Dented Brick Distillery and Ogden’s Own Distillery.

Salt Smith, a vendor at the 15th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival, makes unique blends of salt perfect for seasoning all kinds of food.

Plant care is often generalized, with little research says Krado, an AgTech company that provides subscribers with a holistic plant care system called leaflet™.

Still riding the high of a recent sold-out show at The State Room, MedCo is in the process of developing a new album defined by “heavy psych-rock, doom metal and a darker sound.”

Raised on a foundation of rock music and traditional folk, artist Pepper Rose has found strength and encouragement through the community of open mic nights.

SLUG sat down with Francis Fecteau, wine broker and owner of Libation, LLC, to discuss the trials of mezcal in Utah.

Despite this passion, Michelle Sharer of Micky Makes focused her career on software engineering, though she says the “itch to be creative” was always there.

Aziza SLC all started with the idea of bringing the same food experience Menna Rashwan used to have in Egypt.

Adrian and Rachel Prazen’s relationship and craftsmanship were forged from dark and intricate places. After coming in and out of the tempering fire, they channeled their struggles and strengths into a thriving jewelry business.

For the emerging apprentice chef, the time right out of culinary school becomes one in which to immerse yourself into the world of restaurants, finding your passions and absorbing all of the knowledge that the chefs working above you in the kitchen will bestow.

Ah, summertime! ’Tis the season where the nights get warmer and shorter. If you live in Utah, there’s so much shit you can do that you can’t or won’t always do during the three inferior seasons.

Using simple ingredients, the Curvy Spoon is a small-batch, artisanal mustard company owned and operated by Valerie Koonce.

Founded in July 2023, Kumo serves specialty drinks with homemade chocolate sauces, creamers, crepe cakes and, the point of my mission, fluffy pancakes.

Kandi and Bryon Tesen run one of the 15th Annual Craft Lake City food vendors, Eats Bakery. Eats Bakery is a vegan bakery bringing its customers high-quality, delicious vegan treats.

Earthie Crunchie is a solution for the waste-conscious Salt Laker who wants to keep their food waste out of the landfill but doesn’t have space to compost it.

With such an intense emotional descriptor as their band name, The Fervors deliver a unique sound that is just as captivating to listen to.

Growing up in a Vermont country inn, Aimee Toner spent a lot of time in the kitchen. After stepping up to help when her mother got sick when she was 15, Toner developed skills and a passion for cooking.

Utah Ghost Tours provide bus tours and walking tours to some of the most haunted spots and graveyards in SLC and Ogden. I opted for the Whiskey Street tour.

Emigration Brewing Co. sits amid the picturesque mountains of Emigration Canyon in a modernized, rustic, Swiss-style building.

Through innovation and hard work, Will Simmons of Gold Ridge Design can upholster any item—from modernized couches to transformed, ’60s-diner RV interiors.

The Lincoln Street Farm has been providing unique seedlings, produce and homemade self-care products to the Salt Lake Valley.

What we do know is that our local options to spend a weekend—or a day off—span everything from shopping for artisan-crafted products to punk records, from eating vegan food to renting and watching VHS tapes of obscure films. If this sounds appealing, it may be time for your next SLC Staycation.

Spontaneous brewing has realized a resurgence. Competitive brewer Pat Winslow has arisen with his own takes on a classic style. "I have a huge imagination and passion for trying new things," says Pat Winslow. "Failure is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to expand my ability to grow and think critically."

Peter Esko’s decades of design experience, historical affinity and creative curiosity led him to establish the Esko Type Foundry.

Essentially, Lit'l Grim's style is a succession of each band members’ taste in music—especially those of frontperson Tate Grimshaw.

Argentina’s Best Empanadas has been a longtime favorite in Downtown SLC. Their smaller size and relative affordability make the offerings from Argentina’s Best perfect for sampling and sharing.

Heavy, hyperaggressive rock n’ roll is the essence of Salt Lake–based Magda-Vega’s sound. Since 2013, ex–Wild Ones members guitarist Bill Frost and vocalist Robin Brown, with the help of guitarist-turned-bassist Angela Mize and drummer Mike Walton, have created a sound that is both infectious and substantial.

Bomba Marilé was formed in 2017 as a way to connect the individuals with their Afro-Puerto Rican culture and share the diversity and beauty of the culture.

ENSO Piercing radiates a calm, professional and safe environment perfect for anyone looking to add some sparkle to their aesthetic.

Opened in 2019 at the heavily trafficked corner of Exchange Place and State Street, Arempas prides themselves on creating traditional Venezuelan cuisine.

Wendy Juarez pays homage to the colorful, Pre-Columbian diet of her ancestors through her creations of “Pre-Hispanic Vegetarian Food” at Prime Corn.

Middle Eastern pastries and desserts are of a different breed than the beloved sugar bombs Western diners enjoy—texture often takes precedent over sweetness.

In the fall of next year, Congregation Spirits will open their doors, and the Euclid, Rose Park, Fairpark and other local neighborhoods will be welcome to come together to take part of the service. Neves says, “It is a beverage-production campus … We are building an urban winery and brewery with extra equipment on it.”

You may be in town for some film festivals, or you may be a born-and-raised, diehard Salt Laker. Either way, you deserve your Salt Lake City staycation.

Colby Wade Carper of Salted Grain thinks of building and designing furniture as a way to express himself—his art is where memories are made.

The food at Detroit-style pizza restaurant Brick's Corner is delicious; even if pizza isn’t your thing, it may still be the place for you.

Bikepacking follows the obvious footsteps of backpacking; biking is even more fun—you’re sitting, doing it for several days and carrying everything you need.

Seaside Creations supports Sydney’s many passions, such as pageantry and acting, but the most rewarding part for her is seeing people love her creations.

The Tea Grotto is a Cozy Shop for Tea-Lovers. They Offer a Wide Variety of Kettles, Presses, Cups and More that Range from Practical and Simple toOrnate.

Every ounce counts on a long backpacking trip. Toting along something to sit on is a luxury that most avid backpackers aren’t willing to afford themselves.

I, myself, have an affinity for tomatoes. I have hosted two Mike Brown Fests at Urban Lounge where I sold tomatoes at the door that people could throw at my band, The Fucktards, while we played.

Photo: John Barkiple

According to Save Our Great Salt Lake, the Great Salt Lake is drying up, and unless we act now, it might soon disappear for good!