Life After Sundance: What to do in Salt Lake City This Week
The week after the Sundance Film Festival always feels a little like the day after Christmas. You look at the back of the departing glittery crowds and ask: “Is that all?” It doesn’t help that we’re having one of our nastiest inversions ever. Sigh.
What to do during a Salt Lake City inversion:
First, stay inside, if at all possible. This is the dirtiest our air has ever been. Sorry, folks.
Next, do not drive. Our cars got us into this mess, and only Mother Nature can pull us out. A good snowstorm is our only hope, and we don’t have one predicted in the next week, which is as far ahead as the weather gurus can see. There are those who leave the valley for clear skies at the ski resorts. That’s fine, but realize that if you’re not taking the ski bus up the hill, you’re part of the problem. This goes double for locals, who should know better after all these years. Triple for local lawmakers, especially those who think public transportation is some sort of frill.
Lastly, find indoor entertainment. My favorite thing this week is going to the movies. Since you’re staying out of your car, it counts as a virtuous activity, even in the daytime. Ignore the megaplexes right now. They have their place, but it’s not one for continuing that indie film vibe.
If you’re staying downtown, head over to the Broadway Centre Cinemas, 111 East 300 South. Operated by the Salt Lake Film Society, this six-screen theater is by far the most comfortable way to enjoy independent and alternative films in the valley. Concessions are civilized, ranging from The Pie’s notoriously popular pizza to lattes and Ghirardelli chocolates. Don’t forget to toss a dollar or two to the guy “playing” cello at the entrance; he’s one of our local characters.
Another downtown option is Brewvies, located at 677 South 200 West. It’s the only place in the state where you can have a beer while watching a movie. Since Utah has, um, interesting liquor laws, be aware that you must be 21 to enter, and ID is required. Place your order on the way in, and watch for your number to light up on the board by the movie screen. There’s a counter for your food attached to the back of each row of seats, so no worries about wearing any of Utah’s famous fry sauce home. There are great burgers and fries, and lots of tasty options for vegetarians, especially the hot spinach artichoke dip . You’ll find a nice selection of locally-brewed beers on tap, but little in the way of sweets, except the usual theater candy. The movies are typically those shown at “dollar theaters.” Call (801)355-5500 to find out about weekly specials, and to hear their consistently hilarious movie previews.
Further away from downtown is the venerable Tower Theatre, an historic single-screen theater also operated by the Salt Lake Film Society. Located in the funky 9th & 9th neighborhood at 876 East 900 South, you can see indie films and midnight cult classics, and choose from a lively selection of rental movies. The best snacks are next door at the Coffee Garden.
If you’re planning a trip to Salt Lake City, take heart: I’m sure the air will be better when you get here. But try one of these theaters, anyway; each one is part what makes it fun to live here..
