Trolley Square

Trolley Square is one of Salt Lake City's — if not Utah's — most historic landmarks, dating back to 1888 and the original land use designated by Brigham Young himself. The moment you step inside, something subtle happens. There's a smell — faint, warm, and unmistakably old — that hits you just right and quietly settles the world around you as your journey begins. The winding brick and wooden accents breathe classic history into every step, with novelty shops tucked inside the square's beautiful structure like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Over the years, foot traffic has thinned, and while empty shop spaces are visible throughout, my sincere hope is that a new generation of retailers finds a home here — bringing younger crowds back in and restoring the liveliness this place so desperately deserves. The Old Spaghetti Factory anchors the top corner of the square, and the smell alone as you approach it, is enough to pull you in. It ties into the ambiance of Trolley Square perfectly — as if it was always meant to be there. The Trolley Studio doesn't disappoint either. Its architecture is stunning in its own right, and catching even a glimpse of a live performance inside only adds to the experience. On a warmer evening, the West Plaza is an ideal spot to kick back outside and enjoy a more intimate concert than anything the larger Salt Lake Valley venues can offer. Now — the escalator. I have to talk about the escalator. It's fully see-through. Every gear, every mechanism, every moving part is completely visible. I have genuinely never seen anything like it anywhere, and I'm willing to bet most people haven't either. It doesn't just move you between floors — it shows you exactly how it works while it does it, and that is genuinely, unexpectedly awesome and makes a perfect conversation starter for first dates. Don't walk past it. Stop. Watch it. Ride it twice if you have to. Just enjoy being part of something truly unique. The train that circles the upper level brings a smile to every face it passes, and the landmark tower (with tours offered at select times) gives you the chance to rise above it all and overlook the city from a perspective only a few of us take the time to appreciate. Whether you're planning a date night, a Sunday stroll, or just need somewhere to go on a slow weekday afternoon, Trolley Square delivers every single time. You'll get lost in its magic, walk away from a true Salt Lake Valley staple, and find yourself thinking about it long after you've left.