Review: Whole Foods Trolley Square

A stop at Whole Foods has always been on my must-do list when I'm in Salt Lake City. I've always loved the convenient location and the homey feeling of the store, not to mention TDF food (hello, dumplings and butternut crab bisque! that you just can't get anywhere else. Now that they've moved to Trolley Square it's a whole different experience--an insane one! The new space is huge and the location really draws the crowds. I'm sure that's great for business, and we do want to see Whole Foods stick around (why, hello again dumplings!). But the charm of the specialty shopping experience is gone, replaced with a huge emporium, complete with a food court, that not only draws its regular customers but Trolley Square shoppers and tourists as well. Accordingly, the store is crowded and loud, creating an overwhelming shopping experience. (Turns out I'm not the only SLC local that feels this way). Don't get me wrong, the food is still great, perhaps the variety is even greater in the new location. I just wish they would have maintained focus on the Whole Foods brand and less on the prestige of Trolley Square.

Spiral Jetty

One of the most famous earthworks in the world is right here in our backyard. Have you seen it? If not, make a trip to see Robert Smithson's Spiral Jetty.

Created in 1971, this year mark's the Spiral Jetty's 40th anniversary. Yet not many Utah residents have seen, or even know about, this masterful art work. The artwork is based on the concept of entropy, the principle that order in nature will inevitably turn to disorder. It's no wonder that Smithson was inspired by Utah's incredible landscape, unique geologic history, and distinct ecosystems.

The the 1,500-foot long Spiral Jetty is created from salt crystals, basalt rocks, mud, earth, and water. It is located on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake near Rozel Point, and can be seen when lake levels fall below 4,197 feet.

Reaching the Spiral Jetty is an adventure in itself. A high clearance vehicle is a must, as you'll be traveling over some pretty rocky terrain. Be sure to gas up, too, for the remote drive.

Consider the Golden Spike National Historic Site, about 100 miles north of Salt Lake City and 30 miles west of Brigham City, as your starting point. From here, it's about 15 miles along an unpaved gravel and dirt road. From Golden Spike NHS, drive west for 5.6 miles. When you reach the fork in the road, turn left/south. Drive 1.3 miles to the next fork, where you'll continue straight. At the next fork, you'll head right, driving for 8.2 miles to Rozel Point. Check here for specific, detailed directions from the National Park Service.