On Our Way North a Stop in Salt Lake City, Escaping the Heat!

On our way north, we stopped in the heart of Salt Lake City, staying at the ever-reliable Salt Lake KOA Holiday. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city. We’ve stayed here before, and once again, the accommodations did not disappoint. If it's not broken, why fix it, right?

Shelly was on a business trip, and since we’ve been here before, I played tour guide for my sister’s first visit to SLC. Tour guide hat on, Google maps ready, let’s roll!

First up on the SLC tour was a visit to the Utah State Capitol. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who appreciates impressive architecture, this place is a must-see. Pro tip: visit in the evening to avoid the crowds. We practically had the place to ourselves, aside from a few friendly security guards.

After our hunt for a mural we saw, we made a quick stop at This is the Place Heritage Park, where Brigham Young famously declared, “This is the right place, drive on.” We arrived near dusk, so we didn’t have much time, but the views were stunning. The kind of views that make you go, "Wow, this place is Instagram gold!"

The following day, we visited Great Salt Lake State Park. It’s not really a hiking spot, but it’s fantastic for bird watching and boating. The visitor center offers a great overview of the lake’s history, and we were amazed to learn that it’s saltier than the ocean and the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. Who knew? Science is wild, folks.

Next, we couldn't resist checking out Red Iguana “OG.” This place was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri back in 2008, so you know it’s got to be good. Reservations are usually necessary, but we took a chance at 2 PM and lucked out. I tried the Taco Campechanos—seasoned pork loin al pastor and top sirloin en adobe in a taco with ground chicharron and slivered radishes, served with coleslaw and a serious kick. It was amazing and definitely worth the visit. I can see why Guy Fieri gave it his stamp of approval—flavor town, here we come!

Our dinner at Slackwater Pizza was another highlight. We indulged in the "Check Your Garlic Breath" appetizer, which featured oven-roasted whole garlic heads paired with a gorgonzola cream cheese spread and pico de gallo. The artisan pizzas were phenomenal, and we finished off with Beautiful Disaster Beignets. It was a delicious feast that left us thoroughly satisfied and ready for more adventures.

Twin Falls: Natural Wonders

After our SLC adventures, we headed to Eden, Idaho, and stayed at Anderson Camp RV Park. We’ve been here before because it’s one of the few places that can accommodate our 45ft rig with a toad. It’s a great value for the money, but the management could use some improvement. Despite booking months in advance, they initially placed us near the dump station again. Fortunately, the front desk was understanding and moved us to a better spot. Crisis averted—nobody wants to camp next to the dump station twice!

Our first Twin Falls stop was Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West.” The flow is controlled upstream at Milner Dam, so we didn’t see it at full force, but it was still impressive. Even at half power, it was enough to make us say, “Well, that’s a lot of water.”

We also took a short walk from the Twin Falls Visitor Center to a trail overlooking Snake River Canyon. This trail offers great views of the Perrine Bridge, where you might see BASE jumpers, and the historic Evel Knievel jump site.

Exploring downtown Twin Falls was a delight. We had dinner at Milner’s Gate Bar & Bistro and discovered the Downtown Art Alley Project along the way. Shelly enjoyed a cauliflower crust pizza with pepperoni, while I had a brie and fig burger that was packed with flavor. The hand-made fries were a delicious bonus. Seriously, if you haven’t tried a brie and fig burger, do it. Your taste buds will thank you.

Our adventures in Salt Lake City and Twin Falls were filled with stunning sights and delicious eats. From the bustling city life and historic landmarks of SLC to the natural beauty and small-town charm of Twin Falls, every moment was memorable.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!

Happy RVing!

2KidsatHeart 🚐💨