Katie Sloan
Salt Lake City (SLC) may be a new city for the CPNP Annual Meeting, but for many CPNP members, SLC is home. I asked a few locals to give us the inside scoop on this scenic city so that you can begin to plan your visit to SLC for CPNP 2019.
Logistics
Like many cities across the country, Salt Lake City has its unique qualities.
The light rail, called TRAX, is an easy and reliable way to travel from the airport to the host hotel for just a few dollars. Most visitors prefer this mode of transportation due to limited downtown parking, and personally, I loved being able to sit back, relax, and take in the city during the ride to the Grand America Hotel. At the airport, all you have to do is buy a ticket at the kiosk, hop on the green line, and exit the light rail at the Courthouse station, just 1 block from the location of CPNP 2019.
As you prepare for your April trip to Salt Lake, CPNP members recommend bringing layers and sunscreen. Student member Lauren Burgess said, “In Spring specifically, it can go from 60s to snowing within two days.”
Downtown Salt Lake City
You may recall some of the history and features of The Grand America Hotel, the host hotel for CPNP 2019, from the June issue of the CPNP Perspective, but what you might not know is that the hotel is located in the heart of downtown! The Salt Lake City downtown is very walkable, so be sure to pack your sneakers. Local good, drinks, shopping, and entertainment in downtown SLC is just a short walk or a short ride away on the light rail, and better yet, the light rail is free for all rides in the downtown area! This opens up an amazing array of exciting entertainment and food options, including these favorites from SLC locals:
Distances are noted from The Grand America Hotel
Adventure is Out There
Whether you’re looking off your hotel room balcony or walking around downtown, the mountains paint a backdrop of pure bliss and adventure. There are trails for every level less than 15 minutes away that give you amazing views of the city and surrounding areas, and there are four ski resorts less than an hour away. The best part? You don’t necessarily need a car to go exploring! The light rail passes by many adventurous spots.
Don’t take my word for it. I asked local members what they would recommend for someone who has 4+ hours to explore. Responses ranged from outdoor adventures to musical experiences. Here’s a great list to get you started:
We are so excited to host CPNP 2019 surrounded by amazing scenery. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the annual meeting, April 7-10, 2019! Programming topics and speakers will be added online at cpnp.org/2019 as they become available, and registration will open early November 2018.