Every year the list is different. We don’t do categories, we don’t fill in forms, we don’t count votes. We just pick our brains and everyone else’s for the coolest, newest and unexpected superlatives in the Beehive State. Every year we surprise ourselves and are delighted at the discoveries. You too will be surprised and delighted. And, no doubt, disgruntled. Because we left out one of your favorites. Let us know.
Mountain West Cider – In a valiant effort to break the “cider barrier”—the U.S. idea that apple juice is a sweet drink for kids—Mountain West is making dry, European-style cider perfect for sipping on their new cider garten. 425 N. 400 West, 801-935-4147, mountainwestcider.com
Best Way to Seem Like a Civilized Human, Tabula Rasa – Remember paper before our forest-guzzling paperless society? It’s depressing to think how many reams businesses go through these days, but here’s what we’ve forgotten about: pretty paper. And the nearly lost graciousness of a handwritten note. Or engraved invitation. Tabula Rasa is the only place in town to procure that elusive but still necessary etiquette. 330 Trolley Square, SLC, tabularasastationers.com
Best Hiker, Todd Powelson, Parrot Whisperer – City Creek Canyon is one of Salt Lake’s treasures. But it’s not just the babbling brook, the wildlife, birds and changing foliage that make it so charming—it’s the people you run into. Like Todd Powelson, who hikes City Creek with his parrot in fine weather. Say hello to the hiker with the birdcage on his back. And say hello to Saffron, too.
Best Place for the Naturally Curly, Curl Co. Hair & Beauty Salon – For those who have issues with their hair, which either behaves, or behaves badly–step it forward. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, dreamed or prayed for, those with naturally curly hair have to learn the rules and the issues. Big, dry, frizzy issues. From the team at Curl Co. Hair & Beauty Salon, you’ll get the right cut, learn the basics in curl care techniques and get steered towards the products especially made for your most-epic hair type. You can go full-on natural any day, any weather, with less effort than, well, swiping left on your current dating app. 777 E. Broadway, SLC, 801-359-4288, saltcitycurlco.com
Best Yoga Slumber Party, Schole yoga Can’t bend like a pretzel? – A little rusty on your Sanskrit? Nidra yoga is not about a skill level. You only need a willingness to cooperate and be quiet in a darkish room with other people. It’s been said that an hour of meditation is equals 40 hours of sleep–obviously, this is not your typical seventh-grade slumber party. Expect a calming voice, possibly singing bowls and, of course, patchouli. 824 S. 400 W. SLC, scholeyoga.com/studio
Best New Popup, Little City’s FLEET – FLEET is a new pop-up space in Salt Lake City’s Granary District. Its creators Michael Yount (Yo Coach!) and Tim Sullivan, have created gathering space out of what else? Shipping containers. They’ve taken a small stretch of asphalt on 400 West, along the edge of the old “Fleet” block between 800 and 900 South. Fleet Nights, a rotating set of local brewer tap takeovers, started last May and will continue throughout the summer. But Yount envisions much more than just beer (like that’s not enough). Stay tuned. littlecityinc.com
See all of our 2019 Best of the Beehive winners here.
