The Bonneville Salt Flats are a vast and breathtaking landscape in northwestern Utah. The flats are a remnant of the Pleistocene epoch, and were formed when the nearby Lake Bonneville dried up. True to their name, the Bonneville Salt Flats are a natural formation made from salt pans, or areas of ground covered with salt and other minerals.
Today, the flats are an attractive destination for speed enthusiasts, serving as a prime location for motorsports. They’re also a major birding area, and a number of rare and endangered bird species can be found there.
Planning Your T
The Bonneville Salt Flats are in a remote location — approximately 120 miles away from the nearest major city. Because of this, it’s important to prepare for your trip ahead of time.
There are no public facilities at the salt flats, so visitors are encouraged to use the restroom before their arrival. Fortunately, there is a rest stop not too far from Wendover, approximately 10 miles. There, you can find restrooms and a water station where you can rinse the salt from your person.
The Salt Flats also sit at a high elevation, which can cause altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Not to mention, the weather in the area can be unpredictable, ranging from below zero to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, visitors should pack plenty of water and sunscreen on hot days and layered clothing on chilly ones.
Finally, the flats can be quite slippery, so visitors are encouraged to watch their surroundings and wear comfortable hiking shoes to avoid injury.
Black-owned Businesses Near the Salt Flats
Recently, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced August as the official Black-Owned Business Month. And luckily, Salt Lake City is filled with plenty of Black-owned businesses to discover. From dining and shopping to arts and culture, there’s something for everyone in this robust area. And the best part? You can do it all in short time. Here are five Black-owned businesses to explore with one day in Salt Flats, Utah:
Sample an Exotic Soda
Corner Stop is a Black-owned convenience store located in Salt Lake City. There, you can find everything you need, from chips to vaping accessories.
But even though the store carries your standard snacks and drinks, many customers visit for its selection of exotic eats. Corner Stop sells a number of foods and beverages from around the world. From “Hillbilly Brew” to mango-guava soda, the convenience store is a one-stop-shop for foodies looking to try something new.
From limited-edition drinks to international sweets, Corner Stop is definitely the place to visit when you’re running low on fuel. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might spot someone you know while there!
Slurp Some Ramen
Yoko Ramen is a popular Black-owned restaurant serving hot and hearty bowls of ramen. Named after the capital city of ramen Yokohama, Yoko Ramen opened its doors in 2017. And according to the rave reviews from customers, it hasn’t looked back since.
At Yoko Ramen, you can find everything from ramen to sandwiches. They even offer vegan and vegetarian options, including ramen, vegan gyoza, and sandwiches made with fried cauliflower.
To drink, Yoko Ramen serves your standard soft drinks as well as traditional Japanese beverages such as hot tea and Ramune. Or to kick it up a notch, try their selection of sakes or handcrafted cocktails.
Practice an Ancient Art Form
Salt Lake Capoeira is a Black-owned martial arts studio that teaches its students how to practice Capoeira.
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that joins elements of music, dance, and spirituality. More than 500 years ago, slaves in Brazil used it to disguise their fighting techniques. Now, Capoeira is a popular form of exercise and self-defense.
At Salt Lake Capoeira, children and adults can take classes with renowned Capoeira expert, Mestre Jamaika. There, students will learn all there is to know about the art form, with a focus on strength, flexibity, endurance, coordination, and more. Students can even practice their vocal and instrumental skills — an important element of Capoeira.
Hang Out at a Social Eatery
Diversion is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. Touted as “a social eatery,” the restaurant and lounge is the perfect place to grab a beer and chat it up with some friendly Salt Lake City natives.
But even though many people visit Diversion to socialize, the food is a pretty big draw as well. Try their “Parma Pollo” sandwich for a tasty twist to an Italian classic. Or have a slice of their “The Riot Pizza” topped with Mexican cheese, chorizo, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.
They even have weekday specials, from Wing Wednesdays to Thirsty Thursdays. And speaking of thirsty, the restaurant serves a wide selection of beverages, including kombucha on Tap, handcrafted cocktails, and even champagne.
Build Your Own Hot Dog
Dawgs N Leenks is a restaurant and catering company serving up traditional and not-so-traditional hot dog and hot link sandwiches.
Each sandwich at the Black-owned business is made with fresh, quality ingredients. Whether you prefer beef hot dogs or chicken sausage, Dawgs N Leenks certainly has you covered.
To play it safe, order “Da Good,” a grilled, all-beef hot dog served on a warm, buttered bun. Or for something more adventurous, try “Da Bay,” a grilled, all-beef hot dog, wrapped in bacon and topped with condiments, grilled peppers and onions, and a special leenk sauce.
And finally, you can wash it all down with freshly squeezed sweet lemonade or Kool-Aid.
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