In Salt Lake City's Avenues District, April's cherry blossoms brighten the narrow, tree-lined streets. The neighborhood's scale is intimate, and flowering trees frame restored Victorians and historic buildings converted into shops, galleries, and cafes—invitation enough for an easy spring walk.
Start on Third Avenue at the former garage that now houses the Two Creek Coffee House ($; 502 E. Third Ave.; 801/363-6260). Coffee in hand, stroll east on Third past the district's choicest old homes. Between J and K Streets, houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places include a box-style Victorian and a Queen Anne cottage.
In the Salt Lake City Cemetery (Fourth Ave. at N St.), trees and conifers grace the tombs of Utah's onetime elite. The mix of artists and politicians—and 11 of Mormon leader Brigham Young's 27 wives—makes for interesting headstone browsing.
Return to the present at the Q Street Gallery (closed Sun; 88 Q St.; 801/359-1899), where you can take in sleek, contemporary artwork. From here head to South Temple Street and stroll west down the prestigious 19th-century thoroughfare. The Salt Lake Masonic Temple (closed Sat–Sun; free tours, reservations required; 650 E. South Temple St.; 801/363-2936) is an Egyptian-revival gem complete with sphinxes; the gardens of the Chateauesque Utah Governor's Mansion (603 E. South Temple; 801/538-1005 for summer tours) should be in bloom.
Detour up E Street to the E Street Gallery (closed Sun–Mon; 82 E St.; 801/359-2979), a 1909 electrician's shop that is now a ground-level gallery. Backtrack to South Temple and continue west to the Romanesque, sandstone Cathedral of the Madeleine (tours on request; 331 E. South Temple; 801/328-8941). The restored interior of the Catholic church features vibrantly painted murals and ornate carved-wood altarpieces.
End your day at urban Avenues Bakery and Bistro ($$; 481 E. South Temple; 801/746-5626), with pastries, sandwiches, or dinner entrées—on its small, flower-filled patio if the weather's right.
Blossom time
To take a walking tour of historic South Temple St., contact the Utah Heritage Foundation (www.utahheritagefoundation.com or 801/533-0858 ext. 103) for a free brochure.
