1. SALT LAKE CITY

IF YOU HAD the time and transportation, we’d send you to the prehistoric Great Salt Lake itself -- “America’s Dead Sea” -- to try and catch a glimpse of the North Shore Monster, which is said to have a crocodile’s body and a horse’s head. (Really.) Practicality, however, suggests the tamer wilderness that's only 10 minutes away by taxi: The tranquil walking paths of City Creek Canyon are set in the foothills to the city’s north and east. Nature lovers can also visit Tracy Aviary, the oldest and largest bird park in the country, which has 400 birds on eight acres and enough information about their migration patterns to humble John Audubon himself.

If you feel the urge to shop, head to the Gateway mall, which is outdoors, well designed, and conveniently located on a free-fare stop on the Utah Transit Authority’s TRAX light-rail. If you have the time and the right equipment, take TRAX up to Park City, where your airline boarding pass converts to a free same-day ski-lift ticket.

If the altitude has you feeling goofy, take a ride around Salt Lake City in the Music Taxi and sing karaoke. Or take TRAX to Temple Square to see the six-spired Salt Lake Temple and the Tabernacle, which inspired the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. From there, you can also walk over to the Beehive House, where Brigham Young lived when he was president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and governor of the Utah territory. There’s a fairy castle inside and a gorgeous garden out back.

When your tummy growls, try the killer Mexican food at the Red Iguana, which is an easy eight-minute drive from the airport. Reservations aren't accepted, and there’s usually a line out the door, but this mouthwatering, fairly priced joint attracts all types.