Introducing Salt Lake City

Utah's capital city, and the only one with an international airport, has a surprisingly small-town feel. Downtown is easy to get around and, outside entertainment enclaves, come evening it's fairly quiet. You'd never know 1.2 million people live in the metro area. Yes, this is the Mormon equivalent of Vatican City, and the LDS owns a lot of land, but less than half the town's population are church members. The university and the great outdoors-at-your-doorstep have attracted a wide range of residents. A liberal spirit is evident everywhere from the coffeehouses to the yoga classes, where elaborate tattoos are the norm. Foodies will find much to love among the multitude of international and organic dining options (think Himalayan and East African). And when the trail beckons, you're a scant 45 minutes from the Wasatch Mountains' brilliant hiking and skiing. Friendly people, great food and outdoor adventure – what could be better?