Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City

Reasons to visit the Tracy Aviary, a magical bird sanctuary hidden in the middle of SLC:

1. Birds are awesome. This place has 135 species of them.

2. It’s the oldest (1938!) and one of only two freestanding aviaries in the US.

3. It’s also a gorgeous and meticulously curated botanical garden.

4. Top-tier first date destination — peaceful stroll; quiet enough for conversation but lots to look at and talk about; can be as short or long as you want; cheaper than dinner and way more fun; great litmus test: if they can nerd out about birds with you for an hour, they deserve a second date.

5. It’s tucked in the middle of Liberty Park, a great place for people-watching, picnicking, roller-skating, petting other people’s dogs.

6. It’s a non-profit and is engaged in endangered species protection programs, as well as rehabilitating injured animals.

7. They have wonderful events, including educational lectures + wine tasting and my favorite, “Birdlesque”!

8. This is a place I come back to again and again — sometimes just to lounge in the grass with a book on my lunch break! fortunately, annual membership is a steal. :)