As the headquarters of the Mormon Church—with most streets named in relation to their distance from the temple, lest you forget the focus of the city—Salt Lake City has long had trouble shaking its conservative reputation. But with recently relaxed liquor laws, a burgeoning cocktail scene, farm-to-fork dining, and some of the best skiing in North America, this "Crossroads of the West" is a hidden gem for mixing adventure, relaxation, and surprisingly top-notch options for fun.

Powderhounds will feel at home at one of SLC's 14 nearby ski resorts, which get steady snow as late as April, and off-the-slopes diversions abound both in the city center and its neighboring communities. So pack your snow jacket, hop a direct flight from OAK or SFO to Salt Lake in less time than it would take you to drive to Tahoe, and prepare to forget everything you thought you knew about this ideal mountain getaway.

STAY

Kimpton Hotel Monaco

Although the hotel no longer hands out goldfish in fish bowls to guests upon check-in, there are still plenty of quirky touches at this boutique hotel. The downstairs lobby area features Jenga and a wall-sized Scrabble, and each room comes equipped with a yoga mat in case you want to work some downward dog into your stay—with daily wine receptions and evening nightcap pairings to help loosen you up. Onsite restaurant Bambara, located in a historic bank lobby, dishes out elevated bistro fare (don't miss the blue-cheese potato chips or shrimp and pork belly fry for weekend brunch), and The Vault, a 35-seat bar and lounge, serves as an ideal spot to wind down the night before heading upstairs to bed. // 15 W 200 S., monaco-saltlakecity.com