The Republic of Zaqistan: Zaq Landsberg, Founder of Zaqistan

Now in its 11th year, the Republic of Zaqistan—located west of the Great Salt Lake—is focusing its efforts on tourism. Photo courtesy of Zaq Landsberg

Unbeknown to many Utahns is another country in their backyard. After recently celebrating its 10th year since its founding in 2005, the nation, known as the Republic of Zaqistan, is located in the desert, just west of the Great Salt Lake. This year, Zaqistan is opening up its doors to tourism and partnering with CUAC to host expeditions into the desolate nation as well as an exhibition on the country. … read more

Farm to Glass

Finca's This-is-the-Place Punch for the Farm to Glass Cocktail Contest. Photo: Jessica Bundy

Now in its sixth year, Salt Lake Magazine’s Farm to Glass Cocktail Contest will bring together 24 of the city’s most visionary mixologists to handcraft an original cocktail that uses local liquors and at least two ingredients sourced from Utah farms. Voting runs throughout the month of September, the height of Utah’s harvest season. … read more

Deep Fried, Tried and True: A Culinary Tour of the Utah State Fair

Photo: Talyn Sherer

Fair food is many things, but its chief characteristic is honesty. When you visit the fair, it’s expected that you try something that has no illusions about what it is. You’re encouraged to expand your horizons regarding the sheer scope of food that can be improved with a trip through the deep fryer. … read more

Localized: Forest Feathers

(L–R) Brandon Kohler, Drew Harris and Camron Sackett interlace Forest Feathers’ subtle yet complex soundscapes with prog-, math- and post-rock underpinnings. Photo: Russel Daniels

Forest Feathers, a dynamic group that incorporates the dreamy space of prog-rock into the technical elements of math rock, initially started as a solo project by Camron Sackett in 2013. Sackett had no idea that the project would eventually evolve into the atmospheric sounds, sampling and shredding that currently represent the local trio. … read more

Rocking n’ Rolling On and Off the Board: TCOY Coughlin

Backside flip. Photo: Niels Jensen

TCOY Coughlin rips, both on a skateboard and on the drums. When it comes to his skating, we’re talking 50-50 front shuvits on sketchy uprails followed by equally sketchy hill bombs. And the music? Straight rock n’ roll—with a dose of psychedelia. So, if you haven’t heard his band, Max Pain and the Groovies, now’s a good time to toss on a track. … read more

No Gas for Green Goods: Try Walking to Urban Greens Market

(L–R) Real Food Rising’s Sara Simmons oversees teen employees Lilly Slack, Oliver Nsengiyumva and Oscar Arriaga at Urban Greens Market, which provides healthy food for the Glendale and Poplar Grove communities of SLC. Photo: John Barkiple

With the support of a USDA grant, SLCgreen has teamed up with The Green Urban Lunch Box, Utahns Against Hunger and Salt Lake Community Action Program’s Real Food Rising to establish Urban Greens Market, five pop-up markets that provide fresh and local produce within walking distance to community members. … read more