Preparing For Your Trip

Do Your Homework

Do as much homework prior to the trip as possible. Start out by checking out the Family History Library guide for researchers: PREPARING TO VISIT THE LIBRARY. Bring all the research data that you may need to get off to a good start. You'll find that after a few days of searching one line, it's often nice to go for a change of pace and search something entirely different, so bring data on more than just one family line.

Weather and Clothes

We can't predict the weather, but December in Salt Lake City is usually cold and snowy, so bring warm clothes. Overshoes and a coat or winter jacket are a good idea as is a pair of gloves or mittens. An umbrella might also come in handy. Layer your clothes so that you'll be comfortable once you are inside the Library or hotel.

Breakfast

From 6:45 to 7:45 each morning we have a group breakfast in the lower lobby of the hotel. This is the one time of the day that most of us are all together in one room. The food and drink is set up buffet style, allowing attendees to pick up whatever they choose. Tables are set up all around the room where folks gather to eat, discuss their research and get to know each other

Dee Cattaneo serves the breakfast, getting up very early and bringing in fresh food every morning. The food varies from day to day, but there's always plenty of fruit, toast, bagels, sweet rolls and such. Dee adds variety by bringing in cereal and specialty items some mornings. We always have plenty of coffee and a variety of juices. We must be doing the breakfasts right, because very few attendees miss this meal with us!

Donna Potter Phillips assists Dee at the breakfast and always makes each one of us feel welcome.

Lunch & Dinner

There are dozens of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Everything from fast food to fine dining is available. The LDS Church Office Building, two blocks from Library, also offers a good lunch that is reasonably priced. Lunch at the office building is served from 11:30 to 1:30. You will need a pass to enter the building. You will be given a pass as part of your tour packet. The Library has a snack room with vending machines.

Monday Evening Dinner: Just after the library closes at 5 p.m., we will gather for our annual Christmas Tour dinner. Served buffet style, there's always plenty to eat. It's not a formal event, so you can leave the tux or gown at home.

Classes

Classes are held throughout the day Monday through Thursday. The classes start at 8:00 am; the last class begins at 7:00 pm. Classes are held at the Plaza Hotel, room assignments will be posted. You do not need to register for classes.

Temple Square

Go to Visit Temple Square for information about the tourists sites and events in and around Temple Square. Move your mouse around the picture to find links.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The Choir practices on Thursday evening in the Tabernacle less than a block from your hotel. Many attendees enjoy listening to them prepare for the Sunday Morning broadcast. Schedule your flight out of Salt Lake City for afternoon and attend the concert and broadcast in the Tabernacle on Sunday morning.

Carriages for Hire

Horsedrawn carriage tours are available and leave from right in front of the hotel. They also pick up at restaurants, hotels and at Temple Square in the downtown area.

Special Events

The Salt Lake Visitors Bureau website has information about events taking place in December.

Medical Emergencies

We all need a little expert medical care at times. If you have a medical crisis while on the tour, don't be alarmed. Several of the world's finest hospitals are just blocks away, with several insta-care and after-hours clinics also available. If you're not feeling well, let the tour directors know and we'll make sure that you're taken care of. In our 20 years of doing tours, we've had attendees who dealt with everything from heart attacks to pneumonia and we haven't lost anyone.