Fan-Favorite Stops along Utah’s Reality TV Trail

Utah — a state once primarily known and visited for its iconic topography — now has another viral avenue luring people across the state line: reality television. “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” (“SLOMW”) and “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” ("RHOSLC") have put the Beehive State in the limelight like never before. If you’re wondering where all of that juicy drama unfolds, you’re in luck.

Behind the viral scandals, luxurious parties, and secret confessional moments lie scenic brunch spots and trendy hangouts, all framed by towering mountain ranges and vast deserts. These reality stars are enveloped in a real-world backdrop of upscale suburbia that, at times, might just steal the spotlight.

If you have ever wanted a sneak peek into the everyday lives of Utah reality royalty, here is a list of places that put you smack dab at the heart of it all.

Swig

25 locations across Utah

A list of Utah’s greatest hits would not be complete without a mention of Swig. Dirty soda has truly become Utah’s billboard, drawing curious visitors to its drive-thru lanes.

Made significantly more popular through its features on “MomTok” and “SLOMW,” Swig has become a pillar of Utah’s tourism scene. With more than 25 locations across the state, it is an easy stop to add to any itinerary.

If you are apprehensive about the world of dirty soda and want to try something classic, you might opt for the traditional drink of choice, aptly titled “The Founder,” which blends Diet Coke, lime and coconut cream. If you’re feeling more adventurous, “Watermelon Sugar” — a Mountain Dew-based beverage mixed with mango, watermelon, coconut cream and passion fruit popping pearls — might be more your cup of tea…or soda.

With over 30 pre-curated options and an infinite number of customizable blends, everyone is sure to find something just right for their taste. Let’s be honest: did you really visit Utah if you didn’t try a dirty soda?

Van Ryder

131 S 300 West, Salt Lake City

Ever wondered where the “DadTok” crew spent their time in season 1 of “SLOMW”?

The Van Ryder rooftop bar is the place, and it comes with the promise of quality and a touch of class. Specializing in curated cocktails and sustainably sourced ingredients, Van Ryder is the epitome of sophistication and the perfect spot to experience a taste of the “SLOMW” lifestyle.

The bar’s location on the rooftop of Le Méridien hotel allows guests to gaze out over the lights of Salt Lake City and the towering Wasatch Mountains. Not only did the view make for a stellar filming location in “SLOMW,” but it makes for a must-visit photo opportunity for those looking to capture the beauty of the Utah experience.

The building offers premier backdrops featuring the breathtaking topography that Utah is known for, truly making it “a celebration of the West.”

Coffee Garden

878 E 900 South, Salt Lake City

If you find yourself needing a morning pick-me-up, the smell of freshly made pastries wafting from the doors of Coffee Garden might be calling your name.

The little coffee shop, featured in season one of "SLOMW", is tucked into the center of one of Salt Lake City’s most iconic intersections: 9th & 9th (900 S 900 East). Catering to all tastes, the menu offers a wide variety of pastry options, including macarons made in-house.

Coffee Garden also prides itself on offering guests the best quality goods, using both locally produced and premium Café Ibis coffee and Tea Zaanti tea.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

410 Campus Center Dr., Salt Lake City 

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is the only art institute that sources and cares for a collection of work bridging not only cultural divides but generational ones as well.

From the latest contemporary greats to ancient objects that showcase the undeniable creativity flowing through the veins of human history, UMFA has truly become a pinnacle of Utah’s art scene. You might recognize it from the book tour stop on “SLOMW.”

La Caille

9565 S Wasatch Blvd., Sandy

Nestled at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon lies one of Utah’s most iconic restaurants and wedding venues. La Caille, a 20-acre estate of gardens and vineyards, has become a viral sensation with features in both "SLOMW" and "RHOSLC” The European-inspired architecture, lush surrounding landscape and authentic French cuisine provide a fine dining experience unlike any other.

Secrets are the cornerstone of Utah’s reality television scene. They bounce between ears like a game of telephone, creating the drama that viewers know and love. Les Secrets Bar, located on the grounds of La Caille, allows guests to indulge in the hidden underbelly of its fairytale-like atmosphere, promising a speakeasy feel and a place where “your secrets are safe with us.”

Oliver’s Place

125 S 2000 West, Pleasant Grove

What began as a family homestead in 1870 has turned into a multi-generational business. Oliver Smith created a space where he could grow food for the surrounding areas — a legacy that has now been carried on by his descendants for over 150 years.

Oliver’s Place has been curated to appeal to the public, offering farm-fresh options. Equipped with a café and adjoining ice cream parlor, it is certain to have something for everyone to love.

Not only does Oliver’s Place hold happy memories for the “SLOMW” cast, but the rustic landscape surrounding the barn has also captivated visitors from far and wide. Its authentic Western feel has earned it the spotlight as one of Utah’s premier modern farmhouse wedding venues.

Midway Mercantile

99 E Main St., Midway

The story begins in 1894 when the Bonner brothers, brick by brick, built Midway Mercantile to serve as a food and supply store in Heber Valley. Over 130 years later, the Platt family has taken the reins, transforming the building into a restaurant that keeps those same foundational values at the soul of its mission.

The restaurant is perhaps most memorable as the setting where Whitney Leavitt promenaded with a birthday cake in hand in an episode of “SLOMW.” However, it is also the epitome of elevated local cuisine. Offering both casual and fine dining experiences, Midway Mercantile is your one-stop shop for date night or drinks with the girls.

Mystic Hot Springs

475 E 100 North, Monroe

Famously compared to a scene from the movie “Saw” in Season 1 of "RHOSLC,” Mystic Hot Springs offers a rustic, but not so fearsome getaway. Utahns often describe it as the "best hippie hot springs in the West" and an "oasis in the desert" — titles that perfectly capture the bohemian-inspired atmosphere.

With over 200 gallons of water at 168°F flowing through its pools every minute, nature’s spa has never been so alluring. The best part? There is no sulfur in the water, so you don't have to worry about the pungent smell usually found in hot springs. Instead, the water is rich in calcium carbonate, a mineral that the founders of Mystic Hot Springs say is beneficial for skin, bones and soothing sore, achy muscles.

The areas surrounding the hot springs are full of campsites and RV hookups for visitors to utilize. However, if you are really looking to dive into the deep end of the rustic aesthetic, there are a variety of vintage school buses — converted into hotel rooms with names inspired by the Grateful Dead — available for rent.

Maria’s Cocina

1419 E 200th North, Beaver

Located in the small Southern Utah town of Beaver, Maria’s Cocina offers both authentic Mexican cuisine and Asian-inspired dishes in a unique blend of cultures.

Seen in a Season 1 "SLOMW" and Vanderpump Villa crossover moment, the restaurant's eclectic menu has caught the eye of fans nationwide.

This self-proclaimed “hidden gem” of Utah promises a fine dining experience topped with excellent service, making it well worth the drive south.

So, pack your bags and cue up your favorite reality TV episodes for inspiration. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just along for the ride, these locations are sure to bring your favorite on-screen moments from Utah’s reality television scene to life.