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Utah Exploration

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jan 25, 2021

Judy and I love to travel the state of Utah with our dog Zorro and this week we wanted to share Travel Awaits article 9 Utah State Parks That Should Be On Your Bucket List. Utah’s stunning landscape is far from a secret. The state’s “Mighty 5” pack of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches national parks has long been a staple of family road trips and bucket-list adventures. Utah’s splendors do not end at the national parks, they extend into a system of 43 amazing state parks, here are nine Utah state parks that should be on your bucket list.

1. Dead Horse Point State Park - Just a half-hour drive from the world-famous rock formations of Arches National Park is another not-to-be-missed Utah experience: the overlook at Dead Horse Point State Park, which provides a big-picture view of the Colorado River meandering through the area’s canyons and mesas.

2. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park- If sand dunes are as fascinating to you as they are to me, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is definitely one for the bucket list. Located in the midst of the Navajo sandstone formations of southwestern Utah, the state park features an otherworldly sea of shifting, rose-tinted sand. With few permanently designated trails, the dunes are generally open to hikers and ATVs. The shifting nature of the sand can make hiking a bit difficult, but gorgeous views await at the top of the dunes.

3. Kodachrome Basin State Park - For a wonderful stop on the drive to or from Capitol Reef National Park, consider making a short detour to Kodachrome Basin State Park, a veritable wonderland of rock pinnacles and colorful cliffs. Boasting 67 monolithic stone spires, the basin is a part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and is among the best experiences in the massive parkland. Owing to the basin’s photogenic qualities, a National Geographic Society expedition in 1948 is said to have named the area Kodachrome after the popular color film of the time.

4. Wasatch Mountain State Park - Located at nearly 6,000 feet elevation, Wasatch Mountain State Park offers year-round recreation in a mountain setting. A 45-minute drive southeast of Salt Lake City, Wasatch Mountain State Park’s Soldier Hollow was the host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The park’s website notes that the venue remains open to the public and offers cross-country skiing, tubing, summer and winter biathlon, and inline skating.

5. Goblin Valley State Park - The name alone is enough to entice travelers in search of an extraordinary experience. Often compared to Mars, Goblin Valley State Park features thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos, also known as goblins. The state park, located about an hour and a half west of Moab in southeastern Utah, is a showcase of geologic history, featuring cliffs that reveal parallel layers of rock that have been exposed by erosion.

6. Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park - Billed as one of Utah’s most unique state parks, the 28-mile-long Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail follows an old route starting near Park City and on to the towns of Wanship and Coalville, then the Echo Reservoir.

7. Utah Lake State Park - For a lake setting with urban amenities nearby, it’s hard to beat Utah Lake State Park in the Provo area. Sitting at the mouth of the Provo River, Utah Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the west. The state park offers boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. It also has a day-use area for swimming in the outer marina, picnicking under one of the beach cabanas, and disc golf.

8. Sand Hollow State Park - Among Utah’s newest and most popular state parks is Sand Hollow State Park, a 20,000-acre park in southwestern Utah, about a 25-minute drive northeast of St. George and about 45 minutes southwest of Zion National Park.

9. Goosenecks State Park - Sweeping views are the name of the game at Goosenecks State Park located in the far southeastern corner of Utah. The park sits at the edge of a deep canyon above the curve in the San Juan River known as a gooseneck. The river twists and turns for six miles on its way west to Lake Powell. To read the whole article, CLICK HERE.

Looking to stay in Park City, Travel+Leisure shares the 7 Best Winter Lodges in the U.S. With Private Hot Tubs, Upscale Spas, Sleigh Rides, and More. Savor the season at one of these beautiful winter lodges in the U.S., from Utah to New York. It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Stein Eriksen Lodge — you can spend an entire day in the upscale spa or make use of the property’s extensive wine collection over dinner. Those interested in skiing will enjoy easy access to Deer Valley Resort, a ski area known for its customer service and family-friendly terrain. True to form, this ski lodge has all the cozy touches that make a winter lodge so appealing — beds heaped with pillows, in-room fireplaces, and suites with private hot tubs. To read about the other great locations CLICK HERE.

We will wrap up this week's blog with It's a Shake-Up! These 10 Drastically Different Design Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2021—and Beyond by Realtor.com . Realtor.com asked real estate and design experts to weigh in on what they anticipate will be the biggest home trends of 2021. It turns out, with all the stress that 2020 brought to our lives, it also influenced some defining changes in the way we decorate, design, and live in our homes.

1. Dedicated home office - Working from the kitchen table was kind of cute when you thought you would be doing it for only a few weeks. But now? Not so much. That's why, in 2021 (and beyond) home offices will be more important than ever. If you don’t have a spare room for an office, there are plenty of ways to get creative and set up a space with some personality. In fact, one of the biggest trends on Pinterest this year is the rise of the "cloffice," a portmanteau of "closet" and "office.

2. Clearly delineated spaces - They’re not completely passé (yet), but people are increasingly interested in closing off those wide-open spaces we so used to covet. The trend will be to create different living spaces within the open floor plan so people will have pockets or nooks in the home for e-learning, Zoom calls, a conversation, lounging, exercising, etc.

3. Houseplants and indoor gardens - During the pandemic when it was difficult for some to get their daily dose of nature, people started bringing the outdoors in with natural materials in their home.

4. Rattan accents - In line with the houseplant trend, natural materials are having a huge moment. In particular, rattan is the material du jour, appearing everywhere from drink holders to bed frames.

5. Wood-grain kitchen cabinets and counters - For the kitchen, our designer members are seeing more minimalist styles with touches of organic and natural materials such as wood grain—perhaps as part of a desire to connect with nature. Instead of painted kitchen cabinets or the ubiquitous all-white kitchen, expect to see homeowners embracing a more natural look with wood-grain cabinets and wood countertops on islands.

6. Next-level playgrounds - Experts say enhanced outdoor spaces will continue to trend in the new year—including elaborate custom playgrounds.

7. Outdoor kitchens - Multiseason spaces that feature fireplaces or fire pits, patio/deck areas, or screened-in porches that can be used year-round, that includes outdoor kitchens, which have become more popular than ever during the pandemic.

8. Smart bathroom innovations - Never embraced the bidet in your home bathroom? That's just the start of things—you can expect to see a slew of new bathroom innovations in 2021 as homeowners continue to focus more than ever on hygiene.

9. Retro furniture and color palettes - Expect to see funky color palettes (think mauve, forest green, and burnt orange) and furniture throwbacks like '80s curves and '90s traditionalism. An easy way to try the trend for yourself is with a quick coat of paint.

10. Cozy, layered vibes - Instead of stark white minimalism, expect to see more color and personality in 2021's home decor—less uber-modern and more boho chic. So go ahead and pile on those mismatched blankets and throw pillows, and don't be afraid to embrace a design that reflects your personality.

Have a great week, Ramon & Judy

Tags: Park City, Utah, Snow, Winter, activities
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Happy Thanksgiving

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Nov 25, 2020

Judy and I would like to wish you all a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving.

Dark skies and bright stars are the main attraction at the top stargazing spots around the world, Travel and Leisure have shared The 10 Best Places To See Stars Around The Globe and the Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah comes in #2 on the list. Liz Jackson is a planner for Park City and said the “dark sky” movement began as a way to reduce light pollution in more urban areas and is led by the International Dark Sky Association. She said changes to the city’s lighting regulations are now a priority.

The Natural Bridges National Monument in remote Lake Powell, Utah, was the first certified International Dark Sky Park, a designation bestowed by the International Dark-Sky Association, the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. (There are now more than 130 certified International Dark Sky Places in the world.) The designation recognizes the area as having some of the darkest and clearest skies in the world, and acknowledges the efforts that have been extended to make it so, positioning darkness as a resource worthy of protecting and conserving.

The main attraction of the dark skies here is the “river of light” phenomenon created by the Milky Way as it rises over the Owachomo Bridge, a natural rock formation. The bridge forms a sort of window into the night sky, beautifully framing the thousands of stars visible with the naked eye. Plan to camp overnight for the full experience. Looking for another great stargazing spot in Utah? East Canyon State Park is one of the most recent additions to the list of International Dark Sky Parks.

Ski and snowboard season is here and for 8th time, Deer Valley Resort named best U.S. Ski Resort 2020 by World Ski Awards. Utah (ABC4 News) – Deer Valley Resort, once again, has been named Best United States’ Ski Resort 2020 by World Ski Awards, holding onto this title for the eighth year in a row. Representatives for Deer Valley say despite 2020’s challenges on the tourism industry, World Ski Awards program saw a record number of votes from ski tourism consumers, and the organization’s website continues to receive more search traffic than in any previous year. Out of 18 U.S. nominees, Deer Valley® was voted the winner of the industry’s coveted award. See you on the slopes.

Tags: Park City, Utah, Home, activities
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Snow In Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Sep 09, 2020

The first snow fall in Park City was only a light dusting, but with cooler temperatures on the horizon we are excited for Fall. This leads us to - Great News! Park City is planning to open on November 20th and is shooting to be open everyday this winter. Of course many safety precautions will be in place to ensure a fun and safe season.  Read more about their winter operating plan here. 

Park City is full of events and activities - here are a few of the local events happening this week. Park City Film, Dragonfli Media Technologies and the Utah Olympic Park continue their Twilight Drive-In at the Utah Olympic Park this Friday, September 11th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, September 12th at 7:45 pm. Friday's film will be "Up' rated G and Saturday's film will be "Caddyshack" rated R. Tickets are $30 per car - for more information visit parkcityfilm.org and utaholympiclegacy.org/park-events.

Looking to stretch your legs - The Park City Museum is hosting guided walking tours every Thursday and Friday at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 each and tours are appropriate for those 13 and older. The tours last an hour and a half and an optional $22 ticket price gains you access to the Park City Museum. The tour groups meet in front of Grappa Restaurant - 151 Main Street. For information on tickets visit parkcityhistory.org .

Help the community - Recycle Utah, Summit LAnd Conservancy and Park City Municipal are planning a special project for this year's National Day of Service on Friday, September 11th. The cost is free, but sign-ups are appreciated via Sign Up Genius. Meet up spots are at the Park City Bandstand, 1354 Park Avenue and along the Rail Trail behind White Pine Touring, 1970 Bonanza Drive.

Visit Park City is a wonderful resource for events happening in and around the Park City area. As Summit County and Park City continue to be in a low-risk phase - Park City asks that all residents and visitors follow social distancing protocols including the new health order mandating the use of face coverings/masks in a variety of public locations. Park City restaurants, bars, hotels, and recreational areas are still open and following safe business practices to protect the health and welfare of our guests and staff. For details please visit the travel update page on Visit Park City's website.

Have a great week, Ramon and Judy

Tags: Park City, Fun, Utah, Snow, activities
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Family Time

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 17, 2020

Judy and I are grateful to be a part of the Park City community. We hope everyone is OK in Utah after this morning's 5.7 earthquake. During this time our thoughts and well wishes are with you all. Now that the children are home and the ski resorts are closed we thought we would offer some ideas and activities to brighten your day.

While nothing can replace the experience of going to a museum and observing art face-to-face, technology has given us an alternative way to get our cultural fix without leaving home as Google Lets You Visit the World’s Most Famous Museums From the Comfort of Your Couch. Google Arts & Culture, a digital platform that connects users to art, has over 1,200 museums and galleries that provides a sense of their existing collections online. And while resources vary by collection page, most museums and galleries let you have a digital visits through online exhibits, galleries of artwork, and even a “street view” that offers a virtual tour of the spaces.

To help navigate through the pages and pages of options, Google Arts & Culture has pulled the top institutions from around the world that provide these virtual tours you can take anytime, anywhere. The list touches many parts of the globe. You can explore America and visit the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, known for its spiraling architecture designed by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright. On the other side of the country, head to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, CA, with artwork that dates back to the 8th century all the way through current day.

Jump across the pond to the British Museum in London, where you can virtually tour of the Great Court—known for its glass and steel roof—and take a peek at the Rosetta Stone. Some of the iconic museums in Europe are also featured on the list (hello, Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy!), as well as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea, that spans across four buildings.

To start your virtual journey at each of the top museums, head over to the official Google Arts & Culture roundup here. And if you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, have a stab at the full 1,200+ collection.

Looking for ideas to entertain your kids in between home schooling lessons, the team at Apartment Therapy has come up with 94 Fun Things You Can Do at Home, Anytime. To help with your quarantine, here is a long list of seize-the-day, fun things to do at home. Some of them are “fun” in the sense that you’ll feel really good having done them, and some of them will pluck your nostalgic heart strings as you’re making new memories.

If You’re in a Creative Mood:

  1. Try your hand at blind contour drawings.
  2. Bring out that crochet project that’s been languishing in the closet.
  3. Watch a drawing tutorial on YouTube and practice.
  4. Practice hand-lettering.
  5. Make air-dry clay bowls pressed with lace.
  6. Make plant babies.
  7. Spray paint some plant pots.
  8. Spray paint some frames.
  9. Make a celebration banner or garland.
  10. Cut some paper snowflakes.
  11. Color with Sharpie on aluminum foil.
  12. Press some flowers.
  13. Print out some favorite family photos to frame and hang on the wall.
  14. Bake something.
  15. Decorate cupcakes.
  16. Try a new recipe.
If You Want to Freshen Up Your Decor:
  1. Empty and edit. Take every single thing out of a room and then add things back piece by piece until you have just enough in the room.
  2. Rearrange furniture.
  3. Shop your house. See if those baskets you’ve had in the garage solve your pantry storage problem.
  4. Swap curtains between rooms.
  5. Clear all decor from that counter/shelf/accent and see what (if anything) you really miss.
  6. Clean (see above section).
  7. Cut some flowers or greenery and display them inside.
  8. Declutter one small space. Find a trove of decluttering inspiration here.
  9. Rainbowtize your books.
If You Feel Like Cleaning:
  1. Wash the sheets. Enjoy sliding into fresh ones tonight.
  2. Make a linen spray. Find some instructions here.
  3. Refill your home made cleaners. For me, this would be my baking soda shakers and my Alvin Corn glass cleaner.
  4. Clean your windows. I’ve got my eye on this window cleaner tool.
  5. Scrub your grout. Check out this tutorial and these grout cleaning tips.
  6. Dust the baseboards. Try a microfiber duster or a dusting mitt. Dryer sheets can be run over them to help repel dust.
  7. Vacuum all the carpets.
  8. Wash the bathmats.
  9. Bleach the sink. I like to fill it up and use dissolving bleach crystals to disinfect my basin once a week.
  10. Fluff the pillows. Instantly perk up a bed or the sofa cushions by giving the pillows squeezes and pats.
  11. Take a Magic Eraser to the doors and doorjambs. You’d be surprised how dirty they are if you look closely.
  12. Sweep your entryway. Give yourself many happy entrances home.
  13. Polish your granite counters. Easy to do and part of routine maintenance anyway.
  14. Clean out your purse.
  15. Wash the car.
With the Kids:
  1. Movie night. Popcorn makes it legit. Bonus fun points if you pop your own.
  2. Build a fort. You know the kind. Living room couch cushions, sheets, flashlights, the whole bit.
  3. Make ice cream sundaes.
  4. Have hot chocolate. Dig the packets from last Christmas out of the pantry or make your own.
  5. Bake cookies. Chocolate chip, Snickerdoodles, peanut butter, whatever your fave is. Make enough to freeze some for later.
  6. Do a puzzle. You’ve probably forgotten how fun and addicting it is.
  7. Play a game. Current favorites around here include Blokus and Monopoly Deal.
  8. Hide-and-seek or sardines.
  9. Make a scavenger hunt. You’ll have a fun making up rhymes and hiding objects and then you’ll have fun watching the kids decipher the clues.
  10. Read aloud. Picture books, a favorite chapter book from your childhood, or join in a book your kids are currently reading.
  11. Have a coloring contest, adults included. Find a page online and print out as many copies as participants.
  12. Finger knit. Find instructions here.
  13. Use veggies as stamps. Check out this inspiration.
  14. Have a shaving cream bath. This just means you put the littles in the tub and squirt some shaving cream on the walls for them to finger paint with.
  15. Turn the sprinkler on and run through it. No explanation required, but get the camera ready to snap some idyllic scenes.
  16. Play duck-duck-goose. Re-live your preschool days.
  17. Camp in the back yard. “Camping” without having to pack for it.
  18. Make s’mores. Extend the fun by collecting sticks for the fire beforehand.
  19. Look through photo albums. Or digital pictures on the TV screen.
  20. Make a bucket list. Not only will you come up with more ways to make memories together, but you’ll probably learn about some things your kids want to do that you didn’t know about.
  21. Build a LEGO city. Put together the sets you have from their instructions or make your own creations.
  22. Make an obstacle course. Do this inside or out. Think things to crawl under, jump over, tiptoe on, etc. If you don’t want to use furniture, use painter’s tape or crepe paper streamers.
  23. Make lemonade. Find instructions for a tasty homemade libation here.
  24. Blow bubbles.
To Get Your Life In Order:
  1. Make a life goals list.
  2. Come up with a family or household statement of purpose.
  3. Set up a new budget.
  4. Take a look at your existing budget.
  5. Read up on money matters such as investment strategies, paying off debt, or how to reach your savings goals, whatever fits your situation.
  6. Get caught up on your bills.
  7. Go through that pile of mail.
  8. Gather your returns and exchanges.
  9. Make a list of errands you need to run next week.
  10. Make a meal plan.
  11. Make some lists. It can help declutter your brain.
If You Just Want to Relax:
  1. Read a book. Find some of the mental health benefits of reading here, if you need convincing.
  2. Browse your stack of magazines and then recycle them.
  3. Binge watch an old favorite series. Or start a movie marathon.
  4. Watch a documentary. Check out this list of top documentaries of 2019.
  5. Sit outside and listen.
  6. Have a picnic in your outdoor space.
  7. Have a picnic on the living room floor.
  8. Take a bubble bath.
  9. Talk with someone over a couple glasses of wine.
  10. Take a nap.
  11. Swap foot rubs or back massages with a loved one at home.
  12. Paint your fingernails.
  13. Give yourself a pedicure.
  14. Soak your feet.
  15. Do an at-home face mask.
  16. Place a grocery order. If you don’t have a subscription, consider a free trial to see if it’s right for you.
  17. Meal prep for the coming week.
  18. Make a holds list at the library.
  19. Set up Subscribe & Save for regularly purchased household items.

Tags: Park City, Utah, Home, Family, activities
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Activities In Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Feb 19, 2020

Coming to Park City,  but not a huge skier -  here are 8 Great Things To Do In Park City, Utah Besides Skiing. There’s lots to do in Park City for those who prefer to hit the slopes, but not so hard.

Family sleigh ride at Deer Valley Resort.

1. Enjoy The Greatest Snow On Earth - Relive the 2002 Winter Olympics through memorabilia and interactive exhibits at Utah Olympic Park's free museums. In summer, watch aerial skiers hurtle through the air, landing with a splash in the Olympic pool. Or be a passenger in a bobsled if you dare. Take a sleigh ride to a remote Viking Yurt. After being tucked in with warm blankets, a snow-cat pulls you up 1,800 feet through fairy tale forests, past looming mountains and views of Park City’s twinkling lights.

Take a Saturday Morning Snow Shoe Tour of Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. It’s cheap and snowshoes are provided. Or let a pack of huskies and their musher whizz you through the forest. Snowmobile along miles of groomed tracks, or, for a slower pace, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley.

A woman gets a spa treatment in Park City.

2. Luxuriate For The Day - For the luxury touches of herbal body products, fluffy robes, and soaking in hot water with mountain views, head to Stein Eriksen Lodge. Booking a spa treatment means access to other facilities, such as a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and a heated indoor/outdoor infinity pool as well.

Or buy a day pass at Hotel Park City to use their heated pool, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, meditation rooms, fitness equipment, and hydrotherapy tub. (Passes are available spring and fall, and sometimes summer. Call for availability.) At Montage Deer Valley, day passes include access to an indoor mosaic lap pool, a co-ed or separate women’s relaxation area, selected fitness classes, and locker rooms offering a steam room, sauna, whirlpools, and deluge showers.

End with Montage Deer Valley’s free daily s’mores (open to all). Graham crackers, dark and milk chocolate bars, and gourmet, house-made marshmallows including cinnamon, mocha, salted caramel, and peppermint flavors are roasted up around a patio fire pit from 4 to 6 p.m. and later in summer.

Looking up Historic Main Street on a summer night.
3. Explore Main Street - Main Street feels like a Western movie set, as Park City was once a silver mining town with 27 saloons. But boom and bust happen, and by 1951, Park City was listed in Ghost Towns of the West. The township pulled itself up by the bootstraps, becoming the world-famous ski resort it is today.

Learn more about this history at Park City Historical Museum. The museum also offers summer walking tours during which you can learn more about some of Main Street’s 64 heritage-listed buildings. You’ll definitely want to book ahead.

You can also join a Last Friday Gallery Stroll (Monthly, June to December) for complimentary refreshments, music, and the chance to visit 19 local studios. To find Franz the Bear, an iconic bronze sculpture and photo-op sitting on a park bench (and an elusive Banksy mural) download the city’s Free Self-Guided Art and Sculpture Tour Map. Stop by the Alpine Pie Bar for a slice of pie and a cocktail made from locally crafted spirits from Alpine Distilling.

4. Hit The Shops- Once a mining town, these days Park City seems paved with gold. Stunning homes dot the hillsides and Main Street has many high-end shops. Personal favorites include Burns Cowboy Shop with hundreds of crafted designer boots, Alpaca International for wrinkle-resistant travel garments, and Cade and Co's for handmade leather baby shoes.

Dolly’s Bookstore showcases regional authors and Dolly the cat sunning herself in the window. Atticus Coffee Books and Teahouse offers comfy reading spots and pots of tea chosen from 65 loose-leaf varieties.

The street is steep, so catch the free trolley back up. My grandson adored this trolley. He was too young for skiing, so I wasn’t the only one hitting the shops.

Or catch a bus to Outlets Park City. All public transport is free (plan your route using the myStop app). Arrive and grab a free coupon book from Customer Service. Then it’s full-throttle ahead, foraging through 65 outlets including Old Navy, Levi, Gap, Nike, Vans, and Sun and Ski Sports. There are no onsite cafes, so fortify yourself with lunch beforehand.

The Ice Castle in Herber, Utah.
5. Head To Heber - A 25-minute drive away in Heber, you can experience an Ice Castle -- a magical winter fairy-tale world of caverns, tunnels, and fountains carved by artists and lit by magical lights. I recommend dressing warmly and wearing snow boots. Utah is famous for its cheese, so stop at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese for tastings, tours, and cheese-making classes. Homestead Resort in nearby Midway has a geothermal hot spring in a 55-foot high beehive-shaped crater. Water bubbles up at 90 to 96 degrees. You can book dips (it’s deep) and even do paddleboard yoga in the crater.
The Egyptian Theater in Park City.
6. Sundance All Year- Film fans flock to Park City in January for the Sundance Film Festival. Some tickets are hard to score, but those on waitlists often get in. If this interests you, consider a Sundance membership to access special screenings and pre-sale tickets before the mad scramble begins.

You can also enjoy Sundance venues all year long. The Park City Film Series hosts films at “The Santy” (Jim Santy Auditorium). Film choices, projection, and sound quality are top-notch. Locals introduce films, popcorn comes with free refills and real butter, and local traders offer door prizes.

The Egyptian Theater has been associated with Sundance since the festival began in 1978. This 1926 Art Deco gem was built in the excitement surrounding the opening of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb in 1922. An Egyptologist supervised the theater’s decoration, which includes scarabs, lotus leaf motifs, and hieroglyphics. The venue offers famous musical acts and top stage shows throughout the year.

7. Explore The Local Food Scene - Park City has over 150 restaurants. Most have excellent ratings, making it hard to choose where to dine. For restaurant tips and deals, locals recommend the Park Record.

Queues indicate greatness. Five5eeds serves Australian-style coffee and avocado toast with whipped goats cheese. It’s easier to get seated here on weekdays. We also recommend Park City Food Tours for reasons as multi-pronged as a fork. You’ll experience a number of restaurants, a guide offers other local recommendations, and, as Julia Child said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” So good company is assured. No two tours are identical, but the much-talked-about Riverhorse and Handle restaurants are often on the itinerary. Note that drink pairings are extra.

8. Enjoy Drinking (In Moderation)-  Some tourists even fear not getting a drink in Park City. They shouldn’t worry.

Visit Alpine Distilling (located in Silver Creek) and the Alpine Pie Bar (lower level of 350 Main Street). Alpine Distilling is Utah's Distillery of the Year for the second year in a row and the Pie Bar was voted Best Casual Eatery be LuxLife. The Alpine Pie Bar is also home to the world famous Gin Experience.

Park City is home to High West Distillery and Saloon, Utah’s first legal distillery (opened in 1870!) and the world's only ski-in distillery. The food is excellent, but if you’ll be dining with under-21s, head out to their other distillery at Wanship, which is classed as a restaurant, not a bar.

Fox School of Wine has a Weekend Wine Series known locally as “the educational happy hour.” Their Saturday Mines and Wines Tours allow participants to take in six historic places with wines paired to each location. Mountain Town Olive Oil offers The Next Course -- an opportunity to cook gourmet recipes paired with wine. At Paint Mixer, you can create your next artwork in a social setting and enjoy an on-site wine service.

Even the local market, Park Silly Sunday Market (June to September) has a DIY Bloody Mary beer garden. The drink becomes breakfast once you top your glass with offerings including asparagus, olives, sausage, pickles, and crispy bacon.

Wasatch Brew Pub (established in 1986) is Park City’s first brewery since Prohibition. Check out the tongue-in-cheek beer labels, such as Polygamy Porter’s, which asks, “Why have just one?” Wasatch’s founder also convinced the Utah Legislature to allow brewpubs in the state, making it possible for you to enjoy good pub grub, including burgers, mac ’n’ cheese, and spicy buffalo wings. As it’s a brewpub rather than a bar, you can dine here with your skiing family.

Park City is more than just epic ski vacations — here’s why by the Points Guy.  If you’re an ardent fan of winter sports, you’re no doubt already familiar with Park City, Utah. Many events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games took place at this year-round tourist destination. From the beauty of the great outdoors to the glamour of the Sundance Film Festival, the city offers a wide range of activities all winter and summer long.

It’s a posh vacation spot for tourists seeking the beauty of the mountains no matter what the season. During the winter, Park City houses the U.S. Ski Team. In the summer, it hosts the training center for the Australian Freestyle Ski Team. The historic Egyptian Theatre, the home base of Sundance, brings films from across the globe to audiences. Celebrities are often spotted throughout the week-and-a-half-long festival that takes place in late January — so if you’re headed here then, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Getting to Park City - Park City is one of the most accessible vacation destinations in the country. It’s just 25 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Shuttles from the airport to Park City are frequent and can drop you off directly at your hotel.

Where to hit the slopes - As you can imagine, if Park City was host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, its slopes are world-class. Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort are the two major ski resorts in town — with more than 2,000 and 7,300 acres of terrain, respectively. The slopes are open from November to April and cater to thousands of visitors.

Photo courtesy Deer Valley Resort
Photo courtesy Deer Valley Resort
During the Olympics, the mountains were home to award-winning athletes. The Park City Mountain Resort held four Olympic events while Deer Valley Resort hosted two Olympic events. As a visitor, you get the privilege to use the same slopes where the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams both won medals. Don’t know how to ski or snowboard? Both resorts offer lessons for beginners. With hundreds of trails, the slopes at Park City offer a unique winter sports experience for all.

Where to stay near the slopes - While Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort are awesome for snowy-weather activities, you have other options — especially if you’re using Marriott Bonvoy points.

Visit Utah Olympic Park- Ever wanted to visit an Olympic village? You’re in luck: The Utah Olympic Park offers tours year-round. The village includes the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. The facilities also offer an intimate look into the history of Utah’s winter sports.

During the summer, Olympic Park offers summer tubing and bobsled, zip-lining and ropes courses. The Nordic ski jump used by Olympic-level athletes gets converted into a summer tubing hill. With a custom plastic surface, the ride smoothly glides just as well, if not better, than on snow. The activity is perfect for thrill-seekers as speeds can get up to 50 miles per hour.

Olympic Park in Park City (Photo by PhotographyPerspectives/Getty Images)
Olympic Park in Park City (Photo by PhotographyPerspectives/Getty Images)
From December to April, you can join the Winter Bobsledding Experience. Gear up to use the very same sliding track used for bobsled, skeleton and luge events during the Olympics. You can also enjoy tubing down the Soldier Hollow, the longest tubing lanes in the state. The skating rink at the Utah Olympic Park features a unique skating program that complies with the national and international standards of Learn to Skate USA. With world-class instruction in speedskating, hockey and curling.

Where to stay near Olympic Park - The Utah Olympic Park is about eight miles from downtown Park City. While there isn’t lodging within walking distance of the park, some of the closest hotels are just a short 10-minute car ride away. The Hyatt Centric Park City offers ski-in and ski-out access to the Park City Resort and the Wasatch Adventure Guides slopes. With 120 deluxe guest rooms, the hotel is a cozy home-away-from-home.

Experience the beauty of summer- Even if you don’t ski, Park City is the perfect destination to explore the great outdoors — especially in the summertime. If you’re interested in hiking, biking or camping, visit the nearby Uinta National Forest. Other trails include The Armstrong Trail or the Mid-Mountain Trail at Deer Valley Resort.

When you’re done touring the trails in Park City, join a hot air balloon ride. Soar above the scenic greenery of Utah’s national parks and mountain resorts. For fishing and river rafting lovers, the forest offers beautifully preserved lakes and rivers, such as the Logan, Weber, Ogden, and Provo rivers.

Where to stay- Sunrise Lodge by Hilton Grand Vacations is a beautiful mountain resort nestled in the Canyons Resort and next to the Sunrise Lift. The resort offers free shuttles to restaurants and shops on the main street. With guest rooms and full suites with kitchen amenities, the Sunrise Lodge is perfect for families on vacation.

Head to Sundance and Slamdance- In late January, Park City is home to the largest independent film event in the country: Sundance Film Festival. Thousands of movie-lovers, industry executives and celebrities from around the world come for the 10-day festival. The entire town transforms into a film mecca with The Egyptian Theatre is the crown jewel. The festival has a total of nine venues scattered throughout town. Transportation around Park City is easy year-round with a free public transit system.

The Egyptian theater for the Sundance film festival. (Photo by Pureadiancephoto/Getty Images)
The Egyptian theater for the Sundance film festival. (Photo by Pureadiancephoto/Getty Images)
Even if you can’t afford Sundance credentials or are unable to buy tickets, there are tons of free events happening in the city. Stop by the Festival Headquarters at the Sheraton Park City, the New Frontier Lab or any sponsored event venues for fun on a budget. You might even spot celebs at local coffee shops and restaurants.

Another option is to visit Slamdance Film Festival during the last week of January. The artist-led festival focuses on low-budget and emerging talent as an alternative to Sundance. Though smaller than Sundance, Slamdance’s tight-knit community offers a more accessible and intimate experience.

Where to stay for the festivals - When finding a hotel during Sundance, it’s important to stick close to the festival’s bus route. There are three Marriott hotels directly on the route: Marriott’s MountainSide, Marriott’s Summit Watch and Sheraton Park City. The Sheraton is also Sundance’s festival headquarters and the location where industry members can pick up their credentials. Staying at the Sheraton means that celebrities come to your front door. The lobby is often known for celeb spottings and hosting industry meetings.

Bottom line - Park City can be your home base for many different types of vacations, from a traditional ski vacation to active adventures in the summertime to exhilarating film festivals. Choose the face of Park City that you want to see and use your airline miles and hotel loyalty points to help you plan an affordable trip. Just plan for those peak ski dates or trips that coincide with Sundance.

Tags: Park City, Ski, Utah, Snow, Food, activities, Drinks
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Sundance, Rentals & Fun Things To Do

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Jan 22, 2019

The 2019 Sundance Film Festival individual ticket sales are open. Tickets are available online or in person at all three box office locations until the end of the Festival. Buying your tickets online? Make sure that you have a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) and that you can log in to your Sundance.org account (or create a new account). If you need assistance, please contact sundance.org/customersupport.

The New York Times recently asked the question Are Winter Rentals a Good Investment? The answer is Yes, if you buy in the right place. Vacation rental properties can be a solid investment, depending on the location. To help potential buyers decide where to invest, Vacasa, a vacation rental property management company, crunched data on about a half-million rental properties in popular winter destinations in the United States.

Cap rate is calculated by comparing a home’s sale price to what is left of the annual rental revenue after expenses are met. For example, if a home sold for $100,000 and there was $1,000 left at the end of the year after expenses, the cap rate would be 1 percent. The more money in your pocket at the end of the year, the higher the cap rate. The cap-rate equation, however, does not include mortgage costs. So it is most useful to investors who can buy a home outright. But even if you factor a mortgage into the calculations — a 30-year, fixed-rate loan at 4.58 percent, say, with a 25 percent down payment — most of the places on the following list were still very profitable, Vacasa found. Park City, Utah comes in fourth out of the top ten on good investments at 5.5 | $557,700

Park City Magazine has shared 9 Off-Slope Adventures the Whole Family Will Love - Look no further than these fun, cross-generational activities:

Outdoor Wonders - If your legs are done with the slopes but you’re still craving some downhill speed, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center has 1,200 feet of tubing lanes, all accessible by the magic carpet—it’s all the downhill fun, none of the uphill work. 2002 Soldier Hollow Lane, Midway, 435.654.2002

Discover activities for all ages and curiosities at the 1,200-acre Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Kids can test their vertical skills on the indoor climbing wall, track wildlife on a snowshoeing adventure, or color their way through Craft Sunday. 1258 Center Dr, 435.649.1767

The ice-blue wonderland of the Midway Ice Castle is not to be missed. Explore an acre of rooms, tunnels, and slides made entirely of ice and illuminated by a kaleidoscope of LED lights. Dress for the chilly night air and wander through a crystalline fairyland. Located near the Homestead Resort in Midway. Advance tickets only. 866.435.2850

Spin a little mountain-town vacation magic at the Park City Resort Ice Rink. Twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and music set the stage for making memories gliding (or falling) together. Complimentary skate walkers make it easy for the littlest skaters. 1415 Lowell Ave, 435.615.8165

Grow Your Budding Artist - Stoke your artistic flame at Red Flower Studios, where kids from 2 to 99 years old use breath and fire to make hand-blown glass creations. From abstract trinkets to a new favorite smoothie cup, here the transformative power of fire lights imaginations. 1755 Bonanza Dr, Unit C, 435.602.1949

At Paint Fusion, kids of all ages can choose from several hundred ceramic objects and paint them however they like. Decorate animals, fantasy creatures, platters, mugs, or even candy bowls. The work is kiln-fired for a professional finish, so plan on a couple days before picking up your masterwork. You can also up the artistic ante with a custom glass fusion piece. 1635 Redstone Center Dr, #115, 435.575.6463

Think you can’t paint? Think again. At the Paint Mixer, professionals lead you and your crew, step-by-step, in the creation of your own masterpiece. Your house will be the perfect showcase of the talent you didn’t know you had. 738 Main St, 435.604.0820

Keep the Good Times Rolling - Bowling, billiards, and video games at Jupiter Bowl provide hours of family fun. While you’re there, call dinner done by ordering a round of gourmet burgers or a hand-tossed pizza; and grown-ups can top off the high-octane revelry with a cocktail from the bar. 1090 Center Dr, 435.658.2695

Part intimate arcade, part upscale tavern, Daly’s Pub & Rec at the Montage is as much geared toward your inner foodie as it is the kid in you. Play video games or tabletop shuffleboard, and don’t miss the main attraction, the four-lane bowling alley—right next to the gourmet kitchen. Call ahead for availability. 9100 Marsac Ave, 435.604.1532 

 

Tags: Park City, Utah, Sundance, activities, Rental, Investment
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A Fresh Start to Spring

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 27, 2018

We are always looking to share the latest in news regarding our lovely town and the state of Utah. This week inman recently posted The Best US cities for A fresh Start and Salt Lake City makes the top ten. If you’ve ever had to move to another city for a job, you’ll know just how difficult relocating your life can be. But some parts of the country may be better suited for a fresh start — places like Buffalo, New York; Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; and Austin, Texas; are among some of the most receptive, a new study by online lending exchange LendingTree indicates.

To come to these findings, the study’s authors looked at eight elements that would impact a person’s launch in a new city, including the cost of housing, median income and rates of health insurance coverage at 50 of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. To calculate a resident’s chances of landing a good job, the study also examined the number of adults between 35 and 64 who are single, enrolled in school and covered by some form of health insurance along with additional factors including employment, median income and school enrollment.

Spring is here and now it is time to start planning your summer activities by adding the Deer Valley concert line-up to your calendar. Now in its 15 year, the festival's six-week summer schedule starts on June 30 with a Patriotic Celebration featuring vocalist Rachel Potter that will include 13 full orchestra concerts at the Snow Park Amphitheater, as well as four chamber concerts at St. Mary's Catholic Church that begins on July 11 with Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 featuring violinist Kathryn Eberle.

Park City Mountain is ready to slide into their 11th annual Spring Grüv, a 16-day event that features live music, family-friendly activities, entertainers and the 22nd edition of the resort's annual pond skimming contest - the fun begins March 24th.

As we work our way through the annual mud season here are 13 Easy Spring Upgrades You Can Do in A Weekend. With thoughts turning to warmer weather this seemed like a good time to round up a few little projects you can do to improve your backyard, or just add a little curb appeal to your home. Projects range from painting your front door and porch steps to organizing the garage and adding a fire pit to your patio area.

Tags: Park City, Utah, Events, Spring, activities
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