After exploring lots of Colorado ski towns over the years it was time to step foot in Utah.
Recently, I was able to experience two different seasons in the magical town of Park City: Late Fall with all the beautiful colors out in full force, and Early Sprig for skiing.
I hope you get the opportunity to check out Park City and see why this area of the country is such a gem!
Whether it’s an early morning hike or a first chair kind of day, I am a sucker for a good breakfast (especially at a local spot) to kick the day off on the right foot. Park City has a couple of delicious places.... my favorite being Five5eeds. This restaurant is right next to the grocery store and fills up quickly (even during shoulder season) so make sure to join the waitlist early. Harvest is another great breakfast spot right off Main Street by the town chairlift.
***All of these were taken while dining at Five5eeds.
Even when breakfast isn’t a must, coffee always is. When I travel, I love to check out the local coffee shops. I think it is such a cool way to see a town, meet the locals and hear their stories as each is different. Park City has quite a few coffee shops, however these three were my favorites:
Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse - This is a cool little coffee shop/bookstore with a play on To Kill a Mockingbird.
Park City Coffee Roasters - This is out of downtown over by Whole Foods but still really good and is also a great spot to stop on your way out to hike.
Lucky Ones Café - This is inside the library, but it is a really cool coffee shop with an awesome mission. Most of the employees are differently abled individuals. Pretty cool.
Looking for the mid-day or end of day fuel? Park City has lots of different cuisines to offer:
The Bridge Café & Grill – Right next to the town ski lift, this is a popular place for a little Après Ski as well as a lunch in between hikes.
Buona Vita – Delicious espresso martini and a great place to carbo load after a long hike or a day skiing.
High West Saloon - You'll see this on the bar list too, it is a Distillery, hands down best bourbon/whiskey drinks I have ever had (check the drinks recipes on their website for additional options not on the menu). Also, if the butternut squash soup is on the seasonal menu it is an absolute MUST, hands down the best I have ever had.
Bangkok Thai – I have recently discovered that ski towns have some of the best Thai food and Park City is no exception. During our week-long stay in the fall, we ate at Bangkok Thai at least 3 times.
The Eating Establishment – A diner that has been around since the early ‘70s, open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with all around good American food.
Yuki Yama – Delicious sushi on Main Street. This place is a little on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it.
Now for Dessert…
My dad is always one to be on the lookout for sweets. Anytime we go to a new town he makes note of 2 things: Coffee Shops (as most have pastries he can have with his morning coffee) and Dessert. Park City was no different as he immediately found his way to The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. If you are looking for a quick spot for dessert or a sweet treat as you wonder around Main Street then look no further than this place. It is a chain throughout the Rocky Mountain towns but nonetheless they still have an array of different chocolate covered items as well as lots of ice cream.
Whether you are looking for a post hike cocktail or a little Après Ski spot, there were my go-to’s on both trips to Park City:
Wasatch Brewery – Named after the Wasatch Mountain Range that runs through Utah. This brewery was started by a Midwesterner who relocated to Utah in the ‘80s. Wasatch Brewery has seasonal rotating beers as well as their regular drafts with quite the clever names. My mom loved the Jalapeño Cream Ale while I was a fan of Squatter’s Hefeweizen.
High West Saloon – As mentioned above this is a great restaurant and bar. Especially during ski season. If it is warm enough, they will have a bar open on the front patio, which gets packed.
Spur Bar & Grill – Check out the music calendar, there is live music every night!
No Name Saloon – Great Après Ski spot as well as delicious apps. Tons of seating inside but also has a cool roof patio with great views of town.
O'Shucks Bar & Grill Main Street - This is a cool little Dive Bar, definitely a spot to hit if you are in Park City during shoulder season.
Old Town Cellars - Tasting Room on Main Street, great spot for afternoon wine tasting.
Hikes:
There is a hike from town over by The Bridge Café & Grill, walk over the bridge and up the hill. The whole hike is mostly uphill but it's the route down the mountain when you ski into town. However far up you go, you will have a beautiful view on your hike down.
Timpanogos Hike - There are many variations of this trail, but you must do at least the Lower Falls. It is about 2.5 miles round trip. Once you see the small falls, keep going because there is a larger one about a quarter mile further up. There are also longer and harder routes that go off of the lower falls trail if you are looking for a longer hike. Additionally, there are other trail heads in the same parking lot. Once you are finished with your hike, drive down to the Sundance main lodge and grab a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
- Mount Timpanogos Trail from Aspen Grove - 16.8 Miles
- Timpanogos Lower Falls - 2.4 Miles
***The Kühl "The One Jacket" is pictured in these photos.
Hot Springs:
Homestead Crater - We tried to go here but we were still in COVID times and they weren't letting you go unless you had a reservation. But this was highly recommended to me and it looks super cool!
Shopping:
If you are a fan of the show Yellowstone check out Burns on Main Street. They make all of the hats and belt buckles for the show....and the saddles and boots throughout the store.... breathtakingly beautiful. You can also spot pictures of Kevin Costner scattered throughout the store.
While in Park City I discovered one of my new favorite outdoor brands, Kühl. I particularly fell in love with "The One Jacket" and the "Dani Sherpa Vest, so much so that I have since gone back for more. Kühl has quickly become my go to for all my fun outdoor apparel.
Whichever season you choose to visit Park City, there is always something to do with delicious food and drink options along the way. Until next time Park City!
Opmerkingen