So you’re looking for a mountain getaway? Maybe you want a place that you can visit multiple times a year and have a good time whether it’s snowing or sunny and 75. Park City might be your new favorite hideout.
We recently made the 12-hour drive from California to Park City for a 4-day getaway. It’s always a little interesting to hear your iPhone tell you to stay on I-80 East for the next 684 miles, but it really doesn’t get any simpler than that. Through Tahoe, A LOT of Nevada, and finally the salt flats, we made our way into this iconic mountain retreat.
The first thing to do is take a walk around Main Street and poke your head into any brewery, outfitter, or art gallery that catches your eye. There are no shortage of opportunities, but Gorsuch is a long-time Park City staple for elevated mountain style and can help you bring some of the mountain resort lifestyle back home with you.. If your style is missing a watch though, don’t walk past OC Tanner without taking a look around. They offer plenty of options from Rolex, IWC, and Cartier (Ask for Jennifer, she’s the best.)
Main Street is quaint enough to fit the authentic mountain town vibe, but large enough to avoid the trapped feeling that can accompany some historic mountain towns. Park City feels like a combination between Tahoe and Telluride and they seem to have gotten the mixture just right.
We stayed at the Hyatt Place right as you’re coming into town. It’s exactly like every other Hyatt Place, except that it has the best complimentary breakfast I’ve ever had at a hotel. Their team whipped up some absolutely delicious carnitas breakfast tacos and a bunch of other goodies, but after seeing the carnitas I didn’t really have a reason to look any further.
While we didn’t test out the local Airbnb scene, I would imagine that it is just as flourishing as the rest of the beautiful destination towns, and there are plenty of updated cabins at the top of Main Street that would be incredible. The only thing that I would change, would be to stay within walking distance of downtown because it really has most of what you want to be doing anyways.
On Day 1, we enjoyed sunny blue skies and 64 degree weather. Perfect for a walk around the McPolin Farm Nature Trail that runs along highway 224 going through town.
On Day 2, we woke up to four inches of snow on our car and 28 degree weather. It was at that point that a local informed us that good weather comes in June.
May is when you visit Park City if you want to have the place all to yourself. Several of the stores we passed in town were closed for the month to give their staff a break between busy seasons. The ski resorts have been closed for a couple of weeks but you can still get the occasional cold snap so don’t leave your coat at home. But it really is a very relaxing and laid back atmosphere that waits for you at the top of the hill. You don’t have to wait for any restaurants, you can take as much time as you want at an art gallery without feeling crowded by anyone, and the stores that are open are happy to see you.
If you are looking for a little more zest and excitement, I would wait until June if you’re visiting in the Summer or until the ski resorts open up if you’re visiting in the Winter.
For a breakfast or lunch spot that will make you feel like a local, The Eating Establishment is as local as it gets on Main Street. It’s been around since the 70’s and it hasn’t really lost any of that character over the years. It doesn’t have a Michelin Star, but it makes you feel like you’ve been coming here for years instead of this being your first trip.
If you need a dinner spot that works for the whole family or just a casual date night, Versante Hearth and Bar is the winning choice. Plenty of seating, a full bar, and delicious wood-fired pizza. Try one of their more unique pizza options and pair it with the Antinori red from Tuscany. *Chef’s Kiss*
One afternoon, we took a drive back down the mountain to see Salt Lake City. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, and there were some nice parts of town, but it was just a regular city that you can see pretty much anywhere you visit. If you are fortunate enough to be staying in Park City, my advice is to stay in Park City and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
I’m going to contradict myself right away. There is one place outside of Park City that is worth visiting, and that place is Midway, Utah. It’s just a 25 minute drive South and it is a wonderful place to escape for a day if Park City starts to feel a little too ‘touristy’ for you. It’s just a town where people live and it’s kept some of its charm acquired over the years while still being a nice place to be today.
Judy’s Donuts & Coffee is an absolute must-visit spot. Their donuts are better than advertised and they have a lemon poppyseed old-fashioned option that is worth the drive alone. Their coffee is better than Starbucks and if you get their dark roast drip, you are going to need to add on a donut to help soak it up or risk a pretty heavy caffeine rush. The coolest part about Judy’s is that it is housed in a renovated Victorian house that is at once cozy and modern.
Also in Midway, The Corner is a great choice for dinner. It pairs an inviting ambiance with welcoming staff and quality food that tastes good. That’s really all I’m looking for in a restaurant and they delivered. The hanger steak is well worth a try and the rolls that they start your evening with give you the impression that someone is working with a secret family recipe in the back.
We didn’t get a chance to experience Midway Mercantile because we ran out of time on our trip, but that is going to be the first restaurant we try on our next visit. If you get there first, let us know how it is!
Final speed round of recommendations :
McMillan Gallery showcased beautiful fine art photography featuring wild horses and Utah landscapes.
CCPC is the best thrift store in the area.
There’s a real Banksy mural on one of the exterior walls of Java Cow.
We had driven through Park City a couple of times on previous road trips, but really experiencing it for the first time left us looking forward to coming back. It offers something to everyone whether you want outdoor adventure, indoor shopping, picturesque surroundings, a quiet getaway, or some combination of it all.
Remember - don’t forget your coat in May, try a local eatery, and soak up all of Park City’s charm while you can because you will always have to leave too soon.
