Weekend Getaway: Park City, Utah
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Park City was started during the 19th-century silver rush. Back then it wasn’t a swanky mountain resort, but a place best known for its Main Street lined with saloons and brothels. Today it’s much more refined. Park City is a stylish, naturally beautiful destination for all seasons. But it’s most known during the winter months for the snow, the skiing, and this little indie film fest called Sundance.
Where to Stay
Treasure Trove: Treasure Mountain Inn. The location of the Treasure Mountain Inn couldn’t be more perfect; it’s on the base of historic Main Street, leaving you moments away from both the slopes and hopping nightlife. When the weather outside is frightful, what could be better? Studios here start at $175/night and come with a full kitchen. Make your reservations early—rooms book fast. 255 Main Street, Park City; 800.344.2460; www.treasuremountaininn.com
Weekend at Grandma’s: Washington School Inn. This place is so homey it’s like heading off to visit the relatives…without actually having to deal with them! Rooms are cozy with period furniture and charm, and your visit might even make you a bit smarter—the inn is a converted historic schoolhouse. You’ll learn a lot: The inn has extensive knowledge of area attractions, and while you’re planning your day you can munch on home-baked pastries and sip on hot coffee. Queen rooms from $130. 543 Park Avenue, Park City; 435.649.3800; www.washingtonschoolinn.com
Lodge Living: Goldner Hirsch Inn. If you fancy yourself a ski bunny, book a room at the Austrian-inspired Goldner Hirsch and pack your parka. Located 10 minutes off the main drag, the Goldner has 20 rooms decorated with Euro sophistication and love— wood cabinets for your goods, fluffy down comforters to keep you warm, and lovely hand-painted and hand-carved king-size beds to help keep your dreams supersweet. Main floor rooms from $279 a night. 7570 Royal Street East, Park City; 800.252.3373; www.goldenerhirschinn.com
Where to Eat
Go West: Purple Sage. With its “American West goes hip” attitude and menu, Purple Sage is a fun and tasty place to eat. Replace the calories burned while skiing or hiking by ordering the warm potato chips with melted blue cheese or the beer-battered onion rings. Move on to the to-die-for sugar and chili-cured duck: seared duck breast and roasted duck leg over green chili macaroni with sugar snap peas. Are we there yet? 434 Main Street, Park City; 435.655.9505; www.purplesageparkcity.com
Stylish Comfort: Café Terigo. This lovely, family-run restaurant is a Park City favorite. Year after year locals, visitors, and celebs come back for their sophisticated flavors and comfort foods. Try the Utah trout with citrus butter, sweet potato hash, and coriander crème fraîche. But save room for dessert: Terigo is known for their decadent bread pudding made with dried cranberries and pine nuts and served with hot butter rum and cinnamon ice cream. 424 Main Street, Park City; 435.645.9555; www.cafeterigo.com
Italian Resort: Grappa. Grappa is fancy. Come here in the wintertime and you’re almost guaranteed to see someone famous (or soon to be famous!). Put on your stylish duds and act like old money: Order the fancy wine, the osso bucco, or the rack of New Zealand lamb with a vegetable and farrow salad and a roasted pepper coulis. Soon everyone will be staring at you! 151 Main Street, Park City; 435.645.0636; www.grapparestaurant.com
Where to Drink
Locals Spot: No Name Saloon. This is the spot on Main Street that’s always packed. Maybe it’s their motto: “Helping People Forget Their Names Since 1903.” Come here for local Park City folk, cheep beer, and a hearty buffalo burger with all the trimmings. 447 Main Street, Park City; 435.649.6667; www.nonamesaloon.net
Hip, Hot, and Happening: Harry O’s. Be warned: Harry O’s is not for wallflowers. This hallowed club draws big-name artists, especially during the winter. Be prepared to stand in line, pay up for drinks, and go home deaf. The bonuses? Celebrity sightings, music, and a rocking good time. 427 Main Street, Park City; 435.647.9494; www.myspace.com/harryos
Where to Shop
LA Meets PC: Chloe Lane. This place has a reputation for great shopping à la Kitson and Fred Segal. Maybe it’s the concept—Chloe Lane is really three stores in one. The first is a denim bar (come here for your Citizens, Rock & Republic, and other hard-to-find exclusives), the second a fashion-forward women’s boutique (think D&G and Marc Jacobs), the third a men’s house of fashion (finally, something for the guys!). Bring your credit cards—you will need them. 556, 558, 562 Main Street, Park City; 435.645.9888; www.mychloelane.com
Live and Local: Mary Jane’s. You’ll love Mary Jane’s because it’s just so darn cute! The store stocks only local and independent designers, which means you won’t have to worry that your vacation find will be found by everyone at work too. Mary Jane’s has shoes, clothes, and even things for the little one, making it the perfect spot for one-stop vacation shopping. 613 Main Street, Park City; 435.604.6439; www.maryjanesshoes.com
Where to Chill Out
Ski Utah: Park City boasts three resorts within five minutes of each other: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, and the Canyons. When covered in snow, the slopes are sublime; in the off-season they make for excellent hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. www.parkcityinfo.com
Indie Filmgoing: Park City is most famous for this little film festival called Sundance. Ever heard of it? In 2008, the festival runs Jan. 17–27. Make your plans now—there are dozens of movies, discussions, and festivities associated with Sundance. Not to mention some serious celeb sightings. www.festival.sundance.org
Salty Spa: Mountain Body Spa and Cosmetic Deli. Utah is also famous for the Great Salt Lake, the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere. The lake isn’t much fun, but someone finally found something to do with all that salt. Visit Mountain Body Spa and Cosmetic Deli for organic beauty products made with salts and minerals from the region. Or get pampered now with one of a dozen local spa treatments like an Après Ski Massage or the Sugar, Salt Scrub & Glow. 608 Main Street, Park City; 435.655.9342; www.mountainbody.com