I mentioned in a previous post that one of my favorite things to do is to hike in the Albion Basin at Alta Ski Resort. With the 3rd snowiest season on record, the summer flowers that are so vibrant and the resident moose may not be in full bloom until mid August.
When they are, this is what it can look like: (click image for larger version)
— Image use by permission from AstroPax.com
The time has come. The painted SUV’s with license plates from Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah to name a few have descended upon Park City. Softball is in the air.
Although this morning didn’t feature any games the 2008 Triple Crown Softball tournament held here in Park City is under way. The weather couldn’t be any better with highs in the low to mid 80’s and sunny skies.
I stopped by the fields at Quinn’s Junction this morning as the gals were doing skills competitions and generally prepping for play. If you’ve ever wondered just how big of a deal this is, the looks on the faces of the gals and the painted autos are a sign that this is all business…and a lot of fun too.
The gal pictured below who plays for the Tooele County Thunder was trying to pitch 10 balls into that target within 30 seconds. She got 7 of them in! Nice work!
Park City has done their best to have the fields in great condition for the tournaments that will follow in the next few weeks. At just 4 miles out of town near the junction of Highway 40 and state road 248, Quinn’s Junction Sports Complex is top notch! The views aren’t too bad either.
Good luck to all the teams at this year’s tournament! If’ you’ve got questions about parking, the field locations or about lodging in Park City just drop a comment on this blog post and we’ll reply. Welcome to our piece of paradise.
Earlier this week I posted about the Wednesday night concerts each week held at Deer Valley. In addition to the Deer Valley concerts, Mountain Town Stages has put together a slew of FREE concerts this summer in a variety of locations in and around Park City.
Here’s a quick run down of the more popular locales but be sure to check out the rest of the possibilities at the Mountain Town Stages website.
Frontier Bank Local Summer Concert Series at Deer Valley
Wednesday nights on the lawn at the base of Deer Valley Resort are a treat. This is the same venue that the Utah Symphony uses for their annual 4th of July Patriotic celebration concert where tickets go for $25. You get to enjoy the same venue for FREE (although the Utah Symphony is well worth the cost)
Summer Concert Series at The Canyons
Saturday evenings are not to be missed in the village center of The Canyons Resort. Long known for both winter and summer concerts of national talent, this is one of the best venues for outdoor music I’ve been to. The view looking to the east of the Snyderville Basin and the distant Uinta Mountains is one of a kind.
The exception to the Saturday evenings is tonight’s show (July 3) featuring the Disco Drippers followed by fireworks in celebration of our nations birthday. I’ve seen this show a number of times and am looking forward to it tonight along with the firework display! This is what it looked like last year.
Concerts in the Miners Park in Park City
Where else can you enjoy friends, a true local feel, shopping, dining and more all at 7000′ above sea level? Main Street Park City of course.
Concert in the park sounds good doesn’t it? But this is not your typical park. It’s the miners park on Main Street in Park City. Seating is limited but if you’re going to sit, bring a lawn chair or the likes. In the late afternoon the park is often in the shade.
–The Canyons Summer Concert Images by Terese DeWilde, courtesy of The Canyons Resort
Earlier this week I posted on how to beat the summer heat by going to Park City and Big Cottonwood Canyon. The activities in those areas are not limited to what was in the post and you can easily spend more time in either place.
One thing I love about Big Cottonwood Canyon is the wildlife. On several occasions I’ve seen moose, deer, and beavers. This photo of a moose crossing a driveway was taken from Bear Trap Lodge.
Bear Trap Lodge is a 5 bedroom cabin located approximately 13 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon not far from Guardsman Pass which takes you into Park City and the Heber Valley. It is close to hiking, biking, fishing, and Frisbee golf and also has an abundance of activities on site including a game room with Pool Table and Ping Pong. This cabin is ideal for a weekend getaway and works well for Family Reunions, Girlfriend Getaways, and Man-cations.
Another reason to stay at Bear Trap Lodge this summer is the hot deal running for the rest of the summer, which is $100 off the nightly rate. This makes the nightly rate, $499, hard to beat on accommodations for 24 people.
Perhaps you’re staying in one of the many Bear Hollow townhomes or homes that Utah Vacation Homes has available this summer. Or it’s likely that you’re in old town Park City. Regardless, be sure that before you arrive to town that your Wednesday afternoon is booked with a visit to the Park City Farmers Market. You won’t regret getting a feel for local culture, art and of course the fantastic home grown food.
The Park City Farmers’ Market is located at The Canyons Resort in the Cabriolet lot adjacent to Highway 224 that goes from Kimball Junction to the town of Park City. The Market takes place each Wednesday, June - October. 12:00pm - 7:00pm and is a favorite of mine to get fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a fresh slice of pizza or even a pastry.
Volkers Bakery is one of the local merchants who can be found there is a must visit for fantastic breads and brick oven pizza baked on the spot. I’m a fan of the Asiago Cheese Focaccia and the Walnut Cranberry which with cream cheese in the morning is a delight.
(Speaking of delight, this past Saturday I stopped by the Volkers stand in Kamas while on my way home from a 60 mile road bike ride and picked up a large piece of Apple Strudel. This is the real deal, from Austria, and oh was it so good.)
Aside from Volkers there are plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, many of which are picked the morning of the market. Perhaps you’ll find some local art, photography or crafts to take home with you. Music adds to the festive and casual atmosphere.
So check out the Farmers Market the next time you’re in Park City on a Wednesday afternoon. Rain or shine, it’ll be there.
– images credit to Park City Farmers’ Market
With temperatures soaring in the high 90’s to 100’s in the Salt Lake valley and even higher in other parts of the country beating the summer heat is on my mind and I don’t think I’m the only one. Last weekend I found several ways to get out of the heat while enjoying a family reunion.
I started in Park City shopping at Tanger Outlet Mall. Not only was the temperature much cooler than in Salt Lake City the deals were incredible (I got a t-shirt from Gap for $1.99 and dress pants at Ann Taylor for $14.98)! Yes- I’m a sucker for sales.
My sisters and five nephews were with me and while shopping with five boys under the age of nine isn’t ideal we had a great time. There are two playgrounds at Tanger Outlet Mall so we rotated watching the boys play on the playground and shopping. Even with taking my turn watching my nephews play I still managed to do enough damage to my credit card.
Park City Mountain Resort has attractions for everyone. I purchased the combo pass for $24 which provides a ticket for both the Alpine Coaster and Alpine Slide. You can add a passenger to either ride for a minimal amount. Kendall did a post several months ago on the Coaster so I’ll just add that it is awesome!
Most of the little ones were able to ride as passengers on the Slide and Coaster and LOVED it. They also spent time on the carousel, airplanes, and running around.
What a great place for a picnic, especially if anyone likes to skate. The skate park at the City Park has street skating and bowl skating. Even if you don’t skate it’s entertaining to watch. The park has nice facilities and grassy areas for chase or a makeshift game of soccer or softball.
Just on the other side of the mountain from Park City is Big Cottonwood Canyon. During the summer months Guardsman Pass is open and allows easy access between the two areas. Keep in mind part of the road is dirt, but usually doesn’t require 4 wheel drive. I’ve made the drive several times without problems in my small Honda Civic hatchback.
The areas of the canyon exposed to sun can get fairly warm, but overall Big Cottonwood Canyon is cool especially when compared to Salt Lake City. This weekend I chose to climb at one of my favorite areas, The Slips, because it isn’t exposed to the sun and is right next to Big Cottonwood Creek. There were times I was a little cool.
If rock climbing isn’t your thing there are several other options in Big Cottonwood Canyon including hiking, fishing, Frisbee golf, and picnicking.
One of the best things about this weekend was I was able to get out and do something without roasting. Any other ideas of how to beat the summer heat without going into a summer hibernation?
In case you missed the Utah Arts Festival which was held this past weekend in downtown Salt Lake City at Library Square, the Park City Kimball Arts Festival is right around the corner. This year the Park City Arts Festival will take place August 1-3. It’s a marvelous time to be in Park City to take in the arts.
When most people think of “arts” they often conjure up images of paintings.
No, this festival is much more broad than that. Artists in all types of expertise from sculpting, photography, painting, woodcarving, wood prints, potters, and more will gather in this the 39th year of the art festival. In addition there will be musical talent and street entertainers with a plethora of culinary artists there to satisfy any pallet.
If you’ve got children there will be an area for young artists where they can let their creative minds express themselves. It truly is a family affair. Aside from the festival there are still plenty of outdoor activities, restaurants, and sites to visit (including the amazing art at the Kimball Art Center) so whether you’re here for the weekend or the week, you won’t lack for variety in a mountain setting.
Since the Arts Festival is held on Main Street it’s to your advantage to be close enough to stroll from your rented condo or home to the festival and back throughout the day. Taking in the festival is an unique experience that you’ll want to maximize. If you’re coming to town and need to find a place, Utah Vacation Homes has a number of properties close by which are still available:
The Park City Kimball Arts Festival encompasses much more than just a stroll up Main Street. We have partnered with the community to present the very best that Park City has to offer. We encourage you to spend the day, evening or weekend enjoying all of the possibilities for fun, fine dining and entertainment. Park City has something for everyone, from the stunning exhibition at the Kimball Art Center to theatres, restaurants, clubs and concerts at Deer Valley. Come for the weekend and enjoy!
Daly Avenue #2 - Located just above Main Street.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 10
Unit Type: Townhouse
Top of Main-B Old Town - Located at the top of Main Street
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
Unit Type: Townhouse
Motherlode #4
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
Unit Type: Townhouse
Park Ave - Rebuilt Old Town Home
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 8
Unit Type: House
So you’re staying in Deer Valley at one of Utah Vacation Homes‘ many Deer Valley area properties. Or perhaps you’ve found your way to Deer Valley by other routes. Either way, summer is here and the options of outdoor activities are abundant.
One of the things that I look forward to each summer are the number of outdoor concerts that are available. With more music than this set of ears could listen to in one summer it gets tough choosing where to go and what band to hear.
Sitting on the lawn, on a blanket or in your lawn chair enjoying outdoor music in the mountain air at Deer Valley Resort….what could be better? Oh, yea, the fact that it’s FREE?!
The Mountain Town Stages summer concert series which is held each Wednesday Night at Deer Valley used to be held in the park. Those concerts in the park are now on the weekends. This coming Wednesday, July 2 will feature The Joy & Eric Band which is being presented by Local’s Have More Fun, a Park City based company. The Joy and Eric Band is a Blues, Folk and Rock band that performs original music as well as some covers.
Speaking of the concerts in the park, this coming Sunday afternoon will feature hometown Parkite Mary Beth Maziarz (seen above) with her band Wild Honey. She’s one you’ll not want to miss as her unique piano band sound of blues, pop and soul will surely strike a cord with you.
No longer is the “I don’t have time” excuse valid with so many concert options. I hope you get out to see a show this summer, especially since a lot of them are free.
–Check out a clip of Mary Beth’s music
–image credit Mark Maziarz
Last week I posted about the Jordanelle Reservoir and a few of the activities that you can do when you’re there. With temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley sitting solidly in the 90’s this week, summer may be finally in full swing.
While the decision for ski resort lodging is an easy one when it’s winter, what about summer? Go for the resort town? Plenty to do that’s for sure, but what about variety? The Salt Lake Valley is nice where you’re close to the mountains, the city, and golf but if you live in a city you may be thinking mountain getaway.
Here’s something unique - what about a lake house on the Jordanelle Reservoir? Views, water, mountains, with plenty of activities or some needed peace and quite? Bingo!
Sitting on a bluff just above the Jordanelle Reservoir, the Slopes and Shores #1 town home is one of the newest additions to the Utah Vacation Homes options for lodging in the Park City area. If summer fun is your goal in a relaxing setting with golf, biking, restaurants 15 minutes away in either direction then this spot is going to make your summer!
With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths this town home will sleep 10. The fact that it’s nearly brand new will make you feel pampered. Other amenities include:
If the lake gets windy or you’re looking for another way to enjoy the fresh mountain air, there are 3 golf courses down the hill in the Heber Valley with a combined total of 90 holes to play. Play them all and you’ll feel like you’ve played a major. Each course is unique but I have really enjoyed the links style course of Soilder Hollow Courses.
The Gold course starts out in the meadows but circles up into the foothills while the Silver course at a couple hundred yards shorter stays in the meadows. Watch the rough as it’s tall Scotland style grass that loves to eat golf balls.
Check out the Golf Wasatch website for more info on the various courses located near the Jordanelle Reservoir.
Some people may say that road biking in Salt Lake City can be hectic and mediocre at best. I’d tend to disagree. From the Cottonwood Canyons to locations like Suncrest, Wasatch Blvd and the Jordan River Parkway, to the west end of the valley there are plenty of road biking gems to be found.
A friend of mine was out biking yesterday evening to the west of Salt Lake near Saltair and captured some images that say more about how beautiful the cycling can be in Salt Lake than I could surmise in an entire blog post.
You can pick up this trail (seen below) on the east side of the Salt Lake Airport which then runs through the golf course and west into the business complex. From there you can follow the frontage road that leads out to Saltair and then return back for a good out and back.
Sometimes people have complained of the smell of brine shrimp near the lake but I believe it’s typically that way in autumn when the water is receeding.
Road biking is just one of the many activities you can do while in Salt Lake. Bike rentals are just $35 a day at one of Canyon Sports’ four Salt Lake locations.
– Photos by Marit of the Grrrlie Chronicles
