Why Park City?

Once a year, Park City, Utah, suddenly finds itself mentioned everyday on the gossip websites and the entertainment news shows.. That is during the Sundance Film Festive. During those few weeks every late winter, the city swells in population and suddenly there are celebrities everywhere. However, the city is wonderful all year round.

The actual population of the city is around 7,500. Small even in Utah terms.  But it won't feel that small, because anytime you are up there, you will be one of the many tourist outnumbering the actual residents.  And yet, except for a few very small times a year, you still feel like a welcome visitor in a small town.

Park City began life as a mining town, high in the mountains that overlooked the booming Salt Lake Valley. Although the mining no longer supplies most of the people with their salaries, the city still celebrates their history as a mining town. The city is near picturesque.  The city is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, and you can feel that as you walk around on any of the public land.  It is a well kept town.

One of the most interesting things you will see in Park City, compared to the rest of Utah, is the number of people who ride their bikes around town in the summer months.  It is sort of ironic that the Mormon Missionaries who are well known for their bike riding  skills are outdone by this city that has one of the lowest Latter Day Saint populations in the State.

So why Park City? What makes the city so special and unique? What is it about this place that makes it a destination for people across the world?

Well, as I previously said, it has all the amenities you could ask for and yet has that small town, welcome feeling.  Another great thing about this city is that you can find yourself in a great adventure no matter what time of year you visit.

Of course, the main part of the tourist season follows the pattern of snow fall, but if you choose to visit in summer time, you will be far from bored. There are several companies that offer horse back riding for the novice or experienced rider in the mountains. There are also biking companies that will show you the many trails, or just rent you some bikes and gear and let you explore on your own.

There are two reservoirs close by big enough for water skiing and other recreational water activities. In 2002, Salt Lake was home to the Olympic Games, but several of the events were held at Park City including the luge, bobsled, and the ski jump. And with some cash and a lot of bravery, you can follow in their footsteps.

The location is fabulous. It is barely a half hour from the Salt Lake International Airport and there are shuttles from the airport to the hotels all winter long.  The land is simply beautiful.  The mountains are majestic and the land is carefully protected from the usual spoil of a tourist hot spot.

If you are more of a shopper than a skier, the high end shops on Main Street are worth a visit and the outlet stores right outside the city will please the bargain hunter in you.  If you want to visit historic Salt Lake City, it isn't far at all. 25 minutes down the canyon and you can be touring Temple Square or shopping at the brand new City Creek Shopping Center. Go a little bit farther down the freeway and you can visit the Kennecot Copper Mine.  This is a great stop if you have school aged kids.

As I continue to add posts, I will talk about all these places (and others) and I hope to answer any and all questions about this fabulous vacation spot. If, however, you find that I haven't gotten around to something you are wondering about, send me an email or post a comment and I will try to get back to you in a few days or faster.

Enjoy!