A fresh blanket of snow on the ground and a nip in the air sets the scene for wanting to cozy up with your partner. Park City creates an idyllic backdrop for a romantic getaway, and there are plenty of rewarding experiences to try that will connect you and your honey with fond moments and memories.
With Park City sitting only 30 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport, it's an accessible destination to jet off to for a week-long getaway or, even more realistic, a two-night/three-day excursion. Micro-vacations are becoming more and more popular for travelers, and Park City offers experiences for adventure-seekers and leisure enthusiasts alike. Below we will share our ideas for two itineraries- one active, one leisure- to fit all interests, and blending the two together will offer a perfect balance for people who like a little bit of everything:
ITINERARY 1: The Leisure Stay
Day 1 – Arrival
Check in to one of these hotels with amenities including private hot tubs in the room, spas, or in-house restaurants so you can reap the benefits of your lodging: Newpark Resort, Waldorf Astoria Park City, Park City Peaks Hotel.
Lunch – Treat yourselves to Twisted Fern, offering a menu of delightfully unique and refreshing dishes. Amongst their menu lays a beautiful assortment of unpretentious vegan dishes as well, but trust me, you carnivores will fall in love with these in addition to the nourishing meat plates.
Afternoon – Stroll along Historic Main Street and pop into the charming shopping boutiques and art galleries to appease your visual senses. To share an afternoon pick-me-up, stop into Java Cow or Atticus Coffee & Teahouse.
Dinner – While you're still toting around Main Street, end your evening with a romantic dinner for two at tupelo, Handle, or Riverhorse on Main for mood lighting and lovely ambiance. Split a bottle of wine and let the time pass unnoticed while enjoying each other's company.
Day 2
Breakfast – We personally like room-service, but if you and your partner wish to jump-start a day of exploring, then take yourselves to the Skier's Buffet at the Glitretind Restaurant located within Stein Eriksen Lodge. Sitting mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort, you can enjoy the European subtleties of this 5-star property while watching skiers wind their way down the slopes from floor-to-ceiling windows. Just because you don't want to ski doesn't mean it isn't fun to join the action by spectating.
Morning – Pamper yourselves and enjoy a couple's massage. If your hotel does not include spa amenities, let us suggest splurging for Spa Montage at Montage Deer Valley or The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge, which include saunas, steam rooms and pools to relax in before or after your treatments. You can truly enjoy an entire morning of relaxation. Don't care about the pool or sauna? Then head over to the local favorite Align Spa for a great massage or facial with a friendlier price tag.
Lunch – Try out Silver Star Café or Sammy's Bistro, both of which have appeared on The Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The flavors are spectacular!
Afternoon – Cocktails and beer are fine (nay, great!), but a romantic weekend usually begs for wine. To enjoy a little more activity, check out Fox School of Wine's Mines & Wines tour. While a luxury bus totes you around town to Park City's historic mining relics, you can sample unique wines at each stop and learn about the fascinating past of this town well before it became the winter paradise it is today.
Dinner – Let's make a sleigh ride happen, shall we? Sign up for a Norwegian dining experience at the Viking Yurt located atop Park City Mountain.
Evening – Check the Events happening at The Egyptian Theater, The Spur Bar & Grill, The Cabin, and Park City Live for a performance. There is always something happening any night of the week. For something a little more invigorating, try a Park City Ghost Tour!
Day 3 – Departure
Breakfast – Check out Harvest, which is a great spot located right off of Main Street. They serve nourishing, power-fueled meals to keep you satiated and happy. The space is small, so don't be afraid to brush elbows with each other.
Morning – Ice skating is like a right of passage in a winter wonderland. Park City Mountain has an outdoor ice rink set up in their shopping plaza if you wish to take a lap or two, bundling up in your best winter accessories.
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Lunch – Let your taste buds guide you to Hearth + Hill. There is no way to pick wrong, but let us suggest sharing the Truffle Mac ‘N Cheese with your dish and build-your-own Old Fashioned if you fancy a drink of your own concoction.
Afternoon – If there is still time to spare before heading back to the airport, explore the Park City Museum, with colorful exhibits and a GREAT gift shop. Or get yourselves lost in Dolly's Bookstore with books and treats galore (attached to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory).
ITINERARY 2: The Active Stay
Day 1 – Arrival
Check in to one of these hotels located by the base of the ski slopes: Westgate Park City, Hyatt Centric Park City (Park City Mountain), Lodges at Deer Valley, or Chateaux Deer Valley.
Lunch – Check out The Farm and reserve a spot within their clear-wall-enclosed yurt for a view of Park City Mountain's ski action. The two of you can share the excitement about all that awaits you during your stay (while dining on some award-winning dishes).
Afternoon – While you let yourself acclimate to the elevation, spend your afternoon trying out dogsledding! As a professional musher guides the dogsled team around a track, you can hold each other close sitting in the sled under warm blankets to keep you warm and toasty on the adventure.
Dinner – Treat yourselves to a fine dining experience at one of Deer Valley Resort's famous eateries, including the Seafood Buffet, which features a variety of surf and turf to accommodate many dietary preferences. Oysters, anyone?
Day 2
Morning - Ski Park City Mountain or Deer Valley Resort. For beginners, the rule of thumb is never to let your significant other teach you how to ski. Trust us and reserve a lesson through the resorts' Ski School programs.
Lunch on mountain - Deer Valley Resort's Royal Street Café is a hotspot for an eclectic array of dishes to make you feel anywhere but a ski lodge. Park City Mountain's Mid-Mountain Lodge debuts fire pits and faux-fur pillows in its seating spaces while you nosh on trendy rice bowls and a cocktail.
Afternoon – Continue exploring the slopes.
Après – From Park City Mountain, ski down to Main Street, where High West Saloon serves up drinks using their own whiskey, bourbon, and vodka products.
Dinner – Head to Main Street and experience Asian-fusion dishes at Shabu, where we recommend the American Wagyu Hot Rock to start things off.
Day 3 - Departure
Breakfast – The Eating Establishment on Main Street whips up your standard staples, but goes above and beyond so you can expect to be incredibly satisfied.
Morning – Test out snowmobiling; you can share a sled, or each drives your own for playful ventures into beautiful landscapes with a guide.
Lunch at Five5eeds – Head to this popular Australian-owned restaurant that serves up clean and wholesome meals for breakfast and lunch.
Afternoon – If it's not quite time to head back to the airport, then squeeze in one more activity and head to Utah Olympic Park to experience a bobsled ride down part of the same track used for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games. The adrenaline rush will leave you both in awe and excitement that you experienced the thrill together.
There are so many ways to enjoy Park City, and we think it's special to share those moments with your partner. Something about strolling down a snowy sidewalk, hand-in-hand, just boosts the romance meter. If you are looking for more ideas, be sure to check out VisitParkCity.com for additional recommendations.