YAS' GUIDE TO SALT LAKE CITY AND PARK CITY, UTAH
Jason and I took a road trip to Utah for a little get away. We typically travel 2-3 times per year, but with COVID, we’ve been cooped up at home like everyone else. So this year, we felt like a road trip close enough that we could drive in a day, but far enough that it felt like a real vacation. So, nine hours and a good playlist later, we got new scenery and some snow to get us in the holiday spirit.
WHERE TO STAY IN SLC:
KIMPTON MONACO HOTEL: We stayed in downtown Salt Lake City for the first three nights. Since Salt Lake isn’t that big, I would recommend staying downtown because of its central location and the vast amount of great eateries to choose from. The rooms are also very clean, the staff is friendly and we felt super safe visiting during COVID.
WHERE TO EAT IN SLC:
SETTEBELLO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA - We got into Salt Lake on a late afternoon and naturally we were tired and hungry after a nine hour drive. We found this gem of pizza shop that serves delicious personal size pizzas that hit the spot. Settebello was established in 2005 and was one of the first pizzerias in the United States to recreate Pizza Napoletana as it has been made in Napoli for centuries.
EVA’S BAKERY - This divine and adorable bakery plucked from Paris was less than a block from our hotel. It was our go to every morning for a latte and heavenly croissants. They also offer fresh loaves of bread, breakfast sandwiches and my favorite, Tomato Croques. I highly recommend Eva’s for breakfast and coffee.
SAWADEE - You can never go wrong with Thai food. The chef, Sawadee will treat your taste buds to the finest in Thai cooking. We grabbed their very reasonably priced lunch special ($9.95) before heading to Sugar House Park for a picnic overlooking the snow capped mountains..
RAMEN BAR - On a cold crisp evening, Jason and I grabbed some pork ramen to go and headed back to our warm hotel room. On a busy evening, they won’t answer their phone but you can order through a delivery app or walk in. Either way, a good local spot.
WHAT TO DO IN SLC:
SUGAR HOUSE PARK
LEHI FLOUR MILL
MALLS & ART
Sugar House Park
You better believe I picked up some of these during my visit :)
After an eventful few days in Salt Lake City, we headed east to Park City for a night before we heading back to Los Angeles.
WHERE TO STAY IN PARK CITY:
WALDORF ASTORIA PARK CITY I have nothing but rave reviews about this hotel. Even before we checked in, they made our stay super special. The front desk called me at 11am to confirm that our room was ready well before the 4pm check-in time. They were kind enough to upgrade our room to a 1 bedroom King suite with insane views of the snowy mountains. The staff was very friendly and incredibly professional, and the hotel room was exquisitely clean with a gourmet chefs kitchen and fireplaces in both the living room and bedroom which really made my day. I naturally turned on some Christmas music and I was in HEAVEN!
Also, the food was incredible. I popped into the Powder Room for lunch where they socially distanced everyone. Our waiter even treated us to creme brûlée and complimentary coffee to end our meal on a sweet note. The grounds of this property are absolutely stunning and only a stone’s throw from lifts bringing you up the mountain (see more images below). They made it really hard to want to leave this hotel - 5 STARS! Can't wait to come back soon.
The Grand Foyer at Waldorf Astoria Park City
This was the view from our hotel room.
Grounds of the Waldorf Astoria.
Winter Wonderland
WHAT TO DO IN PARK CITY:
DOWNTOWN PARK CITY is filled with boutique shops and restaurants. A few of my favorite shops that you must stop into are: SIEN + CO - A boutique shop with cute bags, trendy sweaters, hats and home products. MOUNTAIN TOWN OLIVE OIL CO. - Has various different olive oils and balsamic vinegars imported from Italy.
TAKE A DRIVE and take in the scenery. It is seriously such a gorgeous town with so much charm. The majestic mountains and aspen trees are a feast for the eyes.
SKI/SNOWBOARD - Jason and I love to snowboard, but unfortunately, we were about a week too early. If you are visiting in the winter, be sure to plan many days at either Park City or Deer Valley for a powdery day of ridiculously amazing skiing. Let us know what you think!
The city was so quiet that I literally walked down the street. I loved the crisp fresh air and took it all in while posing for a few pictures of course! With this gorgeous backdrop, its hard not to want to take a few snaps.
Hope you enjoyed this travel guide and would love to hear from you if you took any of my recommendations!