Sarah Tuff Dunn in writing for ForbesTraveler.com described her first visit to Park City, Utah, by saying:

“I was struck by just how blue the sky was, and how dry the air, during a ski trip one March. I was used to soggy or icy conditions back East.

After I skied seemingly bottomless powder at nearby Deer Valley, the whole town of Park City (which looked like a candy village, thanks to all the different colors of the Victorian buildings) seemed like it was on some crazy high from the sun, the snow and the altitude.”

Check out the entire article on ForbesTraveler.com

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. 

Park City Shopping 

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

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. 

City Park

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. 

Rock climbing in Big Cottonwood Canyon

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?

Locals are in a bit of a fit these days.  Is it winter, is it summer?  It changes every ten minutes in Utah this time of year.  Just when you break out your bike, it snows.  And then, just days after getting a sun burn at the Fairmont Skate Park, you have to cover it up with a down parka.  Is there any upside to this conundrum?  Please let me know!!!!

My short list of non-weather dependent activities are as follows:

U2 3D at the Imax.

Not just for Bonofiles.  Anyone who enjoys music and wants to get blown away with 3D images that make you duck for cover should not miss this.  It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before a lucky crowd of Park City High School students, movie execs, journalists, and oh yeah, the band.  Even kids who can’t spell Bono were going nuts. 

Long Walks.

A friend of mine suggested taking a long walk to a place you usually drive.  He walked down the street about 3 miles to Chipotle Grill.  It was a good appetizer for the green, locally grown products that Chipotle is famous for.  And for dessert, he walked home.  What’s the rush anyway? 

Books.

Hmmm . . .I seem to remember what these things are.  And yes, for those who are hell bent on maintaining their technological edge, you can read electronically.  Check out the Amazon.com Kindle.  But for the rest of us, there is a good feeling holding a bound piece of tangible escape.  And just think, the next time your fancy friends start talking about the last book they read, you can be fancy too!

So - do tell - what else can I do while I wait for the thaw? 

With Live Aid, Farm Aid, and American Idol Gives Back we see how millions of people can be mobilized to help support those in need. But if you want to see what happens after the celebrities go home, drop by Welfare Square in Salt Lake City. Located at 780 West 800 South in Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 (Phone number(s): Call 1-801-240-1245 for more information).

Free, one-hour tours explaining the history and purpose of Church welfare are conducted Monday through Friday.

You won’t be the first to visit. Presidents, Premiers, and CEO’s have toured the site to try to figure out how a small group of volunteers are able to produce such a huge life saving product. Recipients the world over probably have no idea who produced and packaged their aid. When you visit the site, you will discover the simple yet powerful force working for the good of others.