Here in Utah the first snow has fallen but the warm autumn days have long since melted it away, bringing instead fall colors to the upper reaches of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.  Over the next few weeks the cooler nights and shorter days will help to spur the changing of colors.

I was up in Big Cottonwood Canyon the other day and saw that the leaves are already changing.

If you’re looking for a fall get away to enjoy the cool evening temperatures and beauty of Utah’s Wasatch mountains you should consider one of the Crossings at Solitude which is a very nice Townhouse in the Solitude Resort Village and just a couple miles from where the above images were taken.

It sleeps up to 14 in 4 bedrooms so the entire family or even two families could relax and take in the mountain views.

If you make it into the mountains and get some pictures of the fall colors, e-mail us an image to post on the blog - info@utahvacationhomes.com

Park City is quickly becoming a cycling destination whether you’re a road cyclist or prefer mountain biking. More miles than you can ride in a summer of the finest single track trails are manicured and cared for by the Mountain Trails Foundation. Maps of the trail system are available at most any bike or sporting good shop

As for road cycling, there are some amazing canyon and vista rides both in and around Park City and the greater Summit County. It’s quickly turning into a mecca for road cyclists in Utah.

If you’re not planning a vacation to Park City but are going to participate in one of the many bicycling events here you should consider finding one of Utah Vacation Homes’ Park City properties and make a vacation out of it!

Here is a rundown on just a few of the cycling events that you can participate in when on vacation in Park City.

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When a dove started softly cooing while setting up for our second shot on the sixth fairway, it seemed to confirm that the Homestead Resort in Midway was indeed a peaceful location to golf.

Golfing has always been an escape for me. I don’t take the game too serious, but I do take the time away from “life” so I can “live” seriously. Time on the links is a rare occasion to leave the cares of the world behind and focus on a simple game in a quiet location.

Whether due to location or course design, some golf courses don’t always provide the escape that I desire. A busy road adjacent to the course or a view of office buildings and homes nearby can often detract from the feeling of serenity or escape that you seek. At the Homestead Resort Golf Course I found a quiet course that winds it’s way uniquely through a resort village, mountain foothills and farmlands speckled with wetlands. It isn’t contrived like many courses but fits well with the relaxed feel of the Heber Valley.

After meeting up with Jeremy Roberts, Director of Sales who would be my golfing companion for the day, we started off not with the first tee but with one of the Homestead’s delectable homemade oven-fresh cranberry scones. I couldn’t help but take a picture of one as they are as good as they look! My mouth is watering seeing the picture again!

The Homestead Resort Golf Course

Admittedly, golfing at the Homestead Resort is priced about $15 - $20 more than the neighborhood courses, but for around a $1 per hole more the experience is a world apart.

Take for example the bag drop off and check in location upon arrival. Jeremy was down at the pro shop and although I offered to walk down there with my bag the greeter insisted I take a cart and leave it down at the pro shop if it wasn’t needed.

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A few weeks ago I wrote about the Park City Farmers Market (which I missed yesterday). Markets of this nature are to local growers, bakers, craft creators, artists, etc what the internet is to companies like Utah Vacation Homes - an outlet where even the small business can have a large presence. And these markets are growing in popularity and size.

So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Salt Lake City also has a Farmers Market which happens each Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm in the historic Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake City. If you’re visiting Salt Lake, Pioneer Park is located at 300 South and 300 West.

Over 80 farmers from Utah are at the market each week in addition to the many bakers, food providers, plant growers and honey producers to name a few.

The market runs until October 18th so there is plenty of time to check it out. But don’t wait as the array of vegetables and locally grown fruit will change regularly with the seasons.

I’m looking forward to fresh corn and watermelon but I know that raspberries and some squash are already in season.

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

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

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. 

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?

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!

Jordanelle Lake Front Lodging

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:

• Private Hot Tub
• Gas Fireplace
• ‘Viking Professional’ Kitchen
• Direct TV Satellite Service
• Wireless Internet
• 47 Inch LCD TV in Surround Sound Theater Room
• 42 Inch LCD TV in Living Room
• 32 Inch LCD TV in Master Bedroom

Heber Valley Golf

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