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It is Utah’s most cosmopolitan resort city – and contrary to what many people think, it’s not all about skiing. Park City, part of what is called the Wasatch Back, is a year-round destination, offering residents and visitors a casual western ambience with a touch of luxury. Consider spending your Thanksgiving holiday in Park City this year, and find something for all family members to enjoy.
Sitting 32 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City, Park City boasts a tourist population that greatly exceeds its 7,882 permanent residents. And no wonder: Park City offers it all. From world-class skiing to top-notch shopping, dining, theater and movie-going, there is something for everyone in this sophisticated community.
There is a good chance you’ll see snow in Park City by Thanksgiving. The three major ski resorts - Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and The Canyons Resort - buzz from December to early April.
And Utah is famous for its powder-perfect skiing and snowboarding, thanks in large part to atmospheric conditions and geography, which combine to form snowflakes (called dendrites) that fall to earth in layers with lots of air between them. Enjoy this light powder while downhill skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing.
If the snow has yet to fall by Thanksgiving, don’t fret. You can still golf, hike, bike or fish (angling is excellent this time of year) in any of the Wasatch valleys or foothills. Experience a final splash of color as the trees lose their autumn leaves. Fall is an ideal time to visit as well, because Park City rates drop, and crowds dwindle before the winter ski rush.
As the main location of the United States’ largest independent film festival (the Sundance Film Festival), Park City has grown in Hollywood stature over the last several years. Even if you’re unable to attend the 10 days in January when Hollywood glitterati descend upon the city, you can still enjoy the city’s many upscale luxury retailers, clubs, bars, and restaurants.
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Conston Taylor, Property 128996
You’ll Never Run out of Things to Do in Park City
Park City Utah is famous for three world-class ski and summer resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and The Canyons.
- Ski season usually starts around or before Thanksgiving, so the Thanksgiving holiday is a perfect time to come to Park City. The resorts offer many winter recreational activities along with skiing like snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
- You can also partake in outdoor recreation at any of the five surrounding state parks: Deer Creek State Park, Jordanelle State Park, Rockport State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, and Echo Reservoir.
- Utah Olympic Park - Watch or participate in Olympic-style events at this park, where several 2002 Olympic events were held. The park hosts national and international competitions and training events, including nordic jumping and the sliding sports of bobsled, luge and skeleton.

- Mountain Bike - All three resorts offer great mountain biking trails. Trails are also abundant in nearby areas outside the resorts.
- Arts & Entertainment - Enjoy musical and cultural entertainment at the Eccles Center, productions ranging from critically acclaimed dramas to musical farce at the intimate Egyptian Theatre, and gallery displays in the Kimball Art Center.
Park City Film Series - Independent films, Sundance favorites and less mainstream films are all part of the Film Series. Films are shown at the Jim Santy Auditorium, 1255 Park Avenue, at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 6 p.m. on Sundays.
- Park City International Music Festival - This is Utah's longest running classical music festival. Concerts are presented year-round, with an emphasis on the Festival's acclaimed summer concert series. Chamber music concerts are presented in three venues in town and one in Salt Lake City.
- Rivers & Lakes - There's excellent fly fishing on the nearby Provo and other rivers, and excellent fishing and boating on Strawberry and Jordanelle reservoirs.
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway - Drive this paved road into the beautiful Uinta Mountains, - the highest mountains in Utah. Or drive the Guardsman Pass backway from Park City to Brighton or Midway.
- Soldier Hollow - This Olympic venue now offers world-class cross country ski trails, with sections designed for enthusiasts of all skill levels - from novice up to Olympic athlete.
- Wasatch Mountain State Park - This park is a summer and winter wonderland, offering a 27-hole golf course, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and cross country skiing.
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Jim Miller, Property 87218
Location, Location, Location
One of the most prestigious locations in Park City, this condo is nestled on a hillside among the Aspen trees, on a private cul-de-sac.
- It is a short walk to the end of the cul-de-sac, where you can ski down to the Park City lifts.
- At the end of the day, you can ski down to your own driveway! Real estate people call this SKI-IN, SKI-OUT!
- Historic downtown Park City is within walking distance, but the award-winning free bus system has a stop very near the condo, making it even easier to get to shopping, restaurants, and Sundance events.
- Deer Valley and The Canyons are only minutes away via the free bus system.
- The golf course is at the end of the block (it is used as the groomed cross country ski trail system in the winter).
- The Spiro Trail, a main trailhead for biking and hiking is 17 steps from the driveway.

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Jean Ann Thompson, Property 8833
Culinary Tips
A few of our favorite Park City picks:
- Java Cow (Ice Cream; the “Wowie Cowie” is a must!)
- Bandits BBQ (family friendly; best pulled pork and steak I've ever had!)
- Redrock Restaurant (order the Fish 'n Chips)
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Don and Rosemary Priest, Property 30815 and Property 142079
Favorite Park City Insider Tips
We lived in Park City for 25 years.
- We like Grappa & Goldener Hirsch restaurants for special occasions.
- We believe that Loco Lizard is the best Mexican fare in Park City.
- For non-skiers, check out snowshoe guided tours (Wasatch Touring).
- PCMR (Park City Mtn. Resort) has a wonderful ski school program for children and adults.
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MaryBeth Mazzone, Property 18899
Funky New York Style Loft
This is not your run of the mill mountain rental. Rather, it’s a funky New York loft style home with metal ceilings and original artwork throughout. Walk to town or walk to ski access from my front door. I open my home and its warmth to you.
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Nancy Haga, Property 139004
A Little Piece of Paradise in Park City
- Wake up to the sounds of wildlife and views of sunrises, fresh-falling snow, or even hot air balloons.
- Step outside for a short walk on the bike path to shopping, dining, entertainment, the rec. center or free shuttle to ski resorts, outlet mall and charming Old Park City.
- From your deck you can walk, run, hike, bike, cross-country ski or snowshoe.
- Fly-fishing is just a 5 minute walk down the path.
- Deer Valley, Park City & The Canyons ski resorts are 5 minutes away; Alta, Snowbird & Snow Basin are an easy 45 minutes away.
- A short walk to Redstone Center finds you enjoying a fabulous meal at one of the terrific restaurants. How about a movie at the Red Stone cinema after dinner?
- Haven’t worn the kids out yet? Walk to the Rec Center where they can enjoy an indoor soccer field, baseball & golf cages & weights.
- After a day in paradise, relax in your private hot-tub, share a glass of wine on one of the decks & watch the gorgeous sunset as the stars shine brilliantly against the dark sky.

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Kevin Wechter, Property 7824
A Town Home with Something for Everyone
- The location could not be better - 100 yards from The Canyons' Cabriolet (People Mover) lift, whisking you to the heart of The Canyons Village where you can ride the gondola up the mountain, walk around and shop, eat dinner or go ice skating.
- You'll love coming home and relaxing on the patio - sit on the comfortable Adirondack chairs or soothe your muscles in the private hot tub, while listening to the flowing stream and looking out for the abundant wildlife that frequents the Aspen groves.
- After that, relax in the private sauna before you take a shower and head out for dinner.
When you're ready to go out on the town, take a short drive (or jump on the free town shuttle bus) to Park City town center (or the Park City/Deer Valley lifts, all about 3 miles away), the Olympic Winter Park (2 miles away), or the factory outlet mall.
- The serenity of being right on Aspen Creek, away from traffic, will be a real treat. Kids love playing in the creek and exploring the trails and forest located directly behind the town home. You’ll probably even see some wildlife, including birds, raccoons and deer.
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Vanessa Carrington, Property 80362
A Million and One Things to Do...
Ideal ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Park City
- Go to Olympic Village and do the Bobsled. Take the course used in the 2002 Winter Olympics and go from the top of the mountain to the bottom at 5 G forces in a minute (literally - my time was 59 seconds).
- Favorite Ski and Snowboard Spots - any run in Park City or Deer Valley, truly the best skiing, powder, apres-ski anywhere!
- Hike or mountain bike along Sweeney's Switchback. Cruise by the old silver mines on numerous hiking trails. Buy a summer map ($2) this will show you all the trails that can take you from one mountain to the next without ever having to get off your bike!
- Choice restaurants and shopping areas include Flying Sumo (Sushi), Mustang (gourmet), 350 Main (gourmet), The Eating Place (Breakfast), Prime (Steak), Chimayo (Southwestern), and Bangkok on Main (Thai).

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Cissy Tan, Property 108504
This secluded 13-acre estate provides an amazing getaway with phenomenal views.
- Enjoy amazing privacy and occasional visits by deer and elk within 20 minutes of all the Park City ski resorts and Main Street, Park City.
- This is ideal for the rugged adventurous individualist who seeks something completely different, and yet within convenient distance to all amenities and recreation, as well as the Salt Lake City airport.

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Lauren Keiser, Property 22550
- After a day of skiing in Park City, you can relax with a massage in your rental location, (check out Park City Massage Therapy for more information).
- There are many great stores in Park City, whether you are looking for souvenir t-shirts, name brand jeans or ski clothing---the shops in town have it all. Be sure to visit Bahnhoff Sport for your ski rentals, or Chloe Lane for that perfect night on the town outfit.
- Our home is located just a block from the town lift and Main Street. You can easily walk to the ski lift for access to the hill, walk to many restaurants, shops and galleries, as well as head to the free bus route for a trip to the grocery store or movies.

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Barbra Banner, Property 87394
Park City is gorgeous during Thanksgiving - crisp weather, and lots of sales going on.
- While on the subject of shopping, we have a fantastic Outlet Mall, right at the entrance to town where you can save on ski clothes and amazing designer clothing, as well.
- I also love the TJ Max and other great discount stores in the Redstone Center.
- After shopping or a movie in a state-of-the-art-theater at Redstone, you can have a fantastic meal across the street at Red Rock.
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Mitzi Sullivan, Property 75315
- Fall is our favorite time of year in Park City. We used to travel to see the fall foliage in the East. Nothing compares to Park City.
- We recommend visiting the historic McPolin Farm while you’re in Park City.
- The town of Park City does an incredible job of hosting a menu of fall activities.

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| Other VRBO Owners who contributed to this story: |
Pete Rizutto, Property 104700
Leanne Miller, Property 134008
Robert Haskin, Property 138179
Burton Resort, Property 138039
Sherri Kordecki, Property 137832
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Susan Primo, Property 104134
Thea Chassin, Property 102675
Mike and Linda Thomas, Property 47276
Lorin George, Property 96527
Robin Mazzone, Property 135112
Kelly Collins, Property 126487
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