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PARK CITY — Winning the Best Active Town by Outside Magazine, Park City has proved it has a lot to offer residents.
For those who just want to visit for a day or weekend, though, we’ve compiled a list of six things you should do between hikes and mountain bike trails.
The Shoe Trees
One cannot truly appreciate Park City until they have visited the famous Shoe Trees. Strung together by the shoelaces of locals and travelers, the tree is a symbol to the town of their individuality and funkiness.
Locals will tell you the tradition of throwing your shoes into the trees began when a few miners were sitting around a campfire enjoying some spirits, and one threw his shoes into the branches.
Deer Valley Drive and Heber Avenue
Egyptian TheatreBesides Sundance showings, the Egyptian Theatre opens its doors to musicians, filmmakers, actors, dancers and comedians. With a constantly changing show schedule, they have something on their docket for everyone.
While you’re there, take a close look at the building. Built in 1922, the theater’s decor and ornamentation was inspired by King Tut’s tomb, which was discovered earlier that year. Look for hieroglyphic recreations, lotus leaves and the scarab beetle throughout the building.
Website: www.egyptiantheatrecompany.org
328 Main Street, Park City
435-649-9371
Outlets
Get out of the heat for a day of shopping and updating your wardrobe (or your luggage, house, kitchen...) at the Tanger Outlets.
While supplies last, any customer who spends $250 or more during the back-to-school event at the outlets can take their receipts to customer services and receive two Bronze Passes from the Utah Olympic Park. Find more details on their website.
Website: www.tangeroutlet.com
6699 North Landmark Dr., Park City
435-645-7078
Olympic ParkRelive the 2002 Olympics, challenge yourself to a ropes course or watch the pros at the Olympic Park.
Every Sunday, spectators can watch a Flying Ace Freestyle show. Athletes train at the park every day, however, and can also offer an interesting – albeit less choreographed – show.
Finish the visit off with a ride down the Alpine slide or zipline, or for the less adventurous, a tour through the park’s museums.
Website: www.utaholympiclegacy.com
3419 Olympic Parkway, Park City
435-658-4200
Walking Tours
Even if you grew up in Utah and have visited Park City a hundred times, tour guides can show you a side of the town you didn’t realize, tell you facts you didn’t know and be generally entertaining.
For $5 a person, a tour guide from the Park City Museum will take you through Main Street and the history of Park City – from its mining roots to its resort status now.
Once you’re finished with the tour, if you want to learn more, visit the Park City Museum. Buy the tickets for the tour and museum in a combination package for $12.
If you liked what you saw on the tour, however, go back and visit any of the great boutiques and shops and give the local economy a little boost.
Website: www.parkcityhistory.org
528 Main Street, Park City
435-649-7457
Rent Bikes
Whether you want to ride around town or try your hand at mountain biking, do it on two wheels. Riding a bike through a city is an interesting way to see it and explore. Bikes let you get close enough to see and notice the sights, but quick enough to zip from place to place.
Before you go, be sure to check out local biking laws and regulations, and follow them as you ride.
Kimball Arts Center
If you missed the Kimball Arts Festival, be sure to check out the museum's current collections. Since 1976, the Kimball name has been associated with art exhibits in Park City, whether they showed in a garage or a modern museum space.
Current exhibits include the SRAM pArt Project, combining the city's love of biking and art, The Simple Life, a series of photographs "exploring the majestic beauty and the tranquil spirit of the horse photographed by a cowboy," and the museum's student show, Relevant.
What other sights do you recommend?
