Guest Blog: Larry Grossman “Scores Gold” By Bringing Friends to Utah

September 27, 2019 • By Margeaux Gerwin

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Park City, it’s not just for winter anymore!

I scored a gold medal by bringing my friends to Utah.

Larry Utah

I ran into my friend Brian at a party a few months ago.  “Where are you going next?” he asked, knowing that travel is my favorite pastime. When I told him I was going to Park City, Utah, he immediately informed me that Park City is one of his favorite destinations. After all, it’s the location of the largest ski resort in the country with huge snowfall and acres and acres of powder, moguls and all levels of runs.  When he heard I was going in August he looked at me like I had lost my mind and questioned why anyone would visit this former Winter Olympic venue when there was no snow on the ground. I proceeded to explain that nothing good could come of Larry hurtling down a mountain with skis attached to his feet. The only question would be what part of my anatomy would be broken when I reached the bottom of the mountain. I told him I was a warm-weather kind of guy and there was plenty to do in Utah during the summer months.  

As it turned out, I was right! Last week 7 friends and I headed to the Chateau Residences in Park City through THIRDHOME to spend a week exploring Utah. This was our 2ndAnnual Birthday Bash as 3 of us have birthdays within the same week. None of us had ever set foot in Utah, but getting out of hot and muggy Virginia and visiting the Rockies in August seemed like an admirable plan. We had a memorable vacation experience and easily could have spent an additional week or 2 exploring Utah.

Here are my top 10 reasons to plan a summer trip to visit Park City:

  1. Within a four-hour drive from Park City are several really cool National Parks to explore including Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches.   
  2. The weather in summer is perfect to hike, dine outside and bike around town. Sunny and 80 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night with no humidity, no bugs and no icy roads. 
  3. Live music everywhere! The music scene has something for everyone.  Free concerts, big-name bands and outstanding outdoor venues where you can bring a blanket and cooler and pass the evening away. 
  4. The Olympic Village is hopping in the summer.  Ski jumpers practice their jumps into a huge swimming pool, zip lines are operating and you can even take a bobsled ride on wheels going up to 70 mph (way too fast for my liking).
  5. Outdoor dining on Main Street. Rooftop decks and funky restaurants and bars are plentiful downtown. Everything from buffalo burgers to Tex Mex and even a Whiskey distillery are available to tourists and locals to sample. Our favorite was The No Name Bar with great drinks and food! The eclectic décor was fun as was the wait staff.
  6. Go to the top of a mountain on a chair lift or gondola. All summer, chair lifts are available to get visitors up high.  You can even hike down from the top if you want to get outstanding views of the valleys.
  7. Flowers are everywhere. Colorful wildflowers on the mountainside and stunning displays of flowers in the hotels and on Main Street downtown.  
  8. Biking is a huge summer pastime in Park City.  The adventurous ride mountain bikes down the side of the mountain and the serious bikers ride up and down the mountain roads. They even have electric bikes for old guys like me.
  9. The Egyptian Theater on Main Street features movies, plays and concerts all year long including flicks from the Sundance Film Festival. This historic 1926 venue is a don’t miss site.  
  10. If you end up needing medical care due to an unplanned event (like a twisted knee on a hiking trail you never should have been on for instance), Park City InstaCare’s physicians and staff are friendly and professional.

Now a word about our lodging.  At this point, many of my friends are spoiled due to my THIRDHOME membership. The Chateau Deer Valley Residence Club did not disappoint! Our residence was roomy with 4 ensuite bedrooms, a comfy living room with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. The property amenities were nothing short of spectacular featuring a daily bountiful breakfast buffet, fire pits, spa facilities, transportation across the Deer Park area and outstanding concierge assistance. The staff were helpful in all our planning and even provided a cake and balloons for birthday girl Fiesta’s 50-year celebration.  

And so to my skiing friends who forget that the Rocky Mountains exist during the summer months, I say you are missing some prime vacation opportunities to experience what I consider to be the most breathtaking region of the United States. THIRDHOME offers several options in Colorado and Utah, and I know for certain I’m coming back next year.  I plan to be a returning gold medalist!  

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