With snow from the weekend
blanketing our mountain town, minds are turning toward the impending ski
season. Whether or not we have a banner year to match last season, one thing is
for certain: Winter is what you make of it.
That’s why the Ski Utah 5th & 6th
Grade Passport is such a great way for
young skiers and snowboarders to sample all of Utah’s mountains during one
season for just $45. Yup! Just $45 for 5th Graders to receive three
passes at each resort, or 45 days of skiing (that’s $1 per ticket if you use
all 45), or one pass at each resort for 6th Graders! Not to be left
out, adults can join their kids by purchasing the Yeti Pass to receive one
pass at each resort for 15 days of skiing for just $649.
Photo credit: Ski Utah
“Ski Utah is so proud to offer the 5th And 6th
Grade Passport to families looking to get outside and experience Utah’s
mountains,” explained my friend Anelise Bergin, director of communications
at Ski Utah. “Not only does the Passport give families an affordable ski
pass option, but the pass also encourages our visitors and our locals to
explore all 15 resorts in the state of Utah and enjoy the wide variety of
skiing and riding options that our beautiful resorts have to offer.”
To learn more about this amazing opportunity, I asked Anelise a few questions to help parents and grandparents navigate the registration and redemption process.
Last year was the 20th anniversary (the program
started in 1998). The passport initially started with only 5th grade, then 6th
grade was added three years later.
What is the goal of the program?
The main goal of the program is to encourage growth
in the sport and to offer a low cost opportunity for kids (and families) to
explore the entire state of Utah and ski or ride all 15 resorts on one pass.
How many students participate annually?
The program has seen healthy, consistent growth over
the last few years. On average we see around 10,000 participants.
Do you have to have a Utah address to enroll?
No — this is open to any 5th or 6th grader in the
world! The majority of passport holders are locals, but we encourage any
families with 5th or 6th graders to consider the Passport as an option.
What is the deadline for enrolling?
The passport does not have a deadline, but it is highly recommended to apply before Christmas. We suggest signing up sooner than later, this way families have the most time to explore all the resorts and have the passport ready and approved as soon as they are ready to ski.
What are the steps for redemption?
Most of the resorts allow you to redeem the Passport
at their ticket windows, but Park City Mountain requires participants to redeem
at a pass office. More details on redemption are listed here: https://www.skiutah.com/passes/passports/fifth-grade-passport-faq/index.html/#how-to-redeem. The student needs to state their
first name, last name, and date of birth, but identification is not needed at
redemption.
Are there Yeti Passes still available for adults who might want to ski or ride with their kiddos?
Yes! But quantity is limited on
these passes, so we advise purchasing ASAP.
Anything else that would be
helpful for parents to know beforehand?
Sign up sooner than later, and read through the
information on our website. There is an ample amount of helpful information
listed here: https://www.skiutah.com/passes/passports/fifth-grade-passport-faq. We also send regular emails to
passport parents that will have helpful information, resort opening dates, and
more — be sure to open and read these to stay up to date!
Is Woodward Park City included on the Passport?
Yes! Three full days at Woodward Park City are included as a part of the 5th Grade Passport, with one full day for the 6th Grade Passport. Reservations are recommended for this pass redemption.
Other facts:
The Passport program gives fifth graders three days
(45 days total) and sixth graders one day (15 days total) of skiing or riding
at each of Utah’s 15 resorts. Since the inception of Ski Utah’s school program,
more than 200,000 fourth graders have learned to ski or snowboard and more than
150,000 fifth and sixth graders have continued to hone their skills on the
slopes in Utah.
I’m looking forward to exploring a few new resorts with my 6th
Grader this season, thanks to the Ski Utah Passport program, and hope to see
some of you out there taking advantage of the breadth of local resorts, as
well!
Learn about more unique-to-Utah opportunities that inspire so
many new homeowners toChoose Park City. Connect with Christine Grenney
at 435-640-4238, or visiting her website by clicking hereto learn more
about the reasons Park City and its surrounding communities are unmatched in
experiences for kids throughout the year.
The scramble to find something memorable for Mom on Mother’s Day is as old as the day itself (founded in 1908, that means 111 years of macaroni necklaces). This year, don’t fret or fight the crowds on Saturday. Instead, set Mom up with an experience to replace the bauble that will inevitably land at the back of her underwear drawer (never to be seen again until the kids move you into a retirement home).
And, while most moms would agree a chance to simply sleep-in tops their list, offering up a nap might not be quite enough to honor the woman who birthed you or your kids. Instead, I’ve compiled a few last-minute, but wholly worthy, ideas to try out this year. You can thank me later.
Causebox allows Mom to blend social consciousness with style.
The Gift That Celebrates Mom Year ‘Round Though subscription boxes have become this century’s fruit-of-the-month-club, there is something to be said about receiving a gift that reminds you of your value throughout the year, and not just on Mother’s Day. For moms who are voracious readers, Amazon Kindle Unlimited Books provides access to more than 1-million titles and thousands of audio books for just $9.99 per month. Voracious readers who also love coffee will cozy up to the My Coffee and Book Club, which sends a 12-oz bag of hand-roasted coffee and two hardcover books from the recipient’s fave genre for $32 per month. Moms with a sweet tooth will go wild for the monthly boxes from Dylan’s Candy Bar, starting at around $31 per month for a 12-month subscription, while beauty junkies will enjoy the sample-filled boxes sent by Birchbox starting at just $13 monthly.
More substantial boxes are
offered quarterly by a variety of online companies, including FabFitFun, which ships 8-10 full-size items every
three months for $179.99 annually, and even lets members pre-select certain
items. For a quarterly subscription box with a conscience, Causebox sends ethically-made products every
three months for less than $200 per year, while one of the more luxe boxes – Mostess – sends six or more full-size,
curated home and hosting goods starting at $120 per box.
Create as many mandalas as time allows at The Paint Mixer’s “Moms, Mimosas and Mandalas” class on May 11.
How ‘Bout Some Art (a Picasso, not a Garfunkel) Tapping into her inner Monet (and the chance at a kid-free afternoon), The Paint Mixer, located on lower Main Street in Old Town, offers “Moms, Mimosas and Mandalas – Rock Painting,” on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. However, if she wants to paint with her wee ones, sign her up for “Mother’s Day Painting – Colorful Elephant” on Sunday at 1 p.m. Even better, send Mom up the street to Aura Spa for an eco-conscious treatment while Dad and the kiddos create one-of-a-kind masterpieces for the most important woman in their lives.
Mom can experience mountain mindfulness at Sundance Resort.
Speaking of Spas … Living in a resort town places some of the best spas in the country at our fingertips, so deciding where to send Mom on Mother’s Day comes down to personal style. For the Minimalist Mom, Knead a Massage offers a no-frills rubdown starting at $50 for a 30-minute session, while Massage Envy provides a 60-minute massage session for just $60, or a package of three facials for $150. On the swankier side, each of the area’s luxury hotels boast in-house spas with world-renowned treatments, including the Waldorf Astoria Spa, Spa Montage Deer Valley, Remède Spa at the St. Regis Deer Valley, and The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge. For a rustic lodging and spa experience, head down Provo Canyon to Sundance Resort for their “Journey to Wellness” package, which includes a private mountain cottage, daily meditation and yoga, breakfast, a spa treatment, and a complimentary Art Studio class.
Tupelo’s biscuits (shown here with honey butter) have been named some of the best in Utah.
Lest We Forget … Brunch! A post on Mother’s Day experiences would be truly lacking in a town chock full of culinary options, so I’ve culled a few of the highlights. On the high-end, Riverhorse on Main is always a winning bet, while Tupelo brings rich southern traditions to the Rockies, including chicken & biscuits and cheese fritters. For a healthy vibe, head to Five5eeds and enjoy breakfast all day, or chill out on the patio at Windy Ridge Café. If a Sunday drive is on the menu (and you’re not in a rush), enjoy the scenery on the way to Woodland and indulge at the now-famous Woodland Biscuit Company. Two new options in Redstone at Kimball Junction – Bartolo’s and Hearth and Hill – are definitely worth checking out for their super-fresh takes on breakfast classics.
Never forget the value of the simple things. Unlimited hugs and kisses are ALWAYS welcome.
Special experiences to share with friends and family are
just a few of the many reasons to Choose Park City. You can, too, by calling Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or
visiting her website by clicking here.
Summer concerts in Park City embody the “come for the winter, stay for the summer” cliché so often repeated, and for good reason: Watching either an upcoming or legendary performer outside, at night, at 7,000 feet is an experience not soon forgotten.
We’ve compiled a list of the top local venues, both in Park City and the Salt Lake Valley, to help you plan your summer concert schedule. But fair warning: With the amazing variety and breadth of shows coming to the Beehive State this summer, you’ll need to be strategic with both your time and your money. So take a few minutes to download the following listing to plot your summer musical course:
Deer Valley’s Snow Park Lodge has long been the summertime mountain home of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO), and this year’s 15thDeer Valley Music Festival lineup is sure to impress.
Kicking off with the venerable Chris
Botti on June 28th, and finishing with every ‘90s
college student’s fave, the Indigo
Girls on August 10th, the series features headliners
performing with one of the few full-time symphony orchestras remaining in the
U.S. Not many musical experiences can compare to sitting outside under Park
City’s starry skies with a picnic and a beverage. Bonus: You can either bring
in your own picnic and beverages, or enjoy the legendary Deer Valley cuisine by
either ordering
in advance or purchasing on-site.
Tickets are either lawn or reserved, with low-slung (9”
or lower) chairs allowed within the lawn seating area. And, while individual
tickets are available for each show, you can also build your own package with
the Design-A-Series
and receive up to 20% off.
(Photo Credit: Deer Valley Resort)
Tip:VIP
packages that include special parking and admission to the
Intermission Reception start at $1,000 (tickets not included), and since the
USUO is a nonprofit, a portion of your purchase supports the arts and is tax-deductible.
Trick:
Take free public
transit from Park City Mountain, where there is plenty of free
parking and a convenient transit stop. The Red and Lime busses will take you
directly to the concert venue.
The
List (only Main Stage concerts listed; smaller venue shows can
be found on this
listing:
June 28: Chris Botti June 29: Marie Osmond with the Utah Symphony July 5: Patriotic Celebration with Broadway’s Hugh Panaro July 6: Bravo Broadway! Life is a Cabaret July 12: Aretha: A Tribute to the Queen of Soul July 13: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – Film in Concert July 19: Disney in Concert: A Magical Celebration July 20: Renée Elise Goldsberry July 26: A Symphonic Space Celebration July 27: Rodrigo Y Gabriela – Mettavolution Tour August 2: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture & Piano Concerto No. 1 August 3: An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth August 9: The Music of the Rolling Stones: Circa 1969 August 10: Indigo Girls
The resort’s other concert series, aptly-named the Deer Valley Concert Series, begins on June 30 with Michael Franti & Spearhead + Ziggy Marley, closing on Sept. 7 with ‘80s mainstay Squeeze. As with the USUO shows, both reserved and lawn seats are available, however, this series places a “GA Floor” section between the reserved seating and the stage, with additional lawn seating behind reserved, while the USUO series places reserved seating right in front of the stage. Chairs no higher than 9” are permitted on the lawn, but the series does reserve one side of this section for blankets only. Tickets are available online by clicking here.
Michael Franti & Spearhead, along with Ziggy Marley, kick off the Deer Valley Concert Series on June 30 (Photo Credit: Deer Valley Concert Series)
Tip: Lukas
Nelson (yep – Willie’s son) and his band, Promise of the Real, were featured in
the recent blockbuster, “A
Star Is Born” as Jackson Maine’s backup band, so take a
minute to watch (or re-watch) the film before checking out Lukas’ show.
Trick:
Summer nights in Park City in late August and early September can get downright
chilly, so be sure to bring layers – and even a down jacket – to put on as the
evening cools considerably from the day.
The List: June 30: Michael Franti & Spearhead | Ziggy Marley July 11: Jenny Lewis plus special guest August 8: Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real with special guest The War and Treaty August 11: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals | Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue with special guest Jessy Wilson August 17: John Butler Trio + | St. Paul & The Broken Bones August 23: Thievery Corporation September 7: Squeeze – The Songbook Tour with special guest X
Park City’s historic Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre has an impressive lineup of concerts and live theater this summer, as well, beginning with Rickie Lee Jones on June 7, 8 & 9, and running through to Labor Day weekend with The Lettermen performing Aug. 30, 31 & Sept. 1. With fewer than 300 seats, the Egyptian offers an intimate musical experience unmatched by larger venues. All shows conveniently have multiple run dates, and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Rickie Lee Jones performs at Park City’s Historic Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre from June 7-9 (Photo Credit: The Egyptian Theatre)
Tip:
Join The
Pharaoh Club to access front-of-house seating, and to
also receive a few tickets for the Sundance Film Festival.
Trick: Park for free in the lower Deer Valley Resort lots and either walk to Main Street or grab the free city bus (but only on nights where there isn’t a concert at Snow Park Amphitheatre).
The List: May 16-19: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone June 7-9: Rickie Lee Jones June 13-15: An Evening with Leo Kottke June 19-21: Patty Griffin June 27-29: Hot Tuna July 5-21: A Chorus Line July 26-28: Martin Sexton August 2, 3: Stand-Up Comedy August 9-11: Janis Ian & Livingston Taylor August 14-18: Barefoot in the Park August 22-25: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals – Egyptian Theatre August 30-Sept. 1: The Lettermen – Egyptian Theatre
This year’s Park City Institute Big Stars Bright Nights series will be held indoors at the Eccles Center, and includes six shows, with Brothers Osborne on July 7, and concluding with Cam on Aug. 24. Tickets went on sale to members on April 26, and will go on sale to the public on May 6, when they will be available by clicking here.
Cam performs the final show of this year’s Big Stars Bright Night’s series, scheduled indoors at The Eccles Center this summer (Photo Credit: Park City Institute)
Tip: Keep
an eye out for information about off-site gatherings before each show, as food
and beverages are not allowed inside the Eccles Center.
Trick:
Purchase a membership
before tickets go on sale to the public on May 6 for the best seating options.
The
List:
July 7: Brothers Osborne July 30: Punch Brothers
August 13: Taj Mahal Quartet, and Marc Cohn featuring special guest vocalists Blind
Boys of Alabama
August 16: Gone West
August 24: Cam
There are many indoor spaces along Main Street to get your funk on, but none so perfectly laid out to allow for up-close-and-personal experiences with touring artists as O.P. Rockwell. Named for Orrin Porter Rockwell, controversial bodyguard to Latter-day Saints founder Joseph Smith, the venue offers craft cocktails and ample vantage points to enjoy the raised stage. Only a few shows for the summer have been announced, so far, and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
(Photo Credit: O.P. Rockwell)
Tip:
Sit above the crowd in one of the three VIP reserved seating areas, which
include restricted entry and dedicated cocktail service.
Trick: Get a leg-up on the hottest shows coming to town before everyone else hears about them by subscribing to the venue’s newsletter.
The List: May 18: Sean Kelly and The Samples June 7: Poor Man’s Whiskey
Concerts at one of Salt Lake’s most beloved summer music venues, Red Butte Garden, go on sale to members on Monday, April 27 at 7 p.m., but – unfortunately – you can no longer buy a membership, as they have been placed on-hold until April 30. However, many shows are already on-sale, and tickets can be purchased here. This year’s series features an impressive 31 shows, and begins with Béla Fleck & The Flecktones on May 31. Highlights include Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats (July 23), The Mighty O.A.R. with American Authors (Aug. 8) and Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit (Sept. 19). Like the Deer Valley venue, concert goers can bring in their own food and drink. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit play Sept. 19 at Red Butte Garden (Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden)
Tip: Tickets
for many sold-out shows become available on the day of the performance when
artist holds are released, so keep an eye on the venue website or head to the
box office when it opens that day.
Trick:
Grab a group of friends and hire a local transportation company to bring you to
and from the venue so you don’t have to worry about parking.
The List: May 31: Béla Fleck & The Flecktones’ June 5: Little Feat 50th Anniversary Tour June 6: A Concert Version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat June 25 Howard Jones – Transform Tour 2019 with Men Without Hats and All Hail The Silence June 26: Lucinda Williams and her band Buick 6 June 27: Greensky Bluegrass with The Lil Smokeys July 2: Utah Symphony’s Patriotic Celebration July 10: Galactic with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe July 11: Pink Martini with singer China Forbes July 14: An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band July 18: Seal July 23: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats July 26: Trampled by Turtles with Dead South July 30: John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness Tour with I’m With Her August 4: Umphrey’s McGee with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong August 5: Johnny Lang, J.J. Grey & Mofro August 7: Mandolin Orange August 8: The Mighty O.A.R. – Summer Tour 2019 with American Authors August 13: Shakey Graves/Dr. Dog August 14: Lord Huron August 16: The B-52’s – 40th Anniversary Tour with OMD & Berlin August 19: Steve Miller Band, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives August 26: The Stray Cats – 40th Anniversary Tour August 28: The Wood Brothers, Colter Wall August 29: Amos Lee – My New Moon 2019 Tour with Madison Cunningham September 4: An Evening with Gov’t Mule September 6: Gary Clark, Jr. September 11: An Evening with Mark Knopfler September 15: Boz Scaggs September 19: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit September 23: Tash Sultana with The Teskey Brothers
USANA Amphitheatre, Utah’s outdoor venue for headliner concerts, is located in West Valley and is the place to see many of the hottest tours of the summer. This year’s USANA series begins with Brad Paisley on June 13, and includes the highly-anticipated performance by Sting with the Utah Symphony to benefit Zion National Park on Aug. 31, plus a return of Dan Reynolds’ (of Imagine Dragons) LoveLoud Tour on June 29 to benefit national LGBTQ+ charities. Tickets for all shows can be purchased by clicking here.
Brad Paisley opens the USANA series on June 13 (Photo Credit: USANA Amphitheatre)
Tip: From
May 1-7, $20 all-in (no additional fees, etc.) tickets will be available for 15
USANA shows, with a T-Mobile presale on starting at 5 a.m. on April 30. Visit this
link for more info.
Trick:
Take a staycation at one of the many nearby hotels and use Uber or Lyft to get
to the venue.
The List: June 13: Brad Paisley Tour 2019 June 18: Train, Goo Goo Dolls June 21: Summer Gods Tour 2019 June 29: LoveLoud Festival – Kesha, Martin Garrix, Tegan and Sara, Daya, Grouplove and others July 2: Santana: Supernatural Now July 9: The Avett Brothers July 18: Shinedown: ATTENTION ATTENTION World Tour July 20: Jon Bellion: The Glory Sound Prep Tour July 27: Jason Aldean: Ride All Night Tour 2019 August 1: Knotfest Roadshow featuring: Slipknot, Volbeat, Gojira, Behemoth August 7: Wiz Khalifa with French Montana, Playboi Carti, Moneybagg Yo, Chevy Woods and DJ Drama August 13: Mumford & Sons August 20: 311 & Dirty Heads August 27: Dave Matthews Band August 30: Heart: Love Alive Tour August 31: Sting and the Utah Symphony Celebrate 100 years of Zion National Par September 12: Florida Georgia Line: Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour September 14: KISS: End of the Road World Tour September 20: Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour September 25: Breaking Benjamin
Located at the south end of the Salt Lake Valley, Sandy City might be the last place you’d think to enjoy some solid musical entertainment, but the Sandy Amphitheater has been growing its reputation and roster of artists every year since opening in 1999. The 2,750-seat venue offers 2,000 reserved seats and 750 lawn spaces, and features a ton of blast-from-the-past artists this summer, including Pat Benatar and the Gin Blossoms. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, along with Melissa Etheridge, play the Sandy Amphitheater this summer on July 16 (Photo Credit: Sandy Amphitheater)
Tip:
Sandy City has just voted to allow the previously-dry venue to sell beer to its
thirsty patrons.
Trick:
Got kiddos? Arrive early and beat the Salt Lake Valley heat to enjoy the
adjacent water feature,
a.k.a. splash pad on steroids.
The List: June 7: Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband June 8: Foghat June 21: Imagine + Beatles Orchestral Tribute June 22: Tommy James & The Shondells June 25: Lee Brice June 29: Arrival: The Music of ABBA July 6: Home Free July 12: Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stone Tribute July 13: Colin Mochrie presents HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis July 16: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Melissa Etheridge July 19 & 20 Norah Jones – Sandy Amphitheater August 2-10: MAMMA MIA, The Musical August 15: Lost ‘80s Live: A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, The Vapors, Boys Don’t Cry, The Escape Club, Real Lafe, Farrington & Mann August 16: The Bellamy Brothers August 23: Broadway Princess Party featuring Broadway’s Original Cinderella, Belle and Anastasia August 27: Collective Soul & Gin Blossoms: Now’s The Time Tour August 30: KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019 September 7: Peter Breinholt September 13: Zeppelin USA September 19: Brian Wilson with Al Jardine & Blondie Chaplin plus special guests The Zombies
Located in nearby Kamas, the DeJoria Center offers two indoor venues – the main arena and the more intimate State Road Tavern – in which to present their summer concerts, which include Leftover Salmon (June 21), Wynonna and the Big Noise (Aug. 2) and UB40 (Aug. 23). Tickets are available by clicking here.
Leftover Salmon plays in Kamas at the DeJoria Center on June 21 (Photo Credit: DeJoria Center)
Trick:
Stay out of the fray and purchase a VIP Booth for certain
shows, which includes eight seats, complimentary soft drinks and a dedicated
server.
The List (this does not include smaller shows at the State Road Tavern or community events): June 7: Air Supply July 5: Roots & Boots 90s Electric Throwdow July 26: Queen Nation July 19: Scotty McCreery
Local
summer events are one of the many reasons so many Choose
Park City.
You can, too, by calling Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visiting her
website by clicking here.
Change is afoot in the Park City School District cafeterias, and the six-year-old EATS (Eat Awesome Things at School) nonprofit is proud to be the catalyst for that change.
Homemade menu items like
tomato soup, cheese sticks, chili and freshly-prepared fajitas are now available
alongside old-school items, such as chicken tenders and tater tots. But decidedly-healthier
options, such as roasted cauliflower with cilantro and lime, and homemade
hummus with veggie chips and pitas, far outnumber their less-healthy
counterparts, thanks to an effort by EATS to up-the-school-lunch-ante for local
kids.
Photo credit: EATS Park City
In 2013, community
concerns over healthy lunch options led to the creation of EATS, whose mission is to help local
kids develop lifelong healthy eating habits and have access to fresh, nutritious
and appealing food.
This mission
let to the eventual Hungry
for Healthy Campaign, launched in 2016. That same year, the 15 TO CLEAN initiative was
kicked off in the school district, which featured a three-year plan to remove
15 potentially harmful ingredients from the food program, while introducing
locally-sourced foods made from scratch, when possible. The 15 TO CLEAN program’s
mission came to fruition this school year, as kids around the district started
to see drastic – and delicious – changes in their cafeterias.
According to
EATS, healthy food can help bridge the achievement gap, reduce risky behavior
and prevent childhood obesity. What began as visits to the schools during lunchtime
to introduce kids to new types of fruits and vegetables has morphed into a
full-circle program providing nutrition education that the nonprofit sees kids
bringing into adulthood.
Today, more than 300 students in grades K-5 are enrolled in their Curious Cooks program, with approximately 50-percent of participants receiving scholarships, demonstrating the dedication EATS has to reaching underserved members of the Park City community. Curious Cooks is a series of interactive cooking classes helping kids to get hands-on with the preparation process. Students participating in these classes will leave elementary school with knowledge of good nutrition and basic food preparation.
EATS has also
expanded their focus beyond the elementary schools, where volunteers could be
found throughout the week, introducing students to new and unusual foods during
lunchtime. Now, kids in grades 6-9 can participate in classes offered through a partnership
with Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), with kid-friendly topics like “Fueling
Favs of Pro Athletes” and “A Fresh Take of Fast Foods.” These classes are sold
out for spring, so keep an eye on the YSA website for future opportunities. The
YSA classes were so popular, they led to the creation of afterschool cooking
classes at Ecker Hill.
Photo credit: EATS Park City
For high
schoolers, EATS encourages students to volunteer by either assisting
with the classes for younger kids, or working as counselors during the summer
camps. Adult volunteers are also critical to their mission, and are needed for
help with events and in the school gardens.
To extend their mission outside of the schools and introduce the greater Park City community to healthier eating, EATS offers a variety of recipes on their site, with categories that include “Breakfast,” “Entrees,” “Salads,” “Side Dishes, “Snacks and Apps” and “Soups.” They will also be holding family cooking classes over the summer.
In striving
to reach all members of the Park City community, EATS works with the Christian
Center to provide backpacks to students providing nonperishable food for the
weekend (when they’re not able to access breakfast and lunch at school), and
holds demos showing
how to prepare meals using common food pantry items.
As a nonprofit,
however, EATS could not operate without financial support from donations,
sponsorships and grants, so they’re holding their much-anticipated “Fork in the
Road” fundraiser on Saturday, April 27, at Park City Mountain’s Legacy Lodge.
The annual 21 & over fundraiser features a variety of fun foods, including
a raw bar, charcuterie, roasted veggies and unique spirits. Tickets are
available by clicking here.
EATS Park City’s Fork in the Road Fundraiser is Saturday, April 27.
“The money
from our fundraiser will fill in the gaps left open from our restricted-grant
funds,” Executive Director, Meaghan Miller-Gitlin, recently told The
Park Record. “It will help us provide good, nourishing and
appealing food to Park City students and their families.”
Can’t make
the fundraiser, but still want to support EATS’ efforts? Click here to learn more about ways to
donate.
EATS Park City is one of the many
community-supported programs that demonstrate how Park City rallies around all
of its residents, and why so many families Choose Park City over similar areas in
which to raise their children. If you’re considering a move to Park City, be
sure to connect with Christine today at 435-640-4238!
Running with
Ed (RWE), a.k.a. Park City’s most celebrated relay race, is turning 10, and I’m
thrilled to be co-chairing the event this year with my good friend and fellow
real estate rockstar, Amy Courage Lineen. Together, we hope to surpass the 2019
fundraising goal of $110,000!
Me with my daughter, Lila, geared up as part of our team, the Average Joes!
Over the past decade, RWE has raised more than $1.7-million for Park City’s school kids, with all proceeds going to the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF). PCEF was founded in 1986, and provides support for local schools in a variety of ways, including STEM project materials, teacher grants, college prep materials for at-risk students, afterschool programs, art supplies and reading materials. With Utah consistently placing last in the nation for class size, teacher salaries and per-pupil spending, private funds are critical to ensure our kids are being educated on a level playing field with their peers in other states.
Costumes are just part of the fun during Running with Ed each year.
This year’s RWE is Saturday, May 18, and if you haven’t experienced it in previous years, I encourage you to register a team. The event is more costume party – emphasis on “party” – than your average race, with teams pulling out all the stops in terms of creativity and spirit to try and win one of the top three costume prizes. Because there are 10 legs comprising the 38-mile course, runners of all abilities can find a segment perfect for their speed. You can view the full course map by clicking here.
To help bolster participation, the
seven PCSD schools compete for participation challenge grants of $5K, $3K and $2K,
sponsored by Park City Mountain. Every school with a minimum of 50%
participation will receive a $1,000 grant from PCEF, with the final results
announced at the Finish Party at the Fieldhouse.
Another incentive for participation is through discounted pricing for students and runners age 18 and younger. If you’re thinking about participating, don’t delay – the deadline for registering without the late fee is April 18 at 11:59 p.m., with April 30 being the drop-dead, final registration date. You can register online by clicking here.
New this year, individual fundraising gifts will be awarded to the racers who raise the most money, and includes things like dinner for four at Firewood, a summer family membership to Silver Mountain Sports Club, a Real Salt Lake VIP package, Olympic Park Season Passes and hotels stays.
For the non-runners among us, volunteering
is an option that provides a fun way to support the cause and help cheer on the
teams. Volunteer sign up can be found here. The individual
schools along the race course will also need volunteers, so connect with your
kid’s school to see if they can use your help.
Not feeling
like running OR volunteering? No problem! You can donate to a team by clicking here. If
you don’t have a team of choice, I’d love for you to support my girls and our
team The Average Joes. Select “Mike
Grenney.”
Whether running
the longest leg, or handing water to runners, participating in Running with Ed –
especially with your children – is a healthy and fun experience they’ll long
remember.
Few communities are as
family-focused as Park City, so if you’re considering whether to Choose Park City, be sure to connect with Christine today at
435-640-4238 to learn more about the amazing place where so many parents have decided
to raise their children!
Mountain Town Olive Oil is a Park City based company that aims to provide customers with the best olive oils and vinegars the world has to offer.
I chatted with Jessica McCleary—owner of Mountain Town Olive Oil on Main Street. Her goal is to not only sell extra virgin olive oil and Balsamic vinegar but to be a resource regarding how these liquids are used.
How did you end up in Park City?
I moved here for a position with Sundance Catalog. I thought I would be here for a year, and now I am coming up on 12 years in Utah!
How and when did you first get the idea for your business?
I first got the idea in August of 2009 and we opened 3 months later! I actually started my career in retail as a buyer for Papyrus stationery and Williams Sonoma cookware before I began working at the catalog. I merged my experience as a buyer with my passion for cooking and experimenting with recipes. The nutrition aspect is important to me. Extra virgin olive oil is so great for your digestive, brain and heart health. It’s a healthier alternative and I wanted to share this with the public.
Photo Credit: Mountain Town Olive Oil
How has Mountain Town Olive Oil Co. evolved since 2009?
We have grown in size, in selection, and in offering different experiences. At first, it was just tasting oils and vinegars. Now we have spice blends, flavored salts, gourmet foods, and a wide selection of gifts and accessories for the home.
Can you tell us about your bottle recycling program?
We offer refills on our 375ml bottle for 20% off. All you need to do is clean your bottle after use and we can refill with any flavor. It is a great way to save some money and also reuse the bottle.
Photo Credit: Mountain Town Olive Oil
What are your most popular and sought after products?
Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and our 18 Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar.
Are you working on anything new that we should know about?
In the past year, we have started offering a food and wine pairing class called the Next Course. A private chef demonstrates how to make each recipe and guests get to taste everything. After the class is over, the students get to take the recipes, cooking methods and a shopping list of ingredients home. They also receive a free mini bottle as well as a discount to shop in the store afterwards. Past Next Course themes include Paleo, Festive Finger Foods, Irish Feast, Champagne Brunch and After Ski Snacks.
The whole point is to show the class how to use the oils and vinegars that are found in the store. So many times people tell me how much they love the oils and vinegars we have, but they don’t know how to use them. That hurts my heart, because I want customers to use these products to enhance their cooking.
Photo Credit: Mountain Town Olive Oil
What’s your favorite aspect about your job?
I love evolving my business and making it fun and exciting not only for me, but also for our customers.
Stop by Mountain Town Olive Oil on Main Street today and redeem 20% off the Purchase of 2 or more Full Sized Bottles (valid through 3/31/20) – OR – 10% off your Next Course Food & Wine Pairing Class (valid through 7/31/20).
If you subscribe to my newsletter, you can take advantage of special promos every month. Not a subscriber? Contact me and I’ll be happy to send you March’s coupon.
Even though a few more snowy days can be expected in Park City before school ends, it’s time to start planning for summer camp. Let’s face it: There’s no such thing as a lazy summer for Park City kids, and with options that exercise both the mind and body, there’s a camp destined to fit every child, no matter their interests. (Reminder: School ends for Park City on June 6 and starts on August 20)
Full-Summer Solutions
Kids get kooky at Park City Recreation’s Day Camp in City Park (Photo credit: Park City Recreation)
Basin Recreation offers themed weeks for their Summer Blast Day Camp. Kicking off on June 10 and finishing on August 16, campers ages 6-12 can expect swimming, sports, games and art. Registration is offered by the day, week or entire summer, and starts at $40/day. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and registration opens at midnight on April 1. Contact Angie Greenburg for more info. In addition to their Day Camp, Basin Rec also offers a wide array of daily excursion and weekly camps, including “Mini Mountain Bike Camp” (6-8 years), “Introduction to Lacrosse Camp” (6-12 years), “Munchkin Soccer Camp” (4-6 years), “H2O Adventure Camp” (7-12 years) and “Indoor Volleyball Camp (6-14 years).
Park City Recreation offers a summer-long day camp, headquartered out of its City Park building (by the Miner’s Hospital). Camp is held daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and includes arts and crafts, sports, games, fields trips every Friday, and Wednesday trips to the outdoor pool at the MARC. Full-summer cost is $1,950, beginning on June 10 and ending on August 16. Daily campers pay $53 per day, while weekly options are $215 per week. Add-on activities include four-day golf lessons, swimming lessons and skateboarding. Camp registration opens at 6 a.m. on April 1 and can be accessed online by clicking here. Park City Recreation also offers a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for teens ages 13-15. The program focusses on leadership and job skills while working side-by-side with Summer Day Camp staff and campers. Applications for CIT are due on Monday, May 6th, and can be found here.
Deer Valley Resort’s Summer Adventure Camp calls Snow Park Lodge its home base, but the entire mountain is its playground. Hiking, mountain biking and SUP are complemented by games, puzzles, arts and crafts. As a state-licensed center, infants as young as two months are welcome, with options available for kids up to 12 years of age. Camp begins on June 10 and runs five days per week throughout the summer. Prices for 2019 have not yet been posted, but a full-summer camper in 2018 was between $2,739 and $3,190 for the little ones. Visit Deer Valley’s website for more info.
Headquartered out of Park City Community Church (behind Park City Nursery on S.R. 224), this YMCA camp is excursion-based, which means day campers get to go out and explore their own backyard daily. The camp is for ages 5-12, with a special quiet room for the five-year-olds and a staff-to-child ratio of no more than 1:6. Beginning on June 12 and running through August 16, some of the weekly themes include “Wacky Science,” “Disney Heroes,” “Campers vs. Wild,” “Star Wars” and “Around the World.” Daily hours are 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. for $225 per week, with optional extended care starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. for an additional $15 per week (financial assistance is available).
For the Sporty and Outdoorsy
Kids who participate in the Utah Olympic Park’s FUNdamentals Sport Camp get to try out their freestyle skills in the UOP’s famous pool (Photo credit: Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation)
The Young Riders Youth Cycling program offers weeklong camps from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. beginning June 10, and provides opportunities for riders ages 5 – 14. Seventeen camps are available throughout the summer for every level of rider, including Pee Wee, Never-ever, Beginner, Intermediate and Advance. Registration is now open and most camps are waitlist, but it’s worth getting on the list in case another kids cannot make it! Visit their website for more info, or contact Julie Minahan at [email protected].
Utah Olympic Park
3419 Olympic Parkway
Park City, UT 84098
435-602-9401
The UOP’s FUNdamentals Sport Camp introduces kids ages 7 – 10 to a variety of outdoor pursuits, including golf, tennis, swimming, water polo and sailing. Each of the six sessions are held Tuesday – Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (early drop off at 8:30 a.m. is available), and include an opportunity to try freestyle skiing skills in the park’s famous pool. Cost is $330 per week, and registration is currently open. Click here for more details.
Kids can learn about nature, gardening and growing healthy food through Summit Community Gardens’ summer camps. Each week’s theme includes hands-on gardening activities and has options for kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade. The varied themes include “Summer Camp: A Week in the Life of a Farmer” (3rd & 4th grade), “Summer Camp: Art in the Garden” (7th & 8th grade), and “Cycles” (3rd & 4th graders). Camps are $180 per week and run Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Click here for more info.
For kiddos who love being outside and engaging in “nature play,” Summit Land Conservancy has the ideal camp experience planned. Children will learn about ecology, botany, biology, wildlife identification, local history, and the importance of land stewardship while acting as a junior conservator. Half-day camps from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. are available for Little Explorers (ages 5 & 6), with themes that include “Mountain Bike Monday,” “Trail Trekking Tuesday,” “Water Wonders Wednesday,” “Thrill Seeker Thursday” and “Farmer Friday.” The Little Explorers camp is only held for one session – August 12–16 – and costs $200/camper. However, five sessions of the Outdoor Explorers Camp for ages 7-12 are offered throughout the summer, with each session running five full days, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. The themes are the same as those for the Little Explorers, with the exception of “Weber River Wednesday,” featuring a raft tour of the Weber. Outdoor Explorers costs $375/camper; drop-off and pick-up is at the City Park softball field for both age groups. Registration opens on April 3 at 9 a.m., and can be completed online here, or by stopping by the Summit Land Conservancy’s offices at 1650 Park Ave. Contact Caitlin at 435-640-9884, or [email protected] for more information.
Getting Arts & Science-y
A student draws at the Kimball Art Center (Photo credit: Kimball Art Center)
The week-long educational summer camp programs offered through Swaner Nature Preserve run June 17 through August 16, and include both half-day and full-day options. A few openings remain, so click here to check them out, or ask to be placed on the waitlist for others, as openings are always possible. Then, purchase a membership by Feb. 28, 2020 and mark your calendar for March 15, 2020 to register early as a member next year for the best selection of camps.
Kimball Art Center
1401 Kearns Boulevard
Park City, UT 84060
435-649-8882
Camps at the Kimball Art Center are designed to inspire, educate and foster an appreciation for art in all its forms. From June 10 – August 16, kids ages 3-17 will find offerings across multiple media, including sculpture and pottery, graphic design, painting, mosaic and jewelry-making. Classes are Monday through Friday, and run 2.5-3 hours each. Peruse the many options by clicking here.
PCSD’s “Summer Fun” offers week-by-week programs for every grade from June 10 through August 11. Many of the dozens of week-long camps incorporate STEAM concepts with a fun twist, and include subjects like, “Camp Invention” (grades 1-6), “Off the Chart Art – The Art of Pixar” (grades 3-5), “Pete the Cat – It’s all Groovy” (ages 4-6), “Play Well Legos – Harry Potter” (ages 5-12), and a variety of “Chef School Jr.” options. The full catalog and class details go online on March 29, and can be found by clicking here, or email Jane Toly at [email protected].
Natural science and STEAM-related summer camps are available for grades kindergarten through 7th at the Natural History Museum of Utah, located on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. Camps begin the week of June 10, with some featuring nearby partners like Red Butte Garden, Tracy Aviary and Clark Planetarium. Topics range from “Farm to Table (with Wasatch Community Gardens),” to “Art with Power Tools for Girls Only,” and “LEGO WeDo and Engineering (with Play-Well TEKnologies).” Most camps for younger kids are half-day, while older kids attend from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
2600 Sunnyside Avenue (840 South)
Salt Lake City, UT. 84108
801-584-1700
Utah’s Hogle Zoo offers camps for kids from (incoming) 1st through 8th grade, with the littlest campers starting out in half-day camps lasting just three days per week, and the oldest campers scheduled for full-days and a five-day week. Some of the more in-depth zoological experiences include, “Let’s Do Lunch” where campers learn the hunting and dining techniques of animals, and “Dr. Zoo,” which takes kids behind the scenes to see what goes into caring for every species, from the cockroach to the rhino. Prices range from $80 for half days to $330 for full days, with discounts for zoo members.
For kids fascinated with life under the sea, the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers weeklong camps throughout the summer. Themes include “Tide Pool Titans,”“Feathers, Fins and Fur” and “Full STEAM Ahead.” Campers are grouped by ages 6-7, 8-9 & 10-11. There are two half-day camp options for ages 4-5 and 6-7, and the Marine Biologist in Training camp is available for ages 12-14, plus a special field-trip session for ages 14+ All campers receive a t-shirt, water bottle, backpack, behind-the-scenes experiences and animal encounters of the most creepy-crawly kind! Camps begin on June 3 and end August 16, with half days from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and full days run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended care options. Prices are $130 for half day and $255 for a full day, with discounts for aquarium members.
Overnight Adventures
Even the littlest campers get to spend the night at Camp Roger (Photo credit: Camp Roger)
Highly-revered overnight camps are available close by through the YMCA’s Camp Roger (on Mirror Lake Highway jut past Kama) and the Girl Scouts’ Camp Cloud Rim (above the Montage in upper Deer Valley). Camp Roger offers week-long camps from June 9 – August 16 for ages 6-15, featuring mountain biking, hiking, archery, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. Camp Cloud Rim offers an idyllic, lakeside setting at 9,200 feet, where girls entering grades 1-12 can experience week-long, themed camps, such as “Boating Bonanza,” “Artrageous” and “Backpacker.” Some camps even allow younger and older siblings to share in the experience, with younger kids staying just a few nights, and older siblings camping for the full five days.
With so many options for day, week and summer-long adventures, you’ll quickly realize why Park City is the choice for so many families. If you’ve just decided to Choose Park City, be sure to connect with Christine today at 435-640-4238 to explore future adventures of your own!
Ahhh. Spring Break in Park City. Will there be sun, or will there be snow? Unlike our ever-unpredictable weather, options for Spring Break getaways seem to dwindle the longer you have kids going through the system. What was exciting and new for the first born becomes “been there, done that” by the youngest.
To help alleviate Spring Break ennui, we’ve put together a few last-minute road trip ideas to help make this year’s Spring Break one for the books!
Deciding which of Utah’s five National Parks to tackle can be daunting, so why not do all of them in one week! Busy, yes, but imagine the reward of your kiddos going back to school after earning Junior Ranger pins from all five parks in one fell swoop!
This “5 Utah National Parks in 5 Days” article from Utah.com maps it all out for you. Starting with Zion on day one, and ending with Arches on day five, the simple bragging rights of saying you did all in one week should be incentive enough. And the benefit of having a Spring Break that lands after other Utah schools districts’ should mean the parks are slightly less crowded than usual.
Vegas Revisited
For many Utahns, Vegas is merely a rest stop on the way to Southern Calif. And though Vegas went through a bit of a schizophrenic phrase (transitioning from a “family-friendly” message, to the iconic “What Happens in Vegas” campaign), you can always count on new attractions coming on line in Sin City.
Whether you’re passing through or staying for a few days, fans of Virtual Reality (VR) should head to The Void, located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Hotel. Opportunities to “step inside The Void” include “Ralph Breaks VR,” “Ghostbusters Dimension” and “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire.” Each experience is immersive and tackled as a team, which makes it sound like an escape room on steroids. There are some restrictions – guests must be 48 inches and the recommended minimum age is 10, so take the younger kids on a gondola ride or indulge in the French pastries at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon. Ironically, The Void is based in Lindon, Utah, but their Beehive State location is not open to the public, so Vegas is the closest opportunity to experience this homegrown technical achievement in entertainment.
FLY LINQ zipline over the Las Vegas Strip (Photo credit: FLY LINQ)
Thrill-seekers will enjoy the new FLY LINQ zipline, which allows up to 10 riders to zip along over the Vegas strip side-by-side. This $20-million attraction launches riders from a 114-foot tower (approx. 14 stories) along a 1,121 foot-line to a 54-foot landing tower. The trip lasts 35-45 seconds and sends guests rocketing at speeds averaging 35 mph. To fly this high, you must weigh at least 60 pounds, with seated daytime passengers costing $25 (you pay $35 if you want to take the trip lying down), and nighttime adventurers will pay $30-$40. For more info, click here.
Though Cirque du Soleil’s traveling productions visit Utah regularly, their sets really don’t hold a candle to those enjoyed at the company’s Vegas installations. With six shows presently in residence, including the more family-friendly “KÀ,” “The Beatles LOVE,” “O” and “Mystère,” seeing Cirque du Soleil in Vegas is an unmatched theatrical experience. The bonus: The shows have been running for so many years, that ticket specials are often available. Check them out by clicking here.
If the Strip is too frenetic for you and your kids, consider staying at one of the resorts on the outskirts of town in Henderson. A few local faves include Green Valley Ranch and the casino-free Westin Lake Las Vegas.
A Ghostly Getaway
While evidence of Utah’s frontier heritage is abundant, our neighbors in Idaho also boast many boomtowns turned ghost towns within a day’s drive.
Most boomtowns were built solely around mining enterprises, and were abandoned as quickly as they were settled. Throughout Idaho, 100 ghost towns harken back to the Gem State’s mining heritage, and quite a few are worth the trek to help little history buffs take a step back in time.
Yankee Fork gold dredge in Custer (Photo credit: Atlas Obscura)
The following suggested route hits the highlights, while also allowing for overnights in areas where lodging is plentiful and opportunities for recreation to enhance your historic trek are abundant.
First on the stop is Chesterfield Historic Town, located between Lava Hot Springs & Soda Springs, a three-hour drive from Park City. The Chesterfield Foundation is working to preserve many of the sites, but 11 buildings currently exist to help tell the town’s pioneer heritage. From Chesterfield, either drive to Pocatello to spend the night, or go on to Stanley, swinging through Bayhorse and Mackay on the way.
After a night in Stanley, check out nearby Custer Ghost Town. Founded in the 1870s, Custer’s historic site designation in 1981 preserved the town’s buildings and artifacts, many of which have been restored and can be visited via docent-led tours. Nearby, a few buildings remain in the town of Bonanza, but most burned in a fire in 1889, sending the majority of residents to nearby Custer.
Head north from Custer for an overnight in Missoula, Mont. While in Missoula, check out Unseen Missoula’s “Basements & Back Alleys” tour, which gives visitors a glimpse into secret spaces few tourists get to see. To continue the ghost town tour, drive just 30 miles from Missoula to find Garnet, which was named after the semi-precious stone found there, and boasts more than 30 preserved historic buildings. Also nearby is Coloma, where mining shafts and railroad artifacts can still be found.
Leaving Missoula, head northeast toward Coeur d’Alene and the town of Wallace, once known as the “Silver Capital of the World.” The Wallace Area features the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, which takes you into the main drift of the actual silver mine. Though the area has produced more than a billion ounces of silver in its 100-year history, it’s now a draw for outdoor recreationists, especially bicyclists, thanks to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes – a paved bike path under I-90 – that passes above Wallace as it follows the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River through the Silver Valley.
Just seven miles north of Wallace is Burke Ghost Town, built in a canyon so narrow, the train went right through the hotel lobby. Head from Burke up to Coeur d’Alene, where a night at The Coeur d’Alene Resort should help kick off the dust in luxury.
After a good night’s rest, drive south to Boise, stopping by Placerville, where the original Boise Basin Mercantile building from the 1860s has been converted into one of the town’s museums.
Once in Boise, take a few days to check out the rich history of Idaho’s capitol city, including the Old Idaho Penitentiary, which is included in one of the Boise Township Tours that takes visitors to a variety of historic spots via trolley.
The trip from Boise back to Park City can be a haul, so plan to stop by Shoshone Falls – a 212-foot waterfall that’s actually taller than Niagara Falls. There, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas and hiking trails. It might be too brisk for a swim, but the beauty of the falls makes for a nice break on the way home.
Bonus: While driving between ghost towns, play a little Idaho Bingo with these nifty cards designed by the Idaho Department of Commerce – Tourism Development.
Whether hitting the road, or opting for a staycation, the destinations above will be waiting for you next time you’re bitten by the last-minute wanderlust bug!
Want to learn more about planting roots in amid the natural beauty and historic neighborhoods of Park City and surrounding towns? You can Choose Park City by calling Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visiting her website by clicking here.
Hugo Coffee Roasters is a start up, Park City-based coffee roaster that aims to please their customers and better the lives of animals. Now that’s a mission us Parkites can get behind! Hugo Coffee’s goal is to support dog rescue by roasting superior fair trade organic coffee for their online, retail and wholesale customers. Their vision is to become the go-to coffee choice for animal lovers everywhere. A customer service centric environment accompanies Hugo Coffee’s fantastic products.
I chatted with Claudia McMullin—owner of Hugo Coffee, and visionary behind the dog-loving, good deed-doing company—to learn more about the business’ story and future.
What is Hugo Coffee’s origin story: why did you decide to open a coffee shop, how did you come up with the idea, who’s part of your team?
I opened the shop in 2013 after purchasing it from Silver Bean Coffee, who would remain our primary supplier. My previous life may surprise many of you who have not yet heard my story. Years of trial and error in terms of finding a fulfilling career that I loved, led to opening day six years ago. I had been an attorney for 25 years and when I moved to Park City in 1999, I continued to practice law. In my quest to find a different career path, I dabbled in several different things. First, I ran for County Council in 2008 and was elected. Simultaneously, I ran Friends of Animals (now known as Nuzzles & Co) for 2 years. It was after being re-elected as County Councilor in 2012 that the opportunity to open the shop presented itself and I immediately took advantage.
After a year in business, I decided to start a roasting company (Hugo Coffee Roasters) because I wanted to be able to control our own product and its quality while also having the option to wholesale our creations. Most importantly, I wanted to find a way to save dogs by selling my coffee. As I began to build my team, I hired John Lynn, former employee of Silver Bean Coffee, who became my head roasting talent. John is the true talent behind my company while I like to think of myself as the dog-loving visionary.
Photo Credit: Hugo Coffee Roasters
Which varieties does Hugo Coffee offer? And what is the inspiration behind them?
Hugo Coffee offers a range of specially blended and roasted coffees designed to appeal to a broad palette. Each blend is created by our master roaster, John. He chooses the importer, country of origin, and farm from which to purchase the organic fair trade green beans. He then skillfully creates the consistent roasts and flavor notes of each Hugo signature roasts.
Each roast is intentionally named with a nod towards dogs. Specifically, from darkest to lightest roast, Hugo Coffee offers Black Paw (French Roast), Bonafido (Med-Dark Roast), Rollover Breakfast Blend (Medium Roast), Howler Espresso (Medium Roast) and New Trick (Light Roast). In addition, Hugo Coffee offers Downward Dog Decaf (Medium Roast), Dog Daze Cold Brew (Med-Dark Roast) and our Rotating Roasters’ Choice which is a rotating single source bean from various countries and farms picked by John every 4 to 6 weeks.
Tell us about your mantra “Drink Coffee, Save Dogs” as well as your Giveback Program.
In May 2018, we rebranded our company to include an animal rescue giveback component to our mission. Rebranding involved all newly designed bags with fresh messaging. Our collateral changed to include the animal rescue giveback component that had always been a dream of mine. Whenever a consumer purchases one of our beautiful, delicious-tasting, colorful bags, we give back to animal rescues. To date, Hugo Coffee has donated to Nuzzles & Co, Best Friends Animal Society, Canines with a Cause, Utah Animal Adoption Center and several others.
Who is the famous Hugo?
Hugo is my handsome rescue dog. I was a foster failure due to the fact that after receiving him at 3 weeks, I failed to ever give him up. He is now 10 years old and happier than ever!
Photo Credit: Hugo Coffee Roasters
Hugo Coffee is much bigger than your flagship café. As you mentioned you have a roastery. Where can Parkites find your product?
Hugo Coffee Roasters completely supplies the coffee at Hugo Coffee Shop. We also sell our blends wholesale to several coffee shops and restaurants in the area. You can find Hugo Coffee, of course, at our flagship shop located in the Visitor Information Center at Kimball Junction. You can also find our coffee sold at other retailers including Whole Foods, Park City Market, Deer Valley Grocery Café, Gorsuch, The Store, and Jade Market. Our coffee is served locally at many restaurants & hotels including, St. Regis Deer Valley, Deer Valley, Marriott Sidewinder, High West Distillery, Fletchers, Twisted Fern, Harvest, Blind Dog, Eating Establishment, Pig & A Jelly Jar, and Provisions.
Photo Credit: Hugo Coffee Roasters
How do we stay updated about upcoming events and new product releases?
We have a robust Instagram and Facebook following, so our event and product updates are largely shared through our social media. Our website is also a great source of information. We recently held a customer appreciation event called ‘Puppy Love Lounge’ with Tyke James, a beloved contestant on the Voice. The event was such a success that we will be holding another event in April where Tyke will once again sing to an audience of adoring fans surrounded by adorable puppies. We had amazing support as Nuzzles was on hand with puppies up for adoption, Wasatch Creamery Ice Cream Co provided delicious ice cream treats and Drool sent everyone home with yummy treats for their furry companions!
So… we hear you have something top secret but very exciting in the works. Can you give us any insider info?
That’s right. A really exciting, brand-new product will be launched on our e-commerce site on April 1st. With this new product, you will have access to our first ever E-recipe book. Local chefs and mixologists are coming up with recipes to include and we will be highlighting five local businesses. We are also in the midst of revising our menu at Hugo Coffee shop, and will have a revamped menu starting in April. Along with fresh new food items on the menu, customers will also be able to get scoops of Wasatch Creamery Ice Cream at the shop. We are currently the only brick and mortar to have that opportunity. And last but not least, we will be launching a retail area which will host the products of like-minded, socially-conscious companies.
At Hugo Coffee we love two things: coffee and dogs… and not necessarily in that order. Stop by Hugo Coffee shop at the Visitor Information Center today and redeem your coupon for a great cup of coffee!
If you subscribe to my newsletter, you can take advantage of a special promo that I partnered with Hugo Coffee Roasters to offer in March. Not a subscriber? Contact me and I’ll be happy to send you the promo code.
Announcing the 2019 Resort Report. This annual Resort Report analyzes year-over-year data from 12 prominent resort areas throughout the western half of the United States to inform consumers about the resorts’ performances, and what makes each one unique. This report is a snapshot of the resort market conditions provided by Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates throughout Utah, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico and California.
The Park City resort market remains very complex and segmented by micro-location and price point. Buying and selling real estate in resort communities is unlike most transactions, which is why we at Summit Sotheby’s International Realty collaborate with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, along with the help of other Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates, to compile a Resort Report focused on these one-of-a-kind communities. View the report for yourself!
