Every year the list is different. We don’t do categories, we don’t fill in forms, we don’t count votes. We just pick our brains and everyone else’s for the coolest, newest and unexpected superlatives in the Beehive State. Every year we surprise ourselves and are delighted at the discoveries. You too will be surprised and delighted. And, no doubt, disgruntled. Because we left out one of your favorites. Let us know.
Most Scenic Ski Run, Stein’s Way at Deer Valley – Some skiers are in it for the steeps, the deeps and the thrills, but a lot of us are just here for the views. Stein’s Way traces its way down the ridge of Bald Mountain, overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir and surrounding mountains. You’ll enjoy the immaculate grooming too. There’s no better place to get lost taking it all in. 2250 Deer Valley Dr, 435-649-1000, deervalley.com
Best Boot Fitter, Cole Sport Resort Center Park City Mountain – Ski boots can be either vice-like instruments of torture designed to give you frostbite or the single most important piece of equipment to help you ski better. The difference is in finding and crafting the right fit, and nobody does that better than Cole Sport. Their boot fitters are trusted and recommended by ski instructors and patrollers—you know, the people who spend all day every day in ski boots. Go where the pros go. 1385 Lowell Ave, 435-649-4600, colesport.com
Best Way to Stay Current on Beehive Film Culture, Park City Film Series Made in Utah – Park City has been tangentially associated with the film industry ever since Sundance came to town, but more homegrown talent and local projects hit the screen each year. The Park City Film Series Made in Utah program puts on local showings of Utah-made films so you can stay up to date with what the Beehive state’s creatives put on the big screen. parkcityfilm.org
Best Parking Space for your Sundry Wellness Needs, Bonanza Drive in Prospector – Ditch your car in Prospector Square—there are numerous public lots off Bonanza Drive—and explore the bewildering mixture of new age and traditional wellness establishments populating the area. You can therapeutically freeze yourself at Cryo Lodge or warm yourself in a sensory deprivation float pod at Float Park City in the very same building! You’ll be walking distance from three different acupuncture facilities—Longevity Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Stillpoint Healing Center and Mountain Sage Natural Health and Acupuncture—and four different chiropractors—Phillips Chiropractic, Namaste Chiropractic, Park City Chiropractic and Chiropractic Works of Park City! Leave your peer-reviewed concerns at home and come seek your own path to wellness.
Best Recovery Breakfast After A Long Night, Biscuits and Gravy from Woodland Biscuit Company – Park City is as well known for its après scene as it is for its mountain-based adventures. Combine those good times with high elevations, however, and you’re in for some rough mornings. Nothing alleviates the ill-effects of irresponsible choices quite like biscuits and gravy from Woodland Biscuit Company. 2734 E State Hwy 35, Francis, 435-783-4202, woodlandbiscuitcompany.com
Best Mountainside Dinner Entree, Mushroom Stroganoff at Silver Star Cafe – Silver Star Cafe has elevated roots cuisine, a patio with inspiring mountain views and live music Thursday through Saturday evenings, but nothing tops eating their wild mushroom stroganoff with balsamic cipollini onions and house-made späetzle on a pleasant evening. It’s one of those rare instances in which the gluten-free, vegetarian option is the best on the menu, regardless of your dietary inclinations. 1825 Three Kings Dr., 435-655-3456, thesilverstarcafe.com
Best Artsy Bang for Your Buck, Kimball Art Center – The galleries lining Main Street have some gems to be sure, but the eye watering price tags attached to bland artwork destined for the vacuous interiors of mountain-contemporary palaces makes the Kimball Art Center all that much more important to Park City’s community. Where else can you see Warhol’s artwork free of charge in a podunk ski town? 1401 Kearns Blvd, 435-649-8882, kimballartcenter.org
Best Brunch Spot For Your Out-of-Town Big-City Friends, Harvest – Looking for a spot to take cosmopolitan visitors who are convinced Utah is some uncultured backwater? Harvest has the minimalist-chic atmosphere, elaborately-crafted coffee drinks and avocado-based menu options to make even the most cynical urbanites feel like they’re dining in Williamsburg. In all seriousness, it’s the best pre-lunch meal you’ll find near Main Street. 820 Park Ave, 435-604-0463, harvestparkcity.com
Soul Poles – Now that old-school, fluorescent one pieces have been commoditized and rendered un-ironic, the idiosyncratic skier needs a new way to stand out. Soul Poles let you customize your pointy sticks with personalized laser engraving, artistically painted bamboo shafts and colorful grips and baskets. Plus they’re made right here in Park City from super durable, sustainably-harvested bamboo. 1490 Munchkin Rd, 888-612-7685, soulpoles.com
Best Shear Indulgence For Her: Lunatic Fringe – With cutting edge cuts, coloring and styling, personalized, attentive service and a hipper-than-it-should-be vibe, Lunatic Fringe is the place to be for luxury hair care. Throw in a complimentary beverage, and what more could you ask for? 4343 UT-224, 435-658-0298, lunaticfringesalon.com
For Him: Billy’s Barber Shop – Come for the old-timey barber chairs, classic aesthetic and excellent, modern haircuts. Stay for the life-changing satisfaction of a hot shave. There’s nothing better. 509 Main St, 435-901-2475, billysbarbershop.com
Check out more of our Best of the Beehive winners here.
