Park City has grown substantially in the 20+ years since we last visited. It is now an upscale getaway for enthusiasts who love biking, skiing, the arts, high-end shopping and experimental food and drink. There are many new neighborhoods, shopping centers, and businesses scattered around. Park City encourages locals and visitors to walk and ride bicycles on the numerous safe routes. On our visit the bikes came down from the roof of the car and we explored the network of pathways with a few stops along the way.
At our first stop, the welcoming Kimball Art Center invited us in to see a textile show in the gallery. As a quilter I enjoyed the contemporary take of the medium by various artists. As a community driven interactive space, we participated in the making our own sculptures out of maize to contribute to the piece Examining Environmental Traditions through Maize by Artist Jorge Rojas.
Along the Poison Creek Trail we rode safely through tunnels and under busy intersections painted with vibrant murals by local artists. We stumbled upon an interactive sound garden made from repurposed materials by artist Frank Youngman. It includes a xylophone made of wooden support beams taken from trestles, chimes made from brake drums, and a piano soundboard. Standing within the trees covered in shoes we created tunes with others who joined in on the music making.
A short walk just off the bike path in Old Town Park City is the Historic Main Street. On Main Street many of the historic buildings from the 1800’s have been refurbished offering a peek into what the town was like in the silvering mining days. However, Park City has polished the silver of its mining past. The rustic street I remembered from our last visit now revealed clothing that celebrated Mining Glamor and Cowboy Chic. Refined, restyled and designer “tack shops” sell cowboy boots and hats, silver jewelry, jeans and plaid woven with gold and silver fibers.
Surrounding Main Street there are also many historic homes stacked on the hillside in the area close to the base of Park City Mountain. My favorite were the colorful charming tiny homes and Victorian cottages showcasing original woodwork. Some proudly displayed awards and ribbons given for outstanding historic preservation.
Park City offers bike riders many types of riding. In addition to the urban bike paths, we also enjoyed time on the BMX track and the mountain biking trails.
Our evening was enjoyed with locals and other tourists at a live music concert. Aiko a Grateful Dead revival band with a fierce following performed. At the show many seniors relived their youth as they sang and tossed hacky sacks while their grandchildren juggled bean bags while playing cornhole with new friends.
On our long ago visit to Park City the residents were preparing for the 2002 Winter Olympics while we attended the Sundance Film Festival. Twenty years later the public art created for the games is scattered around town and stands as lingering reminders of Park City's time on the world stage. Residents are still clearly proud and celebrate the hosting of the winter games with a museum where visitors can learn all about it. Each winter Park City continues to host the famous Sundance Film Festival. At this event you will find a community of wool hat wearing independent movie lovers sharing opinions, detailed reviews and lively discussion as you take the bus around town from film to film.
