Author Archives: Jill Adler

Outdoor Press Camp Showcases New Trend

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Fifteen brands and 23 top content creators arrived at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, for Outdoor Press Camp 2016. We were treated to breaking industry stories from leaders and up-and-coming brands in footwear, hardgoods, and high-tech apparel while sharing delicious communal meals, outdoor activities and networking happy hours.

The June gathering provided a first-look at innovative outdoor products and technology that will be hitting the shelves in 2017 in a more relaxed setting than a convention center floor.

The event used the unique Press Camp format of tightly organized meeting schedules combined with daily trail-testing opportunities. “It’s a luxury to be able to sit down and talk more in depth with a brand about their company and their products rather than get just the highlights from a 10-minute fly-by at a tradeshow,” said Amy Jurries, a writer at Backpacker Magazine and blogger at Gearcaster. “Then to be able to test those same products out on the trails in the afternoon makes for an extremely useful and enjoyable event.”

Press Camps Hit The Target

Event Director Kenji Haroutunian explained, “This event is part of a new movement of invitational events that bring focus and value through proper curation. It creates meaningful experiences for both the brand and editorial sides. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the strong attendance base, which allowed both established and new brands to deepen relationships with top media.” Last January, I participated in the Glamp, Gizzle and Gorge media event sponsored by ALLIED Down where we got to try YakTrax, Scott FatBikes, Uco headlamps and MSR snowshoes, had a fabulous dinner prepared by ALLIED’s Marketing director and spent the night in yurts at East Canyon State Park swaddled in ALLIED bedding from their home furnishings label. We do it again in August and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting up close and personal with a handful off summer brands this time- or at least summer gear from the companies I met in the winter. The event has added an extra day for more playtime with everything.

2016 Outdoor Press Camp was four full days of more formal gatherings but still maintained a casual connectedness between brands and media. In addition to the plethora of outdoor footwear we got first looks at fabric technologies (34.7), fitness technologies (Icon Fitness) and one new company a frugal gearhead like me is keeping my eye on.

Nicole Bassett, Co-Founder, The Renewal Workshop, near Hood River, One., used Press Camp to introduce her new upcycled outdoor clothing company. It’s the mountain version of Blinq.com. Thousands of returned merchandise wind up in landfills every year but recently companies have popped up to purchase those rejects from brands that can’t resell them as new (because they aren’t). RW has partnered with brands like Prana, Ibex and Mountain Khaki to take their returns, clean-them to hospital-quality standards, repair any defects or damage and resell to consumers as a basically new item at a serious discount. Who wouldn’t want a brand new puffy or sweater for 80 percent off?

The online storefront launches this fall and still more brands are hopping on this upcycle wagon. If something can’t be fixed RW promises to keep it away from the landfill by reincarnating it into something useable. For example, the jacket with the torn liner becomes a tote bag. If something can’t be repaired, it’s recycled. RN swears that none of their products will suffer the landfill.

“The Outdoor Press Camp was the perfect event to launch our company to the Outdoor Industry. The organization of the event, the natural setting and the quality of attendees were best of class.

Sage’s Awesome Acting Camp- Day 1

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As I approached Burbank, Calif., on the “5” as locals like to call it, I was feeling a bit like a blind person in a fun house. What was going to happen tonight? Tomorrow? The next week? What do I do? How do I structure these three weeks so Sage begins to develop industry relationships? How do I make the most of this expensive adventure? Which I do want to thank everyone who helped make this happen by purchasing a cool Ski. Play. Live. T-Shirt. J

I told myself to trust that the “Awesome Acting” summer camp itself will be enough; that even if she doesn’t have auditions or meetings she will gain so much from this experience. Still, I felt I didn’t have a real gameplan. I hate that. Yet, I tried several times over the past year to ask other mothers about their experience and what they did to help promote their kids. I might as well have been interrogating a criminal mastermind. No one was sharing anything. No one offered guidance and the little info I did glean was always guarded. WTF? Are we going to be competition? It’s not like there aren’t thousands of kids here doing the same thing.

I will therefore be that storyboard for future mothers and fathers that are considering bringing their kids out to Los Angeles to be an actor. Maybe you will learn a few things- what to do; what not to do. Maybe this will turn out to be a total waste of time. Maybe Sage will hate acting and want to be a professional lacrosse player by the fall.

It started when she was a baby. I dragged her to all of my auditions and classes. Little baby Sage in her stroller or car seat. Casting Director Catrine McGregor will tell you how I met her at the Salt Lake International Airport for a private coaching session while she sat stranded for hours in the JetBlue terminal. Sage slept quietly in her stroller. She ski modeled with me and when she was old enough to remember lines she joined my agency (TMG) and started auditioning herself. It just seemed the natural thing to do because I was going anyway. People wondered if I would be able to handle her booking a part in something but not me. I had that one hit hard when we both read for Hallmark’s Christmas Under Wraps and they cast someone else (IOW someone younger) to play her mom. I felt a sting…and then I went kayaking in Oregon, let Ryan take Sage to set while I was gone and I got over it. We both had a blast that day.

This month is all about Sage. Sage has the agent in LA; not me. And that’s just fine. It’s her time. I love watching her work and grow. Robin recommended that she come out and stay a bit so here we are. She referred us to Jack Turnbull and his TheActorSite.com and so we did. From what I saw today- our first day- I couldn’t be happier.

Awesome Acting Camp Summer Intensive

A young girl in her 20s named Amber corralled this bunch. Amber had taken classes from Jack and eventually he trained her to coach there. With kids, your ability to engage is more important than your resume. Of course, parents are going to want to know that the coach knows what he or she is talking about and I can assure you that Amber was spot on.

I was instantly impressed with her ability to connect and be one of the gang while at the same time commanding the level of respect to keep the modest room in check. Controlled mischief. This is class and it’s supposed to be safe and fun. It’s ok to be goofy and laugh and make mistakes. Amber was selective in her feedback so they never felt like they were being lectured. Plus, not everything needed pointing out 24/7.

There are kids from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, LA and Utah of varying levels of experience. Most are here for the entire summer. Only six attended this morning so they had plenty of time to play improv games, talk about commercial auditions, slating and learning lines, and practice auditioning. Sage was nervous on her first day, she told me tonight. The other kids knew each other because they did the camp last week too. And she felt alienated. I didn’t see that. Sage held her own and seemed to be having a lot of fun. She jumped into the games, listened intently to instructions and directions and learned a few things along the way. The class lasted two hours. We met a writer friend of mine for lunch around the corner at sweet little café called Aroma, went grocery shopping at Target then took a nap back at the AirBnB apartment. We would be back at the Awesome Acting Club for one hour at 6 p.m.

Fast Track

The evening “fast track” classes have more seasoned kids in them- and more obnoxious boys. I felt a little sorry for their coach. Each night is a different genre and tonight was improv. The kids were not really understanding the concept; but again she was not quick to critique or interrupt when they got going. For example, one of the first rules of improv is never say, “no” to your scene partners. It’s “yes, and…” One actor says, “Boy it’s hot in here.” And the other better not say, “No it’s not.” You can’t build a scene from there. Instead you wind up with an argument. They should say, “Yes, and my Momma told me when it gets this hot I should stick my head in the freezer.” I heard a lot of nos tonight but the coach left it for discussion after the scene rather than stopping the action and calling them out.

When we got to the apartment our “landlords” had made us a welcome dinner of Pilipino Cajun shrimp. After dinner, Sage voraciously attacked her homework- a chewing gum commercial.

So we made it. Day one of Sage’s Summer of Acting is down and out. And so is she by the way.

Hops On The Hill Returns To Stein Eriksen Lodge

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Date nights in Park City just got a little more interesting. Sure there are the free concerts at Deer Valley on Wednesdays, the ones at Kimball Junction on Thursdays and those on Saturday at PCMR/Canyons but when you want a bit more sophistication, take your honey to Hops on the Hill at Deer Valley’s Stein Eriksen Lodge.

Every Tuesday night this summer Hops on the Hill brings you regional craft beer tastings with specially selected food pairings starting at 5 p.m., followed by a concert at 6 p.m. 

Local breweries include Squatters and Park City Brewery, Red Rock Brewing and Epic Brewing Company, Uinta Brewing and Bonneville Brewery, 2 Row Brewing and Bohemian Brewery, Wasatch Brewery and Proper Brewing Company. This summer’s bands feature Mister Sister, Gary Tada, Red Desert Ramblers, Fastback and Utah County Swillers.

Ten percent of the proceeds from food and drink sales go toward the Youth Sports Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting and enabling youth to participate, learn, compete and excel in sports.

Here’s your 2016 calendar for brews and beats:

 

JULY 12TH:

Breweries: Squatters and Park City Brewery
Band: Mister Sister

JULY 19TH:

Breweries: Red Rock Brewing and Epic Brewing Company
Band: Gary Tada

JULY 26TH:

Breweries: Uinta Brewing and Bonneville Brewery
Band: Red Desert Ramblers

AUGUST 2ND:

Breweries: 2 Row Brewing and Bohemian Brewery
Band: Fastback

AUGUST 9TH:

Breweries: Wasatch Brewery and Proper Brewing Company
Band: Utah County Swillers

AUGUST 16TH

To Be Announced

 

The Tuesday events costs $40 in advance and $45 at the door and if you want more than “tastes”, the bar is open with $5 beer, $10 wine and $10 liquor. Hot dogs, brats and burgers will be on sale from $5-15.

Gone to the Dog Beach

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Dog Beach


I imagine if there was a doggy heaven it would look like Dog Beach – a place where canines of all sizes, all breeds, all colors, male and female, played together under a bright blue sky with canvas-colored sand absorbing their paws. With nary a nip or growl, these spirited beasts consume a small section of Ocean Beach, San Diego, California, and create one of the most awesomest places for dogs I have ever experienced.

Dogs everywhere chase each other, splash for tennis balls in the gentle waves and pee on random piles of seaweed whenever they feel like it. Owners happily pick up poop and wing Chuck-Its for the simple opportunity to be there; to have their dogs on a leash-free beach. They love the company of other dogs and their owners; readily tossing a Frisbee for the nearby Akita or rubbing an Aussie’s wiggling bum. Dog haters would be insane to visit this place so the vibes are nearly all positive except when the occasional butthead owner brings his aggressive dog out in public. The day I was there I witnessed only one scuffle that ended without bloodshed.

Dog Beach

Kids Love Dog Beach Too

The stretch near Seaworld was officially adopted by the Ocean Beach Town Council in 1972 to protect it as a community asset for the future. On any given day, dogs run freely along the ocean sandbars while surfers, Boogie boarders and children go deeper.

Did I mention Dog Beach is free?

Free parking, free entry, free poopbags and freedom from tethers if your dog can handle it. What’s not to love? Dog Beach gets crowded on the weekends and in the heat of the summer but everyone seems to get along. Watch where you step in case the poop isn’t scooped fast enough and leave your food in the car as there will be thieves among us but, for the most part, this energetic, fun-loving microcosm should be an example to all humankind. Stop the f*&king fighting.

Dog Beach

Water Play At Dog Beach


You won’t need to worry about keeping your dog close if he’s well-haved. There’s really no where for him to go and he’ll want to hang with all of his brethren anyway. The south side shore leads off to a marina. Beyond are showers (not supposed to be for dogs but no one said boo when we washed the sand off Takoda), a pier and restaurants (dogs must be on leash). Occasionally an ice cream truck or a pet-food company with samples drops by Dog Beach with treats. If I had a food truck I would park it there every summer afternoon selling Pupsicles. Just saying…

You don’t have to worry if your dog isn’t a strong swimmer because the water is shallow. It’s part of a cove created by the jetties to the south and north of the beach at South Mission State Beach. Prop up your beach chair and watch the boats and surfers while Fido frolics. Plus, there’s a life guard on duty, who will quickly tell you if the water’s not safe for your dog or child. If you go around the northern jetty where the river runs out, the water is calmer and crowd a bit thinner (but not by much).

Dog Beach

I was apprehensive when I first arrived with Takoda. All those dogs! We hate dog parks because they’re like cock-fighting rings. Dog Beach isn’t that. These dogs have enough toys, balls, waves and buttsniffing to keep them out of trouble. He joined the foray in an instant; like a kid being dropped off at camp, he looked once at me then trotted into the water to chase four other dogs. He had found his heaven on earth.

PARK CITY SUMMER COCKTAIL CONTEST RETURNS

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Calling All Sippers!

Mixologists who think they’ve got what it takes to craft the top cocktail of the season have signed up for a chance to be crowned Park City’s top bartender, take home $200, and other perks.

Registration opened last month for the annual Park City Area Restaurant Association summer cocktail contest. The actual contest starts July 1, 2016. Here are the entrants ready for the ultimate taste testing.

The entrants include:

Billy Blanco’s: The Firewater

Deer Valley Grocery-Café: Hard Green Tea

Flanagan’s On Main: Blood Orange and Smoked Serrano Margarita

Fletcher’s: Manhattan Beach

Ghidotti’s: Gin on a Tangent

Grappa: Fiorello (little flower)

Lespri Prime Steak Sushi: Some Golfer

Molly Blooms Gastropub: Mulligan Limonata

Powder at Waldorf Astoria Park City: Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita

Red Rock Junction: Farm & Feed

Red Tail Grill:  Greens Fee

Royal Street Café: Strawberry Scrub Collins

Silver Star Café: The LaBounty Bourbon Ice Bomb

Squatters: Handsome Zach’s Apricot 75

Sushi Blue: The Powder Hound

The Brass Tag: Hawkeye

Tupelo: Sweet Summer Heat

Wahso: S.S.

Wasatch Brew Pub: Basil Trance

Windy Ridge Café: Garden-2-Glass

 

Try Them All

Starting July 1, anyone who likes to drink cocktails in Park City will have the whole month to sample the offerings from the competing bars and then vote online for their favorite libations; rating each they taste on a 1-to-10 scale, judging both flavor and presentation. Online voting will run through July 31 on the PCARA website, www.parkcityrestaurants.com.

Last year, Brass Tag’s “Evangeline” took first place with an average score of 10 out of 10, earning top marks for its refreshing blend of Beehive Distillery Jackrabbit Gin, cassis vinegar, basil-infused Utah honey, rose lemonade and a garnish or lemon strings and a basil leaf.

 

More than 10,500 votes were cast in the contest.

 

“Online voting was a huge success last year and so much fun,” PCARA executive director Ginger Ries said. “We are very excited to see how this summer’s contest unfolds, and we can’t wait to crown the winner.”

 

In the online-voting format, everyone gets a chance to participate, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to help choose Park City’s summer cocktail champion – and of course one more reason to visit the participating bars and restaurants to sample all the entries.

 

“Any PCARA bar and restaurant can enter, and any patron can vote,” Ries said. “We think this approach works out really well for both our members and for all their guests — and we’re especially looking forward to tasting each of the entries.”

 

The winning cocktail and its creator will be featured in a marketing campaign following the contest leading into PCARA’s popular Fall “Dine About” event. He or she will also walk away with a cash prize and some serious bragging rights.

 

To learn more visit the PCARA website.

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