Memorable Things To Do In Park City Utah

Category Archives: Travel/Outdoors

4 Travel Alternatives for 2024

ZNZ, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Maldives were always on my travel bucket list. Bungalows over crystalline blue water, deep sea SCUBA diving, relaxing under straw roofs and all you can eat tropical fruit. Why am I just now realizing that the country is run by Isis? Terrorist-affiliated criminal gangs, key leaders and financial facilitators of the terrorist organizations from Isis and al-Qaida have been populating the place since around 2014. Maybe you’ve been and say the islands are safe and your trip was phenomenal. Maybe you’re right but there’s no way in hell I’m supporting a country that allows terrorists to grow and prosper right under their nose. Now, add in that the president has banned Israeli citizens from vacationing in the Maldives? Uh Uh, no way would I ever want to go. Thinking about Maldives travel alternatives led me to wonder about other substitutes for those over-posh tourist spots. So where to now?

Travel expert booking platform Omio rounded up these 3 must-consider alternatives for your next getaway:

Instead of : Maldives,

Visit: Albania

Instead of predictable bougie luxury, there’s Albania’s Sarande, Ksamil, and Vlore. The areas present a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on beauty. Nestled on the Balkan Peninsula, Albania boasts stunning beaches, cultural richness, and archaeological wonders, offering a unique blend of experiences.

Visit: Cook Islands

You’ll find 15 islands all surrounded by pristine beaches and clear lagoons with a much less touristy vibe. The comfortable-to-luxury accommodations and dining are offered at fair prices as well as a number of water activities.

Instead of: Chamonix,

Visit: Les Houches, France

Swap the hustle and bustle of Chamonix for the serenity of Les Houches in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley. Experience the same awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc but with added tranquility. Les Houches, a quieter and more affordable option, is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to build confidence on the slopes. Enjoy enchanting natural settings, all while saving on the hefty pricestags that come from nearby ski areas.

Instead of: The Swiss Alps,

Visit: Jasna, Slovakia

Break away from the cliché Swiss Alps and venture into the hidden skiing paradise of Jasna, Slovakia. Despite being one of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts, Jasna offers over 9000 acres of pistes and high-end feeling hotels. Maximize your value for money while exploring the diverse pistes and enjoying the charming ambiance. Extend your journey with stops in Brussels, Vienna, or even Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, for an adventure that won’t break the bank.

Adventure

Top 5 Hot Springs in Utah

Jill Adler Leave a comment

After yesterday’s rainy day that trapped our poor selves indoors, we were anxious to bust out. The ski season was over yet the ground still soft- too soft for things like hiking, mountain biking and rockclimbing. It was actually the perfect weather for a quick roadtrip and soak. I love checking out hot springs in Utah so we hopped in the car for a last minute #roadtrip to #Monroe, Utah. @Mystichotsprings had been at the top of my bucketlist.

Three hours later I found myself begging the painted, pierced face teenager with terrible hair to let us in even if we didn’t have a reservation. She kept arguing that all I had to do was check the Mystic website and I would have seen that they were booked out. Um, no. When I went to the website there was nothing for Memorial Day. Nothing. No Xs, no red squares, just blankness. Then I saw a post on Facebook that was made this morning. I thought to myself, well, they must be open and just taking walkins. I looked for a phone number to verify but there was nothing listed. Can I just say right here, F— YOU to any business that does NOT list a phone number on their website. It’s called customer service and without it, you LOSE customers!

Back to the sketchy teen. She claimed there was no way we could soak… even though we drove three hours, it was 4 p.m. and there were only 7 people to the whole place. Three couples and one kid. I took a walk through so I know. I suppose I could have snuck in. She had her head buried in her phone and the office shack was well away from the entrance. But I did the right thing, left my bathing suit in the car and took a stroll up the hill. I was curious about the hype. With thousands of beautiful images on Instagram, I believed that I had to see for myself even if I couldn’t “soak”.

Being denied at Mystic Hot Springs was the best thing that could have happened to us

Anyone who has been to Mystic realizes instantly that the IG v reality is real. It is overpriced and underwhelming. For $25/per person you get to sit in an old steel bathtub for two hours (I certainly hope the money goes to cleaning those things after each two-hour block. Yuck.). It’s honestly nothing like the photos you see on IG. It’s a tiny footprint with 7 tubs and two concrete “pools.” The funny thing is that there is a free hot spring not 5 minutes north of Mystic with four natural #hotpots and the vibe is real not phony. No wonder that twit in the office didn’t even offer that we could go someplace else. We saved $75 and could stay as long as we wanted. We didn’t even need to stop at Mystic!

Red Hills Hot Springs

Thank you. Google! The minute I got back to the car it dawned on me that Mystic could not possibly be the only game in town. Where there is one hot pot, there are usually others nearby. A quick search delivered the exact coordinates for #Redhillshotsprings– owned and maintained by the city of Monroe and open to EVERYONE until 10pm. The temps range from boiling hot to cool but not cold. They aren’t very deep or wide and it can get a bit busy but they’re perfect for sitting up to your shoulders and chatting with strangers for the hour we stayed.

The area used to belong to a private rancher who set out troughs for folks to sit in but once he sold to the city, those had gotten unsanitary and were removed. There are signs that say not to reroute the water as it cascades from the uppermost, scalding hot spring and to keep your clothes on when soaking but other than that the place is family friendly and often filled with locals who are happy to share community lore; like how Mystic used to be cool until new owners took over and jacked the prices, making it unattractive for families. There is a small bathroom set up but that’s about it for amenities. Bring your own towel, suit, water and sunscreen and kick back in whichever pool of the four you like. A pair of Tevas or flip flops wouldn’t hurt either as the rocks surrounding and within can be a bit slimely.

Would I Return to Monroe?

Fortunately, Utah has several spots to soak that are free and closer to Park City. One of my favorites is Fifth Water and my second is Meadow. If I lived closer to Monroe, I would for sure visit Red Hills again. But, no, I have no desire to pay for Mystic.
What are your favorite hot springs? Here’s a list to get you started:

Top Five (Free) Hot Springs in Utah

Diamond Fork– Fifth Water Hot Springs (aka: Diamond Fork Hot Springs) is about a 4.5 mile roundtrip hike with a 600-foot elevation gain. You can hike to it all year long but in the winter, expect a trudge through the snow and slippery moments. Dogs are allowed and there are bathrooms at the trailhead. Head about an hour south of Salt Lake City on i-15 to Spanish Fork, Utah. Take exit 257 to get on US-6 East. Take a left at mile marker 184 onto Diamond Fork Road. Travel about 11 miles to get the trailhead.

Meadow Hot Springs– Privately owned but still free, please respect the area and enjoy. It’s located just south of Fillmore off of i-15. There are two clear pools of 100-degree water, with the larger one being about 25ft deep. If you plan to soak in the evening, be aware that a younger crowd often appears with boomboxes, slacklines and a party after dark.

Saratoga Hot Springs– Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Saratoga Hot Pool (aka Inlet Hot Spring) near Lehi has temps ranging from 101 to 110 degrees. You can find it in Utah Lake’s northwest edge marshes. Park in Inlet Park and walk south on the cement walkway. After 150 yards, you’ll come to a grove of trees, and the soaking pool will be on your left. Nudity and alcohol are not allowed.

Baker Hot Springs– Just north of Delta, in Juab County, the large pools reaching up to 107 degrees are primitive and free. What’s cool is that the man-made tubs allow you to control the water temperature. Clothing may be optional so shield your eyes if easily offended.

Stinky Hot Springs– Old Indian Hot Springs, features three “stinky” concrete tubs in the town of Corrine, Utah. It’s located on private land but the owner allows public access so please keep the noise and trash out. It’s ugly and stinky from the sulphur but also quite beautiful when you give it a chance.

Discover the Best Bang for Your Buck: Top and Bottom Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S. 2024

Jill Adler Leave a comment

If you want to hit the slopes or the beach without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. The folks at OptimosTravels crunched the numbers and came up with the 10 Most (and Least) Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S. for 2024.

🌊 Chillin’ on a Budget? Head to the Outer Banks, North Carolina

Topping the list of budget-friendly bliss is the Outer Banks. It’s not just the spot for the hit Netflix teen show but a place where the Atlantic’s charm meets affordability. The chain of barrier islands offers one of the largest tracts of undeveloped beaches on the East Coast. The OBX brims with charming seaside villages, history (the legendary Blackbeard hid out in the southern part of the Outer Banks), local cuisine and coastal activities.

💼 Charleston, West Virginia

This antebellum town in the American south is a modern playground for foodies, festival goers, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

🍻 Bavarian Vibes in Helen, Georgia

In third place, we’ve got Helen, Georgia, channeling those Bavarian vibes. Situated along the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee River this European-style village is tiny and picturesque and filled with biergartens.

🏖️ Kick Back on Tybee Island, Georgia

Fourth on the list is Tybee Island, Georgia, with its serene beaches, seaside charm, and laid-back vibe. Tybee Island offers something for everyone; whether water sports, historical tours, vibrant local culture, and delectable seafood cuisine.

🌲 Get Lost in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers access to the Great Smoky Mountains, cabins and family adventures. The historic city is for outdoor adventure, quaint shopping and loads of family-friendly attractions.

🏜️ Marvel at Sedona, Arizona

Ranked sixth is Sedona, Arizona, and its striking red rock formations, is the backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails, art galleries, and healing vortexes and spiritual awakenings abound.

🏖️ Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod beckons with its idyllic coastal charm, picturesque beaches, charming seaside villages, and fresh seafood delights. It’s the quintessential New England experience. It can be expensive in the summer so if you are on a budget, try for the fall or winter.

🌆 Embrace Urban Energy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

You learned to spell Oklahoma while watching the musical (if your parents made you) but we bet you haven’t been there. Oklahoma is a hidden gem filled with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Great Plains, six stunning national parks, warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and lively festivals.

🌲 Bend, Oregon: Where Adventure Awaits

Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Nowhere else in Oregon can you hike to alpine lakes, ride bikes through the sprawling high desert, paddle or tube down the middle of the town’s state park, rock climb in world-class Smith Rock State Park, ski year-round, and, at the end of it all, there’s delicious craft beer waiting for you.

🏜️ Experience Monument Valley, Utah

Completing the list, Monument Valley lets families soak in stunning landscapes of the American west. It’s a tribal park owned by the Navajo Nation that straddles the Utah and Arizona border.

Top Ten Least Budget-Friendly Vacation Spots

While spots like Aspen, Park City, and Maui top the charts for luxury, it’s clear that more travelers don’t want to go and do what everyone else is experiencing. They want unique and exclusive experiences over traditional tourist destinations.

Ok, so what are those hot spots to steer clear of if you don’t want to follow the pack?

1. Aspen, Colorado

2. Park City, Utah

3. Maui, Hawaii

4. Montauk, New York

5. Santa Monica, California

6. Key West, Florida

7. Charleston, South Carolina

8. New York City, New York

9. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Travel/Outdoors

Celebrate Disney100 at Disneyland Resort

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Just in case you didn’t know, I’m a total Disney geek. Not much can stop me from my annual visit. When I was in grade school, my parents would take me out of school for a “doctors appointment”; after all, a day at Disneyland is just what the doctor ordered.

When I had my daughter, it gave me an excuse to finally head to Disney World, take a Disney cruise, and spend a week with my parents at Disneyland Paris. When I skied in Japan, I checked out Tokyo DisneySea.

While I nursed a cracked metatarsal, I scooted my knee scooter to Disneyland. When I broke my leg, I got the electric kind and cruised between Disneyland and California Adventure like it was a ride in itself.

I went to Disney World during the pandemic, right after it reopened, just to see what that was like.

Time To Celebrate Disney100

Disney has been there for me. So I’m excited to be there for them as they celebrate 100 years of storytelling. This year, Disneyland kicks off “Disney100.”

Disney100 Special Look

The official Disney100 celebration kicked off this past January 27, 2023, at Disneyland but the party will eventually spread to Walt Disney World Resort April 3 and other international Disney Parks. With the fanfare comes new nighttime entertainment, “The Magic Happens” parade and a new fireworks show, along with special character costumes, décor, food, drink and merch. The newly reimagined Mickey’s Toontown is now open and there’s also the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride that just opened. (I did that one at Disney World. It’s fun but would be better if there were hidden stories within the story so that each time you ride, it’s different.)

Disney100 Difference

Because there is no standard color for a 100-year anniversary, Disneyland Resort will be decked in platinum from the banners and bunting on Sleeping Beauty Castle to platinum statues and medallions throughout the resort. Even Mickey and Minnie mouse will host shimmering new looks for Disney100.

The coolest thing of all -at least for me- will be the Disney 100 Years of Wonder at the Disney Gallery on Main Street. The new installation will be filled with Disney images, original artwork, and animated exhibits that helped bring Walt Disney’s vision to life. These features will show us how Disney animated films transitioned from screen to Disneyland Resort attractions, park experiences, and beyond. There’s a museum like this at Disney World and there’s never enough time to explore these treasures of Disney magic.

Also, during the celebration EVERY TICKETED guest will get to download their ride photos for free!

What to Eat at Disney100

Disney.com graciously provided a (nearly) complete list of all of the Disney100 specialty treats:

Disneyland Park

Alien Pizza Planet

Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Minnie Mouse Apple and Minnie Cake Pop at Candy Palace, Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner in Disneyland

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Minnie Apple (New)
Minnie Cake Pop (New)

Galactic Grill (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)
Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New)

Hungry Bear Restaurant

Potato & Cheddar Cheeseburger: 1/3 lb angus chuck patty, green chile, and bacon cheddar sauce with spicy crispy potato planks on a brioche bun (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New)

Platinum Trifle at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)
Mr. Banks Shortbread Tart: Caramel and chocolate ganache in a shortbread tart, purple-colored white chocolate mousse, sea salt, edible silver stars, and silver crunch pearls (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)

New Violet Pretzel and Sparkling Grape at Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park

Refreshment Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Violet Pretzel: Cream cheese-filled pretzel drizzled with salted vanilla cream and lavender sugar (New)
Sparkling Grape: Sprite with grape syrup topped with a candy strip (New)

Disney 100 Churro at Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro at Disneyland Park

Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Disney100 Churro rolled in cherry sugar drizzled with white icing and topped with purple and silver pearls (New)

Disney California Adventure Park

Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta

French Onion Dip Pizza: Mozzarella, Gruyère, caramelized onion, and sliced roast beef served with a side of beef au jus (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New)

Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Trolley Treats (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Minnie Apple (New)
Minnie Cake Pop (New)

SNICKERS Sundae at Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available beginning Jan. 27)

SNICKERS Sundae: Butter-pecan ice cream topped with chocolate shell, caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and SNICKERS bar pieces served in a waffle cup (New)

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)

Flo’s V-8 Café

Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New)

Hollywood Lounge

Platinum Blue: Rum, blue curaçao, DOLE pineapple and sour mix (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New)

Disney 100 Cocktail at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure

Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining and Lamplight Lounge (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Disney100 Cocktail: Empress Gin, pea flower, honey, lavender, and lemon juice garnished with an edible flower (New)

Magic Key Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New)

Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart

Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)

Platinum Trifle at Pacific Wharf Cafe at Disney California Adventure

Pacific Wharf Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)

Steamboat Willie Shake at Schmoozies in Disney California Adventure

Schmoozies (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Steamboat Willie Shake: Cookies & cream shake with whipped topping and chocolate creme-filled cookie ears (New)

Prickly Paloma cocktail at Sonoma Terrace at Disney California Adventure

Sonoma Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)

Prickly Paloma: Tequila, prickly pear and grapefruit ginger beer (New)

Disney 100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket featuring Walt and a variety of Disney characters at Disneyland

Disney100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket (New) Available at the following:
- Popcorn Carts on Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, and Pixar Pier

When To Go To Disney100

Disneyland hasn’t announced an end date yet but those in the know are predicting that it could last through the first half of 2024, giving you enough time to plan your vacation. If you can avoid summer break and school holidays, you might avoid the crushing crowds of late but sometimes you don’t have a choice. If you want more info on best times to travel, best deals to be had, and where to stay, head over to Get Away Today. The girls there have all the answers that are out there right now. Plus, they can hook you up with that “buy 4 days, get an extra day free ticket deal” or a free hotel night.

Protect Your Flight Rights

Jill Adler Leave a comment

Most of us who travel bunches know that if an airline messes with your flight, you don’t have to bend over and take it. At its most basic, federal law makes an airline that cancels or significantly changes your flight give you a full cash refund. It’s your basic flight rights as a passenger who trusts these airlines with your money, time and safety. But so many of you don’t have the patience and will to fight these big guns….until now. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is “proposing to codify its longstanding interpretation that it is an unfair business practice for a U.S. air carrier, a foreign air carrier, or a ticket agent to refuse to provide requested refunds to consumers when a carrier has cancelled or made a significant change to a scheduled flight to, from, or within the United States, and consumers found the alternative transportation offered by the carrier or the ticket agent to be unacceptable.”

Ticket Type Is Irrelevant

Whether it’s basic economy or first class, refundable or non; if you’re flying from the US to Europe or an American carrier or foreign jet; it’s the airline’s fault or an act of god; you personally bought your ticket or used Expedia; if the airline sends you fine print that you are only entitled to a voucher on their airline, the Department of Transportation will put its boot right up their arse. If your airline cancels or significantly alters your flight and you want to walk away, you’re entitled to your cash back.

It’s in the language

So how does an airline get away with keeping your money? Well, basically they get to decide what’s “significant”. According to Scott’s Cheap Flights, United Airlines quietly changed their policy to claim that any delay less than 25 hours was not significant. I don’t know about you but forcing me to sit tight for over a day when I have plans on the side other, might miss a connection to Bangkok or my bus group to Jordan, or a myriad of other complications, is definitely significant.

Or what if you booked a flight and a last-minute pandemic made you feel less than secure to travel. Cough cough. Usually, you’d only get a voucher for a future flight that expired before you had a chance to use it or before the air was clear.

Flight Times Are Changing
What airlines have been up to lately- cancelling, rerouting, no notice, saying whoops sorry, you’re SOL, is unacceptable. Time to speak up.
You have 90 days to let the DOT know you’re not cool with what’s been going on lately and that you want change. Here is the proposal – Regulations.gov
A public comment period has just opened up to get feedback on these latest airline regulations and when the 90-day public comment period ends, what the DOT decides won’t just be a rule; it’ll most likely be law.

Wondering What Your Flight Rights Should Be?
Here are some the things to note:
1) Cash refunds when your flight is delayed by 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international) no matter what your ticket type.
2) Meal vouchers for delays over 3 hours. Hotel vouchers when delays cause overnight stays.
3) Define “significant”. Three or more hours on a domestic flight or 6+ hours on an international flight.
4) Non-expiring vouchers. Whether it’s a pandemic, bump, cancellation or the pilots are drunk. You get a voucher that doesn’t expire. And if an airline goes belly up making the vouchers obsolete, you get a cash refund.
5) If you’re on a plane and it’s delayed takeoff for more than an hour, you get to get off and have them book you on the next available flight to your destination. No more holding passengers hostage. If it’s not until the next day that you can travel, they pay for food and hotel. If it’s on another airline, they use your money to pay for that new ticket and they cover any difference.
6) Fill in the blank. It’s your turn to speak up. Don’t waste it. Let’s make the skies friendly again.

Travel/Outdoors

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