By Dion Nunez, Inside Park City Real Estate Partner and Heber Valley Resident
Park City may be world-famous for its ski resorts and the Sundance Film Festival, but its adjacent neighbor, the Heber Valley, has fantastic recreational opportunities, farm fresh food, a variety of accommodations, and boutique shopping. This guide will direct you to the best of the Heber Valley.
Cafes & Treats
Ritual Chocolate & Mocha Cafe
Known for its ethically sourced organic cacao, beautiful packaging, and extensive selection of flavors, Ritual Chocolate also has a cafe located next to its factory. Savor the smell of chocolate throughout the cafe as you sip coffee or one of their many chocolate drinks. If you are a chocolate enthusiast, sign up for a tour of the factory on Friday or Saturday.
Judy’s Donuts & Coffee
“Made with love and swear words,” the donuts at Judy’s are made from scratch from a family recipe. Just off Midway’s Main Street, this restored 1890s home is a quaint place to enjoy coffee and freshly made donuts. Make sure to try the 2019 Utah Taste Off Winner, Raspberry Dream.
Breakfast
The Hub
Although The Hub has been the center of Heber Valley for almost a century, it recently had an extensive remodel. The design has a historic charm and an improved menu. With large portions and free refills of coffee, tea, and soft drinks, this is the place to go if you are looking for a hearty breakfast.
The Bagel Den
“Born in New York, baked in Utah,” The Bagel Den is an unexpected taste of the Big Apple in Heber. The dough is sourced from New York and local ingredients are added to make 19 flavors. The bagels here have been longtime favorites of locals who relocated from New York City.
Lunch
Lola’s Street Kitchen
If you are looking for comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Lola’s Street Kitchen. Located in the heart of Midway with plenty of outdoor seating, Lola’s is a great place to get a feel for the town as you enjoy your lunch.
Hidden Peak Provisions
For soups, sandwiches, and salads, Hidden Peak Provisions is a great option. Expect fresh ingredients from local farmers. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Jade’s Cafe
A standard for Heber Valley restaurants is fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch meals, and Jade’s Cafe is no exception. The cafe serves year-long favorites but visit every season to try out the rotational menu.
Mountain Wellness Kitchen
As Heber Valley’s healthy restaurant option, Mountain Wellness Kitchen makes eating well easy. If you would rather eat at home, order a meal subscription (new menu every Wednesday).
Dinner
Back 40
Feast your eyes on a beautiful mountain view at this family-friendly restaurant. The food at Back 40 is homegrown and homemade. The beef is from the pasture out back, and the other ingredients are from the surrounding valleys. Even the water is from their own well!
Midway Mercantile
Reconstructed 1874 store turned upscale eatery, the Midway Mercantile serves classic dishes with a modern take. The restaurant is known as a cozy place to host small but special events.
Little India
If you are craving Tandoori or freshly baked naan, Little India is the place to go. You can request your dishes to be as mild or spicy as you want. Little India has a cheerful atmosphere with murals painted on the walls.
The Lakehouse at Deer Creek
With seating right on the edge of Deer Creek and views of Mount Timpanogos, The Lakehouse at Deer Creek is the perfect place to end your day in Heber. Watch the sunset over the reservoir as you enjoy luxury dining and a handmade cocktail. Closed Mondays.
Stay
Zermatt Resort & Spa
Zermatt is a Swiss-inspired, four-star hotel that offers a luxurious and relaxing getaway. Everything you need is onsite. Start your day with breakfast at the bakery or join a yoga class. Dining options include Z’s Restaurant and the Lobby Lounge. Visit the spa for a massage or facial, or jump in the year-round heated pool.
Homestead Resort
The warm mineral water of the Homestead Resort’s crater has drawn visitors since 1886. Now the Homestead is a full resort complete with a 71-par golf course, heated pools, and three excellent dining options. Enjoy maximum privacy and space by staying in your own picturesque cottage.
Blue Boar Inn
This romantic chateau is named after the tavern from “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood.” Each uniquely designed room in the Blue Boar Inn is named after a famous author. Few places in Heber are as charming as this fairytale-like inn. Locals secret: The restaurant is a hidden gem.
Black Rock Mountain Resort
Unlike the nostalgic styles of many accommodations in Heber, Black Rock is fresh and modern. If you are looking for a location halfway between Heber City and Park City, this is a convenient location. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, bar, pool, and gym.
Shop
Fernweh
“Fernweh” means the desire to travel. This boutique shop is the perfect place to get a gift or souvenir to remind you of your travels. From cute stuffed animals to stylish sunglasses, this shop has a gift for everyone!
Curio Collective
This home goods shop is a lifesaver when you need a gift for a hard-to-buy-for person. Curio Collective sells clothing, decor, beauty and wellness products, and jewelry.
Cactus & Pine
For the latest mountain fashion, stop by Cactus & Pine. This local-owned boutique may be small, but it is packed with stylish outfits and adorable gifts.
Beljar Home
Beljar Home has an emphasis on quality and timeless design. Shop from a carefully selected assortment of one-of-a-kind antiques, furniture, home decor, and fashion.
Mountain Refined
More than just a furniture store, Mountain Refined provides everything necessary to elevate the design of your home. Find classy gifts and apparel there too!
Show Pony
For a more budget-friendly option, visit Show Pony, a boutique consignment shop. You are sure to find a unique treasure here!
Soldier Hollow
Biking
Soldier Hollow has about 12 miles of mountain bike terrain. It is in the easy – technical skill level. Book an e-bike on the Utah Olympic Legacy website.
Tubing
The tubing at Soldier Hollow is the longest in Utah. This is a perfect activity for the entire family. Make reservations well in advance as this activity is often sold out.
Cross Country Skiing
Soldier Hollow has excellent cross country skiing. It was the location for the 2002 Olympic cross country ski events and the U.S. Cross Country Skiing Championships are still held there. If you are not up to challenging yourself on the Olympic-level courses, beginner courses and lessons are also available. If you need to rent skis, no worries–rentals are available at the Nordic Shop.
Homestead Crater
Soak in the warm mineral waters of the Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring enclosed in a limestone dome. Snorkel, scuba dive, take a paddle board yoga class or simply soak in this rejuvenating spring. This is truly an amazing experience you will not find anywhere else.
Heber Valley Railroad
Take a scenic train ride past Deer Creek Reservoir with views of Timpanogos. Choose from the Heber Creeper, Deer Creek Express, or one of the many holiday-themed rides. The Heber Valley Railroad is one of the most well-known Heber activities and one you definitely need to check off your list.
Markets
Heber Market on Main
Every Thursday in the summer, head down to Main Street for arts, crafts, food, and even a free concert in the evening. The Heber Market on Main has been an annual tradition for years and is a local favorite.
Midway Farmers Market
Support local farmers and artisans at the Midway Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings throughout the summer at the Midway Town Square.
Adventure
Zip Line
Deer Creek has the longest zipline over a body of water in the world. At Zipline Utah, you can ride up to two miles of continuous ziplining, or if you are up to a challenge, add on a two-mile ropes course.
Fly Fishing
Heber Valley has plenty of fly fishing locations, including the Provo River, Jordanelle, and Deer Creek. The section of the Provo River that runs through Heber is “Blue Ribbon,” meaning it is one of the best places to fish in Utah. Be sure to get a fishing license before you go.
Horseback Riding
Whether you are an experienced rider or looking for a first-time lesson, Heber Valley has many equestrian services to choose from. You can even book a wagon ride or Christmas sleigh ride.
ATV or Snowmobile
Off-roading is popular in Heber in both the summer and winter. Many rental places, including Uinta Recreation, Wasatch Excursions, and Lofty Peaks Adventures provide ATVs or snowmobiles depending on the season. You can choose a guided tour or go off on your own.
Golf
Soldier Hollow
In the summer, the Nordic ski course at Soldier Hollow opens for golf. Soldier Hollow offers 36 holes to challenge golfers of all abilities. There is a championship “Gold” course and a less difficult “Silver” course.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
For a more affordable and family-friendly option, the Wasatch Mountain State Park Golf Course is an excellent choice. Attempt the Mountain and Lake courses while enjoying the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains.
Homestead
The Homestead Resort Golf Course is a par 71 mountain course that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The course is challenging but fair, with well-manicured fairways and greens. After your round, you can relax at the resort’s spa or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many dining options.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Stop by the visitor center on your way into Wasatch Mountain State Park to get directions or to rent snowshoes. For an easy hike with great views, try the Heber Valley Overlook. Wasatch State Park Nature Trail will be a bit more difficult but takes you along a creek and leads to a boulder field.
Visit Heber Valley
If you are planning a trip to Park City or the Wasatch Back, make sure you plan some time to spend in the Heber Valley. You will not be disappointed. And did we mention the stunning views?
