Escape to Heber Valley
Photography: Courtesy of Heber Valley Chamber
A decade ago, the Heber Valley still had an air of small-town sleepiness about it. While Park City was established as a year-round outdoor destination, the bucolic valley just 10 miles over the hill was known more for its historic red brick homes frosted with white gingerbread trim, its dozens of natural hot springs, and old pot rock fences dotting the landscape. The big draw was the vintage Homestead Resort. Salt Lake families would drive there for Sunday brunch or a dip in the resort’s healing waters. You could easily get by with calling the area “quaint.” The true appeal of the valley, however, has always been its knock-out gorgeous setting, with 11,750-foot Mt. Timpanogos standing like a sentinel over small towns bordered by open ranch lands and the winding Provo River.
While gingerbread trim and pot rock fences still stand as relics of the late 1800s when Swiss immigrants settled the area, the area has definitely evolved. The population of Wasatch County increased 25 percent in a five-year period from 2000 to 2005, and it didn’t hurt that the 2002 Olympic Winter Games put the area in the international spotlight when Midway’s Soldier Hollow hosted the cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and biathlon events. With that population boom has come the inevitable slew of new homes and developments, both residential and commercial. Though you’ll now encounter a traffic circle along the way, River Road (the turnoff to Midway off of Highway 40), is still as scenic as ever, and the best way to enter Midway.
Summer is a magical time to explore the Heber Valley, experience what’s new and enjoy the classics — especially on a bicycle, or with a day of hiking, golf, or fishing followed by a luxe spa treatment and a super dinner. Here’s some of the best of what’s available — for daytrips or overnight getaways.
DINING AND LODGING:
Spin Café: Jolene and Vincent Esposito serve “contemporary American food and Bar-B-Q” in the former Wagon Wheel Café location on Heber City’s Main Street. They’re seriously into the ‘Q, with a smoker out back and a proprietary barbecue sauce with an appealing tang on the menu. But there’s more than “Bar-B-Q” here. Lunch features all kinds of panini and a grazer’s delight of side dishes. At dinner, look for Thai steamed mussels, cedar-planked salmon and steaks. Don’t miss the housemade gelato. Spin Café has a full bar and wine list, it’s fun, and it’s kid-friendly. 220 North Main Street, Heber City, 435.654.0251.
Snake Creek Grill: After almost 10 years of doing business in Heber City, Barb and Mike Hill learned a thing or two about the ever-growing appeal of the place. Don’t even think of going to their popular restaurant without a reservation these days. Though business is booming, after a long run, the popular couple recently sold their beloved grill to executive chef Dean Hottle, who will maintain the American menu of “sophisticated comfort food” and the warm, welcoming style Snake Creek Grill regulars have come to know and love. Barb’s turned her signature recipes, such as crisp corn cakes with sweet pepper cream, over to chef Hottle, so diners need not despair. Irresistible desserts include a gingersnap ice cream sandwich with warm caramel dipping sauce. 650 West 100 South, Heber City, 435.654.2133.
Blue Boar Inn: Go for a candlelit, romantic dinner in the cozy dining room or on the deck where you can sometimes hear the thwack of golf balls flying at Wasatch Mountain State Park across the road. You’ll savor fresh, modern American and European style cuisine as well as pastries and breads from the restaurant’s onsite bakery. Breakfasts and Sunday brunch are the best in the valley. Come to think of it, maybe you should just plan on staying overnight. 1235 Warm Springs Road, Midway, 435.654.1400. www.theblueboarinn.com.
Johnson’s Mill: This quiet bed and breakfast is homey and welcoming, with a playground for kids, a downstairs game room, a big lawn and a mill pond full of ducks. 100 N. Johnson Mill Road, Midway, 435.654.4466. www.johnsonmill.com.
Mountain House Grill: Stop by for a frosty lemonade and a burger on the casual front deck. 79 E. Main Street, Midway, 435.654.5370. Tiki Lounge: This is the place for tropical fresh fruit smoothies. 511 West 100 South, Heber, 435.654.4913.
Pandora’s Tea Parlour: New on Midway’s Main Street, Kat Kirchhoff and Carol Nazario’s frilly tea parlor is just the ticket for an afternoon break of fine teas and sandwiches or luscious housemade pastries. Little girls will love the “dress up room” stocked with fine hats and dresses to wear to tea. Think birthday parties. 159 E. Main Street, Midway, 435.654.4TEA.
The Homestead Golf Resort & Conference Center: This historic valley landmark has kept pace with the area’s changing profile — including upgrades throughout the resort’s many cottages (including the inviting, intimate day spa). Its natural crater has become a go-to destination for scuba training, and the golf course is a scenic, green dream. 700 North Homestead Drive, Midway, 435.654.1102.
Across the road, the valley’s biggest, newest attraction is the huge Swiss-themed Zermatt Resort & Spa. The 226-room, 126-condo resort includes a day spa (where it’s well worth a splurge on the “caviar and pearls” facial), indoor and outdoor pools, a sports equipment rental and guide center, tennis courts, dining, and a must-visit Euro-style bakery and gelateria. 784 W. Resort Drive, Midway, 435.654.1796. www.zermatt.dolce.com.
SHOPPING:
Shoppers will relish an afternoon browsing around the area’s many locally owned treasures, offering unique housewares, artwork, jewelry, clothing, furniture, antiques, collectibles and more. Don’t miss Water from the Moon, Two Sisters Gallery, Midway Mercantile, All that Stuff in the Barn, Seasons of Home, Pinto Pony Designs and My Home.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS:
Golf, biking, fishing, ATV tours and hiking through Wasatch Mountain State Park are all reasons to spend summer days in the valley. Your best bet for listings of guides, rentals and rates is www.hebervalleycc.org. Or, stop at the Visitor’s Center at 475 North Main in Heber City for maps and information.
Virginia Rainey is a frequent contributor to Park City Magazine. Even after spending countless summer days in Heber she continues to be awed by every view of Mt. Timpanogos.
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