Enjoy outstanding food and libations in the jewel of the Wasatch, picturesque downtown Park City.
Lifts aren't just for the ski season! Conquer your fear of heights and enjoy a scenic ride up the mountain, where you can come right back down or hang around a bit for some hiking or biking adventures. And you'll have no guilt getting the extra appetizer at dinner after getting some steps in the thin mountain air! Hard to say what the prices will be this year--come back and check the link later! "I really enjoyed this lift and am not scared of heights whatsoever, seriously guys!" -Ken's Mom, Lil
Shop 'til you drop at Park City's Junction Commons, walking distance from Best Western Landmark Inn. Find excellent prices on Banana Republic, Adidas, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Columbia, Gap, J Crew, Le Creuset, Michael Kors, Nike, Ulta, Under Armour, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Guess, and more!
For our adventurous types, see Utah Olympic Park, home of the 2002 (and 2034) Winter Olympics, and the home of the "Best Snow on Earth" (though probably not in June). It's home to two free museums and tons of outdoor activities like alpine slides, ziplines, ropes courses, pools, and much more! Their website isn't currently taking reservations for summer activities, but should be after April 15th!
The Mormons are in a running gun battle with the Germans to see who can take the longest to complete their churches... while Cologne Cathedral took 632 years to finally complete, the Salt Lake Temple MUST be getting up there as well. Worth seeing, hopefully it won't be completely covered by scaffolding!
I mean, the city is named after it, so if you have a second... the visitor center will allow you to cross it off the list. My favorite way to experience the uniqueness of the lake is to drive the causeway out to Antelope Island. I have never seen an antelope there, but I have seen dozens of majestic American Bison (buffalo?) up close--but not too close! Lots of hiking on Antelope Island, as well. Don't forget the bug spray and sunscreen!
Solid 2+ hour drive to get out here from the venue, but don't miss it if you're a fan of auto racing! Lots of world speed records have been set out on the (relatively) smooth and VERY expansive Salt Flats. Wave hello to any F-35s you might see cruising overhead! You can also drive your personal car on certain portions of the flats, but realize that, depending on the moisture content at the time you visit, you may accumulate lots of salt on the bottom of your car, just like snow, and that'll be tough to explain to Hertz. Yes, you should taste the salt. Really. Live a little!
If you have the time to stick around the state (it's about a 4 hour drive from the venue), the sights in Moab, Utah will knock your socks off. Moab is home to two of the most beautiful National Parks in the country: Arches and Canyonlands. If you have even more time, consider also seeing Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Zion (Zion being my favorite of those three) National Parks, also in the south portion of the state (southwestern corner, still about 4 hours by car from the venue). These parks are a hiker's paradise, but pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and be prepared in June for temps well into the 90s (30s for my UK friends). Some parks are more driveable than others, so it's worth looking into which will suit you best. Also be aware that some parks exercise timed entries and/or a reservation system, so check out their websites and make a plan in advance! Hotels in the area are usually reasonably priced with decent food options nearby!
I would NOT recommend driving all the way to Wendover Airport to see Jailbird, the plane used in Con Air, the 1997 film starring Nicolas Cage, unless you have frankly TOO much time on your hands. This suggestion is an excuse to have a picture of Nic Cage with long hair on my wedding website... until Ren finds it.