Utah has become a second home for our family. Last year, we completed our dream cabin with the help of renowned architect Marmol Radziner and my favorite interior designer, Chloe Warner, from Redmond Aldrich (who I recently interviewed!). It’s not your typical wood cabin; we were heavily inspired by a family trip to Japan during the design process. My husband loved the charred look of the Japanese wood, known as Shou Sugi Ban. We clad the exterior of the house in this dark wood while brightening the interior with knotted, whitewashed wood, drawing inspiration from Nordic ski houses.
Once we enlisted Chloe and her team, we knew she would apply all the right details to make the cabin cozy, stylish, and functional for our family. We ended up with a three-story home that is stacked on top of itself, with the top level hosting the kitchen and main living area. We wanted to take advantage of the views, and this level provides endless sightlines of mountain peaks and trees for miles.
The second level houses all the bedrooms: the primary bedroom, a guest room, and a bunk room for the boys. The bottom level consists of the laundry room and a den that opens to the jacuzzi and sauna. The garage holds all our gear and features a well-organized ski locker setup, complete with individual cubbies and a boot heater.
When we travel to Utah, skiing and backcountry touring are our main priorities, so by the end of each day, we're ready to unwind. We love spots that are quick, easy, and serve up great food with a fun vibe.
Our cabin is in Midway, about 35 minutes from both Park City and Deer Valley, so most of our go-to places are local favorites.
Where To Eat
Alberto's Mexican Restaurant - On your way out of Park City, if you're craving an amazing burrito, this spot is a must. They're closed on Sundays, but trust me—these burritos rival any in LA.
Five5eeds Café - One of my go-to spots for brunch in Park City! The menu is super versatile, so there’s always something for everyone. Plus, they have amazing gluten-free options, which is such a win for anyone with allergies.
Boneyard Saloon – This spot in Park City is the best place for a post-ski beer, pretzel, and grilled cheese. It’s a classic sports bar in all the right ways.
Burgers & Bourbon – When we decide to venture out, we always enjoy the burgers, margaritas, and fries here. This restaurant is located inside The Montage Hotel, so during high season it’s sometimes limited to hotel guests only, but most of the time they allow outside guests. The trio of fries is amazing!
Dos Olas – If you're staying near Canyons, this Mexican restaurant is a must-visit. The fajitas and margaritas are fantastic, and it’s a great spot for kids too.
KITA Restaurant– If you’re in the mood for sushi, this Japanese restaurant inside the Pendry exceeded my expectations. It’s located near Canyons, about 15 minutes before Park City and 20 minutes before Deer Valley.
Back 40 Ranch House Grill - This family-run steakhouse in Heber City has been a local favorite for decades, and for good reason. The food is consistently excellent, and the cozy atmosphere makes it feel like home. Overlooking scenic farmland, it transforms into a snowy winter wonderland during the colder months. Their weekend brunch is an absolute must-try.
Lola's Street Kitchen – This casual counter-service spot is our favorite in Midway. I love the steak wrap, and my kids can’t get enough of the burgers. Don’t forget to grab a cowboy cookie to complete your meal! Just remember, they’re closed on Sundays.
Midway Mercantile – This neighborhood restaurant is a local favorite, with something for everyone on the menu. If you find yourself in Midway, be sure to stop by for dinner!
The Pizza Yard - This easily matches the quality of any fresh pizza spot in LA and beyond. The dough is made fresh every day, and the seasonal pizzas feature ingredients straight from their garden. Grab it to go in the winter or enjoy dining outside during the summer.
Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Judy's - This family-run business offers fresh-baked donuts and coffee daily. Get there early; otherwise, you might find them sold out, as they sell out of donuts every day!
Silver King Coffee - Our favorite spot in Park City is Silver King Coffee. They have a drive-thru, so you never have to leave your car in the bitter cold.
Wasatch Bagel & Grill - Wasatch Bagels, located in Park City and across from Silver King Coffee, is another great stop. I often pop in to grab a dozen bagels and some cream cheese to throw in our freezer, ensuring we have delicious bagels for our ski mornings.
Montage Deer Valley - This resort offers a luxurious 5-star experience with everything you could need on-site, including ski-in/ski-out access. Enjoy a top-rated spa, indoor and outdoor pools, nightly s'mores, an arcade, a two-lane bowling alley, and multiple dining options. Winter is busy, so plan to pre-book dining, spa treatments, and ski rentals. My kids especially loved the winter tubing!
Stein Erickson Residences – These 2, 3, and 4 bedroom independently owned residences are pure luxury. It feels like a small hotel and home all at once. Its ski and ski out cannot be beat and the service and amenities are top notch. My kids loved the indoor splash pool area and I loved the massages.
Stein Erickson Lodge – This is one of the oldest hotels in Deer Valley and is still regarded as one of the top places to stay. The rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces and jacuzzis, plus an incredible arcade and a kids' restaurant. The spa is also world-renowned. They’re famous for their weekly skier's buffet—try to snag a reservation and eat to your heart's content. It’s not to be missed!
Pendry – This is just outside Park City in an area called Canyons, another ski mountain. We loved this modern, brand-new hotel. This resort also has all the bells and whistles of the others but is slightly removed, which is nice for getting away from the crowds.