World-Class Shopping
Next-Level Galleries and Boutiques
Summer 2019
Written By: Tiffini Porteer | Images: Courtesy Park City Chamber and Bureau
PARK CITY MAY BE A RELATIVELY SMALL TOWN, BUT THERE IS NOTHING SMALL ABOUT THE SHEER VOLUME OF THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN UTAH’S PREMIER MOUNTAIN DESTINATION. THE PHRASE “WORLD CLASS” IS OFTEN USED TO DESCRIBE LOCAL SKI RESORTS, AND THE SAME CAN BE SAID FOR THE AREA’S MANY OTHER AMENITIES, INCLUDING SHOPPING. FROM DESIGNER BARGAINS AT OUTLETS PARK CITY IN KIMBALL JUNCTION TO APRÈS-SKI FASHION AT LUXURY HOTELS IN DEER VALLEY, THE OPTIONS ARE DAZZLING.
When asked what makes shopping in Park City unique, Dan Howard, director of communications at the Park City Chamber of Commerce, points to Historic Main Street and its “lovingly-preserved buildings that date to the town’s founding in the 1880s.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Main Street is a destination in itself, and the city is careful to maintain the character that makes this place so special.
The quaint, walkable thoroughfare is lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and an ordinance limiting chain stores ensures an eclectic experience. “There is a large concentration of art galleries within the [Main Street] District—and numerous galleries throughout the city—sharing fine art and one-of-a-kind pieces,” explains Howard, adding, “because of the town’s location, there are a number of outerwear/athletic/adventure brands that have elected to build ‘flagship’ stores on Main Street unlike any other that they would have in their global system, and these stores brand items sold exclusively in Park City.” Visitors can wander through over 200 businesses in the Main Street District alone, and that is just the beginning.
Beyond Historic Main Street, there are several distinct shopping zones and individ-ual stores throughout the area, including the Bonanza Park District spanning the center of town. There, outdoor retailers are abundant, offering high-end ski and snow gear, as well as mountain biking, hiking, and fly-fish-ing apparel and goods from around the world. Resorts are also an excellent source for outdoor gear, exclusive clothing, gifts, spa and beauty products, and home décor.
Conveniently located just off the I-80 exit into Park City, Kimball Junction is another major anchor point for local shoppers and tourists alike. In addition to more than 65 outlet stores in the Outlets Park City complex, the Redstone and Newpark Town Center developments provide food, home goods, and chic apparel—all the necessities. And, as with most businesses in Park City, even large-scale chain stores like Whole Foods are specially designed to have a distinctive, mountain-friendly vibe.
During summertime, shopping becomes an activity that extends outside the confines of individual shops. Billed as “an ecofriendly, open-air market, street festival, and community forum,” the Park Silly Sunday Market takes over lower Historic Main Street nearly every Sunday between early June and late September. Visitors can expect farmers-mar-ket fare, arts and crafts, antiques, gourmet foods, and more, with participating vendors changing from week to week. Live music, food booths, and performance art complete the festival atmosphere.
Whether you find yourself in need of a customized mountain-bike kit, black-tie attire, or an original piece of art for your collection, you will find it all in Park City.
