Celebrating 28 Years in Utah: A Winter Travel Review
If you’re searching for the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cozy winter vibes, Utah in December delivers it all. Kasey and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary there, and it was everything we hoped for—breathtaking scenery, incredible food, and so much fun. From heart-racing snowmobiling adventures to peaceful evenings enjoying Christmas lights, every moment was special. Here’s a look at our trip to help you plan your own unforgettable getaway.



Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City: A Luxurious Stay with Stunning Views
Our stay at the Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake City was nothing short of amazing. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel made it easy to access everything on our itinerary. We stayed on the 19th floor, and the views were absolutely breathtaking. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave us a front-row seat to the night lights of Salt Lake City’s valley and the snow-capped mountains. Waking up to that? Pure magic.
Our room had a comfortable king-sized bed, and the decor was sleek and modern. The staff was another highlight—they were incredibly helpful and professional, always ensuring we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Kasey and I were trying to take pictures in front of their Christmas tree and one of the workers came from across the lobby just to take a few pictures for us.
The lobby was huge and offered several high-end restaurants. The Market, located off the lobby, offered fresh pastries, sweets, and a menu perfect for room service or quick pickup. And the drink options? A lifesaver for caffeine lovers like me—coffees, sodas, energy drinks, you name it. And let’s be real—vacation isn’t vacation without a little candy stash. No judging here! lol!
The only downside was the parking situation. The hotel uses a public parking garage, and while it’s semi-convenient location-wise, the cost adds up quickly. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Hyatt Regency provided the comfort and quality you’d expect from a high-end hotel.
After settling into the Hyatt Regency, it was time to dive into the adventures that make Utah such a winter wonderland.



Park City Peaks Snowmobiling at Thousand Peaks Ranch: A Thrilling Adventure
No winter trip to Utah is complete without a snowmobiling adventure, and ours did not disappoint. We booked with Park City Peaks Snowmobiling, and the experience was unforgettable. Our guided tour took place during a snowstorm, and while that may sound intimidating, it added to the magic. Have you seen Frozen? That is exactly what it felt like.
It was so cool riding the trails while snowflakes filled the air. I grew up in Ohio and I hadn’t seen snow like this! Our guide made the experience even better. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and full of fascinating tidbits about the 20,000-acre private ranch where we rode—Thousand Peaks Ranch. The trails were pure magic—snow-covered mountains and postcard-worthy views everywhere you looked.”
The lodge was cozy and welcoming, the perfect place to warm up before or after your ride. The only inconvenience was the outdoor restrooms—not ideal when it’s freezing outside. Some of the trails were a bit rough and could use maintenance, but overall, the experience was amazing. We snapped tons of pics, and every single one looked like it belonged on a Christmas card.



Woodward Park City: A Comprehensive Tubing Resort Review
Woodward Park City is a must-visit if you’re traveling with family or just want to feel like a kid again. The tubing hills here are some of the longest and highest in Utah. The staff was incredibly friendly and so helpful, making the experience enjoyable and fun from start to finish. Special shout out to Zeke. He was so helpful and kind.



But tubing is just the beginning. Woodward Park City offers so much more. It’s a fantastic destination even if tubing isn’t your thing. There’s a food court with plenty of options to grab lunch or a snack, cozy lounge areas where you can hang out and relax, and an indoor jump park that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. If you’re into action sports, you’ll love the indoor skate and bike parks, complete with ramps that launch you into foam pits. The skiing also looked amazing with lots of slope options depneding on ability.
Whether you’re sliding down the tubing hills or just hanging out with a hot chocolate in hand, Woodward Park City is the kind of place that reminds you how fun winter can be


Eccles Theatre: A Broadway Musical Experience Review
Seeing Shrek the Broadway Musical at the Eccles Theatre was one of the highlights of our trip. I am a total musical fan so this was right up my alley. The venue is absolutely stunning—easily one of the nicest theaters we’ve ever been to. From the moment you walk in, the elegance and attention to detail make it feel like a special occasion.
Admission was quick and easy, and the staff was helpful in guiding us to our seats. The performance itself was top-tier. This was a traveling Broadway show, and it exceeded every expectation we had. The actors, costumes, and set design were phenomenal, making it an unforgettable afternoon.
The only minor downside was the limited food and drink options at the theater, but it didn’t take away from the experience. If you have a chance to catch a show at Eccles Theatre, I highly recommend it.

Touring the LDS Campus and Christmas Lights: A Magical Display
The LDS campus in Salt Lake City was under heavy renovation during our visit, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying its charm. The highlight was the Christmas lights—millions of twinkling lights illuminated the campus, creating a magical, festive atmosphere.
The LDS staff were welcoming and eager to answer any questions we had, adding a personal touch to the visit. While we didn’t get to experience the free genealogy service called FamilySearch during its business hours, it’s a wonderful resource for anyone interested in tracing their ancestry. Overall, the campus was a peaceful and beautiful spot to soak in the holiday spirit.






Dining in Utah: A Delicious Culinary Review
Utah has no shortage of great dining options, and we made the most of it during our trip. For our anniversary dinner, we went to Ruth’s Chris in Salt Lake City—our favorite spot for a special meal. As always, the food was cooked to perfection, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel celebrated, even surprising us with a free dessert.
Other memorable meals included:
- Donut House: Perfect for a quick breakfast. The apple fritter was fresh, delicious, and unforgettable.
- Park City Roadhouse Grill: Great onion rings and fries, though the sliders were a bit heavy on the bread.
- Davanza’s Pizza: Cozy and tasty, though the small tables made seating a bit cramped.
- Brickyard Bar: A laid-back bar with decent food. It was funny having to show my ID—it’s been a while since I’ve done that for anything other than voting!
Transportation Review: Sixt Rent a Car and American Airlines
Getting around Utah was easy thanks to Sixt rent a car. I had never heard of this company. Maybe it’s because I haven’t rented a car in YEARS. While their location is off-site from the airport, the free shuttle service was quick and convenient. Junior was so noligable and incredibly helpful. They upgraded us to a 4WD GMC Terrain at no extra charge, which was a lifesaver in snowy Park City.
We flew with American Airlines, and as frequent flyers with priority status, we were treated exceptionally well. From seamless upgrades to even landing first-class seats on one leg, it was a stress-free travel experience.


Final Thoughts on Our Utah Anniversary Trip
This trip was everything we wanted and more. While the rain in Salt Lake City limited some of our exploring, Park City’s cozy, romantic vibes and fresh snowfall made up for it. From thrilling adventures to peaceful moments, Utah gave us the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation to celebrate 28 wonderful years together.
If you’re considering Utah for a winter getaway, don’t hesitate—it’s an unforgettable destination!