Want to know a fun fact about me? I’ve never seen snow! Yes, crazy to believe that at 25 years old, it would be my first time seeing snow! We visited Utah at the beginning of March in celebration of our 2 year wedding anniversary! We had been planning for about 2 months. We originally wanted to go at the end of the month to celebrate during our anniversary-- March 29th, but Michael feared I wouldn’t get the full magical dream experience he wanted to give me. TIP: keep an eye on the weather. It was predicted to warm up at the end of the month so we moved up our trip. I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few tears on the plane looking outside the window of the mountains filled with snow. How does something so beautiful exist?!
Before booking our trip, we prayed to make sure we were making the right decision to travel and financially afford it at the time. Shortly after, God answered our prayers and began faithfully providing for us! God was so good to us and we saw His hand and blessings on us! This trip was so special for so many reasons. We hadn’t traveled on a plane since our honeymoon and it was also post-COVID. It was our first snow trip together and we needed time alone together from work and the daily grind so we were so excited to explore Utah! Ready for the blog post?!
We flew out of MIA airport on United Airlines and ended up switching flights for us to get to Utah earlier. We had a very tight layover in Houston where we shoved an airport pizza down our throats as our next plane was boarding. We landed in SLC around 30 minutes early and when we landed it was around 40 degrees which Michael loved!
Once we got our bags we headed for the Alamo Rental Car Check-in. It was pretty quick and seamless, it was our first time renting a car from the airport so our instructions were to go down and find the Midsize SUVs and pick one the keys would be on the dashboard so we walked down and it just rows of cars, trucks, and SUVs but when we get to the Midsize there was none but one small crossover and Michael said nope LOL so we start walking back and he points out someone with a clipboard and says “He looks important”.
Long story short, the guy with the clipboard was important and explained they were having a gas pump issue, so we got an upgrade! Ummm what?! We got to drive in style with a BMW X3! Who doesn’t love a free upgrade?! Our trip was off to an amazing start!
We started our drive to our first Airbnb, The Lodge at Stillwater in Heber City and while driving we were faced with the most beautiful snowy mountains, it was like you were driving straight into the mountains. The views were something out of a postcard! Some details to add are that they have a game room, pool (which was frozen due to snow season), and 3 hot tubs! One of the amenities that sold us--- I really wanted to go inside a hot tub in freezing-cold weather! You're close to Park City, grocery stores and so much to do in the area! Park City’s Main Street which can be described as something out of a Hallmark movie or familiar to Vail, Colorado. Tons of shops, restaurants, and cafes you'll love.
As soon as we walked into our lodge, we fell in love! It was a one-bedroom, two-bathroom including a full kitchen, gas fire pit, and a full-size balcony! We made so many memories here: ordered take-out chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, and grilled cheese another night, and of course chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate while watching Netflix and cuddling by the fire.
Our lodge was so cozy and felt like home! We normally book hotels/resorts when we travel but Michael wanted the option to cook or take out some nights. I actually ended up loving the idea of staying at an Airbnb which was more beneficial for us.
The next day, we had lunch reservations at Café Galleria - Midway, Utah, and booked two months in advance to dine in the alpenglobe. Café Galleria is an Italian small indoor and outdoor restaurant mainly known for its alpenglobes. Our photographer was the one who recommended this restaurant to us and we will go into detail in the blog post about how we met her.
The alpenglobe is a romantic private enclosed panoramic space and requires a $25 deposit to book (which does not go towards your bill, is it a flat fee). So just remember to book in advance! The alpenglobes can seat up to 8 people. Our server Aldo was amazing and truly the sweetest soul! He made me the yummiest and most colorful mimosa I’ve ever had! He also treated us a slice of cake to celebrate our 2-year wedding anniversary, so kind! The bruschetta trio and buffalo ravioli were so tasty! We had a great experience and highly recommended it if you’re with your spouse or a group of friends or family.
The following day, we booked a 2 Hour Guided Snowmobile Tour at Park City Peaks in Oakley, UT. and before you knew it we were on a snow-covered trail heading towards the mountains!
We stayed in single file line with our group of about 5 snowmobiles and of course, Michael wanted to lead the pack to make sure no one slowed him down LOL. We went on the trail for about 20 minutes before we got to a spot they called the race track, which was a big bowl where you could take the snowmobiles for a spin.
I went around once with Michael then told him to drop me off so he can get out his itching to speed! Any motorized vehicle we experience together Michael needs his own time for his inner adrenaline junkie to come out.
The mountain paths and scenery were truly breathtaking nothing. I have never experienced snow-covered trees, tranquil creeks, and streams!
Once we got back, we took a nap and then got in the hot tub together, it was definitely an experience to remember. Being inside a hot tub while it’s 40 degrees out surrounded by the snow! Doesn’t get any better than that, does it?! We really loved that the lodge had 3 private hot tubs. That night we decided to stay in and order chicken noodle soup from the Windy Ridge Cafe and it sure did hit the spot!
The following day was our last day at the Airbnb in Heber City. Heading out, we stopped at a Creek off the side of the highway and also stumbled upon Bridal Veil Falls to take in the beautiful views. Utah is incredible and there is so much to see!
When we booked our anniversary trip, I thought it would be fun and memorable to do a photo shoot in the snow! It was my first time seeing snow so of course I wanted to capture this for us to look back on!
So I began to research on Instagram prior to our trip for a photographer and found Katelyn Bell, I loved her work and we connected instantly! Our shoot was at Tibble Fork Reservoir, it was the dreamiest snowy forest with views that bring you to awe of God’s beautiful creation. We did snow angels and had snowball fights and laughed so much. It’s no surprise that we love taking pictures but these pictures would be a testament and reminder of God’s goodness and blessing over us! Come on, look at these photos!
That night we checked into our second Airbnb at Encore Apartments in Salt Lake City. It was such a cute and modern farmhouse style. We were hungry so we took a drive to Hall Pass, which is an indoor Food Hall. I tried the Lobster Roll and Pork Belly Bao Buns, also the Coco Loco cocktail was so refreshing! Definitely recommend stopping here!
The next day our photographer recommended we visit Bonneville's Salt Flats, our response was-- let's do it! We were very spontaneous and open to anything on this trip. We were so excited, I’ve always wanted to go to the Salt Flats in Bolivia or Peru so Utah was the second best. On our last day we went downtown to the City Creek Center and walked around the indoor and outdoor mall, which was surrounded by creeks and waterfalls. So unique and definitely what I’m not used to seeing in Florida.
For our last night, Michael surprised me and booked us a dinner reservation at Flemings Steakhouse for Tomahawk Tuesday Special, my first time having a Tomahawk steak, I must say it was delicious. We had Chipotle Mac & Cheese and Mashed Potatoes. A great dinner right before we headed to the airport to fly back home! Utah will definitely be a tradition for us and our stay was better than we could of imagined. The last few moments before we got in our Uber, flurries were falling, so next time we will visit during snowfall!
Be the first to comment