By Kim Doucette, Men’s Journal — The perfect town-and-country vacation is a time-honored tradition that blends urban sophistication and wide-open wilderness. Our picks below are based around destinations where a vibrant metropolitan scene is just a couple of hours from fresh air, dense forests, rushing rivers, windswept beaches, mountain peaks, and quaint small towns full of adventurous possibilities. The combination — while it may make packing a little trickier — is a great way to maximize your next long weekend. When done correctly, even the travel time between the two shifts from hassle to some of the most memorable moments of your whole getaway.
SALT LAKE CITY to PARK CITY
SALT LAKE CITY
Exploring Salt Lake's sophisticated and shockingly affordable restaurant scene is an adventure all its own. From some of the best Indian cuisine found in the country at Bombay House to the Red Iguana, a classically raucous Mexican spot famous for their delicious moles and stiff margaritas. Middle-Eastern cuisine at Maza, Japanese dishes at Takashi, and New American fare and farm to table restaurants like Bambara and Current Fish and Oyster round out the mix. Slip in a visit to the Gilgal Sculpture Garden and Utah Museum of Contemporary Art between bites. Stay at the Hotel Monaco located right downtown and you can walk everywhere.
PARK CITY
Less than an hour away, the historic mining-come-ski town of Park City is stuffed full of recreational and adventure options. Call it a night at the Washington School House, a charming boutique hotel with the best "hotel breakfast" you've ever had, housed in an old school within walking distance from Main Street and The High West Distillery and Saloon. Go to Jans Mountain Recreation Experts and rent a Mountain Bike to explore the 400+ miles of trails around Park City. Or, satisfy your wife's urge to try SUP yoga in mineral water tucked inside a 10,000 year old crater with Park City Yoga Adventures. You can also hire a guide with Park City Outfitters to take you fly fishing on one of the local rivers or just rent the gear and find your own fishing hole.
Salt Lake City to Park City
Distance: 30 miles
Travel Note: Take I-80 E to UT-224 S and enjoy beautiful mountain views for the bulk of the ride.