Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a world-class dining and relaxation experience. Originally a silver mining town, it has evolved into one of the most popular destinations in the United States, offering not just world-class ski resorts and summer outdoor activities, but also a rich blend of culture, fine dining, and leisure. Whether you are planning a winter getaway, visiting the renowned Sundance Film Festival, or just a weekend escape, Park City offers something for everyone. Among the many things that make it a premier destination are events like the Park City Wine Fest.

Park City Wine Fest is a premier event that draws wine lovers from across the country. Held annually, this multi-day festival is a celebration of fine wines from around the globe, paired with the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains. The event is perfect for both wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, offering something for every palate.

The Wine Fest is not just about tasting a wide variety of wines; it also showcases local cuisine, with restaurants and chefs from Park City presenting gourmet dishes that complement the wines. Wine education is another key aspect of the event, with seminars led by sommeliers, winemakers, and wine experts who share their knowledge on everything from pairing wine with food to understanding different wine regions.

The festival is a true highlight in Park City’s event calendar, combining the beauty of the location with a sophisticated, yet relaxed vibe. Attendees can explore a variety of experiences, including scenic mountain hikes paired with wine tastings, grand tastings at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, and intimate, wine-paired dinners, like the one I attended at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria. The Rustic Reds dinner was a wonderfully sophisticated wine-paired feast led by Wine Academy of Utah’s Jim Santangelo. The five-course meal began with a delicious amuse-bouche followed by beef tartare, endive salad, filet mignon and chocolate cake, each paired perfectly with a glass of wine hand selected by Santangelo.

For those who appreciate fine dining, Park City is home to a variety of outstanding restaurants, with Edge Steakhouse being one of the best. Located in the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, Edge Steakhouse blends traditional steakhouse fare with an innovative approach to cooking. Known for its exceptional service, high-quality cuts of meat, and fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and satisfying.

What sets Edge Steakhouse apart is its attention to detail. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of cuts, from Wagyu beef to dry-aged steaks, all expertly prepared to perfection. Additionally, Edge offers an extensive wine list, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. The combination of excellent food, a sophisticated atmosphere, and top-notch service has earned Edge Steakhouse numerous awards and recognitions, making it a must-visit for any foodie in Park City.

No visit to Park City would be complete without a stop at High West Distillery, the first legally licensed distillery in Utah since Prohibition. High West offers a unique experience, blending the old-world charm of the American West with modern-day distilling techniques. Located in the heart of downtown Park City, High West is known for its award-winning whiskeys, but it’s also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat.

High West’s rustic atmosphere is part of its charm, and the distillery offers a range of whiskey varieties, from smooth bourbons to bold ryes, all made using time-honored methods. In addition to tastings, visitors can take tours of the distillery to learn about the history of whiskey-making in Utah and the art of distillation. I had the chance to attend an elegant Woodland Masquerade at the distillery in Wanship, a quick 20-minute drive from Park City. The event contained entertainment, delicious food and of course whiskey.

Park City isn’t just about great food and drinks – it’s also a haven for those looking to relax and recharge. One of the standout lodging options in Park City is LIFT Park City, a modern mountain resort located in the heart of Canyons Village. LIFT offers luxury accommodations with a contemporary design, providing guests with all the comforts of home while being just steps away from world-class skiing, hiking, and biking trails.

LIFT Park City is designed with both relaxation and adventure in mind. The resort features spacious residences with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and stunning views of the mountains. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and other amenities that make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.

Speaking of relaxing, after a day of outdoor activities, there’s no better way to unwind than with a visit to Serenity Spa. Located within the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, Serenity Spa offers a wide range of treatments designed to soothe both body and mind. From massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy, the spa’s expert therapists provide personalized treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The spa’s tranquil atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. With its serene decor, calming scents, and peaceful music, Serenity Spa creates a truly relaxing environment where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Whether you’re indulging in a full day of pampering or just popping in for a quick treatment, Serenity Spa offers a luxurious retreat that will leave you feeling revitalized.

For those seeking a cozy and casual dining experience, Cafe Terigo is a local favorite. This family-owned restaurant is known for its delicious Italian-inspired dishes, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located on Main Street in downtown Park City, Cafe Terigo has a charming, rustic atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

The menu at Cafe Terigo features a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to house-made pastas. The restaurant is also known for its creative salads, seafood dishes, and delectable desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a hearty meal, Cafe Terigo’s menu offers something for everyone.

Park City is home to not one, but two gay ski weeks. The first, Elevation Utah takes place Feb. 19-23, 2025, and features Après-ski events, dance parties and casual meet-ups that draw attendees from around the country. Queer Ski will take place from March 18-25 and is a known to be more of a localized event drawing LGBTQ individuals from the region.

As my time in Park City came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the town’s unique charm and diversity of experiences. From the adrenaline of skiing down powdery slopes to the peacefulness of a sunset hike, Park City captures the essence of adventure and tranquility in equal measure. The warmth of its local community, combined with its breathtaking natural beauty, makes this mountain town a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Our final evening consisted of the Rarities & Reserves tasting at Red Pine Lodge. We had the chance to sample a wonderful selection of small-batch and boutique wines from around the country in the most wonderful setting, high atop a mountain. It was the perfect way to end a perfect trip discovering Park City. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or a nature lover, Park City should be on your list of places to explore.

Enjoy the Journey!

Day two continued in a relaxed way after I got back from my walk around Alicante. I headed to a light lunch at Café Baccio. Then back to the cabin to shower, and up to the retreat lounge for a meet and greet with the ship’s officers. The captain was a no-show but Christophe, the great Hotel Director, was there. I had met him last year on the BEYOND, and it was good to see him again. Then off to the LGBTQ happy hour in the Eden lounge. It was fun to see old friends from the UK there, and meet new ones. The happy hour will take place every evening and is listed in the ship’s daily calendar. 

Then to the theater for the early show, “Bridges.” It is a great production with some incredibly talented performers. Then seven of us went to Luminae for dinner. After dinner, Andy, Terry, and I, headed back to the Eden lounge for another show; it didn’t disappoint. Then it was close to midnight, way past my bedtime, and a wonderful end to day two.

Day three dawned fairly sunny as we approached Gibraltar. They predicted rain but it seemed to be holding off. I had been here before. Had my usual breakfast delivered to the room, then headed to the gym. While sitting on the Lifecycle looking out over the Gibraltar port, it began to rain. I decided to spend the day onboard. I headed to the Retreat lounge for my cappuccino and found my friends there. To me the lounge is a big reason to be in the Retreat. It turned out to be a windy and rainy day, but that didn’t stop other passengers from heading into town and going to visit the monkeys. Turned out to get up the mountain they needed taxis as the cable car wasn’t running due to the wind 

I had my Kindle, did some reading in the lounge, and then with Jonathan, headed to my first meal in the Oceanview buffet. It was crowded, but we found a table quickly, and enjoyed a relaxed lunch. The buffet is impressive, every kind of food you could want, and an array of desserts that added lbs. by just looking at them. Will have to double my time in the gym. Then because of the obviously hard day I was having it was back to the cabin to relax. I did make the mistake of turning on the TV, watched MSNBC, and got a dose of politics, including clips of Trump’s Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden. My thought was this could help Harris. The only up news was the Commanders, and Jayden Daniels Hail Mary touchdown pass, and seeing more and more people cancel their subscriptions to the Washington Post in response to their non-endorsement of Harris.

Then back to Eden to the LGBTQ+ happy hour, a fun way to begin the evening. The decision for this evening was dinner before show, and we headed to Luminae. Of course, I had to do dessert, a huge slice of apple pie a-la-mode. The show was a comedian, AJ Jamal. He had us laughing out loud. After the show I headed to the Martini Bar to watch the bartenders do their show. I met some of the cast of “Bridges” and got the chance to say hello to Kate, the Cruise Director. She is both beautiful, and smart, and doing a great job. She knew who I was as apparently, Andrew Derbyshire had told her I was going to look for her, and she looked up my picture. I was impressed. Then back to the cabin where I found out we were turning back our clocks one hour. We will actually gain six hours on the trip back to Ft. Lauderdale, so no jetlag. Tomorrow, Day 4, is our first full sea day. I am looking forward to that.  

Celebrity ASCENT transatlantic cruise 2024 – Blog #3

Day 4, our first sea day, dawned with slightly rolling seas, and some sunshine. Breakfast was delivered to the cabin and then it was time to sit and write. No rush, no place to go. The one commitment was to myself, it was to spend at least an hour a day in the gym. Maybe a little more after last night’s pie a-la-mode.

I headed to the gym at 11 a.m. after submitting a column on Kamala Harris to my editor, Kevin Naff. The gym was busy as everyone was on the ship today. But I got a Lifecycle without a problem and pedaled away for thirty minutes. Then it was some light lifting, and used some of the other machines in the gym. My commitment for the day complete headed to the Retreat lounge for my cappuccino. As always, friends there to chat with. Played on my iPhone for an hour. Then to the buffet for lunch. As you can tell, a really stressful day. About the only stress was reading the New York Times online and seeing some of the political news. Can’t understand Trump voters at all. It is like they are living in an alternate reality. I did receive a nice email from my friend, Erik Wemple, at the Washington Post. He wanted to include me in a column he was writing on how I had very early questioned the Post’s non-endorsement. He knows I have cancelled my subscription to the Post. He later shared the column and not only did he mention me, he linked to my book, I can’t thank him enough for that.

The afternoon was spent walking around the ship and lazing in my cabin until it was time for the LGBTQ happy hour at 5:30 in the EDEN lounge. Always fun to find out how others spent their lazy day. It had been cooler and windy most of the day so very few went to the sundeck. Most spent it exactly like I did. Todd, who lives in Paris, is a U.S. citizen, who once ran for Parliament in the UK, was setting up an election night watch-party. The ship will not set their public TVs to the election results as they know they have people on both sides onboard. I know my column is due to the Blade by early Wednesday morning and hopefully this will not be like 2016 where I submitted a black border. I am staying positive.

After happy hour it was Luminae for dinner and then the show, The Chernov Brothers. They are from the Ukraine and have kind of a circus show. Aerialist work, dancing, and playing the drums really well. It was OK, but not one of the shows I would go back to see a second time. I again chatted with Kate, our cruise director, and then headed back to the cabin to listen to Kamala Harris speak to 75,000 people on the Ellipse with her closing argument. She was fantastic, saying all the right things. I passed on the ABBA sing-along at the club and stayed in for an early night.

Unfortunately, I woke on day 5, to hear President Biden had misspoken in answering a reporter’s question about the Trump Madison Square Garden rally, and instead of being specific and saying the people on the podium were the ‘garbage’, he seemed to be calling all Trump’s voters garbage. Reporters were comparing it to Hillary calling them ‘deplorables.’ President Biden, maybe just let Kamala do the talking, for the next seven days.

It was another lazy day. The one fun highlight was meeting Kyrylo, one of the young acrobats/aerialists, from the show in the Eden lounge, at the gym. We chatted and he agreed to meet for coffee the next day when they didn’t have a show. I looked forward to that. The day passed quickly with gym, and a cappuccino in the Retreat lounge. Then I headed to the theater to hear Captain Tazos speak. He is funny, he could have a show of his own. He entertained us for

over an hour talking about how he and his brother became the first brother act as captains, and how they monitored the ship being built. I said hello to him after the talk, and he is charming. Then off to a light lunch at Café Baccio, and then another dinner at Luminae. All just the kind of days I go on these transatlantic cruises for. We headed for the Club to see a show, Smoke and Ivories, with the cast from Eden, including my now new friend Kyrylo. Scott had his butler reserve us front row seats and it was a fantastic show, great singing, dancing, including tap dancing. One of the dancers, Kieran, from the UK, was spectacular. Then it was a stop in the casino to just look at others losing money, and then off to bed. Again, another great day on the Celebrity ASCENT.

Celebrity ASCENT transatlantic cruise 2024 Blog #4

Day 6 dawned sunny, and I was looking forward to a day in Ponta Delgada, Azores. Last time I was here it was so foggy one couldn’t see six feet in front of you. This time I got to go up the mountain and look down into the crater, to see the two lakes, one blue and one green. It was a spectacular view and worth the wait to see. Then it was back on the ship to continue my stressful crossing, I kid you. But the Captain did tell us we were in for some rougher seas and he was going to change the route a little and head farther south on our four-day trip to our next stop, Bermuda. His predictions were correct and it was 24 hours of higher seas. While they kept us mostly inside, they didn’t in any way stop the eating and drinking that are the main parts of sea days on a cruise ship. It was going to be an early night for me. Actually, we set our clocks back so got even one more hour sleep.

Day 7, the first of the next four days at sea, dawned sunny but still a little rocky. It was breakfast as usual in the cabin and then an hour at the gym. They closed down the some of the machines because of the rough seas but the Lifecyle’s were open. I went for my first specialty dinner of the cruise with Diane and Simone, at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. It was really great. A restaurant I first tried on the BEYOND. Wonderful service, fine food, and spectacular company. We again set our clocks back an hour.

Days 8, 9, and 10, the sea days before we reached Bermuda, were just a time to totally relax, but admittedly I was a little stressed about the election, which would take place while we were in Bermuda. But nevertheless, each day began with breakfast delivered to the cabin, and then an hour at the gym. The captain predicted correctly that his more southern route would result in calmer seas, but it was still slightly chilly outside so no sunbathing for a few days. Reading in the lounge, and cappuccinos in Café al Bacio, and dinners with friends. If it wasn’t at Luminae, it was at one of the specialty restaurants. 

Day 9 dawned nice, with calmer seas and I had arranged to meet Kyrylo and Yaroslav, from the show in EDEN, for coffee in the Oceanview Café, which is the buffet. They turned out to be great guys. Kyrylo’s English was great, and Yaroslav’s was good. We spent an hour together talking about each other’s lives. It was fun, and I told them I would write a column about them, which I hope to publish on my return to D.C. Then that evening I had dinner with Terry, Andy, Craig, Diane, and Simone, at what many including myself thought of as the best restaurant on the ship, EDEN. It was a superb meal as always on all the Edge class ships that have this restaurant. The chef came to say hello. Then on day 10, it was another repeat of the past few days, breakfast in the cabin, gym, cappuccino in the Retreat Lounge, and just lazing around. I had dinner with Sid, Jerry, and Craig at the Rooftop Garden Grill. I have known Sid, who lives in Carmel, California, and his former partner Jim, who sadly passed away during the pandemic, for years. It was fun to get to know his current partner, Jerry. The restaurant is on deck 15 outside, and it was a little windy, but still OK. I had what they are known for, which is their deep-dish chocolate cookie, with vanilla ice-cream. Delicious as always. Then for me it was back to the club to see Smoke and Ivories again this time with Craig. It was just as great as the first time, but Kieran was even better, tap-dancing on top of the piano. Kyrylo and Yaroslav were great as always in the show. I had invited the entire cast to our sail-away from Bermuda party the next day, which Scott and Dustin were hosting in the Iconic suite. But turned out the show manager and cruise director told them they couldn’t go. I think that is a crazy policy as when guests get to meet the casts of the shows, it is one of the highlights of a cruise, and encourages them to book again. I think Celebrity is making a big mistake not allowing this. Then after the show I headed back to my cabin. The next day was our stop in Bermuda, and the election.

Celebrity ASCENT Blog #5

Day 11 dawned bright and sunny, and Bermuda was in sight. It was also Election Day, so the stress levels were higher. I headed onshore to an excursion in a glass-bottom boat. It was fun. We went over coral reefs, and an old shipwreck, with a great captain and tour guide who explained in detail what we were seeing. Then it was back to the ship for that 3:30 sail-away party. Dustin and Scott are great hosts and the party was really fun. After the party I went with them, and Andy, Rick, and Terry, to Fine Cut Steakhouse for a nice meal. Then it was off to the watch party that Todd had set up. There were about 15 of us there and you can all imagine the mood quickly turned sour as the results began to come in. By 10 p.m. I was sufficiently depressed to head back to my cabin, turn off my phone, did not watch TV, and went to bed with a book. I would deal with the loss, and all the texts I knew I would get from friends, in the morning.

Day 12 dawned bright and sunny, not quite matching my mood. I awoke, turned on my phone, and the TV, and answered some of the many texts which I had gotten during the night from distraught friends. I then fired up my laptop and wrote a column which was due to my editor. My first thought was to mirror what I had done in 2016 and I sent in a short few sentences and asked that they be published with a black border around them. The editor asked that I do more, and actually write a column, which I did and submitted. It is titled “Racism and misogyny are alive and well in the United States.” The recriminations and blame game began immediately. But thankfully most did not fall on Kamala Harris who I thought did a brilliant job as the candidate, with only 100 days to run her campaign. She is an amazing woman who I fell I love with. That a-hole Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) immediately attacked the Democratic Party. He really is useless. So, after submitting the column I headed to the gym to work off some of the frustration, and then began my day which turned out to be the best sea day yet. Smooth seas and warm sunshine. So, it was off to the Retreat sundeck where we had lunch, great burgers, with Terry, Andy, and Rick. Then we were joined by Jason, Scott, Emile, and Mike, all sitting on the sofas in the shade. Then it was just lazing around the rest of the day on lounges with crew coming by asking if we wanted drinks or snacks. A great afternoon. Then I would join Diane and Simone for another wonderful dinner at Le Voyage. We did talk about the election, and what it meant, and I told them I had watched Harris’ concession speech which she gave at Howard University. It again confirmed for me how great she is. After dinner I headed back to the EDEN lounge for a reprise of the show, I first saw there on day 2 “Shimmerbox.” The cast is the same ones who do Smoke and Ivories and I could watch them every night. Then it was back to the cabin where I was reminded that tomorrow was the last day of the cruise as luggage tags, and instructions for departure, were on the bed. It would be one more day of cruising until then. Day 13 dawned sunny and calm. I continued my usual days with breakfast delivered to the cabin and writing these blogs, then it was off to the gym and a day on the retreat deck sitting in a lounger, mulling the future under Donald Trump. Scary thoughts for such a beautiful day. But that is life. One must take the good with the bad, and keep fighting the bad to change it. Then a good-bye dinner with the whole gang back in the Rooftop Garden Grill. Thirteen days goes much too fast. We talked about seeing each other again next June when we will head to Southampton, England, to board the Celebrity APEX, for a 12-day cruise of the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic. Something exciting to look forward to. Seems between Scott and Dustin’s My Lux Cruise bookings and friends from Europe there will be about 100 of us going on that cruise. One of my bucket list cruises.

So, thanks for taking the time to read some of my musings. I hope to do a final blog when I am home. Maybe these blogs will get some of you to join us on a future cruise. They really are fun and relaxing.

The flight over to Barcelona was uneventful and landed on-time in this beautiful city. I was met at the airport by a very nice taxi driver I had pre-arranged through booking.com. He drove me to my hotel, the Barcelona Continental, on the Ramblas. It was a little disappointing. They neglected to tell those booking the road in front of the hotel was dug up and therefore you needed to be let out of the taxi across the Ramblas and had a long walk with your luggage. It is really old and not redone, except for the bathrooms, those are nice. But I would not recommend it.

I was early and they couldn’t get me checked in for a few hours, so had coffee and then met my friend Simone, also staying at the hotel. She had checked in a couple of days earlier and had the same reaction to the hotel I did. But that didn’t stop either one of us from enjoying Barcelona in all its beauty. I don’t sleep on planes, so the first day was spent relaxing and wandering aimlessly past cathedrals, long shopping streets, and wonderful little side streets off the Ramblas. Simone took off to do her shopping with more specific plans. It was an early night for me and we met again in the morning for coffee and spent a wonderful day together, shopping, walking, and seeing some great street performers. Then it was dinner with friends who we would be boarding the ship with the next morning. They kept predicting rain. It did come late at night and continued through us heading to the port to board the ASCENT. Because of the broken-up roadway we got a little wet heading to the taxi stand, which didn’t make us feel any better about the hotel.

It was a short ride to the port, and soon the beautiful ASCENT came into view. Boarding was easy and then suddenly the cruise was beginning. A walk around the ship unveiled some beautiful artwork, and small changes from the rest of the EDGE series ships I have been on. But it still felt like a welcome home. I headed to deck 15 and the Retreat lounge to meet some of the 70 people I would be traveling with. Scott and Dustin of My Lux Cruise had planned a sail-away party for all of us in their beautiful Iconic suite. They will be hosting a number of events during the cruise, which makes them such great travel agents, and friends. Another friend, the extraordinarily talented Andrew Derbyshire, who would be performing that evening, was there. He was on the ship for only one night, getting off in Alicante to head home to the UK the next day.  

I joined friends, Scott, Mike, and the irrepressible Jason, for dinner in Luminae, the dining room for the retreat.  It was to be a night where dinner came first and then the show. At 9 p.m. we were seated in the third row of the beautiful theater, to hear Andrew. He didn’t disappoint. He is better than ever. He has an incredible voice and such great stage presence. I, and everyone else, were just so sorry he wouldn’t be staying on the cruise with us. He reminded us he has been working with Celebrity for more than eight years and is one of their biggest stars. He also hosts their Pride month events doing so with great panache. As a young man Andrew performed in the West End in London, and has been a star performer for much of his life. Then it was off to The Club for a little disco music, and then off to bed with a satisfied smile on my face to complete day one on the ASCENT. 

Day two began with a knock on the door of my cabin with delivery of coffee, juice, and a bagel. I sat down to write, which I do every morning, and then headed to the gym for my first workout on the ship. It was empty, which was great, and the sun had come out and the view from the lifecycle made it fun. After the gym I headed to the retreat lounge and met some friends and had a cappuccino. The sky started to get gray and clearly it was going to rain in Alicante, our first stop. But that didn’t stop anyone from walking around the town. I was getting the best feeling this was going to be a great cruise.