One Utah Town Named Best For Winter Getaway, Can You Guess It?

Like it or not, winter is here, or if it's not here, it is certainly banging on the door. I like nothing more in winter than to snuggle up in a blanket and indulge in a good book at let the world go by in its winter wonderland. But, there's a lot to enjoy by escaping the fireside and getting out for winter activities and the solitude and beauty the season does bring.

While most of us who live around here can quickly point out our favorites places to explore in the winter, what attracts the attention of various traveling websites? Well from one such website, Thrillist, we have an answer. They recently posted an article naming the Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S. for a Winter Getaway. The list had only ten entries, and one of them is here in Utah.

So, what is the small town in Utah that caught the attention of Thrillist? Here's an excerpt from their write up with the name left out. See if you can guess it.

bordered on its western side by the towering Wasatch Mountains, XXXXXX's a looker from the jump.

So, we're thinking somewhere in the Wasatch Back, right. So, it's got to be Park City, correct?

Not so fast. The next sentence from the article should be a dead giveaway.

That said, its most striking wintertime feature is definitely the Ice Castles: massive artistic structures, hard-carved each year from nearly 20 million pounds of ice.

Where are the Ice Castles everyone seems to rave about each year. Not Park City, nor even Heber City. It's Midway, Utah, which while Heber City adjacent is still a separate entity.

When winter blankets Utah’s Heber Valley in snow, the charming town of Midway transforms into a magical alpine escape. Just 50 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Midway offers a Swiss-inspired ambiance and an abundance of frosty adventures perfect for the colder months.

As I've mentioned, one of Midway’s most enchanting winter attractions is the Ice Castles, a dazzling creation of frozen tunnels, slides, and sculptures. This hand-crafted wonderland is a must-see for families and photographers alike.

But what else?

Nearby, Wasatch Mountain State Park turns into a haven for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, with groomed trails winding through picturesque landscapes.

And there is another attraction at Midway that I just found out about recently that is really intriguing to me. For a unique winter experience, head to the Homestead Crater. This natural geothermal hot spring, hidden inside a 55-foot limestone dome, offers a warm escape from the chill. Whether you’re soaking or scuba diving, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to embrace the season.

Midway’s proximity to Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoirs also means ice fishing and other winter water sports are just a short trip away. And after a day of adventure, the town’s cozy restaurants and Swiss-inspired architecture provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.

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I don't make it a habit of pointing people away from the charm and beauty that we have here in southern Utah all year round, but the folks at Thrillist make a compelling argument that a trip to Midway next time you head up to the Wasatch Front might just give you a little extra cheerfulness for the upcoming winter. After all, we can getaway, too.