Live out your Stars Hallow dream in this charming mountain town just about an hour from Salt Lake City. Spend your day sipping coffee, wandering through shops, and enjoying picturesque mountain views.
Midway is known as “Little Switzerland” both for the incredible mountain views and its Swedish heritage. Each summer they host Swiss Days – a weekend long heritage celebration that draws huge crowds. Throughout town you’ll find charming architecture that transports you to a small European village.
Midway is a very Instagram-able town that leans heaving into the farmhouse/prairie chic aesthetic. You’ll find the Instagram famous – Ballerina Farms store in addition to a fantastic creamery and plenty of farm to table restaurants.
It has a slower pace and often better prices than Park City, but is still close enough to pop over for all your favorite activities. Weather you’re spending a week, a weekend, or just a day – there’s always something to enjoy.
Chronic Illness Key Points
I know planning a trip with a chronic illness or mobility need can be stressful between the researching, planning, and making sure your accommodations are met. Just know that I’m your type-a travel buddy who gets it and is here to help. Check out my prebuilt & custom itineraries options and let me take the mental load so you can just enjoy your trip.
Before you visit Midway it’s important to take precautions to manage your chronic illness. Here are a few main considerations to make:
Temperature: Winter temperatures are typically between 15-35 degrees. The off season typically remains fairly temperate, usually between 60-70 degrees and reaching 80 degrees during peak summer. If you don’t tolerate the cold well you’ll want to plan a summer trip or come prepared with lots of warm layers.
Elevation: At just over 5,500 feet Midway’s high elevation is slightly less than Park City (which is about 7,000). Make sure to drink plenty of electrolytes, wear sunscreen, and take things slow. If you have a known altitude sensitivity try to plan low energy activities for the first few days, or consider staying in Salt Lake for a day or two before heading up the canyon to help your body adjust
Sun Exposure: The higher elevation also means the UV rays are stronger. Wear a high-SPF sunscreen (even in the winter and especially when cloudy), hats or UV protective clothing if needed.
Accessibility: There are a handful of resorts in Midway with varying levels of accessible rooms. Parking isn’t normally too much of an issue and the main part of town is walkable with paved sidewalks. However, because it’s a much smaller town things are spread out and it can be much harder to get around with a physical disability.
Transportation: Midway is just over an hour from the Salt Lake City International Airport. I’d recommend having your own car so you can explore. However, there is public transportation that can technically get you from the airport to Midway, although it’s a limited schedule with multiple transfers. However, Midway itself does have a public transit option that operates much like Uber, for free short rides once you’re up there.
Know Before You Go
Budget
Hotel: There are limited hotel options in Midway, with more options in Heber and towards Park City. You can typically find rooms in Midway for under $200 a night. It’s also a popular choice to rent an entire house which usually ranges between $500-$700 a night. Keep in mind that peak season – especially for Swiss Days, is likely to see sold out hotels and much higher prices.
Food: Meal prices are higher up in Midway. Plan on about $150-$200 a day per person. There is a grocery store in Midway with lots of allergen free options if you want to stretch your budget.
How Long To Stay
Day Trip – Midway makes for a fantastic day trip from SLC, you can grab a coffee, stroll through the shops and have lunch before heading into Park City for the evening or back to SLC.
Weekend – Spending 1-2 nights is the perfect length. Consider staying at a spa resort for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Week – A whole week is probably too long unless you’re wanting to explore Park City, enjoy lots of outdoor adventure, or are looking for a slow quite retreat.
Getting There & Around
Public Transit: You can take public transit from High Valley Transit (rather than UTA) from Salt Lake Central, however you’ll have to transfer a couple of times. You would ride the UTA green line to Salt Lake Central, then take a bus to Park City and transfer to another bus to Heber. Once in Heber, High Valley Transit has a free Uber alternative to get you to and around Midway. These shuttles are wheelchair accessible. This is an option if you need it – but they do run on a limited schedule so be sure to check current times.
Car Rental: I’d really recommend having your own car while staying in Midway. It’s much easier to arrive via car and it gives you more flexible to explore, including heading into Park City for meals if desired.
Canyon Driving: If visiting in the winter be advised that the drive to Midway is up a canyon and snow tires may be required at times. I prefer to drive up via Park City over Provo Canyon – especially in the winter. If you’re an anxious driver – just know that the canyon to Park City is a 3-4 lane highway without tight turns, so it’s a fairly easy drive (other than in the snow).
When To Visit
Peak Season: Summer & Winter
Midway is very popular in the winter months for winter sports, the Ice Castles, and nearby – the Polar Express! The village vibe + snow is truly magical. It’s also popular in the Summer, hosting big events for the Fourth of July and their main annual event – Swiss Days, typically one weekend in late August.
Shoulder Season: September – November
Enjoy the best fall foliage, with lower crowds and better pricing. This is my favorite time to visit Midway and live out my best Gilmore Girl life.
Off Season: March – May
It’s often still cold in March, but spring is in full force by May. It’s pretty quite this time of year, so you may find restaurants and shops have reduced hours. This is a great time to stay at one of the resorts at a reduced price.
Special Events & Times To Visit
Swiss Days – This annual event in late August draws huge crowds to Midway. The weekend is packed with live music, performances, and hundreds of local vendors with handmade goods and delicious treats. Parking is a major issue during this event, if you drive you’ll have to walk quite a distance or take a shuttle. There are shuttles from Provo and Park City and I’d recommend taking one of those to avoid the parking headache.
Autumn – Visit during autumn to live out your best cozy life of sipping coffee, wandering through town, and curling up with a good book. Visit pumpkin patches, take scenic drives and enjoy picnics with incredible mountain views. The best fall foliage is around late September – early October.
Winter – Visit during winter for your dream winter wonderland vacation full of small town charm. Stay in for a cozy holiday, or head out for tubing and snowmobiling. Ride the Polar Express before Christmas, or later in the season experience the Ice Castles – a man made castle built entirely of ice each year.
Best Gluten Free Food In Midway
In Midway your options are limited but there a few solid standouts. Heber is nearby, about a 5-10 minute drive and has more options. Park City is only about 20 mins away and has a lot of incredible options. (link to blog)
Here are my recommendations for the best places to eat in Midway and nearby Heber:
Midway Mercantile Restaurant – This moody restaurant is a must try in Midway. The menu is marked with gluten free options and they even have a dedicated fryer. They have gluten free chicken nuggets, cheese fondue, salads, pub fare and more. A bit over priced and bland in my opinion – but a solid safe choice
Harvest – Another solid gluten (and dairy) free option. Brunch fare including Huevos Rancheros, avocado toast, acai bowls, sandwiches and salads – perfect for a mid day meal. Very accommodating with all allergens and can prevent cross contamination well. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
Z’s Steak and Chop Haus – Located at the Zermatt resort this steakhouse has a handful of gluten free options marked on the menu and can prevent cross contamination.
Mountain Wellness Bar – Just outside Midway, in Heber, is a dedicated gluten free restaurant that serves smoothies, bowls, salads, soups and more and is also dairy, sugar and seed oil free.
Good Grains Gluten Free – This dedicated bakery mostly sells their products at farmers markets. They have a location in Heber, however the hours are limited and they aren’t clearly communicated – so it’s always a gamble. I’ve never been able to catch them when they’re open, but if you’re in town for a few days it’s worth popping in if you can.
Don Pedro’s Family Mexican Restaurant – Whenever my family is in Heber we eat here and I’ve always had a great experience. Gluten free options are marked on the menu, but you may have to chat with a manager to ensure cross contamination is prevented. They’ve done a great job every time I’ve visited.
Back 40 Ranch House Grill – If you’re craving a burger head into Heber for burgers, sandwiches, fries, and salads. This grill doesn’t have a gluten free menu but the staff is very knowledgeable about allergies and can help you navigate the menu.
For even more options, including a dedicated cafe with take-and-go options check out my Park City Gluten Free Guide.
Gluten Free Groceries In Midway
If you prefer to cook some or all meals while visiting, you’re in luck! There are plenty of solid grocery stores in Midway and nearby Park City.
The Market at Midway – this grocery store right in town has a shocking amount of allergen free options for such a small town. The selection gives me confidence to stay a whole week.
Smiths (Kroger) – there is a Smith’s in Heber that has a limited selection of allergen free options but most of your basics.
Whole Foods & Walmart – both located at Kimball Junction, about 30 mins away. These should have anything else you would need for a short stay.
Luna’s Kitchen – located in Park City, this dedicated gluten free cafe has tons of grab-and-go items that are perfect to reheat during your stay. A great option if you want something dedicated without having to cook. However, it is a bit pricey.
Where To Stay In Midway
My Top Recommendation
Homestead Resort – Stay in your own cottage at this luxury resort that feels like home in Midway. Here you’ll get the best of both worlds – a kitchen for cooking safe meals + all the amenities of a resort. There’s a pool open year round, a natural hot spring, pickleball courts, restaurants and a coffee shop all on the property.
Spa Resort
Zermatt Resort – This resort will transport you to the serene mountain views of the Swiss Alps. Perfect for a little spa getaway. Relax at the resort, get a massage, and enjoy the sauna, steam room, hot tub, and pool. There’s also tennis courts, a miniature golf course and even a carousel! Plus – a steakhouse with gluten free options. This is a great one stop spot to spend a relaxing weekend.
Best for Kitchen
For a more unique stay, where you really feel like a local (and can cook in your own kitchen), consider booking a cabin, charming cottage, or even a barn – right in the heart of Midway. Airbnb’s are available in a variety of sizes and budgets. If you’re planning on coming for Swiss Days be sure to book out as far as possible.
Things To Do In Midway
Spa Treatments at Zermatt – Book a spa treatment and enjoy the amenities including sauna, steam, hot tub, and relaxation lounge. I don’t believe you can book a day pass just for the amenities. However, I’d booked a small treatment like a manicure to gain access to the amenities without breaking the bank.
Sauna – Wasatch Mountain Sauna offers a 8 person sauna, outdoor showers, and cold plunges – perfect way to relax with incredible mountain views. You can book a private group session for the hour session – great for a girls trip!
Homestead Crater – a unique hot springs experience inside of a crater! Make a reservation to swim or scuba dive. It was admittedly a bit underwhelming for me – but I’m not a big swimmer and 100% don’t scuba.
Grab a Coffee from Milk House – This coffee shop nestled in the Homestead Resort is a fantastic way to start your day. Grab a coffee to walk around the shops with, or enjoy the beautiful resort grounds.
The Shops in Midway – Town Square is filled with the cutest boutiques. Check out some of my favorites: Folklore – a cozy bookshop, Kringle’s midway – a holiday store, the Dainty Pear – the best gift boutique with a darling cafe and a whole wall of pasta (including gluten free!), Georgie – for perfume, leather goods and clothing, and the Instagram famous – Ballerina Farm Store.
Heber Valley Milk & Artisan Cheese – tour the dairy farm, take a cheese paring class or learn how to make the perfect charcuterie board. Take a few of your favorites home for a picnic.
Heber Valley Train – a themed train ride perfect for families. The themes change based on the season but they’re known for the Polar Express, Hogwarts Express and even do a wine and cheese event. My family does the Polar Express ride every year and it’s fun for the kids, but honestly not my favorite. The elevation + cold weather + motion + kids screaming really makes it a tough experience for me, personally. However, it’s a fun one time experience with young kids.
Ritual Chocolate Coffee Shop – Ritual, the chocolate company, has a gourmet mocha coffee shop in Heber.
Take a scenic drive – experience the incredible nature views from the comfort of your car by driving up to Mirror Lake and stopping for a picnic! Another fantastic drive (especially in late September/early October) is the Alpine Loop – however, it can be crowded during peak seasons. Plus, it is one of those switch back roads that’s really meant for one way traffic but it’s two way – so if you’re an anxious girly like me I’d recommend skipping it and just exploring the walking paths in Midway and Park City.
Float the Provo River – during the summer you can head down the canyon towards Provo for one of my favorite summer time activities. High Country Adventure will supply a tube, life jacket, and transportation up the river to float back down. The float itself takes about 1.5 hours but it’s common to stop along the way for snacks and drinks. Bring a cooler with snacks to enjoy along the way or pack a picnic to enjoy after your float. Alcohol is allowed on the river, just no glass bottles and you have to be sober before you leave. Afterwards, grab some gluten free donuts from Bismark Doughnuts in Orem before heading back to Midway.
Explore Park City – Just about 20 mins out of Midway with plenty outdoor activities to enjoy. Check out my Park City recommendations.