Home to the Sundance Film Festival—and some of the best skiing this side of heaven—the charming town of Park City, Utah, comes into its own in summer. Crisp mountain air, great eats and an impressive performing arts scene make July the best time to mine vacation gold in this former Western silver boomtown. www.parkcityinfo.com.

SEE: Boasting 64 buildings dating from the 1880s on the National Register of Historic Places,

Main Street

is a must for strolling, shopping, dining and celebrity-spotting, even in summer. Catch the free Summer Outdoor Film Festival in City Park; revel in the Deer Valley Music Festival’s impressive program of pop, classical, chamber music and opera.

STAY: Three hip and elegant resorts will get you in the mood: The Canyons, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort all have great views, service, and restaurants, with the great outdoors steps away as a majestic backdrop.

DINE: More than 100 restaurants with outdoor dining at 32 of them! Hit Mustang and Westgate Grill for the scene, Blind Dog Grill for crab cakes, Goldener Hirsch for Euro-Alpine grub and Bistro 412.

SHOP: Find the best contemporary art and sculpture at Artworks, Coda and Dancing Hands galleries. The Flat Rabbett Gallery has vintage winter and Olympic posters, Park City Fossils and Gems features earthy glitter and J.W. Allen & Sons boasts fun toys and candy. – Mary Alice Kellogg