Unforgettable Blogger Retreat: Learning, Networking, and Culinary Delights in Park City, Utah

A few weeks ago, I embarked on an inspiring journey westward, trading the hustle of everyday life for a rejuvenating weekend of learning, relaxation, and, of course, exceptional dining. My destination was the prestigious Deer Valley Resort in picturesque Park City, Utah, home to the much-anticipated Better Blog Retreat 2015.

This remarkable weekend was masterfully orchestrated by two luminaries in the blogging world: Heidi of Foodie Crush and Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and generosity, feeling utterly welcomed and truly pampered throughout the entire event. Their meticulous planning and genuine hospitality set the perfect tone for what would become an unforgettable experience.

Blogging, while inherently a social profession, often paradoxically leads to a sense of isolation. We, as bloggers, spend countless hours online, constantly engaging with our audiences and fellow creators through various social media platforms. Yet, opportunities to truly *connect* and sit down together in real life are rare gems. This retreat underscored the immense value of these in-person interactions. It’s a chance to share insights, offer support, and learn from one another in a way that digital communication simply cannot replicate. These moments of collective growth and mutual encouragement are truly invaluable, fostering a stronger, more connected community.

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazingly supportive blogging community. The encouragement and wisdom shared by my peers have profoundly shaped my journey as a blogger, contributing significantly to my growth and development. This retreat reinforced that I wouldn’t be where I am today without this incredible network. I departed Park City brimming with fresh ideas, renewed excitement, abundant inspiration, and, most importantly, many new and cherished friendships. The seeds for future collaborations and personal milestones were certainly sown during this transformative weekend, and I look forward to sharing more about them soon!

Arrival and Culinary Indulgences at Deer Valley

Upon everyone’s arrival in stunning Park City, our first collective experience as a group was a delightful dinner at Deer Valley’s acclaimed The Brass Tag. This evening set a high bar for the culinary journey that awaited us. The ambiance was perfectly inviting, fostering lively conversations and immediate connections among the attendees. We chatted enthusiastically, sharing initial impressions and bubbling with anticipation for the days ahead, all while indulging in a spectacular and seemingly endless array of exquisite food.

The culinary highlights of that first evening were truly memorable. I was particularly captivated by an incredible duck prosciutto flatbread, elevated by a unique whiskey cream sauce – a dish so exceptional that I’m still strategizing how to acquire its recipe! Another standout was The Brass Tag’s house-made triple cream brie cheese, served with an exquisite hand-foraged elderberry jelly. The combination of creamy, rich cheese and the subtly tart, sweet jelly was a revelation.

And for dessert? We sampled a *carrot cake gelato* that not only met but spectacularly exceeded every possible expectation I could have ever harbored. Its rich, spiced flavor and velvety texture perfectly encapsulated the innovative spirit of Deer Valley’s culinary team, leaving a lasting impression and a sweet memory.

Sponsor Spotlight: A Day of Brand Insights and Culinary Creativity

Friday morning kicked off bright and early, dedicated entirely to engaging with the generous sponsors who made the retreat possible: Arla Dofino, Lindt, and Private Selection (a distinguished brand found at Kroger). It was a day designed for immersive learning and direct interaction, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of these brands.

Engaging with Industry Leaders

Our day began with an incredible toast bar, a spread that truly showcased culinary versatility. It featured everything imaginable, from rich smoked salmon and various cream cheese spreads to fresh avocado, vibrant fruits, and an array of berries. This delightful breakfast provided the perfect setting for us to sit down with representatives from each brand. What made these sessions particularly impactful was their open-ended nature. Rather than structured presentations, we engaged in candid, insightful discussions, covering a wide spectrum of topics from product development to market trends and consumer engagement. This free-flowing exchange of ideas was incredibly valuable, offering a rare glimpse into the strategies and philosophies behind these beloved brands.

A Delightful Mac and Cheese Bar by Arla Dofino

Lunch was a highlight in itself, hosted by Arla Dofino: an incredible mac and cheese bar. This wasn’t just any mac and cheese; it featured luscious homemade gouda and havarti mac and cheese, accompanied by an impressive spread of toppings for complete customization. Imagine bowls overflowing with crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, various cheeses, and even unexpected delights – truly a dream for any food enthusiast. This interactive concept sparked so many ideas; it would be an absolutely fantastic and engaging idea for upcoming holiday gatherings or any festive party, offering guests a personalized culinary experience. Customized toothpicks, of course, were an optional but charming touch!

The Art of Chocolate with Lindt

The afternoon culminated in an absolutely captivating chocolate demonstration led by Lindt’s esteemed Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja. This immersive session allowed us to explore the intricate process of chocolate making, from bean to bar. For me, it was a wonderful callback to my days in culinary school and my previous professional experience, deepening my appreciation for the craft. We also indulged in a sophisticated wine and chocolate pairing session, discovering unexpected harmonies between flavors. A particular triumph was Lindt’s Pineapple Chocolate paired with a crisp Chardonnay – an unexpected yet fantastic combination that truly broadened my palate. The highlight for many was the exclusive opportunity to sample and provide feedback on several new Lindt products that had yet to be released to the public. My personal favorites among these delectable previews included the Pineapple, Intense Orange, and A Touch of Sea Salt varieties. Each was a testament to Lindt’s commitment to perfection, offering a truly gourmet experience.

An Evening of Antipasti and Scenic Beauty

Before our final meal of the day, we enjoyed a refreshing short hike, soaking in the crisp mountain air and stunning Park City scenery. This invigorating interlude prepared us perfectly for the evening’s feast: an incredible antipasti spread and meal, thoughtfully curated by Private Selection and served right at our lodge. If I had to choose one cuisine to live on forever, antipasti would undoubtedly be it. The joy of savoring a little bite of this and that – a medley of cured meats, marinated vegetables, artisan cheeses, and olives – perfectly complemented by a glass of fine wine, truly sets me for life. It was a relaxed and delightful end to a day filled with learning and gastronomic delights.

Empowering Runs and Deep Dive Discussions on Saturday

Saturday commenced with an exciting and literally invigorating change of pace: a “run better” clinic led by Golden Harper, the visionary creator of Altra running shoes. Learning about the philosophy and innovation behind Altra was absolutely fascinating. While I ran more regularly in college (though never competitively), I hadn’t been an active runner in recent years. However, since moving to Chicago (hello, flat land!), I’ve been eager to re-engage with running. What I experienced with Altra shoes utterly blew me away.

I’ve been a loyal Saucony wearer for years, but after just an hour in these Altra shoes, I was completely convinced of their superiority. I’m genuinely not sure if I’ll ever go back to other brands. Their comfort is simply ridiculous; they are uniquely shaped to mirror the natural anatomy of your feet. The toe boxes are significantly wider than conventional running shoes – a design choice that makes perfect sense, allowing your toes to splay naturally and preventing any cramping or discomfort. This thoughtful design means I don’t feel the usual urge to kick off my shoes at the end of a long day, even if I’ve been wearing standard workout shoes around my apartment. They are remarkably light, breathable, and truly enhance the running experience. It’s clear that Altra is revolutionizing how we think about athletic footwear.

Disclosure: Each of us attending the retreat was kindly provided with a pair of Altra running shoes. There was no obligation whatsoever for me to share my thoughts on them. However, I am genuinely impressed and enthusiastic about these shoes. Having worn my share of both excellent and subpar running shoes over the years, I felt compelled to share this discovery, hoping it might benefit fellow runners or those looking to improve their comfort.

Community & Collaboration: The Heart of the Retreat

Following our refreshing running clinic, we returned to the lodge to enjoy a lovely breakfast courtesy of the Deer Valley Grocery Store Cafe. The beet hummus and avocado toast were particularly delightful, offering a fresh and flavorful start to the day. The morning truly shifted focus, as we spent it together as a group, this time without the brands present. This was the moment for us to delve into more intimate and impactful blogging topics.

This session was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the entire retreat. We had the invaluable opportunity to openly discuss our current projects, innovative ideas, and even the challenges and struggles we were facing in our blogging journeys. The environment was one of complete openness and trust, where everyone offered honest feedback, constructive advice, and unwavering support. This collective wisdom and shared experience left me with a wealth of insights and concrete action plans – expect to see some significant developments around here in the coming weeks and months, as I’m incredibly excited about the direction my blog is taking! This pivotal decision-making process wouldn’t have been possible without the profound support and encouragement from these incredibly talented women. I urge you all to explore their amazing blogs and follow their work:

• Maria (Two Peas and Their Pod)
• Heidi (Foodie Crush)
• Kristin (Iowa Girl Eats)
• Ali (Gimme Some Oven)
• Ali (Inspiralized)
• Liz (The Lemon Bowl)
• Kelly (Just a Taste)
• Liren (Kitchen Confidante)
• Monique (Ambitious Kitchen)
• Kathryne (Cookie and Kate)
• Andie (Can You Stay For Dinner)
• Sarah (Broma Bakery)

The afternoon concluded on a high note of ultimate relaxation and luxury. We took a scenic drive up to Montage Deer Valley, where we enjoyed a gourmet lunch at APEX, followed by an incredible massage at the Montage Spa. I haven’t felt that profoundly relaxed in a very, very long time! These moments of pure indulgence were truly a major spoil, perfectly rounding off a day of intense learning and personal growth.

A Fond Farewell: Laughter, Food, and Lasting Memories

We capped off the evening, and indeed our last night together, with a fantastic farewell dinner at Riverhorse on Main, an acclaimed restaurant nestled on Main Street in downtown Park City. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter that quite literally brought tears to my eyes, and a delightful indulgence in short ribs that felt like eating my weight in pure culinary bliss. It was a truly wonderful conclusion to a truly wonderful retreat, leaving us with full hearts and satisfied palates.

My deepest gratitude goes to Heidi (Foodie Crush) and Maria (Two Peas and Their Pod) for their incredible vision and tireless efforts in organizing such an amazing retreat and bringing together such an inspiring group of individuals. A massive thank you also extends to all the generous sponsors whose support made every aspect of this unforgettable experience possible:

• Deer Valley Resort
• Arla Dofino
• Lindt
• Private Selection
• DeLallo
• Sabra
• Altra
• Albion Fit
• Montage Deer Valley
• Riverhorse on Main

Until next time, Park City! The memories, the lessons, and the friendships forged here will undoubtedly last a lifetime, shaping both our professional paths and personal lives in profound ways.