'''St. George''' [http://www.sgcity.org/] is a town in the Dixie region of Utah. Long a sleepy agricultural town, it is acquiring increasing importance (and population, which doesn't necessarily please its old-time residents). It is quickly taking on a Palm Springs, CA type of atmosphere owing to its benign climate and peacefulness which attracts retirees, and proximity to spectacularly scenic country and resulting outdoor recreation opportunities as well as Mesquite, Nevada, and Las Vegas.

Get in

By car

St. George lies on I-15, which travels south through Las Vegas, Nevada and into Southern California, and north through Salt Lake City into Idaho and Montana.

There are a few rental car places at the airport, and an Enterprise at 652 E. St. George Blvd, ''1 435'' 634-1556.

Major exits for amenities are at St. George Boulevard (North) and Bluff Street (South).

By plane

The '''St. George Municipal Airport''' is served by connecting airlines. '''[http://www.skywest.com/ Skywest Airlines]''', ''+1 435'' 634-3000, operates Delta Connection flights to and from Salt Lake City and United Express flights to Los Angeles.

For major airlines, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is the closest major airport. Land was recently purchased southeast of the city for construction of a larger airport.

By bus

'''Greyhound''' serves St. George. ''+1 435 586-9465''.

There are also a few small shuttle/bus companies serving St. George. '''[http://www.stgshuttle.com/ St George Shuttle]''' operates van service to Las Vegas International Airport and Salt Lake City.

Get around

St. George, like all cities in Utah, follows a well-defined '''grid system''' that makes it easy to get around and find your destination. For an example, let's take the address 650 South 300 East. Each hundred represents one block radiating out from a center point of the town. In St. George, the center of the grid system is the intersection of Main Street (a north-south avenue) and Tabernacle Street (an east-west street). To find 650 South 300 East, starting from the intersection of Main and Tabernacle, you would drive 3 blocks to the east, then just over 6 blocks south. Keep in mind that in St. George, '''St. George Boulevard''', a major east-west arterial, takes the place of 100 North.

While the grid system in the heart of town is well-defined, it can be become difficult to follow in the outlying areas and new subdivisions on the outskirts of the city. While in some cases the addresses will still follow the grid pattern, the blocks will become smaller and more irregularly spaced, and there will be more streets that don't follow the grid system at all.

'''Suntran''' [http://www.sgcity.org/suntran/] is St George's public transit system, with three different routes serving the city. St. George also has a good trail network [http://sgcity.org/parks/sgtrailsinfo.php] offering some very scenic routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and skaters.

See

  • '''St. George Utah Temple''', 490 South 300 East, ''1 435'' 673-5181, [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1801-1-1-1,00.html]. Daily, 9AM-9PM. This beautiful, white temple is the oldest continually-used temple of the LDS Church, and it is a dominating landmark of the town. You can't enter the temple itself (unless you're in the LDS) but you can enter the visitors center and tour the grounds. Free.
  • '''Downtown Historic District''', centered around the intersection of St. George Boulevard and Main Street. Most of the town's preserved historic structures are here, as well as some shops and inns. Notable landmarks include the '''Old Pioneer Courthouse''', '''Opera House''', the '''Old Dixie Academy''', and a number of historic homes and storefronts.
  • *'''Brigham Young Winter Home''', 67 West 200 North, [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1800-1-1-1,00.html]. Daily, 9AM-6PM (''closes at 5PM in winter''). Brigham Young, the touted Mormon leader who was instrumental in the settling of Utah, spent many of his winters here. Free.
  • *'''St. George Tabernacle''', 18 South Main Street (''corner of Main and Tabernacle''), [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1802-1-1-1,00.html]. Daily, 9AM-6PM (''closes at 5PM in winter''). The Tabernacle was once considered the center of town, and was often used as a meeting hall. The pointed clock tower makes this building a landmark in the district. Free.
  • *'''McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum''', 145 North 100 East, ''+1 435'' 682-7274. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Operated by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers society, this museum has a lot of items from the pioneer era. Free.
  • '''Jacob Hamblin Home''', Santa Clara Blvd. and Hamblin Drive (''in nearby Santa Clara, Utah''), [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1794-1-1-1,00.html]. Daily, 9AM-6PM (''closes at 5PM in winter''). In the nearby community of Santa Clara, just northwest of St. George, the Hamblin home explains Jacob Hamblin's legacy and shows what life was like for a frontier family. Free.
  • '''St. George Art Museum''', 47 East 200 North, ''+1 435'' 627-4525, [http://sgcity.org/artmuseum/]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Permanent exhibits with artworks from Utah artists and changing exhibits. $3 adults, $1 children, children under age 3 free.
  • '''St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site''', 2180 East Riverside, ''+1 435'' 574-3466 (fax: ''1 435'' 627-0340), [http://www.sgcity.org/dinotrax/indexmain.php]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM. In 2000, some of the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in the world were found on a farm here, and since then a museum has been built around it where you can observe the dino tracks and fossil replicas. $3 adults, $2 children, children under 4 free.
  • '''Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum''', 1835 Convention Center Dr, ''+1 435'' 656-0033, [http://www.rosenbruch.org/index.html]. M Noon-9PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM. A massive museum full of realistic replicas of wild animals in their "natural" habitat. $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 children, children under 2 free.
  • Do

    Golf

    St. George is notable for its abundant golf opportunities, owing to the city's year-round warm climate. There are a number of golf courses to choose from:

  • '''Bloomington Country Club''', 3174 E. Bloomington Dr (''in nearby Bloomington, Utah, south of town''), ''+1 435'' 673-2029, [http://www.uga.org/clubs/bloomington/index.cfm].
  • '''Coral Canyon Golf Course''', 1925 Canyon Greens Dr (''in nearby Washington, Utah, just north of St. George''), ''+1 435'' 688-1700, [http://www.coralcanyongolf.com/].
  • '''Dixie Red Hills Golf Course''', 1250 North 645 West, ''+1 435'' 627-4444, [http://www.sgcity.org/golf/sgredhills.php].
  • '''Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club''', 2537 W. Entrada Trail (''north of town, off Snow Canyon Parkway''), ''+1 435'' 986-2200, [http://www.golfentrada.com/].
  • '''Green Spring Golf Course''', 588 N. Green Spring Dr (''in nearby Washington, Utah''), ''+1 435'' 673-7888, [http://www.greenspringgolfcourse.com/].
  • '''Southgate Golf Club''', 1975 Tonaquint Dr, ''+1 435'' 627-4440, [http://www.sgcity.org/golf/sgsouthgate.php].
  • '''St. George Golf Club''', 2190 S. 1400 E., ''+1 435'' 627-4404, [http://www.sgcity.org/golf/sgsggolfclub.php].
  • '''Sunbrook Golf Club''', 2366 Sunbrook Dr, ''+1 435'' 627-4400, [http://www.sgcity.org/golf/sgsunbrook.php].
  • '''SunRiver Golf Club''', 4210 South Bluegrass Way, ''+1 435'' 986-0001, [http://www.sunriver.com/lifestyle/golf.html].
  • '''Ledges Golf Club''', 1585 W. Ledges Parkway, ''+1 435'' 652-8100, [http://ledges.com/stgeorgegolfcourse/].
  • Mountain Biking

  • '''Red Rock Bicycle''', 435-674-3185, [http://www.redrockbicycle.com]. Provides trail information and organizes group rides.
  • :*'''Bear Claw Poppy''', Easy, short ride. :*'''Green Valley Raceway''', Home to many local races. :*'''Gooseberry Mesa North and South Rim''', A must do! Slickrock coupled with singletrack. :*'''Paradise Canyon Loop''', A quick fun ride. :*'''Hurricane Cliffs Trail System''', Excellent singletrack. :*'''Stucki Springs Trail''', Fun trail close to town. :*'''Broken Mesa Rim Trail''', Technical trail in the desert reserve. :*'''Church Rocks Loop with Prospector''', A popular trail, especially in the winter.

    Events

  • '''Last weekend of January: St. George Winter Bird Festival''' [http://www.sgcity.org/birdfestival/].
  • '''First week of August: Washington County Fair'''.
  • '''First Saturday in October: St. George Marathon''' [http://www.stgeorgemarathon.com].
  • '''Mid-October: Huntsman World Senior Games''' [http://www.hwsg.com/].
  • '''Third Saturday in October: Tour de St. George. 100 mile bike ride''' [http://www.tourdestgeorge.com/].
  • Eat

  • '''Bear Paw Coffee Co''', 75 N Main St, ''+1 435'' 634-0126?, Place serves excellent fresh breakfast dishes all day.
  • '''Cafe Rio Mexican Grill''', 471 E St. George Blvd, ''+1 435'' 656-0200, [http://www.caferio.com].
  • '''Painted Pony''', 2 W Saint George Blvd, ''+1 435'' 634-1700 (fax: ''+1 435'' 928-9504), [http://www.painted-pony.com/]. M-Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su 4PM-9PM. Fine dining restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Steak and seafood are the specialties, and there is a good wine list. $8-$10 lunch, $18-$30 dinner.
  • '''Pancho & Lefty's''', 1050 S Bluff St, ''+1 435'' 628-4772?, Great Mexican food and an overall good clean place to eat.
  • '''Pizza Factory''', 2 W St. George Blvd, ''+1 435'' 628-1234.
  • '''Slice of Tuscany''', 757 North Bluff Street, ''+1 435'' 628-0121, [http://www.sliceoftucsany.com]. M-Sa 11:00-10:00. Fast Casual Gourmet Personal Pizza, Salads and Drinks serving lunch and dinner.
  • '''Xetava Gardens''', Kayenta (In Ivins), ''+1 435'' 656-0165, [http://www.xetavagardenscafe.com/].
  • Drink

  • '''Iggy's Sports Grill''', Good food and good drink, [http://www.iggyssportsgrill.com/].
  • '''The Office''', Private Club (which means it cost $4 to get in) in the Hilton Garden Inn.
  • '''The One and Only''', Hometown beer bar.
  • '''The Firehouse''', The bowling alley beer bar.
  • '''Poncho and lefty's''', Mexican food and cozy little bar.
  • '''Ruby Tuesday''', Generic but generally good bartenders.
  • '''Xetava Gardens''', Kayenta (In Ivins), ''+1 435'' 656-0165, [http://www.xetavagardenscafe.com/].
  • Sleep

  • Best Western Abbey Inn. 129 S Bluff Street. 1 435 652-1234. 1 888 222-3946. 1 435 652-5950. PM. 1AM. 75-$120. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=45072.
  • Best Western Coral Hills. 25 E St. George Boulevard. 1 435 673-4844. 1 800 542-7733. 1 435 673-5352. PM. 1AM. 70-$80. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=45023.
  • Best Western Travel Inn. 16 E St. George Boulevard. 1 435 673-3541. 1 888 590-2835. 1 435 673-4407. PM. 1AM. 55-$120. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=45016.
  • Green Gate Village Inn. 6 West Tabernacle. 1 435 628-6999. 1 800 350-6999. 1 435 628-6989. tay@greengatevillageinn.com. PM. 1AM. 90-$230. ttp://www.greengatevillageinn.com/home.html. Located in the historic downtown district, this bed & breakfast has several restored homes centered around a "village green". Each home is unique and there is a wide variety of accommodations to choose from.
  • Hampton Inn. 3 North River Road. 1 435 652-1200. 1 435 652-1500. PM. 1AM. 110. ttp://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SGUHHHX.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites. 1 East 2680 South. 35-674-2664. ttp://www.laqstgeorge.com. An upscale hotel that delivers spacious accommodations and premium amenities.
  • Pelican Hills Resort. 10 S. Dixie Drive" email = "brittany@pelicanhillsresort.com. 1-801-691-5029. ww.pelicanhillsresort.com. PM. 2PM. 139-$189. Located a few miles of the Bluff St. exit Pelican Hills Resort is the newest vacation condo resort in St. George
  • Red Mountain Resort & Spa. 275 Red Mountain Circle. n Santa Clara, to the northwest of St. George. 1 435 673-4905. eservations@redmtn.com. 1 435 652-5777. ttp://www.redmountainspa.com/index.html. A luxury resort in the red rock vistas just west of St. George. Lots of activities, spa, lovely rooms.
  • St. George Corporate Housing. 845 West Canyon View Drive. 40-$75. ttp://www.stgeorgecorporatehousing.com. Completely Furnished Resort Condos. 30 night minimum stay.
  • St. George Vacation Rentals. 1845 West Canyon View Drive. PM. 1AM. ttp://www.stgeorgevacationrentals.com. 1 to 3 Bedroom Condos at the Green Valley Resort.
  • Seven Wives Inn. 17 North 100 West. 1 800 600-3737. even@infowest.com. PM. 1AM. 95-$185. ttp://www.sevenwivesinn.com/index.html. Utah's very first B&B establishment, located in the Historic Downtown district. There are thirteen unique rooms with good service and great breakfasts.
  • Wingate by Wyndham St. George - St. George, Utah. 44 West Brigham Road, Building G, St George, UT 84790. urtis@wingatestgeorge.com. 35-673-9608. ttp://www.wingatestgeorge.com. An upscale hotel offering classic, oversized rooms and suites with superior amenities. Friendly staff.

    Get out

  • '''Zion National Park''', the most popular National Park in Utah.
  • '''Snow Canyon State Park''', beautiful scenery.
  • '''Hurricane''', small town with hot springs sometimes open to the public, near Silver Reef ghost town
  • '''Colorado City''' unique polygamist community on Utah-Arizona border