Weekend visit to St. George, Utah
Budget
Getting there
One-way rates of $177 to Las Vegas require a 21-day advance purchase. Frequent sale rates start at $124. Valid AirTran or Delta, nonstop.
Stay
Guests at the Best Western Abbey Inn start the morning with a complimentary full breakfast. On-site are an exercise room, heated pools and an indoor whirlpool spa. Rates start at $79.95 per night. 1129 S. Bluff St. 435-652-1234, www.bwabbeyinn.com.
Eat
Family-owned and operated Irmita's serves up authentic Mexican dishes. Portions are huge and super affordable, with meals under $10. The turnoff is the location inside a Shell gas station. Get over that and you'll be treated to the best torta in town. 515 S. Bluff St. 435-652-0161.
Experience
Pick up a map and start a self-guided walking tour of the town from the Visitors Center, once a pioneer courthouse. 100 East and St. George Boulevard. More than two dozen historic buildings and homes can be seen in the downtown area. Brigham Young, the Mormon leader, enjoyed the mild, snow-free winters in St. George and completed his attractive home in 1871. Stop in for a free tour. Open daily at the corner of 200 North and 100 West. 435-673-5181. End the tour at the quaint Ancestor Square, with historic shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Moderate
Getting there
Give a 14-day advance notice for one-way rates starting at $262 to Las Vegas. Valid AirTran or Delta, nonstop.
Stay
The all-suite TownePlace Suites is one of the newest lodging choices in town, and is located near excellent shopping and dining. Suites feature complete kitchens, windows that open, living and sitting areas and luxury bedding. Breakfast and WiFi are complimentary. Weekend rates from $99; from $139 for a one-bedroom suite; from $179 for a two-bedroom suite. 251 S. 1470 East. 1-800-935-3129, www.marriott.com.
Eat
The classy Bent Fork is an Italian-Southwest grill and one of the newest spots in town. All of the dishes are made from scratch. Sunday brunch choices range $8-$14. Evening entrees $6-$19. 757 N. Bluff St. 435-673-2755, www.bentforkgrill.net.
Experience
Rent a convertible, put the top down (and turn up the heater) for a road trip. Cedar Breaks National Monument is tucked between the more famous Bryce and Zion national parks, but is no less significant. The rim of this natural amphitheater canyon rises to more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Some of the bristlecone pine trees are said to be more than 1,600 years old. Early spring snows can keep the park closed until mid-May, a time when the wildflowers start to paint the canyon rim. About 80 miles from St. George, this region makes for a solid one-day excursion. $4 per person (valid for one week). www.nps.gov/ceb.
Splurge
Getting there
One-way, walk-up business class rates to Vegas start at $551 on AirTran or Delta.
Stay
Stay two consecutive nights at the Inn at Entrada through January and get a third night free. One-bedroom casitas feature a kitchenette, a cozy living area with a fireplace, whirlpool bath, stone shower and a patio. Rates $179-$199. Larger one-bedroom suites are priced $279-$349 per night. 2588 W. Sinagua Trail. 435-634-7100, www.innatentrada.com.
Eat
The Painted Pony Restaurant has a rather small menu, but this little gem gets grand reviews for its contemporary comfort cuisine and top service. Entrees range $24-$34. 2 W. St. George Blvd. 435-634-1700, www.painted-pony.com.
Experience
Head out on a three-hour Jeep excursion for 360-degree views of Zion National Park, Pine Valley and Parashaunt National Monument at sunset. The guided tour starts at 4,000 feet and travels up to 8,000 feet. A three-hour morning or afternoon guided Jeep tour is $75 adults; $55 under age 18. www.zionjeepguides.com, 1-888-687-6596.
