PUT SOME HEAT IN YOUR SUMMER GALLERY STROLL WITH A WEEKENDER TO SUNNY SAINT GEORGE. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF UTAH’S “DIXIE,” AND NEARBY SPRINGDALE, THE GATEWAY TO ZION NATIONAL PARK.
Just under a five hour drive from Park City, St. George has long been a popular winter destination for locals seeking a break from the cold. Th e burgeoning art scene in the area is also drawing more year-round visitors who are willing to endure the heat of summer afternoons for a dose of south-western culture.
Plan a trip for the first Friday of the month to participate in, “George Street Fest” a summer series where historic Downtown St. George is transformed into a multi-stage outdoor concert venue and street market. Coinciding with the monthly streetfest is the popular George Jazz Garden at Ancestor Square, where savvy adults enjoy wine, beer and cheese pairings, and discover local jazz artists.
Pay a visit to St. George’s renowned art museum situated in the heart of the historic district. Nearby, Mission, Authentique and many other downtown galleries display an impressive mix of nationally-recognized and local artists.
A picturesque half-hour drive through historic Santa Clara takes you to Kayenta, an elegant planned community of adobe homes clustered at the foothills of towering red cliff s. At its heart lies quaint Coyote Gulch Art Village, with galleries, a restaurant and performing arts center.
Tuachan, world-class outdoor theatre surrounded by red rock, is just 15 minutes away. Th is popular summer venue features Broadway-standard plays and musicals beneath the stars. Th eir Disney musicals are an annual draw for the entire family.
No trip to the area is complete without an excursion to nearby Zion National Park where nature’s artwork surpasses all. Th e lively town of Springdale, at the park entrance, is a mecca for local artists of every genre—many of them world renowned. A dozen galleries invite art lovers.
Many of Lyman Whitaker’s hypnotic wind sculptures and kinetic wonders encircle the Worthington Gallery. Drop into the DeZion Gallery for an impressive sampling of both local and international art. Th e friendly town also off ers many lodging options and restaurants. For a delightful meal, indoors or out, try Oscar’s.
On the way to Springdale and Zion, stop in at the River Rock coffee shop in LaVerkin for a refreshing iced coff ee, tasty artisan sandwich or decadent pastry. From a shaded table on a cliff -side deck, take in the view of the Virgin River below, as it courses through colorful canyon walls. Inside, a tiny bar now serves local craft beers and other suds.
Wherever you go in the area, plan your gallery strolls, artsy excursions and nature hikes for mornings or early afternoons, before the real heat hits. Art galleries a plenty and spectacular scenery await you on your toasty Saint George weekender.
