Trail Tuesday took me to Hurricane, Utah this week. I explored the hike: Three Falls, Gould’s Wash, with access from downtown Hurricane. There are three waterfalls in Gould’s Wash.  I hiked to the lower waterfall which was very easy and approximately 1.5 miles long. There was no water present, but the hike to the lower fall was a surprisingly beautiful hike. The hike follows a small, dry riverbed up into a canyon that has some really interesting structures in it. The canyon walls are pocketed with caves and holes. The lower waterfall runs over smooth rock and is about 25 feet tall. You can see the middle fall from the lower fall, but you can’t see the upper waterfall. 

If you want to climb to the middle and upper waterfalls the hike becomes…

6150 Views, 0 Comments

As we approach summer, it's important to consider landscaping for the heat. The hot, dry climate creates a unique situation for growing vegetation and creating a welcoming yard. Use these tips to grow your St. George garden.

Choose the right plants

Research what plants will work well in the summer heat. Buy seeds that are meant for the desert and plants that can withstand the climate. Plant flowers that are native to the area like autumn sage and columbine. Different types of cacti can also add the look and charm you want. Use this article to help you pick some vegetation for your yard.

Treat the soil

Desert soil is tough and sandy. If you want to plant a vegetable garden or or other vegetation, you’ll need to lay down the proper soil.…

2933 Views, 0 Comments

Trail Tuesday took me to the Petrified Dunes in Snow Canyon Park, near St. George, this week.  The trail begins just north of the picnic areas of the Upper and Lower Galoots where you can park near the road.  Once you cross the road you will see the Upper Galoots.  If you hike to the north and around the Upper Galoots you will find the Petrified Dunes Trail.  The Petrified Dunes were once-flowing mountains of sand that are now mounds and crevices of Navajo sandstone.  You can climb the terrain and investigate these dunes for several hours.  You don’t have to worry about staying on the trail because these incredible rolling mounds are everywhere for you to explore.  Hiking the Petrified Dunes Train provides some incredible views of the park. 

2435 Views, 0 Comments

School is ending this week for students in St. George!  In a study by the Johns Hopkins School of Education, research showed that after summer break, “At best, students showed little or no academic growth over the summer.  At worst, students lost one to three months of learning.”  The study highlights summer reading programs and how they provide ”ongoing opportunities for students to learn and practice skills" so that they don't "fall behind on measures of academic achievement” following summer break.  

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a Division of the American Library Association (ALA), always releases summer reading lists that they encourage librarians, parents and children to download for free.  With school ending this…

1239 Views, 0 Comments

The St. George Dance Company is hosting the Red Rock Dance Festival from Thursday, June 1st to Saturday, June 3rd. This dance festival is “an eclectic three-day workshop festival” that includes classes, seminars, a dance performance and choreography showcase.

This year, professionals from Paul Taylor 2, a modern dance company from New York, will be heavily involved. They will be teaching the classes as well as giving the performance on Friday night at 7:30 at the Cox Auditorium.

Saturday night features the 10th annual Choreography Showcase, which provides an opportunity to emerging choreographers to show their work and receive feedback from adjudicators. It is $40 to enter a work and the winner receives grand crash prize.

Class fees range…

1215 Views, 0 Comments

Every Tuesday my daughter and I have decided we will be going for a hike in the St. George area.  We are calling it “Trail Tuesday!”  We started our adventures in Snow Canyon this past week with a very short, easy hike to Jenny’s Canyon.  Jenny’s Canyon is a nice short walk up into a slot canyon and an overlook. This is a great hike for families and small children.  Parking is near the trail and the trail is easy to locate.  Be careful in this area during a rainstorm because the trail crosses over a dry wash area.  The trail leads to the left into Jenny's Canyon which is a beautiful slot canyon in memory of Jennifer Denise Patchett who passed away at only 17 years old.  There is a memory plaque that talks about how Jenny was "inspired by the beauty…

2647 Views, 0 Comments

The Bear Paw Café, at 75 N Main Street in St. George, Utah, is a favorite of many.  When I used to visit St. George when I was on vacation, the Bear Paw was as MUST for our family.  Now that I live in St. George, the Bear Paw still draws us in for brunch at least a couple of times each month.  Each morning you will find the sidewalk in front of the Bear Paw crowded with people waiting in line for breakfast.  The Bear Paw is open daily from 7:30 to 2:30 pm.  We avoid the rush by going at 1:00 for brunch. 

The menu at the Bear Paw is 24 pages long.  Just the drink menu takes up about eight pages.  You can order an Italian soda, specialty drinks, smoothies, tea, coffee, regular beverages or an expresso from the expresso bar.  The favorites of our…

2241 Views, 0 Comments

I had the chance to drive out to the St. George Regional Airport last night.  My daughter flew in from Salt Lake City to surprise me for Mother’s Day and I drove her to the airport for a return flight home.  The airport is about 10 miles outside of St. George with easy access from Interstate 15 or River Road.  The actual address is 4550 South Airport Parkway.   

Several major airlines fly in and out of St. George, including United, American, Delta and Southwest Airlines.  You can fly directly to Phoenix, Denver and Salt Lake City from the St. George Regional Airport.  There are plans to expand to other destinations and to allow other airlines to fly out of St. George, if the market dictates a need for it.   You can easily rent a car at the…

3291 Views, 0 Comments

Every Saturday, the Tuacahn Amphitheater hosts their “Saturday Market.” The market is an arts, crafts, food and entertainment fair every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission into the market is free. Local artists sell their artwork, home decor, jewelery, accessories and more. Different local musicians and performers are also there to provide entertainment.

From 9:00-11:00 a.m., Tuacahn concessions sell a pancake breakfast, and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. they sell a hot dog picnic. Other local vendors will be selling different concessions as well.

Don't miss the Tuacahn Saturday Market. Every week is different, so follow their Facebook page to see what's coming up.  

Tuacahn Saturday Market
Every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1229 Views, 0 Comments

Summer is right around the corner and the perfect time to start thinking about sprucing up your interior design. You won't only love it, but keeping your decor up to date can increase the value of your home as well.

Navy Blue Invasion

Navy blue is the accent color of the summer. You can start by incorporating accessories like throw pillows, blankets, curtains or rugs. Alternatively, you can paint navy blue onto an accent wall to really make it pop. Navy has the benefit of being a trendy color with a classic feel. You can make subtle shifts in your current design or make a navy blue statement, whichever you choose.

Feeling the Faux

While marble and granite have long been considered the optimal materials for a sleek and updated look,…

1181 Views, 0 Comments