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⚡Parks, Power Lines & Animals: Southern Utah Is Changing Fast—Are You Ready?
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⚡Parks, Power Lines & Animals: Southern Utah Is Changing Fast—Are You Ready?
🎉 A park milestone, market magic, sanctuary dreams & a major power move — Southern Utah is buzzing!
St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Oct 21, 2026

Trivia Question❓

What was built in the 1920s to guide early airmail flights flying from Los Angeles through St George to Salt Lake City.

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

💬 11 Comments

For 10 years, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park has given St. George children a place to play together.

 

Families can celebrate that milestone October 20, from 5 to 7 in the evening, with food trucks, games, music, face painting and magic shows.

 

The celebration will also include a groundbreaking for Thunder Junction Phase II, a 2.5-acre expansion designed for children of different abilities.

 

The planned Ice Age-themed area will add play equipment, rides and another train stop to help families get around the park.

 

Guests can ride the train for free during the event and visit booths hosted by organizations serving people with disabilities.

 

Located at 1851 South Dixie Drive, Thunder Junction remains free to enter year-round.


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11 readers are talking about this

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NI
NikkiLou84 · 2 weeks ago

Would love to know which organizations will have booths there. That info would be really helpful for our family.

5 likesSee all 11 comments
Quote Of The Day

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Joke Of The Day

What did one slice of bread say to the other before the race? You're toast!

★★★★★

If you haven't been to The Biscuit Fix in St. George, you're missing out on something genuinely special. Built around Gramma Loydel's beloved family recipe, these buttery, flaky biscuits are made entirely from scratch — fresh-baked daily, no shortcuts, no apologies.

The menu is simple and brilliant: from the classic Oh Good Gravy biscuits and gravy to the crispy Mother Clucker and the dreamy Lemon Blueberry shortcake, every item is the kind of food people talk about long after the plate is empty. Gluten-free options are available too.

They're open seven days a week, 7:30am to 2:30pm — but get there early, because they sell out. Once you eat here, biscuits and gravy anywhere else will feel disappointing. They're okay with that, and honestly, so are we.

Address974 W Sunset Dr, St. George, UT 84770
Days OpenOpen 7 days a week
HoursDaily 7:30am–2:30pm
Phone(435) 288-2184
Click here to visit The Biscuit Fix
💬 9 Comments

Every fall, something special happens at Vernon Worthen Park in the heart of St. George. White canopies pop up across the grass, the irresistible aroma of street food fills the air, and neighbors gather to discover something new.

 

It's the kind of Saturday that reminds you why living in Southern Utah is so special.

 

And on Saturday, November 14, 2026, MOD the Modern Market returns for its ninth event, bringing together local creativity, small businesses, and a whole lot of community spirit.

 

More Than Just Another Outdoor Market

 

What started four years ago as a simple idea has grown into one of Southern Utah's most anticipated shopping experiences.


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9 readers are talking about this

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JM
Jess Moreno · 2 weeks ago

Does anyone know if there will be food trucks again this time? That part is always my favorite.

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Q/A Questions

Q: Why does St. George, Utah feel noticeably warmer than the rest of the state?

 

A: St. George sits in the Mojave Desert's northern reach, tucked into a basin surrounded by red rock cliffs that trap and radiate heat. This geography gives the city a climate more like southern Nevada than the cooler, higher-elevation towns most people associate with Utah — making it one of the warmest cities in the entire state year-round.

 

Q: Is St. George actually growing as fast as people say?

 

A: The numbers are striking. St. George has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States over the past decade, driven largely by retirees seeking mild winters, remote workers drawn by open space, and families priced out of larger Western cities. The surrounding Washington County has more than doubled in population since the early 2000s.

 

Q: What is Tuacahn, and why do locals talk about it so much?

 

A: Tuacahn Amphitheatre is an outdoor performing arts venue carved into a dramatic red sandstone canyon just outside the city. It stages full Broadway-style musicals under the open sky with towering canyon walls as a natural backdrop, drawing visitors from across the region and giving St. George a cultural reputation that surprises many first-time visitors expecting only outdoor recreation.

★★★★★

The Cosmopolitan Grill in St. George, Utah is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered a secret — world-class cooking at prices that actually make sense. Chef Imi Kun, trained across Hungary, Italy, Germany, and France, brings decades of award-winning culinary experience to every plate.

Whether you're in the mood for Hungarian Tenderloin Goulash, Lobster Tail Surf & Turf, or a perfectly crafted Filetto Gorgonzola, the menu delivers genuine fine-dining quality without the fine-dining price tag. There's also a fantastic tapas selection, casual lunch favorites, and house-made desserts like Crème Brûlée and Apple Strudel.

From date night to family dinners, The Cosmopolitan Grill has something for everyone — including a thoughtful kids' menu. If you're in Southern Utah, this one is absolutely worth your time.

Address1091 N Bluff St Ste 1400, St. George, Utah 84770
Days OpenOpen 7 days a week
HoursMon–Sat 12pm–9pm · Sun 11am–9pm
Phone(435) 525-2550
Click here to visit Cosmopolitan Grill

Field of Screams @ Staheli Family Farms

★★★★★
DateSeptember 18 – October 31, 2026
TimeThursdays 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Fridays & Saturdays 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
LocationStaheli Family Farm

Southern Utah's most thrilling Halloween tradition is back! Field of Screams at Staheli Family Farm returns on select nights from September 18 through October 31, featuring bigger scares, darker pathways, and terrifying characters around every corner.

Navigate twisted trails and experience the intense atmosphere that draws thrill-seekers from across Utah, Nevada, and beyond. General admission, VIP, and season pass options are available to fit every level of bravery.

Tickets sell out fast, so secure yours early and see why Field of Screams is Southern Utah's most talked-about haunted attraction. Lights On Tours are also available Friday and Saturday afternoons for a fright-free peek behind the scenes.

3400 S Washington Fields Rd, Washington, UT 84780
(435) 673-4096
Click Here To Visit Field Of Screams
Tip of The Day

Beat the St. George Heat by Timing Your Outdoor Adventures Backward

 

Most visitors to St. George, Utah plan hikes and outdoor activities for the morning, but a smarter move in the summer months is to flip your schedule entirely. Head out in the last two hours before sunset instead. The red sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon and the trails around Zion's back country release the day's absorbed heat slowly, but the direct sun intensity drops dramatically, making late-afternoon light not only cooler but also stunningly gorgeous for photos and sightseeing.

 

Pair this with an early dinner reservation in downtown St. George right after sunset, when the town's outdoor patios cool down fast due to the high desert elevation. You'll enjoy the landscape at its most dramatic, avoid the peak crowds who clear out by mid-afternoon, and still have energy left over — rather than returning to your accommodation wiped out before noon.

💬 23 Comments

The Salty Sanctuary needs a permanent home for nearly 30 rescued farm animals now living on leased land in Diamond Valley, north of St. George.

 

Founder Emily Potter cares for cows, horses, goats and other animals while commuting from St. George to meet their daily needs.

 

She began rescuing calves after learning about the separation of dairy cows and their young, later bottle-feeding five sick calves through their first weeks.

 

The sanctuary’s name grew from a clothing brand Potter created while her mother faced ovarian cancer.

 

Now rising rent, feed costs and veterinary bills make the rescue’s future uncertain.

 

Potter has found a possible property in northern Utah, but its roughly $1 million price poses a major fundraising challenge and would take the sanctuary away from Washington County.

 

For Potter, a permanent home would mean steadier care and the chance to stay close when an animal needs comfort.


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23 readers are talking about this

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TB
T. Bybee · 2 weeks ago

Never really thought about farm animal rescues before. This is different from a typical shelter and sounds like harder work honestly.

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Secret Little Hack

Skip the Crowded Trailheads — Use the BLM's "Back 40" Staging Area on Diagonal Street

 

Most visitors to St. George pile into the main Snow Canyon State Park entrance and fight for the same dozen parking spots. The insider move is to park at the Bureau of Land Management staging area accessed off Diagonal Street near the northwest edge of town.

 

From there, a network of interconnected dirt trails leads you directly into the red sandstone landscape — same volcanic cinder cones, same ancient lava fields — but you'll share the experience with almost no one, especially on weekend mornings when the state park lot hits capacity before 9 a.m.

 

Locals who mountain bike or trail run use this access point constantly, yet it never appears on the tourist maps handed out at the visitor center.

 

The BLM land is free, open year-round, and connects seamlessly into the greater Bearclaw Poppy trail system. If you want to feel like you have southern Utah's otherworldly scenery entirely to yourself, this is the entry point that changes everything about your visit.

★★★★★

When it comes to authentic Mexican food in St. George, Los Tapatios is the real deal. This family-owned gem on Bluff Street brings the bold, traditional flavors of Jalisco, Mexico straight to your table — from sizzling carnitas and handcrafted enchiladas to signature margaritas that keep locals coming back.

 

Whether you're dining in with the family or grabbing takeout after a long day, Los Tapatios delivers a warm, vibrant experience that feels like home. Call 435-652-1693 today.

 

We recently opened another restaurant in Kanab. Enjoy the same great food and fun in St George. If you are traveling, come visit our newest location.

 

Tell them St George Thrives Insider sent you!!

Address987 S Bluff St, St. George, UT 84770
Days OpenFriday, Saturday. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
HoursFriday 10 AM–11 PM Saturday 10 AM–11 PM Sunday 10 AM–10 PM Monday 10 AM–10 PM Tuesday 10 AM–10 PM Wednesday 10 AM–10 PM Thursday 10 AM–10 PM
Phone(435) 652-1693
Click here to visit Los Tapatios Mexican Restuarant
💬 15 Comments

Rocky Mountain Power proposes a 54-mile, 345 kV transmission line from northwest of Cedar City to Hurricane to help meet southern Utah’s growing electricity demand.

 

The preliminary route largely follows Interstate 15, but residents are concerned about potential effects on wells, ranchland and their use of private property.

 

At recent open houses, property owners pressed the utility for answers about where the line would go.

 

The alignment is not final, and the company says it will study conditions on the ground and work with affected owners.

 

Residents have also asked about burying the line, though the utility says underground construction would cost more, require more excavation and complicate repairs.


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15 readers are talking about this

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PG
Paula Gregson · 1 week ago

Paralleling I-15 seems like the smartest call honestly. At least that land is already disrupted by the freeway.

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Giant 50-foot concrete arrows were built every 10 miles across the area (illuminated by coal oil lamps).
St George Thrives Insider

© 2026 St George Thrives Insider.

St George Thrives Insider is your trusted guide to life in Utah’s red rock country. From local news and community highlights to events, dining, outdoor adventures, and business spotlights, this newsletter celebrates the energy and growth of St. George. With a friendly, upbeat tone, it keeps you connected to what matters most — your city, your neighbors, your community.

© 2026 St George Thrives Insider.