St George
Cancer Care Closer to Home, Founding Docs Read Aloud & Golf Glory Hits Southern Utah!
|Subscribe·Archives·Current Issue
Cancer Care Closer to Home, Founding Docs Read Aloud & Golf Glory Hits Southern Utah!
Cancer care closer to home, Constitution honored & golf championship coming to Southern Utah!
St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Sep 18, 2026

Trivia Question❓

St. George, Utah, sits within the Mojave Desert's northernmost reach and shares its striking red-rock landscape with a prehistoric creature whose fossils were first excavated there in 2000 — what species of giant crocodilian, now named after the city, was unearthed at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

💬 1 Comment

St. George has achieved a milestone in local cancer care, bringing advanced treatment options directly to southern Utah residents.

 

The newly expanded cancer center at St. George Regional Hospital now provides specialized services that once required long journeys for families and patients.

 

This week’s unveiling marks an important advancement, with the facility offering a dedicated infusion space and introducing leading-edge neuro-oncology services for brain and nervous system cancers.

 

For many, these improvements mean expert care is finally available at home, signaling a huge step for the community.

 

Regional leaders emphasize the center’s commitment to meeting the unique healthcare needs of a rapidly growing population.


Read More...

1 reader is talking about this

Top first
SK
Sandra K. · 1 month ago

This is such good news for our community. My mom had to drive to Salt Lake for every single treatment. So glad others won't have to do that.

See the comment
★★★★★

Daylight Donuts in St. George, Utah is the perfect way to start your morning. Everything is baked fresh every single day, so you know you're getting a donut at its absolute best — not something that's been sitting around since yesterday.

Conveniently located right off Bluff Street, it's an easy stop on your morning commute. Whether you're grabbing a donut and a fresh cup of coffee for yourself or picking up an office pack to be the hero of the workday, they've got you covered.

You can even pre-order and build your own custom box — choose your favorites or let them surprise you with a randomized dozen. Just don't wait too long; they close when they sell out!

Tell them St George Thrives Insider sent you!!

Address435 N Bluff St., St George, UT 84770
Days OpenOpen Mon–Sat, Closed Sunday
HoursMon–Fri 6am–10am · Sat 6am–1pm
Phone435-429-0601
Click here to visit Daylight Donuts
Quote Of The Day

"The desert has a beauty of its own — not in spite of the emptiness, but because of it."

— Edward Abbey

2026 Southern Utah Art Studio Tour
★★★★★
DateOctober 1–4 and October 8–11, 2026
Time10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
PriceFree

Step into the creative world of Southern Utah's finest artists at the 2026 Southern Utah Art Studio Tour — a free, self-guided experience spanning two weekends in October. Visit 13 studio locations across St. George, Ivins, Santa Clara, Washington, and Leeds, where 19 talented local artists open their doors and share their passion.

Explore original works in glass mosaic, watercolor, oil, acrylic, mixed media, and more — all created in the very spaces where the art comes to life. Each studio offers a unique, intimate glimpse into the artistic process.

Studio hours vary by artist and weekend, so check individual listings before planning your visit. This is a wonderful, no-cost opportunity to connect with Southern Utah's vibrant art community.

366 S. Chuckwalla Ln, Ivins, UT 84738
714-757-9336
Click to find out more
Joke Of The Day

A tourist in St. George, Utah asked a local, "Does it ever cool down here?" The local thought for a moment and said, "Sure does — last February the steering wheel was only lukewarm."

The tourist immediately booked a flight home to Minnesota to warm up.

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
💬 7 Comments

St. George’s lively Constitution Day celebration brought residents together downtown, highlighting the lasting power of America’s founding ideals.

 

Families, students, veterans, and community leaders filled the steps of the historic Pioneer Courthouse for a shared U.S. Constitution reading.

 

First responders and city officials joined the crowd, each person taking turns reciting passages from the nation’s pivotal document.

 

A sense of reverence grew as the event transitioned to the Bill of Rights reading, connecting the words of the past to freedoms enjoyed in Utah today.

 

Organizers stressed the value of civic education and the lessons these founding texts still carry for young people.


Read More...

7 readers are talking about this

Top first
CU
curious_george_84 · 1 month ago

How long does the full reading usually take? Thinking about bringing my toddler next year and wondering if she could handle it.

4 likesSee all 7 comments

Swiss Days - Santa Clara, Utah

★★★★★
DateSeptember 24–26, 2026
Time2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (varies by day)
LocationSanta Clara Drive and City Hall area
PriceCommunity Dinner $7.00/plate; Pancake Breakfast $4.00/plate; most events free

Santa Clara's Annual Swiss Days is a beloved three-day festival celebrating the Swiss pioneer heritage of the community since 1990. Held the last weekend of September, the festivities include a community dinner, opening ceremonies, a 5K Run/Walk, pancake breakfast, and the famous parade along Santa Clara Drive.

Throughout the weekend enjoy continuous live entertainment, local food and craft vendors, pioneer activities at Heritage Square, a free Friday night concert, a Mooing Contest, Yodeling Contest, and the Swiss Miss & Mister Pageant.

This cherished tradition brings neighbors together to honor the Swiss pioneers who settled Santa Clara in 1861 — don't miss the fun!

**Check out the Free Swiss Days Treasure Hunt and Interactive Map below**

Santa Clara Drive and City Hall area
To find out how to Sponsor a Treasure Hunt for your business call 801-669-3628
Click Here To Enter The Treasure Hunt
★★★★★

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 Restaurant

TrailHero - Hurricane, Utah

★★★★★
DateSeptember 28 – October 3, 2026
Location5500 West 700 South, Hurricane, UT 84737

Get ready for an unforgettable week of off-road adventure! The 11th Annual Monster Energy Trail Hero Event powered by Greater Zion returns September 28 through October 3, 2026, bringing together off-road enthusiasts of all experience levels for guided trail rides, motorsports, live music, a vendor expo, and much more.

Whether you're brand new to off-road trails, a seasoned overlander, or an SXS/UTV rider, there's an experience tailored just for you. Plus, don't miss Trail Hero Amplified for an elevated festival experience.

Event registration is open May 1st through September 15th. Mark your calendars and secure your spot for one of the most exciting off-road events of the year!

**Check out the Free Trail Hero Treasure Hunt and Interactive Map below**

5500 West 700 South, Hurricane, UT 84737
To find out how to Sponsor a Treasure Hunt for your business call 801-669-3628
Click Here To Enter The Treasure Hunt
💬 3 Comments

The upcoming Bank of Utah Championship is set to put St George in the spotlight as golf’s biggest names arrive at Black Desert Resort in Ivins this fall.

 

Southern Utah’s golf community is buzzing with anticipation, as locals and visitors gear up for four days of high-stakes PGA TOUR action framed by breathtaking red rock scenery.

 

Beyond the thrilling tournament, guests can sample local food trucks, sip signature cocktails, and enjoy live entertainment across the resort grounds.

 

For newcomers and families, the experience offers much more than golf, featuring interactive games, shopping, and activities for all ages.

 

This year’s event also highlights leading Utah organizations, including a healthcare nonprofit supporting local families.


Read More...

3 readers are talking about this

Top first
MH
Mike Harmon · 1 month ago

Good for the local economy but the traffic on Tuacahn Drive during these events is a nightmare. Just saying.

3 likesSee all 3 comments
Interesting Facts

St. George, Utah hides some genuinely strange and little-known distinctions worth knowing about.

 

  • Nuclear fallout neighbor: Residents of St. George were directly downwind of Nevada's atomic test site during the 1950s, earning the grim nickname "Downwinders." The fallout from above-ground nuclear blasts repeatedly drifted over the city, and the area later saw elevated rates of leukemia and thyroid cancer among residents who lived there during that era.
  • A Hollywood ghost town: The 1956 John Wayne film The Conqueror was shot near St. George, and the production crew worked in soil still contaminated by nuclear fallout. Of the 220 cast and crew members, 91 later developed cancer — including Wayne himself — making it one of the most statistically alarming film shoots in Hollywood history.
  • Dinosaur tracks in a parking lot: The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm sits on what was essentially a developer's construction lot. Workers grading the land in 2000 accidentally uncovered one of the most significant Early Jurassic dinosaur track sites in North America, preserving thousands of fossilized prints.
Tip of The Day

Beat the Heat in St. George by Timing Your Outdoor Adventures Strategically

 

St. George sits at just 2,800 feet elevation, which means summer temperatures regularly push past 105°F by early afternoon. Instead of hitting trails like Snow Canyon State Park or the Chuckwalla Trail at mid-morning, aim for a pre-dawn start — sunrise in summer arrives around 6:00 a.m., the air is often 20–25 degrees cooler than the afternoon peak, and the red sandstone glows in warm golden light that photographers chase specifically for that window.

 

Pack your water the night before, set your alarm, and be back at your car before 9:30 a.m. You will have completed a full, rewarding hike while most visitors are still eating breakfast — and you will avoid the genuine safety risk that catches unprepared hikers every season.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Parviraptor estesi (the site is better known for Dilophosaurus tracks, but the croc is Protosuchus — the signature find is actually the Jurassic dinosaur tracks; the locally named species is Seitaad ruessi, a sauropodomorph dinosaur named for a Navajo legend)
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.