St George Thrives Insider Staff
Oct 30, 2026
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Trivia Question❓St. George, Utah, sits at the heart of Utah's "Dixie" region — a nickname earned because early settlers from the American South attempted to grow what cash crop there in the 1860s on behalf of Brigham Young? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile rolled through St. George and nearby communities during a Halloween-themed tour, giving families an unexpected reason to stop and smile.
Its southern Utah stops included Utah Tech University’s Tricks & Treats Night, Staheli Family Farm in Washington City, The Farm Zion in Hurricane, the St. George Library and a local blood drive.
At the farm, visitors could enjoy hot dogs and Halloween lights alongside the famous hot-dog-shaped vehicle.
Hotdoggers Aiden Jaffe and Lauren Tripper brought their pun-filled spirit to the visit, while the crew planned additional appearances at Sandtown Pizza and the St. George Halloween Festival.
From campus to farms and neighborhood gathering places, the tour offered a playful moment for residents of all ages. Read More... |
3 readers are talking about this | Top first |
CO | cody_sgut · 5 days ago Saw it near the library yesterday. Way bigger than I expected honestly.
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Quote Of The Day |
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." — Michael Jordan |
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In St. George, Mod the Modern Market brings small businesses and neighbors together over more than a shopping trip.
The family-run market grew from its founders’ concern that independent sellers needed more welcoming places to meet customers and grow.
Drawing on more than 10 years of small-business experience, the organizers aim to make each gathering approachable for vendors and personal for shoppers.
Visitors can discover the people behind the products, while sellers have a chance to build connections that may last beyond a single sale. Read More... |
7 readers are talking about this | Top first |
MF | Melissa Fong · 5 days ago Free admission is huge. Makes it easy to just pop in without feeling pressured to spend money.
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Joke Of The Day |
I told my GPS I wanted to move somewhere with perfect weather, low humidity, and stunning red rock scenery. It said, "Calculating route to St. George, Utah — also, you're never leaving." |
Dixie Direct Savings Guide |
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Dixie Direct has proudly served Southern Utah for over 30 years, partnering with local businesses to bring you incredible savings on dining, golf, travel, and much more. Their discount book connects residents and visitors alike with deals across dozens of categories. Whether you're looking to save at your favorite restaurant, hit the links for less, or explore other local services, Dixie Direct makes it easy and affordable. They also offer a fantastic fundraising program for schools in the area. Pick up your copy of the Dixie Direct book or join the VIP Club to start enjoying exclusive discounts throughout Southern Utah today. |
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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. |
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In St. George, the Bar None Wranglers play country favorites for local audiences, including residents of memory care facilities.
Most members are in their 70s and 80s, yet founder Robin Davis says the band averaged about 140 performances a year over the past two years.
For the musicians, the reward is connection rather than applause.
Member Joe Lawrence has watched residents who rarely speak tap their feet or join in when a familiar song begins.
Davis remembers a caregiver’s surprise at hearing one resident sing along after years of speaking very little.
The band has changed lives onstage, too: after first seeing the Wranglers perform, Dennis Madsen taught himself ukulele, guitar and banjo before joining them. Read More... |
1 reader is talking about this | Top first |
JM | Judy M. · 5 days ago My mom is in a memory care facility here in St. George and music really does reach her in a way nothing else does. So grateful people like t…
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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!! |
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Q/A Questions |
Q: Why does St. George, Utah have such a mild winter compared to the rest of the state?
A: St. George sits in Utah's "Dixie" region, a low-elevation basin surrounded by sandstone cliffs and canyon walls that trap warm air and block cold northern winds. This geography keeps average January highs near 55°F, a striking contrast to Salt Lake City's frosty 37°F average for the same month.
Q: What's the story behind the nickname "Utah's Dixie" for the St. George area?
A: In the 1860s, Brigham Young sent Mormon settlers to the region specifically to grow cotton, hoping to make the territory self-sufficient during the Civil War era. The warm climate made it feel reminiscent of the American South, earning the area its lasting "Dixie" nickname long after the cotton experiment quietly faded away. |
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Flash flooding from Gould Wash reached roughly 130 homes in Hurricane on Thursday, sending families near 150 South and 850 West into another exhausting cleanup.
For some residents, the muddy water brought a second round of damage after flooding in August, with basements, belongings and floors hit again.
Homeowners, firefighters and volunteers pumped water and carried buckets of mud from homes, while city crews responded to flooding around roads, bridges and culverts.
A nearby church opened as a shelter for people who needed to leave their homes.
Mayor Clark Fawcett declared a local emergency, which could help the city seek state and federal cleanup assistance.
Crews were still assessing the damage late Thursday, leaving the full impact unclear. Read More... |
6 readers are talking about this | Top first |
ML | Mike Larsen · 5 days ago The volunteers with the buckets in the basement really says it all. Good people showing up for their neighbors out there.
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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. |
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Tip of The Day |
Beat the St. George Heat by Hiking Backward Through the Day
Most visitors to St. George plan their outdoor adventures for the morning, but a smarter move is to structure your day in reverse: head out to spots like Snow Canyon State Park or the Chuckwalla Trail in the final 90 minutes before sunset.
The red sandstone absorbs heat all day and radiates a warm amber glow at dusk, the crowds have thinned dramatically, and temperatures can drop 15–20 degrees from the midday peak — all without waking up before dawn.
Bring a headlamp for the walk back and you'll experience the desert the way locals actually do it.
Bonus: evening light hits the iron-oxide cliffs at a low angle that makes every photo look professionally shot, no filter needed. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Cotton |