
St George Thrives Insider Staff
Sep 11, 2026
Trivia Question❓What was St. George, Utah, the first city in the United States to mandate the use of when it required water-efficient landscaping through its "Utah Friendly Landscaping" ordinance, making it a national pioneer in desert water conservation? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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The 9/11 memorial events in St. George, Utah, serve as a stirring reminder of unity and remembrance.
As September 11nears, the community prepares to honor the lives lost and celebrate the remarkable courage shown on September 11, 2001.
This year's Patriot Day and September 11 remembrance activities invite residents of all ages to reflect together.
On September 11, Historic Town Square becomes a gathering place for a heartfelt patriotic program, featuring children’s choirs, moving words from guest speakers, and a solemn bell tribute by the St. George Fire Department.
Families will find meaningful participation, with face painting and activities for kids.
The evening concludes with a flag retirement ceremony led by the Sons of the American Revolution and United We Pledge.
The Field of Heroes displays hundreds of flags, each honoring a fallen first responder. Read More... |
3 readers are talking about this | Top first |
MR | Mike Roundy · 1 month ago My kids did the face painting last year and actually asked questions about 9/11 after. Good way to get them involved.
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Quote Of The Day |
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman |
Lions Dixie Round-Up Rodeo |
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Get ready for the 92nd Annual Lions Dixie Round-Up Rodeo, one of St. George's most beloved traditions! Running September 17th through 19th, 2026, this exciting three-day event features thrilling rodeo action, barrel racing, Mutton Bustin' for the little ones, and a festive parade through town on Saturday morning. Beyond the fun, your attendance directly supports the St. George Lions Club's community programs, including Lady Lions scholarships, youth initiatives, and local healthcare assistance. Children ages 2 and under get in free when seated on a lap. Tickets go on sale July 15th at 9:00 AM on RodeoTicket.com. Sponsorship opportunities, queen contest sign-ups, and parade registrations are also open — don't miss your chance to be part of this cherished community celebration! |
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Joke Of The Day |
Did you hear about the claustrophobic astronaut?
He just wanted a bit more space. |
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Dixie Days returns to downtown St. George this autumn, uniting locals and newcomers for a celebration rich in tradition and lively spirit.
Anticipation is high as crowds prepare for highlights like the sold-out golf tournament, concerts beneath the stars, and the mesmerizing Dixie Days Drone Show — a modern twist on classic Utah heritage events.
Historic exhibits at the Tabernacle invite residents to reconnect with St. George’s roots, while guided treks and exclusive film screenings spark conversations about the city’s evolving identity.
The expanded university community night and bustling Town Square carnival reflect St. George’s growth, fostering enthusiastic crowds and showcasing new local businesses.
Rodeo nights at the Dixie Sunbowl and Dinner on Main headline evenings filled with cowboy flair and acclaimed local cuisine. Read More... |
4 readers are talking about this | Top first |
MF | Mike Farnsworth · 1 month ago Love the Tabernacle exhibits. Always learn something new about the history of this town.
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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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2026 Southern Utah Art Studio Tour |
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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. |
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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!! |
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The celebrated chamber music festival is making its return to St. George, promising to enchant Southern Utah’s classical music fans.
The Dolores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center will once again host international musicians, turning the venue into a showcase of refined melodies and artistry.
Anticipation is building as musicians prepare for an evolved lineup, highlighted by a captivating piano quintet performance.
Growing demand for tickets reflects increasing local interest in classical events.
The festival's program spotlights pieces from Mozart and Schumann, with the night’s climax being the dramatic Brahms quintet.
Organizers say this concert aims to nurture both local talent and visiting enthusiasts seeking an intimate chamber setting.
The festival’s inclusive approach, offering free student admission, spotlights a commitment to inspiring young audiences.
St. George’s cultural scene is thriving, placing the city in the regional spotlight. Read More... |
2 readers are talking about this | Top first |
TB | Tom Brickley · 1 month ago Free tickets for students is a great move. Wish they did that when I was in school.
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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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Tip of The Day |
Beat the Heat by Hiking St. George's Trails Before 7 a.m.
St. George, Utah sits in the Mojave Desert and summer temperatures routinely push past 105°F by midday. If you're visiting or living there and want to explore trails like those in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area or the Bearclaw Poppy trail system, commit to starting your hike no later than 6:30 a.m.
The red sandstone absorbs heat throughout the day and radiates it back long after the sun moves, so even a trail that feels tolerable at 9 a.m. can turn punishing by 10.
Bring more water than you think you need — a minimum of one liter per hour of activity — and tuck a small electrolyte packet into your pack rather than relying on water alone to stay balanced in that dry desert air.
As a bonus, the early-morning light hitting the crimson cliffs turns the landscape a deep amber that midday sun completely washes out, making your photos far more dramatic with almost no extra effort. |
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Secret Little Hack |
Skip the Crowds at Snow Canyon by Timing the Light, Not the Season
Most visitors to Snow Canyon State Park show up mid-morning and wonder why the red sandstone looks washed out in photos. The insider move is to arrive within the first 20 minutes after the park gate opens — not just for fewer people, but because the low-angle morning sun catches the iron oxide in the rock at a raking angle that turns the entire canyon into something that looks almost neon orange. That window closes fast, usually within 45 minutes of sunrise, after which the color flattens dramatically.
Here is the part most people miss: park rangers quietly refer to the western-facing Johnson Arch trailhead as the last spot to lose that golden light, meaning you can chase it from the eastern dunes all the way over to that trailhead and effectively double your window.
Locals who photograph the park do this shuttle on foot almost every clear morning in winter and early spring, when the air is still and the light lingers just a few minutes longer than summer. You get a completely different canyon than the one in every tourist brochure — and you will have most of it entirely to yourself. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Xeriscape (drought-tolerant/water-wise landscaping) |










