St George Thrives Insider Staff
Jul 11, 2026
Trivia Question❓St. George, Utah sits atop a geologic formation called the Kayenta Formation, but the region is perhaps more famous scientifically for the discovery of which early Jurassic dinosaur species, whose tracks are preserved at the nearby St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Dinosaur fossil excavation near St George, Utah is creating a buzz as scientists reveal significant discoveries in the Grand Staircase-Escalante region.
Despite harsh heat and challenging terrain, paleontologists recovered an extraordinarily rare baby duckbill dinosaur skeleton, with its delicate bones perfectly preserved in lifelike poses.
The fossil, estimated at 70 million years old, was so fragile and isolated that a Utah National Guard Black Hawk helicopter was deployed for a dramatic airlift, showcasing the powerful collaboration between science and local resources.
Also unearthed was a massive ornithomimid, an ostrich-like dinosaur, expanding global interest in southern Utah’s prehistoric treasures.
The fossils are now en route to labs and will soon become headline exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Utah, promising locals fresh programs and interactive experiences about their region’s fascinating ancient past. Read More... |
Quote Of The Day |
"The desert is no wasteland — it is a library written in stone and light, waiting for those patient enough to read it." — Edward Abbey |
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Work on Bluff Street between Main Street and St. George Boulevard begins this week, with crews setting up signs and temporary road striping in preparation for changes to traffic patterns as the project gets underway.
Highlighted during the Dixie Regional Transportation Expo held earlier this year, work on Bluff Street, part of the Utah Department of Transportation’s overall "Bluff Street Renewed" project, starts Monday. The project aims to improve drainage and safety.
Regarding the drainage, the ditch on the west side of the roadway will be buried as new piping is installed. The ditch will be replaced with a modern storm drain system designed to improve long-term performance during severe weather. Safety improvements to Bluff Street include intersection upgrades, resurfacing and the installation of a landscaped median similar to what exists on St. George Boulevard. Traffic will shift during construction as crews move between project phases. Read More... |
Joke Of The Day |
I told my son I was reading a book about anti-gravity. He asked if it was good. I said I couldn't put it down — but honestly, I also couldn't explain it to anyone without things getting a little over their heads. |
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.
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Susie Bulloch, the St. George entrepreneur behind the popular barbecue brand Hey Grill Hey, is heading to national television as a competitor on Food Network's new series "Pitmasters."
Bulloch will team up with longtime friend and Las Vegas-based pitmaster Christie Vanover to compete against elite barbecue teams for a chance to win up to $50,000.
The grueling outdoor competition requires contestants to build their own cooking pits, prepare meals over open flames and keep fires burning around the clock — with eliminated teams having their fire extinguished.
Filmed at a Southern Utah resort, Bulloch held a natural edge — her familiarity with the area's elevation helped her avoid altitude sickness that slowed several competitors.
The duo plans to highlight bold Southwest-inspired flavors and Dutch oven cooking throughout the competition. "Pitmasters" premieres Monday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network, streaming the following day on HBO Max. Read More... |
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Tip of The Day |
Beat the St. George Heat by Timing Your Meals Around the Sun If you're visiting St. George, Utah, skip the midday restaurant rush and instead have your biggest meal early — around 11 a.m. — before temperatures peak.
Most locals know to retreat indoors between noon and 4 p.m., so restaurants are quieter, staff are attentive, and you get better service. Use that hot afternoon window to rest, then re-energize for a late-day hike when shadows stretch across the red rock and temperatures drop dramatically.
St. George evenings cool surprisingly fast, making that 6 p.m. trail feel like a completely different desert. |
Start your morning with a fresh-made favorite at Daylight Donuts — a local favorite serving up warm, delicious donuts daily in St. George.
Known for their soft, fluffy texture and classic homemade taste, Daylight Donuts has become a go-to stop for families, early risers, and anyone craving a sweet treat done right all day.
From glazed classics and chocolate-frosted favorites to filled donuts and specialty creations, there’s something for everyone behind the counter.
Open Monday through Friday from 6am–10pm and Saturdays from 6am–3pm. Visit today or online and see why your day is brighter with Daylight Donuts!
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Secret Little Hack |
Skip the Crowds at Snow Canyon by Going Backward Want a quieter Snow Canyon experience? Skip the main entrance and start at the Johnson Canyon trailhead on the park's south end.
Hiking north lets you enjoy stunning lava tubes, colorful sandstone, and beautiful morning light before the crowds arrive. Early risers also appreciate that the southern pull-off often opens before the staffed entrance booth. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Eubrontes (the track-maker, likely a large theropod such as Dilophosaurus) |