Southern Utah for Seniors

December 1, 2022 Moon Bloom

With temperatures in the St. George area cooling, it’s a beautiful time of year to spend outdoors meandering through some of the historic places Downtown, exploring nearby walking trails, spending family time at one of the city’s many parks, or teeing off beside one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the southwest. There is no shortage of activities within an hour’s drive of WillowWind RV Park to keep you and your family entertained as we come to the end of another fantastic year.

Dining

There are so many great dining options downtown that have remained a fixed part of St. George’s history. George’s Corner Restaurant sits on 2nd St, not far from Rock House Records. This restaurant sits on the same corner it occupied in the 30s and 40s. Back then it was known as the Big Hand Cafe and would cater to tourists offloading from the nearby Greyhound bus stop.

The Painted Pony Restaurant in the Tower Building at Ancestor Square is a cozy spot offering lunch between 11 am and 3:30 pm before the atmosphere shifts to a casual, romantic fine dining experience at 4 pm. Then walk off your meal and stroll down Main Street, visiting the antique and jewelry shops. After exploring downtown, you can expect to be back at WillowWind RV Park within 30 minutes.

Town Square Park

Located within the downtown historic district, you’ll find Town Square Park. In the summer months, the kids can enjoy a variety of water features including a lazy river and splash pad. Although, in winter, it’s best to visit the antique carousel from Chicago. This carousel was built in 1989 by Chance Rides and remained in operation until 2006. After restoration, it opened in St. George in 2011. The carousel can be found near the splash pad and Children’s Museum. Single rides cost $1, but you can purchase 20 rides for $15. For now, only cash is accepted.

St. George Theater

If you enjoy plays or shows, the St. George Theater is worth a visit. This theater is located in the Opera House at 212 N. Main St and is showcasing a Christmas-themed “Best of Broadway” variety show performed with a live band from November 17 to December 17. Tickets start at $25 and show times are either 2 pm or 7:30 pm. You could extend your theater experience into 2023 by purchasing a Season Ticket Package for $149 which includes shows for My Fair Lady, Catch Me If You Can, The Pirates of Penzance, Footloose, 42nd Street, and She Loves Me.

Tuacahn Theater

A brief 35-minute drive west brings you to the Tuacahn Theatre. This beautiful amphitheater was constructed in Padre Canyon at the base of 1,500-foot red cliffs! Beginning November 25, the theater will kick off its Christmas season with more than 250,000 light decorations, the Tuacahn Express train rides, visits with Santa, an open fire to keep you warm and live nativity scene performances in the evening. Admission is free, but some of the activities will run between $3 - $5. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, which can be done by visiting their website (https://www.tuacahn.org/concert/christmas-in-the-canyon/).

The Center for the Arts

The Center For the Arts at Kayenta in Ivins, about 40 minutes from WillowWind RV Park, will be presenting Kurt Bestor’s annual Christmas concert “Return to the Magic” on December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Then, on December 16, an interactive retelling of the 1947 live radio broadcast for “It’s a Wonderful Life” will begin at 7:30 pm. For this show, the audience is encouraged to participate as the “live studio audience.” Tickets start at $25.

Exploring Nature

Winter can be a beautiful time of year in the southwest, and with more than 40 parks in the St. George area to choose from, there are plenty of places to explore. Whether you’re bringing your grandchildren to the park for a playday or enjoying some time outside, taking advantage of warm winter sunlight on short winter days will certainly boost your mood. About 10 minutes from WillowWind RV Park, you’ll find a city park named Grandpa’s Pond. This park features two family-friendly walking trails. One of the trails is a 1.5-mile loop trail that can be completed in about half an hour, while the other is a little over half a mile long.

Plan a picnic and enjoy some of the amenities at Tonaquint Nature Park. The park boasts 33 acres of activities from tennis courts to sand volleyball and a children’s playground. There are also covered pavilions, BBQ pits, restrooms, and the Tonaquint Nature Center, where you can enjoy the soothing sound of the Santa Clara river and the wind rustling through the cattails. You’ll also find walking trails that connect to the Santa Clara river trail, suitable for a relaxing day beneath canopies of established trees.

Shopping

As the days become cooler and holidays are near, roaming through an indoor mall will keep you warm and your legs moving. With more than 40 retailers, the Red Cliffs Outlet Mall is the perfect indoor escape for a day outside of the house. On December 1, photos with Santa will begin! Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 am - 7 pm and Sundays from 12 pm - 6 pm.

Golfing

If you’re looking to hit the links, Dixie Red Hills Golf Course is just the ticket. This 18-hole course nestled outside of Zion National Park and the Pine Valley Mountain Range will certainly take your breath away as you drive from hole to hole, enjoying the landscape. A 6-minute drive from WillowWind RV Park lies the Sky Mountain Golf Course, another course that shares the breathtaking views of Zion National Park and the Pine Valley Mountain Range. These courses are some of the most picturesque courses in the world!

After a day exploring St. George, you’ll be sure to return to a clean, safe campground at WillowWind RV Park where you’ll be able to unwind around a campfire or gather in the clubhouse to play a game.