St. George: More Than Just Great Golf

5 Ways to Experience SW Utah’s Celebrated Destination

Chris Duthie

St. George, Utah, has long been a favored four-season respite. Mormon leader Brigham Young resided here, the acclaimed red-rocks countryside is a Kodacolor canvas for 12 golf courses and myriad mountain bike and hiking trails, mesmerizing Zion National Park and the Mojave Desert are both nearby, and the vibrant community is rife with celebrations and festivals.

On your next golf vacation to St. George—it’s an easy 10-hour drive southwest of Denver via Interstates 70 and 15—trip the lights fantastic by attending one of the town’s special events. Here is an upcoming must-experience roster to kindle your curiosity:

1. The 15^th Annual Santa Clara Swiss Days celebrates this neighboring community’s Swiss pioneer heritage with an array of attractions, including a parade, historical displays, fun run, pancake breakfast, craft and food booths, kid’s games, dog agility demonstrations, entertainment, free outdoor concert, car show and more. Sept. 26-27, 2014; www.sccity.org

2. The 38^th Annual St. George Marathon, ranked among the 10 most scenic in the country by Runners World magazine, includes a breathtaking 2,600-foot descent through the Pine Valley Mountains and into splendid Worthern Park. This New York City Marathon qualifier includes a for-charity walk, all-you-can-eat pasta dinner, training exhibits and a health and fitness expo. Oct. 4, 2014; stgeorgemarathon.com

3. The 28^th Annual Huntsman World Senior Games, open to all men and women age 50 and older, is one of the top senior sports competitions in North America. Since 1987 it has attracted serious athletes from throughout the world who participate in 27 events—including triathlon, mountain biking, swimming and golf—over a two-week period. The event also promotes health by providing life-saving screenings for cancer, glaucoma, diabetes and other diseases. Live concerts, dances and awards socials are part of the mix. Oct. 6-18, 2014; seniorgames.net

4. As many as 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the Spooky Town Fair, a family oriented Halloween celebration that annually raises money for Washington County schools and students. Staged downtown at the St. George Town Square, the event will offer vendor booths, concessions, live entertainment, Halloween carnival games, bounce houses and more. Oct. 24-25, 2014; wspookytownfair.com

5. It’s unexpectedly held during Thanksgiving, yet the 35^th Annual Jubilee of Trees, billed as the largest showcase of custom-designed Christmas trees between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, is a don’t-miss event. This enchanting early peek into Christmas includes full-size and miniature trees, holiday wreaths, gingerbread houses and seasonal décor. Nov. 20-24, 2014; jubileeoftrees.org

For more about St. George, Utah, go online to stgeorgechamber.com or atozion.com.

RELATED LINKS

Golf in Utah’s Dixie

Stay and Play in Utah

Go Play the Red Rock Golf Trail

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.