Written by George Scott
The Downtown Section of The Independent has a new look with additional features. We updated the printed spread in our April edition with a new look that included the Art Around the Corner outdoor exhibit, a business spotlight section, an improved map, and more. This can now be found online for better exposure. Adding the Downtown Guide online was the next step, with articles pertinent to downtown being placed there. Both the print and online versions of The Independent will offer many additional features—including Mayor Jon Pike’s regular contribution, “Coming Down the Pike”—as we dedicate greater coverage in promoting the heart of St. George.
The Independent is proud to be a longtime supporter and advocate for the vitality of downtown St. George. Having a thriving and vibrant downtown is an integral ingredient to the success and attraction of our community as a destination spot for travelers; however, what is sometimes overlooked are all of the wonderful opportunities available for the locals to experience.
Tourists and locals alike will discover that downtown St. George truly offers something for everyone and is the central hub for so much more going on citywide. The collaboration of many people over the years has brought to life the engaging beauty of the downtown area. Whether exploring on your own, with a significant other, or with family or friends, it is easy to find enjoyment and memory-making occasions at every corner.
A continued offering of events adds exuberance and liveliness to the downtown area which is second to none. Entertainment for people of all ages can be found at any number of activities and locales, including the Ancestor Square Concert series, Art Around the Corner, Art Walk on Main, Concert in the Park series, DiFiore Center, Electric Theater, Farmer’s Market, First Friday Streetfest, Historic Walk, Live Tour, Old-Fashioned Carousel, St. George Art Festival, St. George Musical Theater, Splash Pad and Water Park, Sunset on the Square movies, and The Space Between Theatre Company. Live music on weekends and throughout the week at George’s Corner offers a warm, welcoming, and lively evening out on the town.
Superb dining opportunities of all tastes, prices, and hours of operation can also be found in the heart of St. George. Bear Paw, Benja’s, Cappeletti’s, George’s Corner, One Hot Grill, Painted Pony, Pasta Factory, Pizza Factory, Rigatti’s Wood Fired Pizza, Sweet Tooth Fairy, 25 Main, and Twisted Noodle offer a variety certain to keep the palate happy and fresh.
For the shoppers—whether of the shopaholic or just plain windowshopper variety—a myriad of shops, boutiques, and salons offer options to keep everyone satisfied. Whether you’re looking for home decor, furniture, clothing, artwork, jewelry, books, antiques, collectibles, or gifts, you’ll love the treasures ready to be discovered at Annie’s Vintage Garden, Cedar Post Pawn, Downtown Furniture, Encore ‘A Chic Boutique,’ Hamilton Park Interiors, Hope Chest, Hush Hub Salon, Little Professor Books, Lunatic Fringe, M&S Turquoise, Mainstreet Antiques, McArthur Jewelry, Milne Jewelry, Studio 359, The Nook, and Urban Renewal.
For those looking to tantalize the artistic senses, downtown St. George has numerous galleries, museums, and exhibits which offer a wide range of mediums for experiencing, viewing, and if you are moved to do, purchasing art pieces. Be certain to include one or more of these to your next visit downtown: Ancestor Square, Art and Soul Gallery & Gift, Art Around the Corner, Authentique Gallery, Bedard Fine Art Gallery, Brigham Young Home, Children’s Museum, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum, DiFiore Center, Main Street Gallery by Fibonacci, Pioneer Courthouse (home to the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce), Roland Lee Gallery, Split Rock Art and Design Gallery, St. George Art Museum, and Wide Angle Gallery.
For those needing accommodations for out of town guests (or even just wanting an in-town getaway), there are several options with varying price ranges depending on services offered. Clean, comfortable, and hospitable stays are offered at Best Western Coral Hills, Best Western Travel Inn, Green Gate Village, Inn at St. George, Seven Wives Inn Bed & Breakfast, Super 8, The Thompson Mansion, and The Whitehead Guesthouse. In addition, The Adventure Hub offers a central launching pad for your next adventure.
Finally, besides all the things to do, downtown St. George offers several full banking options—including Cache Valley Bank, Chase Bank, Heritage Bank, US Bank, Wells Fargo, and Zions Bank—and all other services, such as legal, medical, insurance, investments, mortgage, title, travel, and vehicle service and repair. When you add in biking, bowling, a recreation center, Laser Mania, massage, movie rentals and yoga, one might ask themselves why they would ever need to leave downtown St. George.
Do you have a downtown St. George story or advertising need? Contact George Scott at [email protected].