TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: utah

  • Best Ten Restaurants near Zion National Park’s East Entrance

    Best Ten Restaurants near Zion National Park’s East Entrance

    Here is a list of the best ten restaurants near Zion National Park’s east entrance. These are our favorites, but there are many more. Keep an eye out as you road trip through Utah’s small towns; you will stumble across hidden gems! We usually stay in Kanab, Utah, while visiting Utah’s National Parks and enter Zion on the east side, on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive/Mount Carmel Highway. The restaurants below are within 15 to 45 miles of the park. I started with the closest.

    Top 10 Restaurants near Zion National Park’s East Entrance

    The Shop Coffee Co. is located on scenic Highway 89 between Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park in Orderville, Utah. They have the BEST sandwiches. When we leave Minnesota and start driving towards Utah, it’s all I think about. 🙂 They use fresh baked sourdough from local @blessthismessblog. All the ingredients are always so fresh! We were surprised since it’s at a Sinclair gas station but trust me….stop here! They also have coffee (obviously), soup, salads, bowls, toasts, smoothies, treats, and an adorable gift shop. My fave sandwich is The Mechanic.

    Archies Food to Die For is a food truck in Orderville, Utah. The french fries and chicken fingers are fantastic and can be made gluten free. The homemade dippings sauces are amazing and the food is cooked to order!

    The Rock Stop is a must stop! You can’t drive by this building and not check it out. 🙂 The Rock Stop is also located in Orderville, Utah.

    Best Kanab, Utah, Restaurants

    The Cave Cafe is a food truck serving grilled paninis, smoothies, and açaí bowls! It is located at the Moqui Cave, which is an ancient history museum. You can see dinosaur tracks!

    Angel Village Cafe at Best Friends Animal Society offers a $5.00 vegetarian lunch buffet every day from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Look at that view! Side tip: sign up for a tour of the sanctuary.

    Peekaboo Canyon Wood-Fired Kitchen offers vegetarian and vegan options. Peekaboo is our favorite spot to dine al fresco for lunch. Fantastic pizza, mushroom burgers, and salads. They are now offering brunch! The dogs love the tented patio for the nice shade.

    I dream about Sego Restaurant all year and Chef Shon’s deep fried soft boiled egg. It is heaven! Chef Shon is magical in the kitchen and Sego is such a special place from the food to the service. It’s our date night go-to. They have the best charcuterie boards and we love the social style of dining.

    Vermillion 45 is a casual French/Italian bistro. The food is spectacular! We have come to expect the unexpected in Kanab and Vermillion 45 fits right in. We love the casual vibe, open kitchen, and dog-friendly patio.

    If you want a quick homemade sandwich, ice cream cone, or malt, check out The Soda Fountain in Kanab Drug. They have a super cute gift shop too!

    Wild Thyme has the best bowls! And try the Kanab Cowboy Ribs. Yum.

    A couple of extras: 

    Willow Canyon has the best coffee in Kanab, and you can pick up any hiking gear needs. 

    Asava – Best fresh squeezed juice! 

    Let me know if you have any questions!

    When you visit Kanab, you’ll fall in love. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly stay, check out >> https://tracyseesstuff.com/2022/03/20/best-friends-roadhouse-and-mercantile-dog-friendly-hotel-in-southern-utah/

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Life of a Best Friends Rescue Dog

    Life of a Best Friends Rescue Dog

    The Story of a Best Friend Animal Society Adoption

    This is the life story of a rescue dog, our Best Friends rescue dog. When we met, I had no idea how much you would change our lives for the better. Our time together was short but continues to have a lasting impact.

    Thousands of miles and adventures in your years. Thank you for saving us, sweet girl. Run free…

    We met at Best Friends Animal Society, a place that was on my bucket list after seeing their National Geographic “Dog Town” series. We scheduled a tour and then randomly checked their website for puppies available for adoption. There you were! Without hardly thinking, we submitted our adoption paperwork. It was late in the evening. The next morning during the tour, we got a call from the Best Friends Adoption Specialist. Our cell service was sketchy, so we could not connect. We were so nervous that we would miss the opportunity. But then…

    From that day forward, life was full of lessons, adventures, and love. You taught us patience, how to work together, to take breaks, to enjoy daily walks. You literally made us laugh every single day. Your personality was larger than life. You loved to travel and road trips. Every hotel, every new location, was a place to discover and explore. You climbed on every table and chair even when you were too big to fit. You loved sitting on the lawn chairs in the backyard and taking it all in.

    I could post a million pictures of you and tell a million stories. When we found out that you had kidney disease at your one year check-up, it was so heartbreaking. We made up our minds to fill your short life with adventure. Another thing that through you changed us forever. We grew closer, discovered ourselves through traveling, and became happier. I felt a strong connection to you because of struggling with my own pain. We both had challenges but we figured out ways to work around them and live our best lives. We took breaks when we needed them and pushed ourselves when we could. Together.

    You were never sure what to do with your long legs. 🙂

    You died at the young age of three (almost four). I’m so thankful for the time that you had with your brother, Allen. He brought out so much joy in you the last year of your life.

    We miss you so much.

    Best Friends Animal Society started over 35 years ago with a no-kill sanctuary in Utah. Today, they are helping homeless pets in every corner of the country. Their goal is to have the country no-kill by 2025. You can learn more HERE.

    Learn more about Best Friends and make a gift in honor of your animal best friend at https://bfas.io/bfday23.

    Life is short, do the things that stir your soul. ❤️

    *Originally posted January 12, 2021. One year after Utah passed away.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Goulding’s Lodge & Tours – Monument Valley

    Goulding’s Lodge & Tours – Monument Valley

    Do you remember this spot from the Forrest Gump movie? There have been many movies filmed in Monument Valley which makes for fun trivia when road tripping through!

    Best place to stay in Monument Valley, Arizona

    Speaking of movies, staying at Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border, feels like you’re on a set. The lodge is located approximately five miles from the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center, which allows you to get up close and personal with the monuments. Plus, you can set up exclusive tours right at the lodge or drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop on your own. This iconic view!!!

    view of monument valley

    Goulding’s offers a variety of lodging options, including spacious rooms, suites, stand-alone villas, and a campground/RV park. Amenities include the onsite Stagecoach Restaurant, Grocery Store, Laundromat, and Gas Station. We loved the convenience of having everything we needed so close. Some rooms are dog friendly, and we loved that each unit has its own door. It makes it so much easier when traveling with the dogs. The views of the monuments are incredible; both sunrise and sunset were spectacular. There is easy access to hiking right out your door and not to mention all the onsite attractions. There is so much to do and see at the lodge and beyond.

    a picture of a hotel at monument valley

    Sunrise views from our room.

    Things to do in Monument Valley

    The dogs loved the trails and hiking around the Goulding’s property. Other onsite attractions include the Goulding’s Museum, Gift Shop, Earth Spirit Theater, Navajo Culture, and history, including “John Wayne’s Cabin” filled with movie memorabilia. 

    a dog looking at monument valley

    You have to try the traditional fry-bread at the Stagecoach Restaurant! Mouthwatering.

    a picture of fry bread

    Monument Valley is magical. This was our second time visiting, the first time we just drove through and this time we stayed a couple of nights. I didn’t want to leave. Here are more incredible views…

    Check out my Southwest Utah and Monument Valley blog post from a few years ago for more places to see: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/03/08/monument-valley-southern-utah/

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Capitol Reef National Park – Utah

    Capitol Reef National Park – Utah

    Capitol Reef National Park

    Celebrate National Park Week in April and explore a new park! Capitol Reef National Park surrounds a 100-mile-long “wrinkle in the earth” known as the Waterpocket Fold and is located in south-central Utah. It is part of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, including Arches, Zion, Canyonlands, and Zion. If you love to escape the crowds, this park is for you!

    Top Things To Do – Capitol Reef National Park

    Get homemade pies and cinnamon rolls at the Gifford Homestead!! The pie is homemade from fruit grown in the orchards. The green orchards among the red rocks are so beautiful. Get there early because the pie goes fast! It’s the best pie I’ve ever tasted. So fresh and delicious! Our favorite flavor was the strawberry rhubarb.

    After pie, explore the Historic Fruita District. There are historic buildings, a visitor center, campground, and many hikes and trails. Eight families lived in the Fruita District until 1969 (Capitol Reef became a National Park in 1971) and lived completely off the land including the orchards and drinking unfiltered water from the Fremont River. There have been people living in this area for thousands of years as you will see by the petroglyphs below and they believe the first Latter Day Saints settler in this specific area was around 1879. At that time it was known as Junction and mail was delivered to the Fremont Cottonwood tree (“mail tree”), which still stands today.

    Scenic Byway 24

    Drive Scenic Byway 24 – This is the main road that runs through the park and the views are breathtaking. Some of the top sights along this route are Panorama Point, Sunset Point, and Goosenecks Overlook.

    See the Petroglyphs carved by the Fremont Culture in the 300-1300 Common Era. The more you look, the more you will see.

    We stayed at Rim Rock Inn located in Torrey, Utah at the entrance to the park. It’s a great location! There are regular hotel rooms and individual cabins. We loved the cabins, the view is incredible. The cabins are super spacious with cool antique furniture and are dog-friendly. There is a very good restaurant onsite plus an awesome bar/patio with outdoor patio with live music.

    There’s so much more- we only had one day to visit so this barely scratches the surface. There are a lot of scenic drives and hikes to do in this park. I can’t wait to go back and explore more! 

    While in Southern Utah, another fantastic drive is Cottonwood Canyon Road at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Read more HERE. Life is short, find what stirs your soul. ❤️

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile – Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

    Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile – Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

    Top Dog Friendly Hotel in Southern Utah

    Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is an awesome dog-friendly hotel in Southern Utah. It’s not your typical dog-friendly hotel, pets are not only welcome but expected. Located in Kanab, Utah, it is the perfect base camp while volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and exploring Southern Utah. The recreation options are endless! Plus, while you’re enjoying Best Friends Roadhouse hospitality, you’re also supporting their life-saving animal work. 🧡

    Sunrise in Kanab, Utah
    Sunrise at the Roadhouse

    We have stayed at the roadhouse multiple times, along with other hotels in Kanab, during our visits over the last 10 years. Here is why we love and recommend Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile (besides being dog-friendly): first-rate customer service, easy online booking, unique and well-appointed guest rooms, a walkable location, and convenient onsite services. Let’s get into the details.

    “The only reason we invite people is to open the doors for the pets!” 😉

    – JoAnne Rando-Moon, Front Desk, Best Friends Roadhouse

    Picture of Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile

    We all love the small touches. Our top two favorite activities at Best Friends Roadhouse are kitty bingo and s’mores by the bonfire. The smell of cedar, pine, and juniper in the evening, surrounded by the red rocks, is the best and warms the soul. Kitty bingo is hilarious- a fun night of community, meeting new people, lots of laughs, and kittens running around the Mercantile. Keep an eye on their calendar because they also offer live music and other events!

    Kitty Bingo-

    Pet-Friendly Hotel Amenities in Southern Utah

    For pets: a fenced, spacious park, a personalized nameplate, a pull-out bed and cubby holes, welcome treats from the staff, a pet-washing station, and their very own drinking fountain. The fenced pet park offers plenty of room to run and a splash zone for hot summer days. There is also a small run area. ALL of this and the pets stay free.

    From the cozy beds to the outdoor park, our dog Allen gives the Roadhouse 5 paws up.

    For people, shopping and a continental breakfast at the Mercantile, a laundry station with products included, technology (An INTELITY® in-room control and information tablet), and excellent Wi-Fi (which is a priority for us because we work while traveling).

    Here is Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile employee, Michael, to tell you more –

    Another huge plus for us is being able to walk to the many wonderful restaurants in Kanab. You can read about our favorites HERE.

    Charcuterie tray from Kanab, Utah Restaurant

    Best Base Camp to Explore Southern Utah

    Location, location, location! Kanab is ideally located close to National Parks and Monuments, Public Lands, State Parks, Geological Attractions, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We’ve visited many times, and our “things to do list” is still long. There is so much history and some of the most beautiful areas in the country. Below are a few ideas for your next visit.

    Zion National Park. If you want to bring your dog hiking, there is one dog-friendly trail. Read more HERE.

    Man walking dog in Zion National Park

    Explore Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.

    Bryce Canyon National Park Hoodoos
    Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
    Grand Canyon National Park
    Grand Canyon View

    Hike to the Sand Caves, Hidden Lake, and around Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    Hidden Lake
    Sand Caves

    You can also go ATVing or sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    Man walking dog Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

    Escape the crowds and take a drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We loved driving and hiking, and we hardly saw anyone. Below is one of the coolest stops at Grosvenor Arch. Incredible!

    Camping, Swimming, and House Boating at Lake Powell. There is so much to do in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

    Volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

    And our favorite thing to do is volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary! If you don’t have time to volunteer, we highly recommend scheduling a tour of the sanctuary. You will learn about the inspiration behind Best Friends and meet animals along the way. If you’re interested in volunteering, make sure to schedule ahead of time- they fill up quickly and book out a year ahead of time.

    Volunteering with the dogs fills my heart. There are many different jobs to be done, from cleaning to taking them for walks. I don’t like to do my own dishes, but I could wash dog dishes all day long. My volunteer days at the sanctuary are my best days. It’s emotional and hard to put into words- it’s so fulfilling. I love working the morning shift and then grabbing lunch at Angel Village Cafe. Lunch is always vegan, delicious, and is only $5! You can find the menu HERE.

    Life can change in a blink; do more of what stirs your soul.

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Southern Utah

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park Southern Utah

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Southern Utah is a natural, 3,730 acre, beautiful “sandbox” that opened in 1963. The dunes were created by the erosion of the nearby Navajo sandstone cliffs. As a result, the sand is a unique bright orangish pink color that pops against the blue skies.

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes Views

    There is something fun to do for everyone at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, including dogs. We explore, hike, take pictures of the ever-changing landscapes, and love watching our footprints disappear in the wind moments after leaving them. The elevation is 6000 feet, and the sand is deep. As a result, we tire quicker than we expect, especially being flatlanders. 😉

    Things to do at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

    Rent a sand sled, ATV, or Dune Buggie for some adrenaline-pumping fun, or schedule a repelling tour in the park. Have a picnic, walk and read all the signage to learn more about the native plants and animals, or relax at the overlook, taking in all the sights. Dogs are welcome if kept on a 6-foot leash. Our dog had a blast running, playing, and watching all the ATVs driving up and down the dunes.

    Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is open 7 days a week during daylight hours. The entrance fee is $8.00 and camping is $20 a night.

    Look how small the people look! It gives you perspective on the size of the dunes. Don’t forget your backpack with water and snacks.

    hiking coral pink sand dunes state park
    sand boarding southern utah

    Sand sledding.

    sand sledding southern utah

    Read about our favorite pet-friendly hotel is Southern Utah, Best Friends Roadhouse and Kanab’s Best Restaurants. All are less than 30 miles from Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

    To help plan your next trip to Southern Utah, visitsouthernutah.com. You can also search my blog using the words Kanab or Southern Utah.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

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