Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1056902
December 2018/January 2019 19 S TAY RED MOUNTAIN RESORT 1275 RED MOUNTAIN CIRCLE IVINS, UT 84738 PHONE: (435) 673-4905 WWW.REDMOUNTAINRESORT.COM DESERT PEARL INN 707 ZION PARK BOULEVARD SPRINGDALE, UT 84767 PHONE: (435) 772-8888 WWW.DESERTPEARL.COM BROKEN SPUR INN 955 EAST SR 24 TORREY, UT 84775 PHONE: (435) 425-3775 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ BROKENSPURINNSTEAKHOUSE D I N E CAFE DIABLO 599 W MAIN ST TORREY, UT 84775 PHONE: (435) 425-3070 WWW.CAFEDIABLO.COM BIT & SPUR 1212 ZION PARK BLVD. SPRINGDALE, UT 84767 PHONE: (435) 772-3498 WWW.BITANDSPUR.COM WHIPTAIL GRILL 445 ZION PARK BLVD. SPRINGDALE, UT 84767 PHONE: (435) 772-0283 WWW.WHIPTAILGRILLZION.COM Top and Bottom Photos: Jack Burke Stay at the Desert Pearl Inn, whose expansive and sleekly modern rooms boast hardwood floors, Native American art, and natural flora as well as a shiny kitchenette, and porches with mountain or creek views. The hot tub is large, and another fine vantage point to look up at the stars and mountains. Fine dining with southwest flair is the order of the day at the beautiful, art-filled Bit & Spur Restaurant and Saloon also in Springdale. Craft cocktails, most made with fresh fruit (try the house and the spicy margaritas), support delicious entree choices that can be shaped to accommodate any diet; there are ample vegetarian options such as a savory baked polenta with cremini and oyster mushrooms. Or enjoy other various selections such as salmon with a homemade corn cake. Don't miss the warm house tortillas, Mexican chocolate-filled churros, or smoky sweet potato tamales. A more casual option is the surprisingly gourmet selection at a small, warm cafe in an unlikely location: The Whiptail Grill, adjoining a gift shop at a former gas station. There's an expansive patio with heat lamps in front, but if the evening is chilly, tuck into a cozy booth inside for innovative selections such as an astoundingly good hand-filled chili relleno or a plate of nachos large enough to share. The stuffed avocado salad filled with sweet marinated corn is a vegan delight. It's only a few hours' drive to the relatively untrammeled Capitol Reef National Park, one of the least visited in the state. Shhh — it's a terrific "secret" — even in the height of summer, you can find little-traveled trails. And in the winter, temperatures are mild — in the high 60s by day, and the brightly colored sandstone cliffs are vivid and exciting in a wash of late afternoon golden light. Don't miss a trek to Hickman Bridge or a stop at Sunset point. Stop in at the orchard shop in Fruita, a historic farming area within the park; winter may not be the season for freshly picked peach and apple pie, but something tasty will be baking, and the preserves are a delicious souvenir. Have dinner at Cafe Diablo, just outside the park in Torrey, Utah. It's quite a find. From elegant desserts that resemble artwork to extraordinary salads such as the watermelon, feta, and arugula, or the roasted butternut squash risotto as a main course, you can't go wrong here. Don't miss the Mexican pumpkin ravioli, or if you lean toward fish, the sustainably sourced pumpkin-seed trout. Drinks are exceptional, too. We stayed at the friendly, beautifully appointed Broken Spur Inn. The large Western-themed room included charming touches like spur-shaped towel racks and pillows inviting us to "Kick off your boots and stay awhile." Outside our room, expansive views looked toward the park's Panorama Point; a bronze equine statue pointed the way to a comfortable indoor pool. The on-property steakhouse offered lovely salads and a primavera pasta for veg diners, plus a really great cobbler for dessert. So — what's holding you back? Your holiday red doesn't have to come from Santa's suit, or your blue from Hanukkah decor — red rocks, blue sky — that's the best holiday present around and it's all waiting for you in Utah.