Stay a spell

GETTING THERE:

St. George is 390 miles from Los Angeles, about two hours beyond Las Vegas on Interstate 15. There are nonstop flights to St. George’s airport from LAX on United; restricted round-trip fares start at $204.

WHERE TO STAY:

Seven Wives Inn, 217 N. 100 West, St. George; (800) 600-3737, www.sevenwivesinn.com. Period décor B&B with 13 rooms and suites. Doubles $90-$185.

Red Mountain Spa, 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, Ivins; (800) 407-3002, www.redmountainspa.com. One of the toniest places to bunk in the area, with a full-service spa and outstanding views. Starting at $229 per person per night, including all meals.

WHERE TO EAT:

The Painted Pony, 2 W. St. George Blvd., No. 22, St. George; (435) 634-1700, www.painted-pony.com. Chef Randall Richards’ fare is fresh, seasonal and decidedly Southwestern — smoked fowl, lamb, rib steaks. Lunch $8-$11, dinner entrees $18-$26.

Dammeron Valley Barbeque, 1090 N. Highway 18, Dammeron Valley; (435) 574-3600. About 20 miles northwest of St. George, the barbecue is Memphis-grade. Lunch platters $7-$10, dinners $15-$20.

WHAT TO DO:

Snow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Drive, Ivins; (435) 628-2255, (800) 322-3770 www.stateparks.utah.gov. $5 per vehicle entry fee. Overnight camping ($14-$17) in designated areas.

Tuacahn Center for the Arts, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins; (800) 746-9882, www.tuacahn.org. Tickets $12.50-$44.

St. George Musical Theater, 37 S. 100 West; (435) 628-8755, www.sgmt.org. Tickets $10-$15.

Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, 2180 E. Riverside Drive; (435) 574-3466, www.dinotrax.com. $3 adults, $2 age 4-11, free for kids 3 and younger.

TO LEARN MORE:

St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, 97 E. St. George Blvd.; (435) 628-1658, www.stgeorgechamber.com.

-- Ken Van Vechten