29 things you gotta do in Southern Utah

Hello everyone!  I'm so happy to tell you McKay and I just got back from a mini vacation to one of our most favorite places, Southern Utah.  McKay and I actually met down there when we attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City and have always considered that part of Utah our second home, especially with all of the fun memories of going to school, falling in love, and being in one of the most beautiful and scenic places in America.

We had so much fun down in Southern Utah, I want to share with you some of the things you MUST try, do, see, and eat in this gem of Utah.  The great thing about this area of Utah (Cedar City and St. George area) is that there's something for everyone whether you're looking for adventure, looking for some rest and relaxation, on a tight budget (like we are), there for a short time, with just your spouse, or with your family, there's so many things you can do! 
Adventure
-Hike Angel's Landing at Zion National Park and see breathtaking views of the park.
-Hike through the funky looking hoodoo's at Bryce Canyon National Park.
-Hike or bike four miles and stand 10,000 above sea level at Powell's Point.
-Explore Snow Canyon Lava Cave
-Go spelunking in Bloomington Cave
-Mountain bike Gooseberry Mesa.
-Visit Snow Canyon, take a scenic drive, hike, and site see all of the formations and beautiful landscapes.  
-Take a midnight hike through Cedar Breaks National Park, I recommend doing it during a full moon. 
-Rent ATV's, dirtbikes, or side by sides and go to take a ride at Warner Valley.
-Go swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, or boating at Sand Hollow. 
-Run and bike in the many 5K, 10K, half and full marathons or bicycle races. 

Consume
-Order a sugar cookie and dirty diet coke from Swig, or if you can't, go here to get the recipe.
-Get sushi and delicious Thai food at Benji's.
-Order a pastrami, sweet pepper, cream cheese, and sprout sandwich on focaccia bread at Pastry Pub.
-Order any pizza, they're all amazing at the Centro Woodfired Pizzeria and make sure to get the Nutella Pizza dessert!
-Taste the most creamy ice cream ever at Nielsen's Frozen Custard, my favorite is the Caramel Cashew flavor! 
-Want to splurge, hop on over to the Painted Pony for some fantastic Southwestern cuisine!
-Visit the local favorite Durango's Mexican Grill  for some good grub!
-Get a gyro, a Greek salad, and a baklava at Mad Pita Express.  

Shopping/Relaxing
-Instantly fall in love with eclecticism at the Recycled Design and Consign.
-Head over to the Ye Old Catholic Thrift Shop for some amazing finds and deals (those Catholics have nice stuff!)
-Filled with vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, and second hand furniture; Urban Renewal is a place you must visit! 
-Get a mani pedi, massage, and pampered at About Face Salon and Day Spa.
-Visit all of the really cool art galleries in St. George.

Kid Friendly
-See a play at Tuacahn, I recommend seeing The Little Mermaid.
-Visit an authentic ghost town of Grafton and the place where the hunky Robert Redford was filmed in a portion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
-Get wet at the Towne Square Park in St. George and walk across the street to get an ice cream cone from Judd's General Store.
-Jump into waterfall fed pools at Red Cliffs.
-Take a short hike to the top of the Dixie name at Dixie Sugarloaf Park, this is a local favorite. 

Hopefully you'll find these activities totally fun and exciting as we do.  I'd love to hear from you on some of your favorite things to do down in Southern Utah.