Archive for the ‘activities’ Category
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Still time to vote for Best New Sports Event!
In late August we posted on our blog that the 2010 Ford Ironman St. George has been nominated for an award as the Best New Sports Event. Here’s some additional details about how this nomination came about, and how you can still participate in the final voting.
 Sports Travel Award - Ford Ironman St. George Readers of SportsTravel magazine (including you) are able to nominate and then vote for the best sports travel events in several categories. The criteria for nominations includes; superior organization of and attendance at the event, a superior experience for the competitors and/or spectators at the event, and how the site or venue served to enhance the event. You may read SportsTravel magazine by clicking on the above link and you may visit this next link to cast your vote. Final voting is open through September 13, 2010. Winners will be announced at a sports travel conference and expo, held October 18-22, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine recently commented, “Since the location of the event is a major part of the criteria for being nominated, the people of St. George should take great pride in knowing that an event held in their city is being recognized for its excellence.”
 Contestant crosses finish line in Ford Ironman St. George “The positive response to the Ironman event was overwhelming,” said Kevin Lewis, Director of Sports Marketing for the St. George Convention and Tourism Office. “Our community embraced the Ironman with the same spirit and enthusiasm they show for the other great events we host here and Ironman participants were thrilled by it. Ninety-eight percent of participating athletes gave St. George the highest possible rating in our post event survey,” said Lewis. “The event is certainly deserving of recognition, and we are excited about the nomination,”
We invite you to cast your vote here, and pass this opportunity along to your friends and associates.
Tags: best sport, ford ironman, Ironman, ironman st. george, Ironman Utah, St. George, Travel Sports, triathlon, utah, Utah Ironman Triathlon Posted in Ironman, St. George Utah, activities
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
 First Annual Documentary Film Festival in St. George, Utah and Kanab, Utah - September 16-25, 2010 In just two weeks the first annual DOCUTAH international documentary film festival will open for a 10-day event. Hosted in the red rocks of scenic southern Utah, DOCUTAH is a documentary only film festival. The event, set to be hosted in both St. George and Kanab, Utah, will feature documentaries in both indoor and outdoor theater facilities.
 Scenic viewpoint in Utah's Zion National Park This event, envisioned by Phil Tucket who is an Emmy award winning producer/director, is expected to grow to become an event of true international caliber.
Two spectacular gala events will be held in majestic outdoor settings. The opening gala, to be held on Thursday, September 16th, 2010, at the Tuacahn Amphitheater and Center for the Arts. A special closing gala (Friday, September 24th) will be held on Friday, September 24th, 2010, in Kanab, Utah.
Outdoor screenings will be held in multiple locations including the St. George Town Square, the Dixie State College O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah, and the Frontier Movie Town in Kanab.
DOCUTAH is sponsored by multiple organizations including Dixie State College, The Center for Education, Business and the Arts (CEBA), St. George City, St. George Convention and Tourism Office, Kanab City, and the Kane County Office of Tourism and Film Commission.
For more information on film schedules and locations, tickets and previews, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.docutah.com.
Tags: documentary, documentary film, documentary film festival, documentary films, docutah, film, film festival, kanab, kanab utah, St. George, St. George Utah, utah Posted in Springdale Utah, St. George Utah, activities
Friday, August 27th, 2010
 Final round of voting for "Best Sporting Event of the Year". Thanks to you, the Ford IRONMAN St. George has been nominated for the Best New Sporting Event! The final round of voting to select the winners is now open for the 2010 SportsTravel Awards. To cast your vote for the world’s best sporting events, simply visit this link, and go to the bottom of the page to the heading “New Sporting Events”. There are several categories of awards on the ballot, so feel free to vote for events in the other categories as well.
At the bottom of the ballot, you may also vote for the “Sports Event of the Year”. The Ford IRONMAN St. George option is fifth from the bottom. Voting takes less than two minutes and the deadline is September 13, 2010. Please cast your vote today.
Tags: best of the year, best sport, best sporting event, best sports, Sports, sports travel awards Posted in Biking, St. George Utah, activities, running, swimming, triathlon
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
 Fairgrounds near St. George, Utah - Located with the Hurricane, Utah city limits Between St. George and Zion National Park is the Washington County, Utah fairgrounds. While there are many events that take place at the fairgrounds on an annual basis, none comes close in scope to the county fair.
 Participants emerge from a ride at the Washington County Fair. Events began earlier this week and continue through Saturday with a slew of entertainment and activities. There are many things on the docket for the rest of the week, so visit this link for details. The carnival opens Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. An animal education center is open daily at 11:00 a.m. Boxing competitions take place Friday and Saturday evenings along with other competitions for such activities as root beer chugging and more. Friday night features a large laser show at 9:30 p.m. and there is a fireworks display on Saturday evening.
Visit the Washington County Fair (Utah) site by clicking on the link. Here’s a link for a map that shows the location of the fairgrounds.
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
This weekend is a Fee Free weekend at Zion National Park. Park officials indicate that entrance fees to Zion National Park will be waived on Saturday and Sunday, August14 and 15, 2010. Additional fee free weekends are coming up (see below).
 A couple takes in view from Angels Landing at Zion National Park This is not just for Zion National park but for all National Parks in the United States. According to park officials, the purpose of the fee free weekend is to encourage all Americans to visit their National Parks.
It is important to note that the fee waiver applies to entrance fees only and does not include special use fees such as backcountry permits and camping. The free shuttle system will be operating to transport visitors to the points of interest and trailheads in Zion Canyon. All Zion National Park facilities will be open.
Other fee free days are scheduled for:
- September 25, 2010 (Saturday)
- November 11, 2010 (Thursday)
These are individual days and not full weekends.
Tags: Angels Landing, free, national park fee, park fees, zion, Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, zion park utah, zion ut, zion utah Posted in Adventure, Uncategorized, Zion National Park, activities
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
 Mountain biking near Zion National Park, Utah A few years ago it was common knowledge that some of the best mountain biking in the United States was found in the Moab, Utah region. However, in recent years there is a growing trend toward choosing the St. George and Zion National Park area for offering some of America’s best year-round mountain biking experiences. Utah is well known for its mountain biking opportunities, but most of Utah has elevations above the 4,000 foot level and this means generally snowy conditions throughout the winter months and even early spring. The St. George area, on the other hand has many mountain biking trails that are between 2,800 feet and 4,000 feet in elevation. This means that mountain biking can be enjoyed year-round in the St. George area. Even the mountain biking trails around Zion National Park are around the 4,000 foot level and still great for most winter days.
 Cyclist ride near St. George, Utah Check out our AtoZion.com web-site for details on trails, biking guides and outfitters, and more.
Trails: One of the other factors that has contributed to the growth and awareness of mountain biking in the St. George and Zion National Park area is the number of trails that have been identified, signed and developed. Mountain bike enthusiasts around the United States are now talking to each other about their favorites mountain bike destinations and St. George is often the top of the list in these conversations.
 Riding the slick rock near Zion National Park and St. George, Utah Weather Conditions: St. George is known for having at least 325 days of sunshine on an annual basis. With nearby mountains rising over 10,000 feet in elevation, the sparse clouds often pass over St. George at this higher elevation and the sun simply has a heyday in the St George area. While summer temperatures are warm, morning rides are still great, and there are also higher elevation trails where temperatures are more cool. In St. George, Fall, winter, and springtime mountain biking and cycling is absolutely spectacular.
 Scenic mountain biking overlook between St. George and Zion National Park Scenery: Yes there are a lot of places in the world to ride a mountain bike, but not many with the diversity of scenery that you find in the St. George and Zion National Park region. This area offers four Utah State Parks, a national park (Zion) and the added diversity of high mountain forests and lower desert terrain. There’s a multitude of rock formations for slick rock trails and plenty of desert biking trails that follow unique concourses around the geologic strata of this region.
 Mountain bikes ready for rental Services: Another factor that has increased the popularity of mountain biking in the St. George, Utah and Zion National Park area is the number of bike shops and biking guide services that are found in the region. Below is a list of just some of the companies that provide mountain bike and road cycling support and services.
Bicycles Unlimited
Bike Zion
Desert Cyclery
Mountain Bike Buddies
Over the Edge Sports
Paragon Adventures
Red Rock Bicycle
Zion Adventure Company
Zion Cycles
Zion Rock and Mountain Guides
Tags: Mountain Biking, saint george mountain biking, saint george utah cycling, st. george cylcing, st. george mountain biking, utah cycling, utah mountain biking, zion cycling, zion mountain biking, zion park cycling, zion park mountain biking Posted in Adventure, Biking, Cities - Towns, Health & Fitness, Recreation, Sports, St. George Utah, Zion National Park, activities, cycling
Monday, July 26th, 2010
 A person rappels into a slot canyon in anticipation of the next set of pools There are many ways to beat the summer heat but there may not be a more exotic or exciting way to do it, than to hike in a slot canyon at Zion National Park. Zion is the king of slot canyons hikes. With names like The Narrows, The Subway, Keyhole, Pine Creek, Orderville and others, you can expect dramatic scenery at every bend in the canyon.
 Looking out of a narrow slot to a more open area in the canyon Slot canyons have been primarily carved by water flowing through the soft sandstone formations of Zion. At times the gathering rain water or snow melt congregates so quickly that these narrows slits fill too quickly with water and a flash flood is the result. For this reason it is best to be aware of weather conditions.
 A hiker slashes into a pool after sliding down the moss covered rocks In summer months the hot sun does not easily penetrate the dark recesses of these slot canyons, and the flowing water stays cool as it cascades over rock ledges and across sloping formations. Water may enter some of these slot canyons via a natural spring, from a side canyon or from water seeping through the sandstone. Whatever the source, the water feeds rich hanging gardens and often creates lush pockets of foliage.
 Water drips from one water pool to another in stair-stepping fashion In early summer tadpoles are plentiful in the pools of water within these canyons. By late summer they have fully matured and the sound of frogs echo up and down the convoluted concourse. Waterfalls make playgrounds for hikers who can handle the distance and negotiate the obstacles. Some slot canyons require rappelling while others can be traversed with a little skill in down-climbing.
 A person catches tadpoles in the pools of this slot canyon in Zion. There are many canyons inside Zion National Park where you can guide yourself on an adventure. Some require permits so check with the park web-site for details. Outside of Zion National Park there are many other slot canyon opportunities where you can be led by an experienced guide.
 This person uses a rope to control his descent over a short waterfall All of these types of canyons are most comfortable in summer months but local outfitters also provide gear such as wet-suits or dry-suits for staying warm in cooler times of year. As always, use caution and prepare properly for any outdoor experience.
Tags: Hiking, rappelling, slot, slot canyon, zion, zion narrows, Zion National Park, zion park, zion slot canyon, zion subway, zion utah Posted in Adventure, Canyoneering / Climbing, Geography, Geology, Guided Activities, Zion National Park, activities
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Get some great food to go with you on the trail, or dine-in, either way you’ll find some excellent restaurant options in the Zion National Park area. The lodge within Zion National Park offers a couple of restaurant options, while the community of Springdale provides a large list of excellent dining choices.
 One of the many fine restaurants in the Zion National Park area. If you are entering Zion National Park from the Springdale (southwest) side, then you will see many good restaurants as you move through town. As you travel into Springdale you’ll pass restaurants on your right and left. Below is a list of many of the local Springdale, Utah restaurants (reverse alphabetical order) with links to their web-sites (as available).
Zion Pizza & Noodle Company
Zion’s Lodge Red Rock Grill
Wildcat Willies Ranch Grill
Whiptail Grill
The Flying Monkey
Thai Sapa
Switchback Grille
Springdale Fruit Company Deli
Spotted Dog Pub
Sol Foods
Pioneer Restaurant
Parallel Eighty-Eight
Panda Garden Chinese Restaurant
Oscar’s Cafe & Deli
Majestic View Steakhouse & Salon
Jessie’s Bar and Grill
Cafe Soleil
Blondie’s Diner
Bit Spur Mexican Restaurant
Arkansas Al’s Pub & Eatery
Amigos Tex Mex
For the size of the community, the diversity of dining options in Springdale, Utah is excellent. Springdale is the gateway community to Zion National Park and you’ll enjoy a day of adventure, hiking, and photography in Zion knowing that these excellent dining services are just a short step away. Many people rave about their dining experiences in these restaurants that are so close to Zion National Park.
Contact these restaurants to inquire about taking a pre-prepared lunch with you into Zion National Park for the day. One of your best adventures may include some excellent Italian, Asian, Mexican or American food at the top of one of the many scenic trails within Zion Park. Don’t forgot to bring along plenty of water or other liquids to quench your thirst on the trail. Begin and end your daily adventures with exquisite fare from any of these local restaurants. Click on the links above to learn more about the Zion National Park restaurants of your choice.
Tags: dining, restaurant, Restaurants, springdale utah dining, springdale utah restaurant, zion dining, zion national park restaurant, zion park restaurant, zion restaurant, zion utah restaurant Posted in Restaurants, Springdale Utah, Zion National Park, activities, dining
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
 Ironman St. George cyclists race down Pioneer Parkway as the crowd cheers them on The TV Broadcast of the 2010 Ford Ironman St. George is scheduled to air locally in St. George on Monday, July 26th at 7:00 p.m. MST on DTV - channel 22 on the Baja Cable Network.
The show will air again on Wednesday, July 28th, Friday, July 30th, Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st. It will be broadcast at 7:00 p.m. each time.
 Cyclist finish and the running stage begins for the Ford Ironman St. George The inaugural Ironman triathlon event took place in the St. George area on May 1, 2010 and was immediately rated by many participants as one of America’s best Ironman triathlon experiences. The challenging course, dominant scenery and exceptional friendliness of the local people were listed as reasons for the race being so highly rated.
Tags: ford ironman, ford ironman st. george, Ironman, ironman st. george, ironman triathlon, saint george, St. George, St. George Utah Posted in Biking, Health & Fitness, Ironman, Sports, St. George Utah, Water Sports, activities, cycling, running, swimming, triathlon
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
We are announcing some exciting new features to our AtoZion.com web-site.
 New Design For AtoZion.com - Official web-site for St. George and Zion National Park 1- New Site Design: Within the next week you’ll see a brand new design on www.AtoZion.com. This new design is an HTML based construction which is faster loading and even a little easier to navigate. You’ll find a wealth of new information on this site including details on scenic drives, expanded details on this region’s four state parks and on area hiking and biking trails. We’ll continue to add more information on St. George and Zion National Park to this web-site.
2-Flash Site Remains: For those who love the large three dimensional background images, large photographs, and the functionality of the Flash version of our web-site, this site will still be accessible. On the right side of each page on the new site there is a menu bar that leads to various sections of the Flash version of the web-site. Both versions of the web-site provide extensive details on lodging, dining, entertainment, activities and other valuable information related to travel in the St. George and Zion National Park area.
 New Video Channel on YouTube.com for St. George and Zion National Park 3- New YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/AtoZionTV. This channel has all the latest videos for the recent, and very successful, Ironman Triathlon in St. George. It also includes information videos about St. George and Zion National Park. We invite you to click on the link and visit this site.
Tags: new website design, saint george website, st. george utah videos, st. george website, st. gerorge web site, web-site, zion, zion national park videos, zion national park website, zion park, zion park web site Posted in Entertainment, Ironman, Photography, St. George Utah, State Parks, Zion National Park, activities, lodging
|
