No matter where you live in Utah, you're always surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of recreation opportunities, but sometimes it's fun to get away for a weekend escape. Hop in your car and head to one of these nine small towns in Utah, where you'll find plenty to see and do.
1. Kamas
Kamas is home to just 2,500 or so residents, and it's a pretty, rural town that's located right at the bottom of the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. Grab a bite to eat at Mirror Lake Diner, then hit the road to the High Uintas. Make sure to stop at the Samak Smokehouse & Country Store for some fresh jerky, then check out Provo River Falls, fish in one of the dozens of little lakes, and take an easy hike around Mirror Lake.
2. Parowan
Often overlooked, the tiny town of Parowan is located along I-15 just 20 miles north of Cedar City. Its charming Main Street offers some good dining options, and the town proclaims itself as having the best cinnamon rolls in the state. Take The Sweet Tour to find out for yourself, then check out the Parowan Gap petroglyphs just west of town - they're at least 1,000 years old.
3. Bicknell
If Capitol Reef National Park is on your bucket list, pay a visit to the small town of Bicknell - it sits right at the park's doorstep. While you're there, you absolutely must stop into the Sunglow Restaurant and Motel to try the pickle pinto bean pie. It's one of the most unique things you'll ever eat, and it's surprisingly delicious.
4. Duchesne
If boating and fishing top the list of your favorite things to do, a trip to Duchesne is a must. Nearby Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation Reservoir offers pretty beaches and a beautiful lake full of trophy-sized walleye. Known as the "Gateway to the Uintah Basin," there's plenty of hiking and outdoor recreation near this little town. Make a stop at Cowan's Cafe for some tasty comfort food while you're there.
5. Kanab
You'll never run out of things to do in Kanab. Known as "Little Hollywood," this town represents the spirit of the Wild West and filmmakers have flocked to the area for decades. Check out the Little Hollywood Land for a dose of history and a delicious chuckwagon dinner. You'll also want to pay a visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is home to around 1,600 dogs, cats, birds, horses, goats, rabbits, pigs, and more.
6. Oakley
Oakley is known for its incredible rodeo, which takes place every year around the Independence Day holiday. You'll want to get your tickets and book your lodging well in advance for this popular event. The rest of the year, enjoy a visit with farm animals at RunDown Ranch Kids Farm, then grab a meal at the Road Island Diner - a charming little restaurant inside a vintage dining car.
7. Panguitch
Panguitch is home to fewer than 2,000 people, but don't let its size fool you - it offers plenty of recreation. This town is literally surrounded by Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Dixie National Forest. Hiking, mountain biking, and fishing are just a few of the outdoor activities available. Check out the Panguitch Balloon Rally every summer in June, when the skies fill with brightly-colored hot air balloons.
8. Marysvale
If riding through the mountains on an ATV, surrounded by a beautiful forest is your cup of tea, then you'll want to put Marysvale on your small town getaway bucket list. It's right in the heart of the Paiute ATV Trail, which offers 275 miles of trails, branching out from town in every direction. Stay overnight at the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort, which offers a campground, motel, cabins, and caboose suites.
9. Brigham City
The largest town on our list, Brigham City sits right in the middle of all kinds of cool outdoor spots. Head west to see the Golden Spike National Historic Park and Spiral Jetty, head south to take a tour along Utah's Fruit Way and go north to hike in the Wellsville Mountains. Or, stay right in town for Peach Days (held in September) and grab a bite to eat at Maddox Ranch House, which serves some of the best fried chicken in the state.
Which of these small towns in Utah is your favorite? Are there any small towns in the Beehive State that you particularly love to visit? Do you live in one of the small towns mentioned above? Let us know in the comments!
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