The Labor Day holiday has always signaled a winding down of summer. The 4th of July fireworks have come and gone, there’s a faint hint of fall in the air, and most families are already settling into their back-to-school rhythm. But with the Labor Day holiday approaching, now is the perfect time to start a new end-of-summer tradition: a family vacation to St. George.
Here in St. George, our canyon breezes remain mild, our hiking trails are sun-kissed, and our sparkling swimming pools and hot tubs are warm and inviting. Invite your whole group together for a magical, memory-filled Labor Day trip to St. George that’s sure to become an annual family-favorite getaway.
We’ve put together the perfect long-weekend Labor Day schedule for you and your whole crew to enjoy a relaxing Red Rock vacation. And whether you’re looking for a huge vacation home to hold your big family or group of friends, or you want a cozy place to rest and reconnect, Red Rock Vacation Rentals has the perfect spot for you. Gather the gang together and savor late summer in Saint George.
Friday Night
Grab Some Pizza— and Dessert!
Arrive and start the long weekend right with a visit to one of our favorite St. George pizza places— 700 Degree Pizza. We’ve already sung the praises of this restaurant in a previous post, but it bears repeating— this place is amazing! With an old-world approach and a wood-fired pizza oven, 700 Degree Pizza offers tasty farm-to-table fare that’s sure to please the whole family. Try the Mushroom Mayhem or the Quattro Formaggi pizzas. They also have an impressive selection of hard cider, craft beer, and wines.
Before heading back to your St. George vacation rental home, do a quick drive-by at Swig. Pick up a couple of creamy Raspberry Dream sodas and their famous sugar cookies to take home for dessert. A visit to Swig N Sweets is a must when visiting St. George!
Saturday
Visit a Farmers Market
Nothing captures the late summer Labor Day vibe like a vibrant, colorful farmers market. The Downtown Farmers Market at Ancestor Square is held every Saturday starting in May through the end of October. The market features a variety of local vendors selling fresh, seasonal produce.
Pick up staples like just-picked fruits and vegetables, free-range meats, fresh-made goat cheese, organic eggs, local honey, and crunchy trail mix. There’s even live plants, fresh-cut flowers, and herbs to choose from. Stock up on fragrant organic soaps, handmade jewelry, impressive woodwork, and yummy baked goods, too. Talented local musicians play throughout the market. Come enjoy a beautiful Utah morning, stock up on supplies for the weekend ahead, and delight in the friendly, small-town feel.
Fly High on a Hydro Flight
Craving some adventure? Try out an Extreme Hydro Flight! Feel the thrill as you soar up to 30 feet above the water, powered only by water jets. You’ll receive hands-on training by a hydro flight expert, who stays with you until you’re comfortable. Then it’s up, up, and away! Fly above the lake waters and enjoy the delight of flight and the majestic mountain views. Enjoy a one-hour intro flight or a half-day excursion. It’s an adventure your family won’t soon forget!
Take a Drive to a Local Festival
Hurricane Valley Peach Days is a time-honored tradition for the city of Hurricane. Originally started as the Fruit Festival in 1909, the annual event became a popular tradition. The festival starts on Friday and runs all weekend, with a variety of entertainment, food, and games. Head to the festival on Saturday before 9 AM to catch the Peach Parade. After the parade, head over to the Pioneer Corner to revisit Utah’s heritage traditions. Later that evening, there’s a concert by the Dutton Family and a super-fun Foam Dance. Labor Day fireworks at 9 PM are the perfect end to a jam-packed day at the festival.
See a Play
Put down the cell phones, step away from the television screens, and enjoy the live musical “Newsies” at The Electric Theater in downtown St. George. You’ll have to leave the Peach Days festival a bit early to catch it, but this crowd-pleasing play is worth it. Newsies is a Disney musical that tells the tale of the Newsboy Strike of 1899. Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of being an artist, takes on a powerful newspaper publisher and shows New York City the power of the “little guy.” It’s pure sing-a-long fun for the whole family.
Sunday
Have Lunch at a St. George Landmark
Head over to George’s Corner Restaurant & Pub for lunch. George’s Corner is a St. George staple and a popular favorite. The location used to be The Big Hand Cafe and was a gathering spot for the whole town back in the day. Now a beloved local favorite restaurant located in the heart of downtown St. George, George’s Corner serves simple, delicious comfort food. Try the Barbeque Baby Back Ribs with hush puppies, the Short Rib Ragout with bowtie pasta, or Build Your Own Grilled Cheese. Yum!
Hit the Hiking Trails
After fueling up at lunch, head out for a hike. If there’s one thing that St. George does better than anywhere, it’s hiking. Our stunning vistas, perfect temperatures, and well-maintained trails are some of the best in the country. Bring your sturdy hiking shoes, a full water bottle, and a few snacks and spend the day exploring the majestic beauty of southern Utah.
One of our favorite trails, the Whiptail is super-popular with hikers and bikers of all ages and levels. The trail follows the bottom of Snow Canyon State Park and climbs about 500 feet past the park office and campground. The paved trail ends conveniently at a scenic picnic table area. With a moderate six miles round-trip— and on a paved road— the trail is not very difficult. And of course, there is the amazing backdrop of the canyon to enjoy during the hike.
Another trail we love is the Petrified Dunes in Snow Canyon State Park. The trail winds through some rugged terrain that was at one time flowing sand dunes. The half-mile trail takes you down through the Petrified Dunes. Hikers can explore the peaks and crevices of ancient Navajo sandstone. It ends close to the picturesque Hidden Pinyon Overlook. Enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon throughout.
Head back to your comfy St. George vacation rental— likeFamily Hideaway or Pride of the Ledges— and grill up some dinner, chill on your backyard patio, and take a relaxing, post-hike soak in the shared hot tub.
Monday Morning
Fuel Up at a Classic Diner
Whew— what an amazing long weekend in St.George!
Before leaving your St. George vacation rental and heading home, stop by the Wagon Wheel Diner for some mouthwatering, classic diner breakfast. Linger over sweet cream waffles and crispy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits and gravy, or giant, homemade cinnamon rolls. The coffee is hot, fresh, and bottomless— and served with a friendly smile! It’s the perfect send-off to your long-weekend Labor Day vacay in St. George.
Whether you’re traveling with a large group of friends and family or just want a quiet weekend away with a special someone, Red Rock Vacations has the perfect St. George vacation rental home for you. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff has tons of local insider info. We can help you choose the perfect St. George vacation home for your Labor Day getaway. Drop us a line or give us a call at 435.703.9944 and let us help you plan your trip.Categories:
