Wow, the new year is already off to an amazing start. Towards the end of 2018, I was already looking forward with anticipation to the new year because of all the changes and additions that would be coming to the Zion Corridor.

I define the Zion Corridor as two anchor tenants connected by the Virgin River. The town of Springdale (40 minutes from St. George and adjacent to Zion National Park) located at one end of the corridor, and the city of St. George (only 90 minutes north of Las Vegas) at the other. If that wasn’t enough, there are many little towns that offer great lodging, restaurants and activities in between.

Let’s start with the St. George area. Our international visitors are quickly discovering the many advantages of staying several nights, either on their arrival or departure to the Zion Corridor. I previously mentioned the close proximity to Las Vegas, but please note the time change; you pick up an extra hour upon arriving in Las Vegas.  You will find no other towns closer to Zion National Park than the towns along the corridor, including St. George, which is only 40 minutes from Springdale. Tru by Hilton (53 rooms), and Staybridge (125 suites) have recently opened their doors. We are also waiting anxiously for the Advenire, an autograph collection by Marriott, to enhance the area. This property will have 60 rooms and will offer a specialty restaurant, Wood Ash Rye by noted area Chef Shon Foster. We look forward to this fabulous property opening early summer.

Also, hot on the trail, is our new year round mountain biking park, Snake Hollow (http://www.visitstgeorge.com/mountain-biking). Our biking enthusiasts can hone their skills before they hit the wide variety of trails found along the corridor.

Visitors to the area are always taken by surprise by Tuacahn Amphitheater (http://www.tuacahn.org)  aka “Broadway in the Desert.” This season headliners are: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Disney’s When You Wish, and Rogers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music.

Located in the town of Hurricane, Sand Hollow Resort is truly immersed in adventure. You will find Sand Hollow State Park with its crystal blue reservoir surrounded by coral sand dunes and all the activities associated with both. From kayaking, wake boarding, ATV, and jeep tours there is so much available for visitors to enjoy. Nearby, Zion Helicopters offers aerial tours. Visit our website for adventure and activity information.

Further up the corridor, in the town of Virgin, the Fairfield Suites by Marriott will make their grand opening in June with197 rooms, all offering king or double king rooms. And, answering the popularity call, Zion Under Canvas has added 30 additional tents to their inventory.

As you enter the town of Springdale, you will first be greeted by Rosita’s Santa Fe Kitchen, adding to the selection of amazing restaurants. Cliffrose Lodge, after undergoing a major renovation of 50 rooms, lobby/bar lounge and restaurant, will be under the Hilton Curio Collection this May. Last, but definitely not least, is Cable Mountain Lodge. They have transformed their “giant screen theater” into 27 exceptional rooms and suites. These new additions offer stunning furnishings, artwork, and views, views, views! Stay tuned for the grand opening of their spa, scheduled to open mid-May.

Zion remains a favorite and still offers experiences for anyone and everyone! The shuttle service is already in full swing, operating thru November. Our hidden gems are being discovered and labeled breathtaking experiences.

As we go forward in the new year, please check out our website http://www.visitstgeorge.com.  Here you will find additional information on lodging properties, restaurants, activities, and calendar events. Our blogs can also be found on our website, as well as request access to our photo and media library. And, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.