7 Cozy Towns to Visit in Utah
A key component of the Western United States, the “Beehive State” of Utah is a splendid cultural and geographical place. With a rich history containing stories of indigenous peoples, the settlement of the West, and Mormon pioneers, Utah’s unique historical background is only rivaled by its beautiful mountainous landscapes and desert plateaus. A great destination to spend a vacation, Utah’s welcoming, smaller, and cozy towns are awesome places to get better acquainted with the state and its most special character.
So whether one is looking for a unique cultural experience or a majestic natural panorama, Utah and its towns are just the right places to discover firsthand. Hit the road and come see the most wonderful place, which is the “Beehive State”!
Spring City
Formally established in the 1850s, Spring City, like many towns in Utah, was founded by Mormon pioneers, and its unique cultural heritage continues to be evident for all those who visit. Home to a modest population of just over 1,000 inhabitants, this historic community is a great place to immerse oneself in the 19th century, and in fact, the town in its entirety is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visit the Historic District and marvel at landmarks like the Spring City Chapel and Schoolhouse (1899), amongst others that display a special style of architecture that includes the use of large stones. Add in a cute assortment of local businesses and restaurants, and Spring City truly is a nice and cozy place to spend a day or weekend trip. By mixing the elements of small-town USA with a most special Mormon cultural character, Spring City is one of the finest places to discover on any Utah road trip.
Moab
A beautifully scenic place, the town of Moab offers its guests and residents alike some of the best in desert landscapes. The seat of Grand County, home to a population of just over 5,000 inhabitants, Moab can trace its modern history to the 1870s when it was settled by Mormon pioneers. For those looking for dramatic and breathtaking vistas and chances to spend time in a desert ambiance, then Moab is the place to be. Visit the famed Arches and Canyonlands National Park, where such structures as mesas, canyons, and buttes can be admired in all their splendor. Meanwhile, the athletically minded tourist can even go mountain biking and hiking at the nearby Slickrock Trails, where one can totally immerse oneself in this raw desert setting.
Meanwhile, Moab hosts a number of inviting cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, folk festivals, and LGBT pride parades. Add in hot weather, a charming array of local businesses, and unique Mormon-style buildings, and Moab truly is a destination that anyone visiting Utah cannot miss.
Kanab
Kanab, the seat of Kane County, is located very near the northern border with Arizona. Kanab is another desert wonderland that those traveling in Southern Utah will not want to pass by. Affectionately known as “Utah’s Little Hollywood”, over the decades many films and television shows set in the Wild West have been filmed in the Kanab area, particularly in the 50s and 60s. A veritably hot summer destination, this charming community of just under 4,700 residents offers some of the best in desert landscapes, and guests can enjoy easy access to such sites as the Coral Spring Sand Dunes, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park.
Take advantage of fun opportunities to go biking and hiking and explore some of the region’s most spectacular canyons, valleys, and other rock formations. Finally, in the town itself, a welcoming assortment of friendly restaurants, shops, and other businesses dot the landscape, while charming accommodations like the Parry Lodge (1930) make Kanab fit for all ages.
Mount Pleasant
The town of Mount Pleasant was established by the Mormons in the 1860s, and today, it is the home of just over 3,600 residents. A charming and old-fashioned place, guests can really get a sense of the 19th century here and admire its historic Mormon-style architecture. Spend an afternoon on Main Street and admire landmarks like the Blacksmith Shop and the Wasatch Academy School Museum while a cute assortment of shops, restaurants, and other historic sites fill in the surroundings.
Just a 90-minute drive from Salt Lake City, Mount Pleasant is a nice place for a weekend getaway where the best of Mormon history and small-town charm come together nicely. Add in several annual cultural events, including Fourth of July Celebrations and the summer Hub City Days Rodeo, and the young and old can truly have a memorable experience in this lovely and cozy Utah town.
Panguitch
Panguitch serves as the seat of Garfield County and derives its name from an indigenous word meaning “Big Fish.” Established by Mormon settlers in the 1860s, today, the town maintains a very modest population of just over 1,700 inhabitants. Scenically located within the Sevier River Valley, where splendid mountain and lake vistas abound, Panguitch is a wonderful place for outdoors lovers to visit. Well known as an angler’s hot spot, those who love to fish can find healthy populations of rainbow trout and other species in the lakes and rivers in the surrounding area.
In addition, even history aficionados can appreciate Panguitch, and an exploration of the town’s Historic District brings tourists back to the tumultuous years of the 1800s. Marvel at numerous Mormon-style buildings in a neighborhood that was added in its entirety to the National Register of Historic Places! And like many small towns, Panguitch offers a charming, friendly atmosphere where local businesses, shops, and restaurants are ready to greet all those who visit.
Farmington
As with many towns in Utah, Farmington can trace its modern history to the mid-19th century when it was founded by the Mormons. Today, this seat of Davis County is home to nearly 25,000 inhabitants, and visitors can enjoy a unique cultural setting within the beautiful natural framing of northern Utah. Known for its hot summer and cool winter temperatures, Farmington is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, where outdoor activities in all seasons are always popular.
Enjoy swimming, hiking, and cycling in the most scenic ambiance. Meanwhile, the town’s Mormon heritage is most evident through its assortment of buildings and landmarks reflecting an architectural style of the 1800s. And for the whole family, do not forget to visit the truly entertaining Lagoon Amusement Park, which was first opened back in 1886! Whether it's enjoying the outdoors, marveling at the historic town center, or riding a roller coaster, Farmington is one Utah community that people of all backgrounds can truly appreciate.
Brigham City
Brigham City was named for the prominent Mormon religious leader Brigham Young and was formally established in the 1850s. Today, the home of a population of nearly 20,000 inhabitants, this seat of Box Elder County remains a splendid place to enjoy a cozy and scenic Utah getaway. Situated within the picturesque Westville Mountains, this historic town boasts beautiful green spaces, mountain vistas, and loads of spectacular Mormon architecture, making it one of the most photogenic places in the State. Spending time on Main Street and admiring the buildings while having an afternoon at the Golden Spike National Historical Park is a great way to learn more about the famed Transcontinental Railroad that was completed in 1869. And with an array of year-round festivals held, there is always something exciting happening in Brigham City.
Of particular note is the Peach Days Festival in September. The town which is known for its production of sweet and succulent preaches, goes all out for this festival and guests can enjoy parades, live music, carnival acts, and naturally plenty of opportunities to indulge in this most wonderful fruit!
Whether it is its natural geographic beauty or splendid cultural uniqueness, the “Beehive State” of Utah continues to be one of America’s most alluring destinations. An exploration of the State and its cozy, smaller towns make for great holiday memories. Outside of such major urban centers like Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah’s smaller communities are also great reflections of the great diversity to be found in the Western United States. From the desert wonder of Moab and Kanab to the cultural wonder of Brigham City and Mount Pleasant, these and other wonderfully inviting Utah towns are the perfect destinations to experience a special version of the typical small-town USA. Do not wait then and begin planning a most special holiday getaway in this gem of a place called Utah, where the richest experience awaits all ages of travelers.
