Funky Finds

On our trip to Bryce and Zion...

We made a fine four day getaway to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks this past weekend.  Along the way we encountered some neat little places you might seek out when you're next in the neighborhood.

Diablo Burger offers gourmet burgers as big as your head and a serving of fries that would fill a laundry basket.  Program your wayfinder for 120 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.  Parking can be a pain but the greasy deliciousness is worth it.

The Quail Park Lodge has a Route 66 motor lodge sensibility.  In the past couple years this Kanab motel been remodeled, refitted, and refurbished with a funky '60s vibe.  Unlike most complimentary hotel breakfasts, their's features good coffee.

While the Quail Park Lodge has good coffee, Willow Canyon Outdoor, also in Kanab, has great coffee, and all the usual frufru coffee-related beverages the hipsters thrive on.  They also have no end of books and outdoor gear, just in case you forgot something...

We spent two days in Bryce Canyon National Park.

We enjoyed a very nice dinner at the Bryce Canyon National Park Lodge Dining Room.  Great food, excellent service.  Not cheap, but a really fine experience.

The south entrance to Zion is in Springdale, UT.  There we found...

Wildcat Willies, which features huge servings, pleasant service, and sensible prices.  We ate there the first night and still managed to waddle back to the hotel.

The second evening we ate at the Bit & Spur Saloon. There, I was served the best ribeye I've  ever had, and I've more than a few ribeyes in my day.  Unless you're of the abstemious sort, try the Instant Gratification Winery's Seduction red wine, a blend sold apparently sold only to restaurants.  Reasonably priced and very tasty.  

Right next door to the Bit & Spur is Frontier Plunder Antiques.  I'm glad we overlooked the unfortunate marquee.  It features an deep collection of Native Americana (including appropriately papered pottery), desert southwest accoutrement, other collectibles, and books.  It's much much bigger on the inside, with rooms within rooms behind rooms...

If you need a "venti dark roast, no room" on your way home consider stopping at River Rock Roasting Company in La Verkin, UT.

At the north end of Zion is Kolob Canyons.  It's some 38 miles from the south entrance, but definitely worth a look.  It has probably the smallest National Park Visitor center I've ever seen.

Pipe Spring National Monument offers a respite to weary travelers - now as in the past.  It documents and interprets an intriguing glimpse into Paiute and Mormon history.  There are even real live longhorn cattle  in the corral...

It was a wonderful long weekend.