It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Brigham and Amelia Young Home gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Saint George, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from the start to help me find a sitter. I was in a position where I needed immediate help and they came through. His staff was caring and responsible. They helped me through a very difficult time.”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him so he didn’t fall”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any questions that I have. Thank you ABC!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pioneer Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Painted Pony Restaurant or visit Fort Pearce, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Saint George, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Saint George, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Saint George, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The events continue an annual BYU tradition of visiting Cougar fans around the country.Date Author Eric BeardenShareFacebookEmailPROVO, Utah — BYU Athletics has ...
The events continue an annual BYU tradition of visiting Cougar fans around the country.
Date Author Eric Bearden
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PROVO, Utah — BYU Athletics has announced two upcoming fan fest events this spring, bringing the BYU Athletics experience to fans in Idaho and southern Utah. These fan fests will include games, activities, giveaways, and meet & greets with BYU student-athletes and coaches.
The first fan fest will be held in St. George, Utah, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Sandtown Park (600 N Bluff St). The event will run from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and is free to attend. In addition to the fan fest, BYU Athletics will host a special religious devotional on Sunday, April 27, at 7 p.m. at 3167 E 1140 S, St. George, UT. Cougar fans in the area are invited to attend both events.
The second fan fest will take place in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Freeman Park (1290 Science Center Dr). The event will run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is free to attend. Fans can enjoy interactive activities, meet BYU players and coaches, and take part in a fun-filled day celebrating all things BYU.
Site maps and event details will be updated here when available.
For more information and updates, follow @BYUCougars on X and Instagram.
Beastly challenge elicits superlatives and expletives from locals and visitorsSt. George • At first glance, southern Utah’s largest city would seem to have little in common with Saint George, the patron saint of England long eulogized in Christian mythology as a dragonslayer.After all, St. George was ...
St. George • At first glance, southern Utah’s largest city would seem to have little in common with Saint George, the patron saint of England long eulogized in Christian mythology as a dragonslayer.
After all, St. George was named after Mormon pioneer George A. Smith, an apostle and first counselor to President Brigham Young. And most city residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not Catholics or Protestants.
The closest thing the Washington County seat has to a fire-breathing dragon is the area’s unrelenting summer heat – until recently.
Since the arrival of “the dragon” in St. George nearly four months ago, thousands of fearless city residents and visitors have taken steps to scale the beast before it can slay them. Three hundred and thirty-three of them, to be exact, or 666— the number of the beast — should would-be dragonslayers decide to scale it up and down.
Welcome to “The Stairs,” the official name of the tortuously long and steep staircase at Tech Ridge that has thousands of runners and walkers huffing and puffing.
“It’s a monster, that’s for damn sure,” gasped Utah Tech University student Dylan Johnson whose demeanor was anything but devil-may-care as he surmounted the grueling steps for the third time. “Some say it is the stairway to heaven, but I think it is more like the primrose path to hell.”
Indeed, the hellacious stairs go by many different names, according to Brad Buhanan, community engagement director of Tech Ridge, a 180-acre, mixed-use technology park that overlooks the city atop a butte that once fielded St. George’s airport.
“Everybody has a different nickname for it...,” Buhanan said. “The most known name is ‘The Stairs.’ Others refer to it as the ‘Dragon,’ ‘Dragon’s Tail’ or ‘Tail of the Dragon.’ To keep it simple, we call them ‘The Stairs.’”
Whatever superlative – or expletive – is applied to them, The Stairs have elevated Utah’s standing in steps. It easily outpaces Brigham Young University’s infamous 192-step Heart Attack Hill stairs adjacent the Stephen L. Richards Building. It dwarfs the tall stairs at any of the state’s basketball arenas or football fields, according to Buhanan‘s calculations.
“We have the longest continuous stairs in the state … and one of the top five in the world because of the quality of our steps, " said Buhanan, noting all the cement steps in St. George’s upscale stairs were individually and meticulously poured and molded, whereas some of the longer ones in the world use railroad ties that look downright shoddy or cheap by comparison.
All told, Tech Ridge’s Dragon stretches 630 feet and climbs 171 feet in elevation from the foot to the top of the mesa where the technology park is situated. Buhanan said Isaac Barlow, founder of Tech Ridge, dreamed up “The Stairs” when he was looking to construct infrastructure to drain water off the mesa to the basin below and decided to put a staircase on top of it to hide the scar.
“He wanted to build something that would help the community together and bring value to the people who live, work and visit Tech Ridge,” Buhanan said.
Construction on The Stairs began in the summer of 2024. Construction workers started atop the mesa and worked their way down, fitting and fashioning each step by hand. They also installed the riprap, or large rocks, made up of crushed lava on both sides of the staircase. A stainless steel rail with built-in lights divides the stairs from top to bottom and illuminates them at night.
“There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears that went into [building] these stairs,” he said.
Barlow ultimately shelled out $1 million to build the steps, which perch on municipal land.
The area’s grand staircase premiered on Jan. 25 at St. George’s inaugural Dragon’s Tail Stair Climb Challenge. Scores of entrants showed up to compete and test their speed and endurance. Now, hundreds of exercise buffs of all ages, from Utah and across the country, scale the dragon each day and well into the evening.
For Dammeron Valley resident Ruth Ann Pilney and Francine Maas, a Catholic nun visiting from Vermont, rising to the challenge of the dragon was as exhausting as it was elevating. For the lifelong friends, climbing The Stairs was a high point of their joyous reunion.
“I like physical exercise,” said Maas, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa order. “When I went down the stairs I started to feel my legs [get tired] but my breathing was OK. On the way up, though, I had to stop and breathe every 50 steps. But I’m 79, and I praise the Lord that we can still do this at our age.”
For his part, St. George paramedic and physician assistant Corbin Allred says the steps help him prep for the summer hikes he enjoys in Utah’s High Uintas and Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains. They also help him cope with the physical demands of caring for a daughter who has spina bifida and is paralyzed from her chest down.
Asked what he calls The Stairs he climbs three times a week, Allred said he doesn’t have a nickname for it.
“All I know,” he said, “is that it is hell every other day.”
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ST. GEORGE, Utah — For some reason, human geography — how people got where they are — has always been a fascinating topic for me, one that makes travel even more interesting. It's easy to visualize, for example, why Chicago became the dynamic city it did when you consider that every Midwestern farmer sent his yearly crop off to the city on Lake Michigan, and those goods were then taken by barge or ship through the Great Lakes for international consumption.
But most of this movement, at least for the majority of American cities, came before I was born, when highways or waterways dictated where the masses settled in. Beauty, for the most part, took a back door to jobs and amenities.
This is not the case in St. George, Utah, however, which has now hosted a PGA Tour event as well as an LPGA tournament. Once known primarily as a sleepy Mormon outpost, St. George has become a vibrant destination for golfers and those who love to sightsee. We spent 48 hours in the up-and-coming locale, and here are the major takeaways:
There's a reason the resort has pushed to house tournaments for both tours: The amenities are top-notch and the views are otherworldly. We met with Patrick Manning, the managing partner of the resort, and he insisted things will keep getting better and better at the resort, which is just now can wrapping up construction. High ceilings, a gorgeous pool area and views of the red rocks and black lava make this an experience like none other.
"The old saying is if you build it, they'll come. But that's not what we're doing. They’re here. There are twice as many visitors coming here than there are to Park City. And look how many resorts Park City has. And so we just did one large one that can take care of the people who are already coming here. So we want to provide the best experience. We're finding out, testing this, seeing how people respond to certain things," Manning said. "We're just keeping our ear to the ground, listening to people. We don't want to get in a room and say this is what Black Desert wants to be. We want to be out there listening to people who tell us what they’re looking for."
Manning knows that word-of-mouth from pro golfers can help propel Black Desert up the list of potential buddy trip destinations.
OK, full disclaimer, the week we were on site, the PGA Tour event was in town, so we walked Black Desert but didn't play it. Our Travel Editor Jason Lusk has and his review of the property was glowing:
Despite the sea of lava, the course is very manageable, wide where it needs to be and tricky where it counts. Black Desert can accommodate a resort guest or a tour pro, which is good, because it was laid out with both in mind.
Opened in 2023, Black Desert was the last course designed by Tom Weiskopf before his death caused by pancreatic cancer. Phil Smith, Weiskopf’s partner in golf architecture, finished the job.
The layout has quickly climbed the rankings and is No. 1 in Utah on Golfweek’s Best list of public-access courses, No. 26 among all resort courses in the U.S. and No. 81 among all modern courses in the country.
And it’s all part of one the most ambitious endeavors golf has seen in decades.
For more on Black Desert, click here.
Meanwhile, we headed across town to play Sand Hollow, which sits overlooking a reservoir a few miles to the east of St. George in Hurricane. The course is No. 2 on Golfweek's Best list of courses you can play in Utah and boasts amazing views, even though it's more of a wide-open feel as opposed to Black Desert's rolling ride through mountain valleys. Because the area is largely devoid of trees, I'm assuming the winds can get pretty strong, and that could also make maintaining the course a bit tricky.
Sand Hollow has a few holes on the back nine that will take your breath away and could conceivably do the same with your ball if you don't avoid the treacherous cliffs and canyons. The layout is dynamic.
This is a two-part review, since we went for a CVB-like dinner at the famous Cliffside Restaurant, which was exquisite, and then also had a fulfilling meal at Angelica's, a small Mexican joint recommended by a local. Both did not disappoint.
Cliffside is high-end, but not outrageously expensive, especially considering the amazing view of the entire region the property offers up to guests. We tried the butternut squash soup and the seared Idaho red trout, and both were just divine. Take note, the restaurant is closed on Sundays.
We also stopped at Angelica's, looking for a little substance after some wine tasting. This little spot has surprisingly good street tacos, considering the location, and one of our faves was the Angelica's Special: Carne Asada with grilled bell peppers, onions and melted cheese on top of three soft, flat corn tortillas with a side of rice and beans. This did not feel like Utah.
Looking to take out a little frustration after too many three-putts? This thrill ride on the side of a mountain ridge will certainly clear your mind. Mad Moose has a number of Polaris 2- and 4-seaters that make cruising through the red rocks an unforgettable experience. We did the West Rim trail and after getting used to the machine, which glides through the sand and over rocks with ease, we followed a guide for a 2-hour trip that had so many highlights. Don't skimp on this trip. Every moment flies by.
So, Zion National Park is an incredible experience, but to be frank, it's getting more and more difficult to get into the park, and the parking/shuttle system can make the main portion of the park a true time suck for those who are only in town for a day or two. But you can see something amazing at Kolob Canyons, a remote portion of Zion which sits on the backside of the main park, and has crowds a fraction of the size.
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is manageable and the vistas are spectacular. The day we did it, a rainstorm blew through, but then quickly subsided and the sun lit up the rock formations soon after. Stunning stuff.
St. George is still a small town that, well, feels like a small town. Don't come here and expect a plethora of high-end dinner options or nightlife. If, however, you're looking for an outdoor experience that is like no other, this spot in Southern Utah is for you. And hey, wanna see a fancy show? Fly into Vegas, live the high life and then make the 90-minute-or-so drive up to St. George for some eye candy you won't see anywhere else.
So, to bring this full circle, why are people flocking to a remote part of Utah? Sure, the job market is inching upward. The town has diversified away from its strong Mormon past. And the amenities are accumulating, slowly be surely.
But the views you get in St. George and the Greater Zion region are some of the best in the country. And since moving crops or having a seaport isn't as necessary as it once was for the growth of a city, expect this once-secretive place to become the next Sedona. When I was born in the 1970s, only 7,000 people lived in St. George. The 2022 census estimate for the city was over 102,000. This momentum isn't stopping any time soon.
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Recent crashes along Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge have caused extensive delays for travelers between St. George and Las Vegas, with some drivers stuck for hours or forced to take lengthy detours.A fatal crash about 50 miles north of Las Vegas on Sunday claimed the lives of two teens and injured five others, causing significant traffic backups."I don't like the way the roads are set up. I dread going to Vegas. It's not really fun anymore," said St. George resident Shalee Madsen....
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Recent crashes along Interstate 15 through the Virgin River Gorge have caused extensive delays for travelers between St. George and Las Vegas, with some drivers stuck for hours or forced to take lengthy detours.
A fatal crash about 50 miles north of Las Vegas on Sunday claimed the lives of two teens and injured five others, causing significant traffic backups.
"I don't like the way the roads are set up. I dread going to Vegas. It's not really fun anymore," said St. George resident Shalee Madsen.
St. George resident Katie Lorson said her husband's normally two-hour drive back from Las Vegas took hours longer on Sunday due to the crash. Lorson herself experienced similar delays four weeks earlier because of another accident.
In a separate incident, a truck overturned in the same area, spilling oil and closing northbound I-15 for more than 12 hours. St. George resident Shalee Madsen was among those caught in the resulting traffic jam.
"I had to miss a day of work the next day because I had to turn around and go back to Vegas because I was in line from 10 a.m. and had to turn back at 3 because it was going to take 12 hours or longer," said Madsen. "There needs to be an alternative route just in case something like this happens."
Currently, the only alternative route between Las Vegas and St. George requires drivers to take a highway further north in Nevada before heading back down — adding an extra two hours to the journey.
The 46-mile stretch of I-15 through Arizona and the Virgin River Gorge has undergone continuous construction and repairs over the past 10 years to fix bridges. While that $2.6 million project is now complete, traffic problems persist whenever accidents occur.
"At the time, it was one of the most expensive pieces of road to build, and it's still fairly expensive to maintain through there, but there is a road there. And that's how people get from St. George to Vegas," said Lee.
Kelsey McFarland with the Nevada Department of Transportation said work to widen I-15 in the area is nearly complete, but there are no plans to create alternative routes.
Myron Lee, the transportation planning director for the Five County Association of Governments who handles transportation planning for Washington County, doesn't anticipate any changes soon.
"We need to work with what we have. There's not a lot of money to build new stuff," said Lee.
St. George, UT (April 19, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a head-on collision Thursday on 1600 South Dixie Drive in St. George, involving a Chevy Cruze and a Chevy truck. The crash resulted in injuries and caused a northbound lane blockage, prompting traffic delays and a warning for drivers to use caution in the area.The accident occurred during the day and involved significant front-end damage to both vehicles. First responders arrived quickly to provide medical assistance and evaluate those involved. The number and...
St. George, UT (April 19, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a head-on collision Thursday on 1600 South Dixie Drive in St. George, involving a Chevy Cruze and a Chevy truck. The crash resulted in injuries and caused a northbound lane blockage, prompting traffic delays and a warning for drivers to use caution in the area.
The accident occurred during the day and involved significant front-end damage to both vehicles. First responders arrived quickly to provide medical assistance and evaluate those involved. The number and severity of the injuries have not been officially confirmed at this time.
Authorities worked to manage traffic flow around the crash site while paramedics treated the injured and tow trucks cleared the wreckage. The lane closure added to congestion in the area, especially along the heavily traveled Dixie Drive corridor.
We extend our best wishes for a full and fast recovery to all individuals injured in this incident.
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes, often resulting in severe injuries due to the direct force of impact. In urban corridors like Dixie Drive, which sees a mix of residential, commercial, and commuter traffic, even brief lapses in attention can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially on multi-lane roads where vehicles may drift across lanes or make unsafe turns.
In this case, the crash between a Chevy Cruze and a Chevy truck illustrates the potential severity when two vehicles collide front-to-front. Contributing factors in such crashes may include speeding, distracted driving, improper lane changes, or failure to yield.
The resulting lane closure on northbound Dixie Drive caused additional strain on traffic and highlights the importance of giving emergency responders space and time to work safely.
Drivers are encouraged to stay vigilant in urban zones, obey posted speed limits, and avoid distractions such as mobile devices. Even a momentary misjudgment can result in injuries that affect multiple people and disrupt entire roadways.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision or a serious crash like the one on Dixie Drive, Local Accident Reports can help you take the next steps. We connect victims with local medical professionals, legal advocates, and recovery resources to ensure they have the support they need. Contact Local Accident Reports today for compassionate and knowledgeable assistance.
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