National Publication Says To Avoid This Southern Utah Town!
Many in the world would say that I live off the beaten path, and for those who endure the over crowded and over urbanized cities of the planet, that's probably the case. But even in my relatively rural hometown, I like to stray even further from the beaten path to enjoy those sometimes unique, but almost always engaging small towns.
Exploring towns off the beaten path can feel like discovering a hidden treasure chest — except instead of gold, it’s filled with quirky cafés, local legends, and maybe a giant ball of twine. These towns, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of major highways, offer charm that you won’t find in your average tourist trap.
Take, for example, Escalante, Utah. It’s a small town with big views. Wander the scenic byways, and you might feel like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set where tumbleweeds and towering sandstone cliffs are the main characters. The local diner? You’re almost guaranteed a slice of homemade pie and an unsolicited history lesson from the friendly waitress, who might also be the town’s mayor. It’s that kind of place.
Then there’s Kanarraville, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem. The main attraction here? A hike through Kanarra Creek Canyon, which somehow combines serene natural beauty with a slightly soggy adventure as you wade through water (don’t say I didn’t warn you about those wet shoes). In town, you can find locally crafted goods and maybe even an impromptu conversation with a local artist.
I enjoy stopping and getting a feel for a community. Stopping on a trip from Southern California to Salt Lake City is what ultimately led to me living in southern Utah. So when I saw this article from A Weekend In, I was curious as to what they would consider the most unusual town in Utah.
While giving accolades to most of the “unusual towns” across the country, when it came to their selection in Utah, they actually said it was a town that visitors might want to stay away from. Instead of saying to stop and visit, A Weekend In issued this warning:
They’re not too keen on visitors – so this is probably one isolated town you should add to your "avoid" list.
According to A Weekend In, Hildale, Utah is a place to stay away from. Seems a little harsh to me. Admittedly, I have never spent a weekend there, but I have stopped there many times on various trips to Lake Powell or the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and have never felt like it was a place to avoid.
Yes, some there may not be all that excited about visitors poking around, but my guess is most folks there wouldn't pay it much mind when people stop to visit.
Unless the visitors are from California. That I could understand.
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Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak