Utah's Stunning Outdoor Adventure Hub Is A Town That Charms With Retro Motels And Quirky Shops

Utah is known as red rock country thanks to the incredible rock formations found throughout its many national parks. It is a state that rewards time spent in the great outdoors with views you could not possibly encounter anywhere else. A road trip through Utah is one way to tick off the hotspots, but many travelers are finding that one particular town serves as an excellent hub for exploring the state's stunning landscape.

Panguitch is within reasonable driving distance of four of the so-called "Mighty 5" national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon (considered "America's most unique national park"), Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. It also offers access to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, several state parks, and areas of outdoor beauty. Served by Cedar City Regional Airport, just under 70 miles away, and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport, both around 250 miles away, Panguitch makes for a reliable base if you're looking for comfortable lodgings with a retro flair, and shops and eateries to enjoy when you are looking for some downtime between long days exploring the wilds of Utah.

Panguitch boasts a historic downtown, with much of its architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street is undoubtedly the center of the action when it comes to quirky businesses and great places to eat. Straight Arrow Saddlery is a leather craft specialist and, in addition to traditionally made and customized saddles, offers a range of high-quality leather goods. Be sure to also check out Smokin' Hot Antiques, a huge collection of treasures housed inside the Old Firehouse on Main Street. To the south, a must-visit is the Bryce Canyon Trading Post, specializing in authentic Native American crafts, art, and gifts.

The Cowboy's Smokehouse is a favorite for those looking to enjoy a piece of the Old West on their plate, with sizzling steaks served daily alongside BBQ classics and full breakfast and lunch menus. Meanwhile, the Flying Goat Cafe is a cutely decorated spot and a great place to start the day with bagels or crepes, or heartier fare like delicious shrimp alfredo. And if you want to maintain that outdoorsy atmosphere while you dine, head to the Bear's Paw Cafe, a rustic spot on Panguitch Lake that typically attracts fishers, hunters, and hikers for filling grub from breakfast until dinner.

There are heaps of options for places to stay in Panguitch, including several RV parks and campsites located just a stone's throw away from downtown. But if you're going to be spending all day on the trails, you can take advantage of the town's glut of affordable motels to enjoy a little retro luxury.

One highly rated option is the Purple Sage Motel on Main Street, which offers spacious king, queen, and family-sized rooms at reasonable prices, with consistently strong customer reviews. The Golden Spur Motel, with its Western theme and bright wooden decor, also comes highly recommended for cleanliness, comfort, and ease of check-in. The Dragonfly Motor Lodge is another charming accommodation on Main Street, and is praised for being both quaint and pet-friendly.

Looking for more Utah adventures? Mapleton is a perfect little suburban city in the Wasatch Mountains, while Cottonwood Heights is the place to go for easy access to the state's Alpine trails.