The Natural Beauty of Utah is a Short Drive from Vegas

Mesquite is a quiet casino town known for its scenic golf courses. See one up close without swinging a club with breakfast at 1880 Grille. The name honors the year when pioneers came to town and while the area has only grown since, the surrounding desert is as beautiful as ever.
The breakfast menu (available until noon daily) has something for everyone. Got a sweet tooth? Try the cinnamon roll or French Toast made with Hawaiian bread. Savory appetites will appreciate the biscuits and gravy or a loaded breakfast burrito.
1880 Grille is also known for a deep cocktail menu, which holds appeal for golfers taking a break on the green. Happy hour pricing is offered throughout the day. Enjoy a seat on the patio, where you can best appreciate the views of the Conestoga golf course.

After crossing the northwest corner of Arizona and entering Utah, you'll bypass downtown St. George and head straight to Sand Hollow State Park. The experience is best described as what a beach might look like on Mars. Deep red sand surrounds a man-made reservoir where locals love to swim, boat and kayak. Be ready with towels to lounge comfortably on the beach and wipe away all that red sand from your feet and shoes.
A few rental businesses in the park provide jet skis, paddle boats, and ATVs for the surrounding dunes. They also sell snacks and ultra-casual bites in case you get hungry.
Keep in mind the time difference between Nevada and Utah, so account for an extra hour when crossing state lines.

The region now known as Utah was an active area for dinosaurs millions of years ago. Experienced hikers love to search for fossilized footprints in the desert, but the St. George Dinosaur Site is a much more accessible way to see evidence of over-sized reptilian life on our planet.
The museum and research center was built on the site of a farm, where dino tracks were found in the sandstone underneath. Today, it's an unexpected sight near a grocery story and strip mall where visitors can walk among exhibits, including fossils, skin impressions and other revelations of life long ago. Researchers can be seen cleaning up fossils through a window. Kids will love the backyard play area.
The museum is relatively small and can be thoroughly viewed within an hour. When making plans, please note it's closed on Tuesdays.

The Advenire is a 60-room boutique hotel in a convenient downtown St. George location. The property balances luxury with rustic touches and modern design elements. Ask for a room on the top floor with arched ceilings.
After checking in, take some time to get settled. Order a drink from the lobby cocktail lounge (one of the best in the city) or take a dip in the large hot tubs on one of two rooftop decks.

Walk across the street from the Advenire and explore Ancestor Square, a small park where restaurants, art galleries and other business surround six historic brick buildings, including a jail and sheriff's office, which date back to the late 1800s. Take a stroll and soak in the history, atmosphere and serenity before dinner.

The Painted Pony has long been one of the best restaurants in St. George, offering a fine dining experience in a cozy second-floor space with wood decor and Southwest-inspired artwork decorating the walls.
The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal modifications with free-range chicken and grass-fed beef. Start your meal with baked brie in phyllo dough, sage-smoked quail or a revolving selection of house-made soups. Request a seat on the patio when the weather's nice.
If you need a backup dinner option, Wood Ash Rye back at the Advenire hotel is another great restaurant with a similar dedication to quality ingredients with an open kitchen, bakery items and wood-roasted meats and vegetables.

If you'd like to enjoy a nightcap before heading back to the hotel, pay a visit to Station II, an old firehouse converted into a taproom for the regional beer of Zion Brewing. Each of the three floors has a different design, but all share an easy, laidback atmosphere that draws locals eager to play a round of pool or munch on fresh-popped movie theater-style popcorn. While beer is the specialty, visitors can order cocktails at the bar on the top floor.
Station II stays open until midnight, but is closed on Mondays.

Head back to the Advenire and get a good night's sleep. There's more activity in the day ahead before returning to Las Vegas.