Tag Archives: Travel SkyWest

Cedar City: Southern Utah’s Hidden Gem

Cedar City is a surprisingly charming town hidden away in Southern Utah. As a vibrant college town, a gateway to multiple national parks, and home to a variety of entertaining festivals, Cedar City holds something for everyone.

Uniquely nestled between some of the most incredible national parks Utah has to offer, Cedar City is a nature lover’s destination. Only 23 miles from town is Cedar Breaks National Monument, a place anciently called “Circle of Painted Cliffs.” This enormous natural amphitheater has cliffs that climb 2,000 feet and is filled with stone spires, arches and intricate canyons that exemplify red rock landscape. The area makes for a great day trip of sightseeing, photography, hiking, picnicking and camping among world-class views.

Also nearby is Kolob Canyon, a lesser known section of Zion National Park. Kolob – which gets its name from early Mormon settlers and means “residence closest to heaven” – is off the beaten trail of Zion’s main park section, but is just as spectacular as the the canyons of main park itself.

Those visiting Cedar City (aka Festival City USA) during the summer will find a number of opportunities to check out one of the town’s vibrant festivals. Most famously, Cedar City is known for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. This Tony Award winning regional theater puts on events throughout the summer including performances of Shakespeare’s classics in their recreation of the Globe Theater and contemporary plays, as well as seminars, classes, tours and free nightly “Greenshow” performances providing entertainment from the outdoor stage. Six shows run from July 25 to October 31 each summer.

In addition to the Shakespeare Festival, it’s worth checking out other summer favorites like the Groovefest Americana Music Festival, Wildflower Festival and The Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire.

If winter travel is more appealing, Cedar City still belongs on the destination list. The town is a launching pad for southern Utah’s premiere winter playground – Brian Head Resort. Receiving more than 400 inches of powder annually, it is Utah’s highest base elevation resort at 9,600 feet. With over 650 acres, eight chairlifts and 71 runs, it has something for all skill levels. And during the summer, Brian Head transforms into a mountain biker’s paradise, offering even more adventurous options.

Fly into Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) on one of the daily Delta Connection flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, from Salt Lake City (SLC) and start enjoying this charming town today. The best fares can be found at delta.com.

Brainerd – The Heart of Minnesota Lake Country!

Brainerd Lake Country


Brainerd, Minnesota is the playground at the heart of Minnesota lake country. Take advantage of truly limitless opportunities to “unplug” and enjoy outdoor offerings like birding, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, boating, horseback riding, canoeing, golf, kayaking and more! If your speed calls for more RPMs than a hike, Brainerd offers the Midwest’s largest Raceway with Top Fuel Dragsters, Nascar, Superbikes and more!

The Brainerd area is as beautiful and relaxing as one would want, but the sidewalks in this gorgeous area never get rolled up! The 27th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go is a great Independence Day tradition that offers fans a chance to see great drag racing action in the Muscle Car series with cars that can run 6-7 seconds over 200 mph. The event offers something for everyone with a classic car show, fireworks and live music.

Brainerd NAPA Auto Parts Show

The athlete inside won’t find more fun or a greater challenge than the Paul Bunyan Extreme 5k. July 13 test your mettle at this family friendly event on Mount Ski Gull by traversing obstacles ranging from swinging across mud pits to conquering the giant slip and slide! Individuals, teams and parent/child teams are all welcome. The course has something for everyone from couch potatoes to kids to extreme athletes, so don’t miss out on this annual summer tradition.

Brainerd Paul Bunyon

No trip to the Brainerd area is complete without dining with one of the special local establishments. Enjoy the waterfront charm and live music offered by Moonlite Bay, an original dance hall turned restaurant and bar that was established in 1933. With nearly 50 dock slips one can boat right up to enjoy one of their famous burgers and feast on the spectacular views. Travel back in time even further to The Last Turn Saloon. Established in 1894, this restaurant and bar has been a favorite of patrons spanning several generations. Everything visible in the saloon has been handcrafted by Minnesota artisans down to the back bar carved of solid oak in the 1870s!

Screen Shot 2013-06-13 at 12.24.26 PM

SkyWest Airlines opens the door to the world-class amenities found in the region with convenient Delta Connection jet service between Minneapolis and Brainerd. Find the lowest fares and book your Brainerd Lakes Country adventure today at www.Delta.com.