Thedailymiaminews– When we think of a town that has a “storybook” aspect, we are most likely to imagine the classic medieval-era towns that still exist in Europe today. However, the idea of a storybook town has a very different connotation in Utah. In the “Beehive State,” some towns may have a fairytale-like building from time to time, but the true magic comes from the breathtaking views. These little settlements in Utah have a special charm that reminds us of a time long ago when cowboys, prospectors, and pioneers traveled through the West in search of a place to call home. The charm comes from the apparently endless desert landscapes, the gorgeous mountain backdrops, and the red dirt that is found everywhere. Check out our list of six of the best fairytale towns in Utah to learn more.
Springdale
Springdale’s magic comes from its location close to the entrance of Zion National Park. This hamlet is the entry point to the park’s stunning, towering red rock cliffs. Tourists from all over the United States come here to explore almost 230 square miles of beautiful trails. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is where most expeditions will begin. Visitors can pick up maps and check the schedule for the park’s shuttle there. If you want to have a truly magical experience, join up for one of the park’s stargazing events, where you may have a guided tour of the night sky.
Exploring the main street of the town is a wonderful experience. You will want to stroll along the pedestrian-friendly paths as you explore this picture-perfect village, which is surrounded by those harsh red rock walls that appear to vary in color and tone as the day goes on. If you want to add a little more enchantment to your visit, plan it to coincide with the Zion Canyon Music Festival, which takes place in late September and has a large number of musicians, performers, art sellers, and food kiosks. If you want to get a glimpse of the Old West, visit the adjacent Grafton Ghost Town. The remaining structures will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
Halfway
Midway is located in the beautiful Heber Valley, about 50 minutes from Salt Lake City. Its European-style architecture gives town a fairytale-like feel. If you want to experience this beautiful town’s Swiss heritage, plan your vacation around the Labor Day weekend. If you do, you will be able to take part in the town’s well-known Swiss Days event, which has live music, artisan merchants, and traditional cuisine demonstrations, all of which are located in the downtown area. You may stop by the Midway Swiss Days Cannery at any time of year to have a Euro-style pastry, and you might even want to join a guided tour to learn more about the town’s Swiss influence.
However, Midway is at its most lovely in the winter months when snow descends on the surrounding peaks. This gives the Swiss-style architecture of hotels and other commercial buildings a genuinely storybook appearance. It is also a wonderful time to see the renowned Midway Ice Castles, which are stunning structures made of hand-placed icicles and LED lights that create a very enchanting atmosphere. The surrounding landscape, which includes Wasatch Mountain State Park, adds to the town’s attraction. The park offers activities including as hiking, camping, and golfing. You should also check out the Homestead Crater, which is a geothermal hot spring located inside a limestone dome. You can swim in it, too!
Heber City
Heber City is a place that everyone should go to, especially if they recall great children’s storybooks like The Polar Express or Thomas the Tank Engine. It’s here you’ll find the Heber Valley Railroad, a year-round attraction that takes customers on choo-choo rides on historic coaches through the lovely countryside. And if that’s not enchantment enough, special themed excursions such as the Pumpkin Train in October and the North Pole Express at Christmastime give a pleasant experience for young and old alike.
Downtown Heber is also very unique, especially when summer performances are taking place in the town plaza. If you want to experience cowboy culture, travel in late October for the Heber Valley Western Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This event honors the area’s ranching past with musical performances and poetry readings. If you want to have some fun outside, go to Deer Creek Reservoir, which is close by. You can do water sports like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding there, or you can go fishing on the Provo River. When the snow flies, you can explore the snow-covered scenery while enjoying cross-country skiing.
Moab
Moab is located close to the stunning Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which is why it draws a constant stream of visitors. Tour operators that specialize in off-road paths, river rafting, and mountain biking can be found on the town’s main street. Their trips are simple to sell because of the town’s enchanting scenery, which includes towering rock formations and the boundless blue skies of Utah. April’s Easter Jeep Safari is a great event for off-road aficionados from all over the world. If you own a Jeep or wish to hire one for the occasion, the event provides scheduled trail rides on the area’s famous slickrock.
La Sal Mountain Loop Road is one of the places that provide breathtaking views of forested peaks in one direction and desert plateaus in the other. It is located away from the main parks. The Colorado River viewpoint at Dead Horse Point State Park is also a popular spot for taking pictures. For those who prefer concerts in the great outdoors, cultural events like the Moab Music Festival, which usually takes place from late August to early September, are another excellent opportunity to come.
Kanab
Kanab, which is situated in southern Utah and borders the state of Arizona, is famous for being close to significant natural sites such as the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. However, for anyone who has ever watched a Western movie or television show, the real magic comes from the fact that it has been a popular filming location for Hollywood movies for decades. The Little Hollywood Museum, where visitors may explore parts of ancient film sets, celebrates the fact that the sandstone formations in the area were the perfect setting for classic cowboy movies. The Kanab legacy House Museum is located in an old mansion that seems like it came straight out of a classic storybook. The museum has exhibits that showcase the area’s architecture and cultural legacy.
The Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup comes to town in February, providing a wonderfully magical event. Around 40 hot air balloons take part in the event, creating a bright spectacle as they soar up and over the harsh landscapes as live music plays and the mood of a festival fills the air. You can also have other magical experiences at Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, both of which are nearby and provide guided tours all year round.
Cedar City
Cedar City, which is home to Southern Utah University, is a must-see for anyone looking for a place that feels like Old England. If you want to take part in the Utah Shakespeare Festival, which is a celebration of the “Bard” that features theater productions in locations both on and off campus, you should visit between late June and October. There are also interesting seminars and backstage tours offered. The Southern Utah Museum of Art is a stunningly built building that attracts many visitors. Even if you don’t go inside, the canyon-inspired facade is definitely worth taking a picture of and would fit right in in a science fiction narrative.
Do you prefer a storybook scene that takes place outside? Go to Cedar Breaks National Monument, where you will see a stunning and enchanting natural amphitheater that was constructed by Mother Nature. Cedar City has a fantastic Fourth of July festival that includes a parade and fireworks. In October, the Cedar Livestock & Heritage Festival showcases the area’s ranching history through exhibits and festivities.
The Last Word
Utah is one of the most popular states in America, and it has countless reasons to entice visitors with its beauty. This picture-perfect location also provides as a magical background to some of the West’s most unique tiny towns, each of which has at least a few attractions that give them a delightful storybook-like appeal. Be sure to stop and visit these six storybook villages in Utah, whether you’re on a cross-country road trip or just passing through on your way to one or more of the nearby national parks.