The most beautiful place in America: Part 1
Granted, I haven’t been everywhere in America, but of the places I have been thus far, Utah takes the crown for most beautiful. Looking for a quick getaway to escape our hectic lives in Vegas, Alex and I recently traveled to the small town of Ivins, near St. George. When we were looking for a place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, we focused on finding locations that were within a few hours’ drive and would provide a calm, serene setting where we could just relax. The last few weeks have been tumultuous for us, and we couldn’t wait to put Vegas in the rear view if only for a few days.
Finding peace in Utah
I Googled endlessly looking for a place where we could relax, and finally stumbled upon the Kayenta community in Ivins. This community is home to a small art village, a restaurant, a sculpture garden with a labyrinth, and a wonderfully quiet place to stay: The Crescent Moon Inn. It’s less than a two-hour drive from Vegas, and it looked like it was int he middle of nowhere. Perfect.
Our stay there was so relaxed and peace-filled that we were reluctant to drive away. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, this inn is the place for you. However, if you want nightlife or greater interaction with people, this place is definitely not for you. Alex and I basically wanted to commune with nature for a while, so this was the perfect choice.
I want to make it clear that Alex and I were in no way compensated for our stay at the inn–we really are just this enthusiastic about our stay!–and we paid for our own travel and accommodation.
Kayenta in Photos
It’s difficult to put the beauty of the place into words, so I’ll show you with a photo essay below. (The second part of this series will feature a photo essay on Snow Canyon State Park, where we hiked on the second day of our stay.)
The gorgeous view from the roof of The Crescent Moon Inn.
I am standing atop the roof--it looks like I'm not, but I am! The inn was down a steep hill from the lake.
This is the most relaxed Alex has been in about 17 years!
Ducks!
The Crescent Moon Inn in the Kayenta community of Ivins, Utah
This looks like a painting on the wall, but it's a window!
After walking the labyrinth, thinking deeply along the way, Alex and I met in the center and couldn't resist an overly cute photo opp.
This was my favorite statue in the sculpture garden. It's called "Mother's Hands." Sculptures line the path to the labyrinth.
Sunset from the roof of the Crescent Moon Inn.
Stay tuned for part 2, which will feature photos of the jaw-dropping beauty of Snow Canyon State Park.
Emily is a recovering cubicle monkey, former obituary writer, and ex-yuppie. In her free time, she volunteers for Wings of Hope and pretends like she knows how to use her fancy camera. Emily has lived all over the United States and France and currently resides in Las Vegas. Her favorite place in the world is Isla Espiritu Santo in La Paz, Mexico.
18 Comments
I’d never have thought Utah would take the prize, but judging from this description it should be considered as a future travel destination.
You should definitely visit… it’s just stunning!
I am so glad you guys got away. Frame that photo of you two, it´s awesome.
I do plan to frame it
It was so good to get away… I can’t even explain just how quiet it was there. All we could here were birds. It was wonderful.
I visited Utah for the first time this summer (Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Arches National Park, and driving across the state), and I was absolutely blown away by how gorgeous it was! I’m inclined to agree with your post title.
It blew us away, too… sometimes I get caught in a rut of thinking that all the best places in the world are in a different country, but then I visit places like this and check myself!
Hi did you guys see Nate Damm’s postings on Utah? He’s the guy that’s just finished up walking the whole length of the USA. His ambles and video diaries through the desolate graveyards and cemeteries of Utah was easily my favourite part.
Your photos certainly add to my lust to go there now too!
No, we haven’t! We’ll have to look those up–thanks for the tip!
Utah’s sooo gorgeous!! You two are so cute!
Thanks, Abby!
Yes, Utah is gorgeous, especially the ring of national parks in southern Utah. I cannot wait to return.
Neither can I!
For what it’s worth, I’ve been to all but six of the states, and I believe southern Utah is the most gorgeous corner of the country, so your assumption is a good one.
Thanks, JoAnna
I am one of the lucky ones to have a home in Kayenta. We stumbled upon it about 7 years ago and you nailed it! It IS heaven on earth. Come back and we’ll treat you guys to dinner at Xetava…truly one of the finest restaurants around…and right smack in little Kayenta. Guess now our secret is out…
We at at Xetava while we were there, and we LOVED it! We will certainly be going back to Kayenta, hopefully soon!
the Crescent Moon Inn looks absolutely amazing!
Capitol Reef in Utah is the least visited of all the US National Parks (or at least it was a few years ago when I visited). It is spectacular and practically empty, even in mid-summer. Go!