More to come on the transportation situation.  Leaving Las Vegas, early afternoon traffic slowed on Interstate-15 until a few miles outside downtown.  Billboards along the highway advertised a stream of discount dinners, room rates and casino specials.  One of our guidebooks featured a bistro in Mesquite, Nevada called the Purple Fez.  As intriguing as that sounds, we decided to push on to the Utah state line.  After 170 miles and three hours of driving, we arrived in Springdale, UT.  It’s just outside the gates of Zion, with frequent shuttle service to and from the national park.

A young woman working the registration desk of our motel suggested Oscar’s Cafe for dinner, and her recommendation was solid.    We shared a pitcher of Wasatch Evolution Amber Ale with a bowl of blue corn tortilla chips and feasted on one of the many garlic burgers on their menu and a healthy plate of tilapia tacos. Oscar’s has a shaded patio with excellent views of the nearby red cliffs.  Springdale is a bit like Sedona without as much commercialization.  Small town, backs right up against some stunning geologic formations.

Cafe Oscar, Springdale UT

Sunrise at Springdale UT

View from the parking lot

Hampton Inn, Springdale

Morning view, Springdale