St. George Parade of Homes—2015

It’s that time of year that we begin anticipating St. George’s Parade of Homes. The event runs February 13 – 22 and tickets are already on sale online. Get a map on-line, down load the mobile or app, or pick up a 2015 guide on opening day.  You will see the signs around town guiding you from house to house.

There are twenty eight homes in this year’s parade and they range in price and size. If you click on the individual homes on the parade home websites, you can get not only a description of the home but also a list of all the subcontractors who added their touch to the home.

Besides going to just admire the work of some of St. George’s great builders, we love to go and get ideas of how to use space better, to decorate or landscaping ideas.  Last year we were looking for ideas on how to make a smaller room into a fun, very livable space. We came away with many ideas. We also particularly watched for ways to make our desert patio more liveable. 

So whether you are in the market for a new home altogether or looking for ways to update your existing home, the Parade of Homes is a great way to get some new ideas and see the actual work of local vendors.

Take time to get acquainted with the various neighborhoods around the area. Notice the views. Perhaps as you are viewing the homes, you can find the perfect area to put down roots.

We are more than happy to help you find that perfect area.

Call Chris at 435-313-3963

Or Visit  www.whystgeorge.com

Local Hikes: Red Cliffs Recreation Area

One of our favorite places to take kids for a quick hike is just 15 minutes north of St. George at Red Cliffs Recreation Area. The hike is more of a walk, but there are plenty of rocks for the kids to scramble up, over and through. The stream that flows out of the little canyon is perfect for kids to play in. We always take the trail that follows the stream up the canyon to the larger pools of water. Our older kids like to use the rope and chiseled foot notches to climb further up stream. The kids often wear swimsuits or clothes to get wet so they can jump in the water (more of a late spring thru mid-fall activity.)

We’ve always used Red Cliffs as a quick get away, but plenty of people use it for camping, as well. There are camp sites with picnic tables; however, the space is limited, and it can be tricky to find a spot in the Spring and Fall. 

To get to Red Cliffs from St. George, take I-15 north to exit 22. At te end of the freeway off-ramp, turn right on Old Highway 91 (frontage road). Travel south 2 miles and turn right after passing the sign for the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Continue under two freeway tunnels and follow the paved road for 1.3 miles to the campground. 

The exit is the Leeds exit. We know several people who love living in Leeds and the Silver Reef area. Give me a call if you are interested in learning more about the homes in this area.

Chris: 435-313-3963

Visit: www.whystgeorge.com

Unique Neighborhoods: Stone Cliff--Life with a View

Looking for a view? Living in Southern Utah, the views are limitless and if having a home with a view is important to you, you are in luck. There are views to be had around the valley. One great neighborhood for finding views, however, is atop the hill at Stone Cliff Neighborhood. 

I’ve never driven in through Stone Cliff without being impressed by the views. I was recently in one home that sat right on top and offered beautiful views in every direction: Pine Valley Mountain to the North, the red cliffs by Warner Valley to the East, the Arizona Strip to the South, and beautiful St. George and western horizon to the West. 

Stone Cliff is a gated community with an active HOA. It is made up of custom homes, many of which have been featured in the annual Southern Utah Parade of Homes show. Although Stone Cliff is well known for some of it’s featured multi-million dollar homes, there are a range of homes in the community that provide options for various life styles and budgets.

Besides the beautiful views, Stone Cliff offers a variety of ammenities that come with being a part of the home owners association. Members of the neighborhood enjoy:

• Community Pools (indoor and outdoor) 
• Security Guard on duty 24/7 
• Spa 
• Fitness Center 
• Clubhouse 
• Pickleball Courts 
• Tennis Courts

The neighborhood is zoned for the Desert Hills School cone site.

Call me for a chance to view some of the beautiful properties in Stone Cliff.

Chris at 435-313-3969

Or visit www.whystgeorge.com

Brian Head: January is New Skiier Month

picture from liftopia.com

Winter is one of the best things about living in St. George. I love that we can drive 1 ½ hours north and be on the ski slopes of Brian Head on Cedar Mountain and then return home and play tennis in the evening, often in shorts and sweat shirt. For those of us who love to ski or have our “snow fix” without shoveling walks or driving in slush, St. George is perfect.

In January, many of the ski resorts in Utah offer incentives to get new skiiers on the slopes. Check out ski utah for deals throughout the state. This year Brian Head is offering three lessons, three days of rentals and three lift tickets for $199, BUT you have to be a beginner to take advantage of the deal.

To get to Brian Head from St. George, drive North on I-15 to exit 75 at Parowan. Once you exit, the eastiest way is to simply follow the signs that lead you through the streets of Parowan and up the mountain. Generally, the roads are plowed and Brian Head is pretty accessible; however, when there has been a recent snowfall I would call ahead for road conditions. There is also a shuttle service from both St. George and Cedar City if you prefer not to drive up the mountain.

If you are new to skiing/snowboarding, you are probably going to be renting some equipment, as well. I have only rented at Brian Head resort, but there are some sports stores in Cedar City who rent equipment. Plan to be early to get your rentals so that it doesn’t eat into your ski time.

Go to Brian Head and have fun. It is a great place to enjoy the white fluffy stuff and then return to the warm, sunny weather of St. George.

Let our team help you with any of your real estate needs.

Call Chris at 435-313-3963

Or Visit www.whystgeorge.com