St George, UT February 2026

Love is in the Air

Dear Reader,

Over 20 years ago I moved to St. George, Utah.  I have been asked the invariable question for all of us, “What brought you here?”.  My answer is probably the same as yours, the weather.  I came for visits with my husband’s family but I stayed for the sunshine. Yet, I have found a treasure beyond the blue skies- wonderful people, places and the history of Southern Utah. Living in St. George means being a part of a community that cares, shares and celebrates together.  Whether it is a quick chat with a neighbor, a smile at the grocery store or a shared laugh as we work together, it is the little things that make St. George more than just a place to live- it is a place to love.

“Love is in the air”, a song lyric popularized by John Paul Young, is an apt description of this issue of St. George City Lifestyle magazine.  We recognize the Brick and Mortar businesses that keep our economy thriving as well as the people that bring a vibrant connection.

Benji and Tiffany Nelson have created a beautiful family here in Southern Utah as well as a popular YouTube channel, Not Enough Nelsons.  Learn a little more about their love story and journey through adoption.

Spice up your Valentine's Day with recipes from our adorable Chef Nola.  She has created a Slammin Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya guaranteed to bring a little heat to the chill of February.

Brotherly love is the focus of our history article "How Enterprise Stood Together".  Although I felt a flash back to Covid while reading about the Spanish Flu, I appreciate the cost and triumph of overcoming great odds.

May this month be filled with warmth, connection and a deep appreciation for the treasures within our community. Take a moment to come together with your neighbors, friends and family here in St. George.  See you about town.

Best,

RACHEL KIDMAN, EDITOR @STGEORGECITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Joe Morris | joe.morris@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rachel Kidman | rachel.kidman@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Holly Morris | holly.morris@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christine Alleman, Shonie Christensen, Rachel Kidman, Anna Lytle, Chef Nola, Heidi Orr

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heidi Culley, Malea Ellett, Family Search, Brad Jossi, Rachel Kidman, LouiseAnna Hospitality Group

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Wreaths Across America Celebration at Tonaquint Cemetery Dec. 13, 2025 2: Lt. Col. Kenneth Field USAF (Ret.) speaks as thousands of veterans' graves were honored 3: Wreaths Across America Celebration, Betsy Ross presentation of flag 4: New chapter for updated Springs Park located at 2395 E Springs Dr 5: At the opening of the beautiful playground at Springs Park 6: Splendid morning view of a balloonist over St. George 7: The rock along The Stairs at Tech Ridge being placed by hand

The Ultimate Love Letter Is in Trust

And a Trust or Will Estate Plan that can be found by those you leave behind is The Ultimate Act of Love. When Anna was diagnosed with cancer at 62, just five years after her husband’s passing, she decided to reverse mortgage the house to ease her financial burden during treatment & recovery. But when the Title Company requested a copy of the Family Trust documents to finalize the process, Anna was not able to find those vital documents anywhere. The same documents that allowed the home to be initially titled in Trust were now nowhere to be found. Chaos ensued.

They say Love Never Ends, and neither should your protection. Secure all vital estate documents in a TrustSafe Digital Estate Vault today & get 30% off using code LOVE until Feb 28th

business monthly

Red Rock Real Estate Headquarters Breaks Ground

Red Rock Companies began work for the new Red Rock headquarters in Desert Color with a ground breaking ceremony on December 4th. "This celebration is more than the start of a new building - it's a moment to honor the people who made it possible."  Adam Legg CEO

Degree Wellness Opens its Doors

Degree Wellness held a grand opening on Dec. 15th, located at 1472 E. George Washington Blvd, Unit #5.  Proprietors Hope and Michael Terry are excited to show our community what their services can do for you. From cryotherapy and light therapy to compression massage, Degree Wellness has much to offer.  To learn more, please visit degreewellness.com

Discover sweet Valentine’s gifts for your little ones— soft pajamas, charming toys, beautifully illustrated Valentine’s cards, and keepsakes made to be treasured. Our early spring arrivals are blooming too, with fresh colors, airy fabrics, and effortless everyday pieces. We are back to our normal business hours this month, Monday-Friday 11-5 & Saturday 10-4.

Hearing and Brain Centers of America Grand Opening

Dr. William Sparrow, AuD, FAAA opened the doors of the newest Hearing and Brain Center located at 2557 S. River Road, Ste. B4, St.George.  His team, including Shellene Hawkins and Kevin Weston MS; ACSM-EP, provides advanced, patient-focused care for all stages of hearing loss. The St. George clinic offers personalized plans to help you hear your best.  For more information visit: Hearingandbraincenters.com

Love Across the Miles

CONNECTING ST. GEORGE FAMILIES THROUGH FORESIGHT

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE ALLEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD JOSSI

For many in St. George, Utah, the red rocks and warm climate represent a hard-earned sanctuary. As a premier retirement destination, our community is a vibrant tapestry of “snowbirds” and retirees. However, this lifestyle often comes with a geographical challenge: while you enjoy the sunshine of Southern Utah, your children and heirs are likely building lives in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or all across the country. But true love transcends the distance. While we often express love through visits, texts, emails and calls, there’s a deeper, more enduring way to show your love for those near or far, and that is the gift of preparation.

BRIDGING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN ST. GEORGE AND HOME

Whether it’s a healthcare directive needed in an emergency, or the most recent trust document required to purchase, refinance, or reverse mortgage your home, ensuring your estate plan is available and easily accessible in a moment’s notice avoids delay and reduces risk. This foresight allows you or your loved ones immediate access to vital documents from any mobile or electronic device without having to leave home, which saves time and money. While Southern Utah is beautiful, it’s not immune to

risks including physical disasters such as fires, floods, theft and fraud often leading to destroyed or missing paper documents. A TrustSafe digital vault acts as a bridge between your life in St. George and your loved ones elsewhere in the world, and allows for a level of security that paper cannot match.

THE ULTIMATE GIFT IS PEACE OF MIND

Love means being present even when you’re physically apart. Peace of mind and security is a gift of love that comes with having an estate plan in place before the most difficult time arrives. This should not be viewed as a legal chore, but as a “lasting letter of love” which provides immediate peace of mind for the planner, and future security for heirs. Equally important is ensuring ease of access to this vital information which spares your loved ones stress and confusion, allowing them to focus on honoring your wishes and your memory rather than searching through your files and records.

ENDING THE “DOCUMENT TREASURE HUNT”

When a crisis occurs, the last thing a grieving family needs is a “treasure hunt” by searching for your will, trust or other vital financial and estate documents through traditional methods: paper files in a dusty cabinet or a safe with an unknown combination or missing key, or even an unknown/inaccessible safe deposit box. This can force out-of-state heirs to fly in just to search for a single document. Statistics also show that the average person now manages over 100 passwords and dozens of digital accounts. Without a centralized location, executors and trustees can spend up to 12 months simply trying to find and access a deceased loved one’s assets. By ensuring ease of access in a TrustSafe Digital Vault, you can replace that chaos with clarity, essentially saying,  “I’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to worry, no matter the time or distance between us.”

A STRONGER COMMUNITY STARTS AT HOME

Caring for your neighbor begins with caring for your own home. St. George residents ensure a smooth transition of assets such as real property and locally owned businesses when the documents securing them are readily available and easy to find.  This helps support the local economy and community by preventing properties from sitting in legal limbo and ensuring that your intentions are legally recognized and honored without court delays.

PRESERVING YOUR DIGITAL LEGACY

In this modern world, your estate is more than just a house, your company, and bank accounts. It includes your digital legacy. Without a TrustSafe digital vault to secure these vital estate documents, those assets can be lost forever or become targets for theft, misappropriation and probate court legal battles. Securing your legacy in a TrustSafe Digital Vault preserves your plan and shows your everlasting love.

READY TO SECURE YOUR LEGACY?

Explore modern solutions for your family by visiting www.TrustSafellc.com

Christine Alleman is the CEO of TrustSafe LLC which offers Digital Vaults to individuals and estate planners on behalf of their clients across the United States. TrustSafe vaults protect vital estate documents from becoming lost, stolen, damaged or altered, and allows loved ones to find and access those documents when the time comes. Alleman worked in the legal industry for over 30 years during which she observed how document loss and destruction created problems for families in probate court. TrustSafe allows clients the freedom from worrying about where to store vital estate documents or who to entrust them with, so the plan they create during their life can actually be followed after their life.

CREOLE ROMANCE

Salt-Free Southern Flava for Valentine's Day

Flava Fans, love is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate romance than with the soul-stirring tastes of New Orleans right here in St. George, Utah! Meet Chef Nola “Flava Queen,” the passionate culinary artist behind LouiseAnna Flava, who’s bringing authentic Southern hospitality and Creole magic to couples seeking an unforgettable Valentine’s dinner experience.

Chef Nola didn’t just stumble into the culinary world: she was called to it. Born with an innate understanding that food is love made visible, the Flava Queen has dedicated her life to creating experiences that nourish both body and soul. “Cooking isn’t just about feeding people,” Chef Nola explains, “it’s about creating connections, building

community, and showing love through every single dish.” This philosophy drives everything from her salt-free seasonings to her community initiatives, making every meal a testament to care and craftsmanship. Visit https://www.louiseannaflava.com to explore and learn more about her mission and vision.

VALENTINE’S ROMANCE: NEW ORLEANS STYLE

Now, let’s talk about creating magic in your own kitchen! These recipes bring the warmth and passion of New Orleans to your Valentine’s celebration, designed specifically for couples who want to create something special together.

SLAMMIN BREAD PUDDING FOR LOVERS LOVE POTION MOCKTAIL

End your evening on the sweetest note with this decadent dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old French bread, cubed

• 2 cups Oat Milk

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 cup golden raisins (optional)

• 2 tablespoons Margarine, melted

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Bourbon-less Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons Margarine

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a small baking dish with Margarine.

2. Combine bread cubes, Oat Milk, beaten eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.

3. Let mixture soak 15 minutes, then fold in raisins and melted Margarine.

4. Transfer to baking dish and bake 45 minutes until golden and set.

5. For sauce: heat cream, brown sugar, and Margarine until bubbling, then stir in vanilla.

6. Serve warm bread pudding drizzled with sauce and dusted with powdered sugar.

A romantic, ruby-red drink that sparkles as much as your love!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pomegranate juice

• 1/2 cup sparkling apple cider

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Fresh mint leaves, chopped

• Pomegranate seeds for garnish

• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. In a shaker, combine pomegranate juice, lime juice, and honey.

2. Shake well until honey is fully dissolved.

3. Fill two glasses with ice, divide mixture between glasses.

4. Top with sparkling apple cider and gently stir.

5. Garnish with chopped mint and pomegranate seeds.

6. Serve immediately with a toast to your love!

SLAMMIN CHICKEN & SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA

A cozy one-pot classic with true NOLA flava for your date night!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Margarine

• 1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts, diced

• 12 ounces Turkey Sausage, sliced

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups extra long grain rice (uncooked)

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon Savory 7 Flavors Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon La Choy Low Sodium Soy Sauce (optional, to taste)

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, melt Margarine over medium heat. Add Turkey Sausage and cook 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.

2. Add diced Boneless Chicken Breasts (Heritage Farm) and cook 4-5 minutes until no longer pink on the outside.

3. Stir in onion, red bell pepper, and celery; sauté 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir in extra long grain rice to coat and toast for 1 minute.

5. Add chicken broth, Savory 7 Flavors Seasoning, bay leaf and thyme (if using), and La Choy Low Sodium Soy Sauce (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.

7. Remove bay leaf if used, fluff gently, and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot and say “SLAMMIN!”

FINDING BEAUTY IN THE HEART

ARTICLE BY RACHEL KIDMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MALEA ELLETT PHOTOGRAPHY

BENJI AND TIFFANY NELSON'S LOVE STORY

Maybe you’ve heard about Benji and Tiffany Nelson, or about the family with 16 children in our community. They’re the creators of the Not Enough Nelsons YouTube channel. Their story’s unique, with seven biological children and nine adopted children; two are Russian born and the remaining seven were adopted through Utah’s Foster to Adopt program.  With over 5.3 million subscribers, people tune in to watch how a large family learns, lives and laughs together.  I was privileged to get an intimate look at how the couple of 30 years came together and realized dreams from their youth.

The 90’s were a simpler time, boy meets girl, they fall in love and get married.  This was no different for the Nelsons when they met at SUU.  Tiffany says “it was love at first sight, maybe plus 24 hours”.  Within that first 24 hours, they truly got to know one another through “answering each other’s 100 questions”.  By the end of their 100 questions session they were finishing each other’s thoughts and sentences.  Something that they still do today.  From that first 24 hours, they knew they would be married.    When asking each other about the number of children they wanted Tiffany exclaimed, “Oh, I want a huge family, like seven!”.  With Benji’s answer of five or six children, they felt that they could

have a good compromise. Tiffany had a desire to adopt from an early age.  “When I was 12 years old, because my mom was fostering, I had to watch a little girl leave with a DCFS worker, taking a picture I’d given her.” states Tiffany.  “It was then I knew of my mission to adopt.”  Benji knew of Tiffany’s desire to adopt from the beginning of their relationship, however they were both adamant that he be in full partnership with this major life step. “I needed to find my peace in it too, so I was never going to place blame if something was challenging”, says Benji.  The fateful day arrived when their second oldest, KassaDee was moved by compassion to tears for all of the children who don’t have parents.

LOOKINGBACKOVERTHEPAST30

YEARS ,

The Nelsons knew it was time to adopt.  First they adopted two Russian born children. Eventually, the Nelsons added seven more children through the Foster to Adoption program in Utah, six siblings and one addition they still affectionately call “babygirl”.

When asked about the process of adoption they say we’ve seen, “beautiful miracles.  With each, we just had a knowing in our hearts.”  The journey of adoption is difficult, “there is always a tiny bit of a sad story attached to it.  It is all a part of their journey. None of us have had a perfect childhood.  Those moments in our childhood have made us who we are today.  I am who I am because of some of the hardest days of my life.”  Tiffany continues, ”The

sad part of their story forges their strength.  They wouldn’t tear out the pages of sadness in their story and neither would I.  It is intertwined with who they are.  Finding beauty in the heart is the greatest blessing.”

The Nelsons weren’t finished yet, through-out the processes of adoption Tiffany gave birth to three more children.  “To grow a family, it’s beautiful, but it’s not always easy.”  Tiffany attributes their family’s success to  “A dad who’s completely on board and all in, a mom who is all in and parents who make unified decisions.”  The Nelson family has unique challenges that go beyond the numbers.  Not many parents take a party bus to church, wrangle

Benji says that it wasn’t just Tiffany’s beauty that drew him to her but also spiritual experiences and a witness from God that she was the right one for him.  Tiffany was attracted to Benji’s steadiness and familiar eyes,  “It was like I was homesick and I found home.”  Benji and Tiffany both have such warm and engaging personalities, it is no wonder that the YouTube community has fallen in love with them and their entire family.  If you would like to see more of this fun and fascinating family take a look at their YouTube channel- Not Enough Nelsons.

“WITH OVER 5.3 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS, PEOPLE TUNE IN TO WATCH HOW A LARGE FAMILY LEARNS, LIVES AND LAUGHS TOGETHER.”

four carts at the grocery store or attend 10 parent/teacher conferences in one day.  Through these challenges Tiffany has learned to not base her parenting abilities upon people’s reactions.  “I would go to one teacher who would sing my praises. ‘You must be the most incredible mother, you must do all these things with them’ and then I would go with another child, who would be struggling a bit, and the teacher would say, ‘here are all your failings’, that really taught me a lesson that I will never judge another parent based on the actions of their child.”

Looking back over the past 30 years, Tiffany remembers how she learned to “love the chaos and just be really present.”  “I would answer the door with my hair disheveled and Cheerios stuck to the bottom of my feet. It’s humbling when you realize that perfection is a complete facade”.  Tiffany’s best advice for young families is that “Beauty is in enjoying the moments, because they go so fast.”  Benji’s sentiment is the same, “Money’s important, but the enjoyment and happiness of actually living life together is more important.”

Love Where You Live

Loving where you live means investing in it, with your time, dollars, and your heart

ARTICLE BY SHONIE CHRISTENSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Loving where you live means investing in it with your time, your dollars, and your heart. I didn’t always understand that. Like many people, I was drawn to Southern Utah for the sunshine, the red rocks, the slower pace, the feeling that life could breathe a little easier here. What I didn’t realize was that loving a place isn’t passive. It isn’t just enjoying the view or appreciating the weather. It’s an active choice. One you make again and again. For me, that choice looks like shopping local even when it’s easier to click and ship. It looks like knowing the names behind the counters, the stories behind the storefronts, and understanding that when we spend our money locally, we’re keeping our neighbors employed, our schools funded, and our community strong. It’s not always the cheapest option, but it’s almost always the most meaningful.

Loving where you live also means giving your time. Serving on boards, volunteering at events, showing up when help is needed, even when it’s inconvenient. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved with local nonprofits and community organizations, especially those supporting survivors of domestic violence. That work isn’t glamorous. It’s often quiet, emotional, and behind the scenes. But it matters. Communities don’t thrive because of big gestures. They thrive because people consistently show up.

Southern Utah has a way of reminding you what really matters. The pace slows you down just enough to notice things. Friday night football games. Fundraisers that feel more like family reunions. Small businesses that remember your name and ask about your kids. Sunsets that stop you mid sentence because they’re that beautiful. Those moments ground you. They remind you that life is happening right here, not somewhere else. Some of my favorite local moments are the simplest ones. A spontaneous date night downtown. A walk through a local event where you see the same faces year after year. A quick coffee meeting that turns into an hour long conversation because connection matters more than the clock. These aren’t just things to do. They’re the threads that weave a community together.

Owning a business here has deepened that perspective. When your livelihood is tied to the health of the community, you see things differently. You understand that trust is built over time. That relationships matter. That being present and reliable carries weight. You also understand that success isn’t just measured in growth or numbers, but in impact. In whether people know they can count on you.

There’s a responsibility that comes with loving a place this much. To protect it. To contribute to it. To make it better for the next generation. That responsibility shows up in how we spend our money, how we give our time, and how we treat one another.

St. George and Southern Utah have given me so much. A place to raise my family. A community that supports one another. A sense of belonging that doesn’t happen everywhere. Loving where I live isn’t something I say lightly. It’s something I practice.

Because at the end of the day, strong communities don’t happen by accident. They happen because people decide they’re worth investing in. And this one absolutely is.

Shonie Christensen is the owner of The Shonie Insurance Group in St. George, Utah. A longtime local business owner and community advocate, she is passionate about supporting small businesses, giving back through service, and investing in the Southern Utah community she proudly calls home.

ARTICLE BY ANNA

How Enterprise Stood Together

Local Love in a Historical Time of Sickness

February is often a month devoted to love—between partners, families, and friends. But in Southern Utah, love has also meant something broader: neighbors caring for neighbors when survival depended on it. Few moments reveal that truth more clearly than Enterprise’s experience during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918–1919.

When the flu reached rural Utah near the end of World War I, it arrived quietly but spread quickly. Large numbers of soldiers killed during the war died not on the battlefield, but from the pandemic itself. As servicemen returned home, the illness followed. By November of 1918, Enterprise was effectively shut down. Schools and churches closed. Public meetings were banned. Masks were worn, with some residents spritzing their gauze with turpentine, convinced it might help keep the sickness away. Only one person was allowed in the post office at a time, and even standing in groups on the street was forbidden. Young people attempted to hold dances anyway, but health officers, often backed by parents, quickly shut them down.

For two months, the town waited. When life briefly resumed, a second wave struck in January of 1919, bringing renewed closures. According to Orson W. Huntsman’s journal, more than 300 cases were recorded in the Enterprise area, a staggering number for a small agricultural community.

Then came the losses.

In the spring of 1919, sickness moved through Enterprise with frightening speed. In less than six weeks, eleven residents were lost. The sickness did not discriminate and affected everyone. Many members of the same family were sick at the same time. So many residents were ill at once that it became difficult to find anyone well enough to offer any assistance.

And yet, the town endured.

Local accounts recall that nearly everyone who could still stand took on the work of those who could not, with local lore even holding that two Enterprise residents never fell ill at all, quietly assuming the daily chores of their neighbors, such as chopping wood, tending animals, and keeping households running until the town could breathe again.

Community members in Enterprise, Utah, c. 1911. Photograph courtesy of FamilySearch.org. Original photographer and archive unknown

...when

fear could have divided them, local love bound them together... it remains one of the town’s quiet, enduring strengths.

By mid-April, the worst had passed. In May of 1919, Enterprise gathered for a memorial service honoring those lost to the flu, as well as the young men who had died overseas. When the illness returned briefly in 1922, the town complied with quarantines and fines without protest. Hard lessons had already been learned.  Enterprise survived not because it was spared hardship, but because its people refused to face it alone. In a time when fear

could have divided them, local love bound them together and it remains one of the town’s quiet, enduring strengths.

Anna Lytle is a Southern Utah–based independent researcher and storyteller with a passion for uncovering the human stories behind the region’s past. She’s the creator of the podcast  What Once Was, where she blends research with storytelling to share the history of Southern Utah.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY 30 THROUGH MARCH 7TH

Million Dollar Quartet presented by Tuacahn Amphitheater

Indoor Hafen Theatre | 7:30 PM

Million Dollar Quartet is the smash-hit musical inspired by the legendary recording session that brought together rock-n-roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time on Dec 4, 1956. Million Dollar Quartet brings that unforgettable night to life on stage. For more information visit Tuacahn.org

FEBRUARY 6TH

Arabian Nights Concert presented by Southwest Symphony

Desert Hills High School | 7:30 PM

Be transported to the enchanting world of Arabian Nights as the Southwest Symphony brings to life the mesmerizing soundscape of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. The winners of the 2025 Young Artist Competition, Eve and Aurora Vasefi, will perform with the Symphony. Visit: swsutah.org

FEBRUARY 6TH

Soup N' Bowl Fundraiser at St. George Museum of Art

St George Museum of Art, 47 E. 200 N. | 11:00 AM

The Annual Soup N' Bowl fundraiser generates support for the St. George Art Museum Permanent Collection. Tickets include a beautiful ceramic bowl, a bowl of soup, bread stick, drink and dessert.  Join us for lunch, music and an art auction. Visit: sgcityutah.gov

FEBRUARY 13TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 22ND

St. George Area Parade of Homes

Various Home Locations across the Southern Utah area | 10:00 AM

The 2026 St. George Parade Homes are open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. This year there are 31 new home sites to visit for a self-guided tour which commonly takes all 10 days to view each one. Please wear comfortable, easy to remove shoes. Visit ParadeHomes.com or contact the SUHBA office at 435-674-1400 for more information.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Sweetheart Swing 2026 presented by the St. George Arts Commission

Dixie Academy Ballroom at Town Square, 86 S. Main St. | 7:00 PM

The St. George Arts Commission invites you to the Annual Sweetheart Swing this Valentine's Day. Dance with your Valentine to live Jazz Music provided by The Rebel Jazz Band. Tickets are $25 per person. Visit: sgcityutah.gov

FEBRUARY 20TH THROUGH FEBRUARY 22ND

Balloons & Tunes Roundup in Kanab

The former Coral Cliffs Golf Course on W. 100 North in Kanab | 7:30 AM

Enjoy great bands, a lantern festival, hot air balloon launches (weather permitting) and vendor fare at the Annual Balloons & Tunes Roundup in Kanab, Utah. You won't be disappointed. For more information go to the Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup Facebook page or check balloonsandtunesroundup.com for updates. Free admission.

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GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SHORTCAKES

Espresso Brownie Shortcakes with Barely Buzzed Mascarpone Cream and Bear Lake Raspberry Compote

ARTICLE BY HEIDI ORR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI CULLEY

Local love is more than celebrating our neighbors and the amazing place we live; it’s about honoring the foods and artisans that shape the area we call home.

Digby’s Market is all about local love! We are family-owned and operated, and truly believe in supporting our local communities! That’s why we proudly carry products made throughout the state.

With over 30 years of culinary experience, Chef Heidi Orr brings passion and expertise as she adds local flavor to Digby’s Market Catering. Discover blending her signature recipes with the creativity of local flavors.

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SHORTCAKES

Espresso Brownie Shortcakes with Barely Buzzed Mascarpone Cream and Bear Lake Raspberry Compote

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 C All-Purpose Flour

• 1/4 C Cocoa Powder

• 2 T SwitchPoint Underdog Coffee Grounds

• 1 C Granulated Sugar

• 4 Tsp Baking Powder

• 1/2 Tsp Salt

• 1/2 C Cold Butter, Cubed

• 1/2 Bar Dezeria Dark Chocolate, Finely Shredded

• 1/3 C Heavy Cream

• 2 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup

• 1 Large Egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, coffee, and grated chocolate together in a large bowl. Cut in butter with two knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat together milk, chocolate syrup, and egg in a small bowl; stir into the flour mixture until the batter holds together. Roll into 2 inch rounds. Place on a cookie sheet. Press lightly to flatten.

3. Bake about 12-15 minutes. Shortcakes should have cracked tops but remain soft in the middle. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Espresso Mascarpone Cream with Barely Buzzed Essence

Ingredients:

• 1 C Heavy Cream

• ½ 3 oz Bar (1.75 oz) Deziria Dark Chocolate Bar, Finely Grated

• 1 8 oz Container Espresso Flavored Mascarpone Cream

• 2 oz Beehive Cheese Company Barely Buzzed Cheese, Finely Grated

• 2 Tbsp Sugar

Instructions:

1. Blend mascarpone, sugar, and cheese until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Fold in grated chocolate. Spoon onto shortcakes.

Bear Lake Raspberry Compote

Ingredients:

• 1 Container Weeks Berries Of Paradise Red or Purple Raspberry Freezer Jam

• 2 8-oz Containers of Fresh Raspberries, Washed and Drained Well

Instructions:

1. Warm jam until just melted. Stir in berries. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Garnish with Fresh Raspberries and Assemble

Lay 1 shortcake on a plate. Pipe mascarpone cream mixture to cover the entire shortcake. Spoon raspberry compote over cream. Add additional raspberries if desired.

Top with a second shortcake. Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired. Makes 6-8.