It’s October! Welcome to Wondrous Fall!
Dear Readers,
As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, our cravings shift toward comforting flavors that warm body and soul. October is one of our most delightful issues of the year, and this month we’re celebrating some of the food that makes our city such a delight for the senses.
We’ve included some incredible recipes for you to try at home—whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, and they’re from two master chefs we have featured numerous times in our issues through the years: Chef Jackie Dodart and Chef Victoria Topham. For them, food preparation is an art.
For me, the tantalizing scents of fall bring back memories of sitting in my mother’s kitchen, savoring the aroma of apple and pumpkin pies. One of my family’s favorite traditions was gathering around the table for a big pot of homemade chili on a chilly Saturday afternoon at hunting season, the kind of meal that warms a person from the inside out.
There’s an art to creating a dish that not only satisfies one’s taste buds, but also stirs memories of home. Food has a unique way of connecting us to our past while bringing us together in the present. Whether you’re enjoying a meal out with friends at one of our many eateries, or hosting a cozy dinner at home, these shared moments are what make life wondrous, indeed!
May we each find joy and share that joy this season of fall.
JJ ABERNATHY, EDITOR @STGEORGECITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Paula Christie | paula.christie@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
JJ Abernathy | jj.abernathy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Terry Dennis | terry.dennis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Holly Infante | holly.infante@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Asher Swan | asherswanphoto@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JJ Abernathy, Angela Broockerd, Linda Ditch, Jackie Dodart, Marianne Hamilton, Tammy Threlfall, Victoria Topham
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
JJ Abernathy, Wendi Prince Bulkley, Jackie Dodart, Alan Holben, Janie Jones, M&R Gallery of Photography, Emily Shurtliff, Asher Swan, Tammy Threlfall, Victoria Topham
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily LIsenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
A
Terry
A
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Narrators for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat sponsored by the Escalante Valley Arts Council 2: Joseph, Jacob and sons at Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 3: The Escalante Valley Arts Council & Enterprise City present Joseph and the Amazing Color Dreamcoat 4: "Greatest man since Noah" at Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Enterprise 5: Jay Sorensen and Wendi Prince Bulkley at Black Desert Resort at UT Men's Charity Tournament 6: Jamie Osborn Belliston, Jay Sorensen and Wendi Prince Bulkley at Black Desert Resort 7: Wendi Prince Bulkley and Patrick Manning at Black Desert Resort at UT Men's Charity Tournament
Want to be seen in the magazine?
EMILY SHURTLIFF
EMILY SHURTLIFF
EMILY SHURTLIFF
COURTESY OF WENDI PRINCE BULKLEY
COURTESY OF WENDI PRINCE BULKLEY
COURTESY OF WENDI PRINCE BULKLEY
SHURTLIFF
Escalante Valley Arts Council & Enterprise City Present Musical Production
Escalante Valley Arts Council and Enterprise City recently presented Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in conjunction with Enterprise City’s Corn Fest, the first community show in more than a decade. Directed by Dave and Jennifer Shurtliff with musical direction by Camille Overson, the production proved entertaining. The event was held at the Enterprise High School Auditorium. Narrators were Eden Wilson and Broxtyn Jones, with Joshua Stevenson as Joseph and Jacob played by Warren Richens.
Photography by Emily Shurtliff
Carol Hollowell Recognized by Utah Business’s Most Influential Women
According to an Instagram news release, Carol Hollowell has been named one of Utah Business’s Most Influential Women of 2025. The award honors leaders who are reshaping our state through innovation, advocacy and service, and Carol fits that standard in every way. Under Carol’s leadership, Switchpoint grew from a single shelter to a statewide network that pairs housing with job training and social enterprise.
Photography by Asher Swan
Not Too Early to Plan for Giving Machines
Based on the incredible success of its first year, St. George will receive its own Giving Machines for six weeks during the 2025 holiday season! From Nov. 17 through Dec. 27, community members may support five local charities and two international organizations. Benefitting are Washington County School District Foundation, The Dove Center, Switchpoint, Root for Kids and Utah Food Bank. The Light the World Giving Machines will be at Red Cliffs Mall! Visit GivingMachine.org.
Photography Provided
Dustin Schofield
Rick Schofield
Anasazi Steakhouse at Your Service
Enjoy fine steaks, fondues and exotic beverages at Anasazi steakhouse, a restaurant with a hot stone option. This unique eatery offers a specialty dining experience in every sense of the word.
Fondue appetizers and desserts along with hot rock cooking can be enjoyed in a glowing setting. Further, guests are surrounded by photographic art by William Carr, unique metal designs by Darrick Phallong of Elevado Metalworks and cut metal by Reflections in Metal.
Says owner Gary Smith, “It will be our pleasure to wow you with the tastiest cuisine, attentive service and with the ambience of a truly visual experience.” He adds, “Besides, we grill or hot rock the best steaks in the southwest.”
Anasazi Steakhouse is located at 1234 West Sunset Boulevard in St. George. Tel. 435.674.0095 or visit anasazistakehouse.com.
A specialty dining experience in every sense of the word
Middle: Gary Smith of Anasazi Grill
Land STEWARDS
Terry and Matt Marten's artistic vision underpins Kayenta
ARTICLE BY MARIANNE HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN HOLBEN
Roughly translated, the Navajo word Kayenta means “water-bearing rock.” No term more perfectly embodies the beauty—and the biggest challenge—faced by the early developers of one of southern Utah’s most glittering jewels. When architect Terry Marten first glimpsed the former Joy Peterson Ranch in the early 1970s, he was entranced.
Frequently commuting between his clients in Utah—including the fledgling Brian Head Resort— and his home base in San Diego, Terry became familiar with every property along Highway 91. As soon as he heard the ranch near Ivins was up for sale, he rounded up a group of investors and inked the deal. With his artist’s eye, he envisioned a community of airy desert dwellings that would complement the land.
The 1,400-acre parcel had much to recommend it: Towering, spectacular views of red rock formations. Open, untouched spaces. Sparkling night skies.
What it didn’t have: water.
Terry, however, was undaunted. “Everyone knew Californians were crazy,” he laughs. “People said, ‘didn’t anyone tell you that the place didn’t have as much as one share of an irrigation ditch?’”
But Terry’s recent work at Brian Head, where water, sewage and septic systems had to be brought in, provided the expertise needed to resolve the dilemma. He requested a lease (in perpetuity) of the Ence wells; with Ivins City as a sponsor, the deal was approved. Next, Terry set about creating the infrastructure needed to bring water onto the property.
“That got the ball rolling, where he could start thinking about developing it because there was a water source,” recalls Matt Marten, Terry’s son and now business partner in Gulch Design Group, which provides design services for Kayenta residents. Then a middle school student, Matt admits that his first glimpse of the property wasn’t exactly positive. “I thought, ‘why are we here? It’s really hot, and it’s very orange and odd.’ As I got older, I was majoring in theater at Cal State Fullerton. I had no intention of coming to Utah and working with my dad.”
Matt hoped for a career in production, costume and set design. But out of practicality, architecture and design became his future path. As Terry began building homes, he tapped Matt to bring his artistic aesthetic to the task. It proved to be a
winning solution, helping to refine the “Kayenta Concept” devised by Terry and another young architectural student, Jay Vanos.
The tenets of the concept are simple: Low-profile structures protect views. A neutral color palette for all materials blends into the natural setting. Focused lighting protects the night skies. Most importantly, the natural landscape must be preserved. Thus, all projects limit the amount of area which can “disturbed” on each parcel.
“Builders must leave anywhere from 60 to 75 percent of each property in its natural state,” Matt notes. “We sold land, but we also asked the owners of those properties to become stewards of the land. The whole idea was, we knew we had limited water, so we were always watching how much we used. We still are.”
Today, Kayenta boasts close to 800 homes that reflect the Martens’ artistic influences and their desire to serve a diverse, creative population. The community is home to the Center for the Arts at Kayenta, the bustling Kayenta
Art Village, swimming pools, pickleball courts and much more—including popular eateries Xetava Gardens Café and Rusted Cactus.
Says Matt, “Food is an important part of our community, and food culture in America has really grown in the past 50 years. We love the idea of creating hubs where people can gather, sit across from each other and talk.”
Even as the entire southwest faces ongoing water crises, the Martens continue their careful, informed development of Kayenta. With the community’s 50th anniversary next year, they are justifiably proud of their track—and look forward to the next 50.
“My dad has always wanted to protect the environment, and this site,” Matt notes. “His intention with Kayenta will always be to do the best job possible, without putting the land in jeopardy.”
For more information, visit kayentautah.com.
Marianne Hamilton is a lifelong journalist whose work has appeared in regional and national publications.
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
STYLISH SOIREE
ELEGANT BUT CASUAL GATHERING
Autumn is a lovely season to have friends and family over for dinner. Why not host an elegant but casual gathering before the holiday craziness begins? A table setting of white dishes, woven placemats, copper utensils, and linen napkins decorated with succulent or herb clippings creates a stylish atmosphere conducive to conversation and enjoyment. This simple menu will allow you to host a stress-free evening.
CHEESE BOARD
While your guests enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine or cocktail, set out a cheese board for them to nibble on. It is much simpler to assemble than a full-on charcuterie board. The basic rule is to offer three types of cheese—one blue (stilton, Roquefort, gorgonzola), one hard (cheddar, gruyere, manchego), and one soft (brie, camembert, Port Salut). Feel free to add olives, nuts, and grapes to the board, or just keep it simple like this one pictured with slices of artisan bread, crackers, and breadsticks.
Recipe by Linda Ditch
ROASTED
BEET SALAD
• 6 medium beets
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bag of salad greens
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
• 2 ounces of goat or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• Favorite vinaigrette dressing
Coat the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Roast in a 400-degree oven for 45 minutes until fork tender. Cool for 10 minutes, and then rub with paper towels to peel. (Beet juice stains, so be careful.) Cut the beets and toss with the remaining ingredients.
STEAK RUB
The dinner’s main event is a lovely piece of beef seasoned with a this spice rub. Use a steak of your choice grilled or seared in a cast iron skillet.
• 3 parts brown sugar
• 3 parts smoked sea salt
• 1 part smoked paprika
• ½ part coriander
• ½ part chili powder
• ¼ part cayenne pepper
• ¼ part dried thyme
• ¼ part cracked pepper
Mix all spices and apply liberally to the beef. Place the seasoned meat in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before grilling or searing.
Recipe by Chef Eric Carter
Peach Basil Bliss
ARTICLE BY CHEF VICTORIA TOPHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA TOPHAM
A creamy, lower-calorie rice pudding infused with basil and lemon, layered with honeyed peaches
Here’s a decadent rice pudding that satisfies without guilt, thanks to arborio rice—the starchy short-grain rice used for risotto. Its natural creaminess means you need less butter and fewer eggs. Reduced-fat milk and a touch of butter keep it rich yet balanced, while fresh basil, lemon and peach brighten every bite.
ingredients:
• ¼ cup honey
• 1½ cup fresh late season Utah peaches, peeled and chopped
• 1½ cup reduced-fat milk
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup arborio rice
• 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
• pinch salt
• ¾ cup nonfat evaporated milk
• 1 egg yolk
• zest of 1 lemon
• ½ vanilla bean (scraped)
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
method:
Warm honey and toss with peaches. Simmer rice, water, milk, sugar and salt over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Whisk remaining milk, evaporated milk, yolk and zest; add to rice with vanilla and cook until creamy. Off heat, stir in butter and basil. Cool and layer pudding with peaches in parfait glasses.
Chef Victoria Topham
Paula turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
St George City Lifestyle
Published by Paula Loved by St George
FOR PASTA LOVERS
ARTICLE
AND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHEF JACKIE DODART
Tastes of the season: butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sage sauce
Few dishes capture the coziness of autumn quite like butternut squash ravioli. The sweet, nutty squash filling is balanced by a rich brown butter sauce, crisp sage and toasted hazelnuts.
ingredients:
• 2 cups roasted butternut squash, puréed
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 package fresh pasta sheets (or homemade pasta dough)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8–10 fresh sage leaves
• ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
• Extra-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
directions:
Mix squash, ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, nutmeg, salt and pepper until smooth.
Cut pasta sheets into squares. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center, brush edges with egg, fold and seal.
Boil ravioli in salted water until they float, 3–4 minutes. Melt butter until golden brown and nutty. Add sage leaves and fry until crisp.
Toss ravioli in sauce, top with hazelnuts and Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot; boil ravioli in batches to prevent sticking.
Photo Credit: Asher Swan
Chef Jackie Dodart of Jackie's Culinary Specialties is the former culinary school instructor at Harmons in Santa Clara and food and beverage manager at Marriott Hotels. She has also served as an assistant chef in Portofino, Italy. As an independent chef, Jackie is available to plan your next function. Jackie may be contacted at jackiedodart@hotmail.com.
Tantalizing Flavors of Fall
Fall is in the air at Digby's Market
Nearly 40% of American adults say fall is their favorite season—compared with 10% for winter, 24% summer and 22% spring—according to Rasmussen Reports, a nonpartisan independent electronic data company.
And fall is here! What a wonderful time to enjoy the crisp morning air, the aroma of spice and pumpkin, Friday night lights at the local football fields and tantalizing fall foods and flavors.
Farmers markets and every grocery store in town is overflowing with fall décor and treats. As summer ends and leaves fall from trees, nature seems to be signaling it is time to slow down and enjoy this most wondrous season.
One store in particular, Digby’s Market, is already displaying everyone’s fall favorites. Some of the most appealing apples are awaiting your fall table décor. Yummy caramel treats also bring in the warm and inviting atmosphere you may be trying to create as you host your fall dinner parties.
Burning fires, roasted s’mores and those wonderful pumpkin and spice candles add finishing touches to your fall events. Digby’s offers a variety of delightful products and scented candles to add just the right ambience for the season.
As the days become shorter, luscious soups made fresh daily may be just what is needed after a day’s work if you still need something for dinner.
The crispy air that comes this time of year leads to tailgate events, parties, and of course, the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays. Digby’s Market may be just the place to stop by for all the flavors you’re craving, whether they be sweet, salty, healthy or just plain yummy. Don’t let this season get away without enjoying the delicious flavors that come with this marvelous time of year.
Digby’s Market is located at 1955 N. Snow Canyon Parkway in St. George and is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily except Sunday when the store closes at 10 p.m. Visit digbysmarket.com.
“
Don't let this season get away without enjoying the delicious flavors that come with this marvelous time of year.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY
Tuacahn Saturday Market
Tuacahn Ampitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins | 10:00 AM
The Tuacahn Saturday Market is one more way to experience the magic of Tuacahn. Our outdoor market features local artwork, crafts, food and free entertainment. You’ll find something new and different every Saturday morning. Admission and live entertainment are free. The Tuacahn Gift Shop and the Tuacahn Cafe are always open at this time. Visit Tuacahn.org.
EVERY SATURDAY YEAR ROUND
Downstown Farmers Market
Cernon Worthen Park, 300 South 400 East, St. George | 8:00 AM
Experience live music and local shopping in picturesque downtown Vernon Worthen Park. Enjoy local food and goods while sitting in the shade on green grass, jamming to local tunes. This truly is an event for the entire family! Visit downtownfarmerstg.com.
THROUGH OCTOBER 25TH
St. George Musical Theater Presents Little Shop of Horrors
Historic Opera House, 212 North Main Street, St. George | 7:30 PM
Little Shop of Horrors is a horror-comedy musical about Seymour, a down-on-his-luck florist who discovers a strange plant that brings him fame and fortune. However, the plant, which Seymour names Audrey II, has a sinister secret. The show is a mix of dark humor, catchy music and 1960s B-movie camp. For tickets, sgmusicaltheater.com or 435.628.8755.
THROUGH OCTOBER 25TH
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Broadway Season
Tuacahn Ampitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins | 8:30 PM
Entertainment awaits in Tuacahn’s 2025-2026 Broadway season. Tuacahn’s summer lineup includes The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz and Newsies; Elf, the Musical runs in November and December, and Million Dollar Quartet opens in January. For tickets and packages, visit tuacahn.org.
THROUGH OCTOBER 4TH
Utah Shakespeare Festival
Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts, 195 West Center Street, Cedar City | 8:00 PM
Utah Shakespeare Festival offers matinee performances at 2 p.m. and evening performances at 8 p.m. in three grand theaters. The festival also offers the free nightly Green Show at 7 p.m., backstage tours, play and production seminars, Repertory Magic and play orientations. For tickets and information call 800.PLAYTIX (800.752.9849) or visit bard.org.
OCTOBER 2ND & 3RD
Southwest Symphony presents Moonlight and Mayhem: Halloween Spooktacular
Utah Tech Eccles Main Stage Theater | 7:30 PM
This Halloween, experience spine-tingling symphonic thrills as the Southwest Symphony takes the stage for Moonlight & Mayhem. From eerie classics to playful favorites, this family-friendly concert blends fright and delight in equal measure. Audiences will be swept away by haunting harmonies, cinematic chills, and mischievous surprises. swsutah.org.
OCTOBER 3RD & 4TH
Utah Lantern Festival
2090 West Royal Hunte Drive, Cedar City | 3:00 PM
Utah’s Lantern Festival is held 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. behind the Aquatic Center at the Lake at the Hills (7896 North Lund Highway, Cedar City). Tickets are available online at utahslf.com. Come for an evening of food, activities and more!
OCTOBER 4TH
St. George Marathon
6:00 AM
The St. George Marathon will be held Saturday, Oct. 4 in beautiful southern Utah. Expo will be held from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. Buses pick up on Saturday from 3:30 to 5: 20 a.m. at 285 S. 400 E. Organizer: City of St. George
OCTOBER 6TH - 18TH
Huntsman World Senior Games
Various Locations Throughout Washington County | 8:00 AM
The Huntsman World Senior Games is the largest multi-sport event in the world for athletes aged 50 and above. The event, which includes more than 30 different sports, has taken place for two weeks each October for more than 30 years. From softball to swimming, from square dancing to soccer, the Huntsman World Senior Games offers world-class competition. Visit seniorgames.net.
OCTOBER 10TH - 12TH
Art in Kayenta
Kayenta Art Village, Ivins | 10:00 AM
Every October thousands of arts enthusiasts and families make their way to the Kayenta Art Village for our FREE three-day Art in Kayenta festival. Festival goers enjoy spectacular juried art, culinary delights from festival vendors, a beer and wine garden, live music and Kayenta’s own delicious Xetava Cafe and the Rusted Cactus. For more information visit kayentaarts.org/art-in-kayenta.
OCTOBER 11TH
New Harmony Apple Festival and Fall Harvest
New Harmony Town Park, 133 East Center Street, New Harmony | 10:00 AM
The Apple Festival and Fall Harvest is an annual fundraiser for the volunteer fire department. All profits go to purchasing lifesaving equipment and supplies. Enjoy live music, kids games, bounce houses, mechanic bull riding, fire safety demonstrations vendors, locally grown produce and the famous New Harmony apples. The Fire Association will serve burgers and hotdogs. Event is free. Visit newharmonyfire.org/applefestival
OCTOBER 24TH - 26TH
Cedar City Livestock and Film Festival
Cross Hollow Event Center, Cedar City | 8:00 AM
Iron County has a rich and inspiring history, which is worth celebrating. Join us for a sheep parade on Main Street, Tractor & Horse Pulls, Cowboy Poetry & Music Ranch Rodeo, Dutch Oven Contest, Quilt Show, Vintage Car Show and more at the Cross Hollow Event Center. Visit cedarlivestockfest.com for more information.
