Tips for before and after your trip with Holiday River Expeditions
By Julie Trevelyan
If you’ve chosen a Holiday River Expeditions trip based out of Green River for some Utah whitewater river rafting or a mountain biking vacation, you might want to also check out the happening little town of Moab just an hour further South. Here are a few places to eat and things to do in and around town, from the practical to the silly to the cool.
Dining
To watch your pennies but still enjoy a great meal:
Zax Pizza. Sit-down restaurant, bring the kids but enjoy a beer there too if you want—they have a big selection. (435) 259-6555
Pantele’s Desert Deli. Simply yummy sandwiches, using really fresh ingredients. 435-259-0200
To splurge a little:
Jeffrey’s Steakhouse. They serve American Wagyu beef, which means sustainably raised and incredibly tender. They also have a full bar. Definitely call for a reservation. (435) 259-3588
Sorrel River Grill. Located at the swanky Sorrel River Lodge, this place overlooks the Colorado River and has a classy dining room. Reservations recommended.(435) 259-4642
For your morning caffeine jolt:
Wicked Brew Drive-Thru. Yes, it’s a drive-through coffee shack. But it’s really, really good, and really, really quick.
With Kids
Museum of Moab. One of the best things in the museum is the replica of a four-foot long leg bone of a Utah Raptor. Your kids get free entrance if they’re under 17 and with you. (435) 259–7985
Junior Ranger. If you’re river rafting or mountain biking with us through Canyonlands National Park, make sure you check out the park’s visitor center to get a cool Junior Ranger badge for your kids. They have to earn it by going through a checklist in a booklet. Arches National Park has a junior ranger badge too.
Hole N” the Rock. This kitschy place was an actual home carved out of sandstone. Today it’s a museum, a petting zoo with unusual animals (camel, zebra), a convenience store, and just kind of an interesting little stop.
Shopping
Cool stores. Moab has a neat little walking downtown with all sorts of local shops peddling everything from woven blankets to silver jewelry to cowgirl dresses to essential gear for your dog or cat. Back of Beyond Books has an awesome selection of regional titles. Wabi Sabi is possibly the coolest vintage/thrift shop you’ll ever visit.
City Market. For your grocery needs! Right on Main Street, very easy to see when you’re cruising through town. 435-259-5181
Moonflower Market. For your organic grocery needs! (435) 259-5712
Written by Julie Trevelyan.
Julie is a freelance writer and wilderness guide in southern Utah. She especially enjoys books, coffee, yoga, wild country, horses, and dark chocolate.
See more of her work at www.wildgirlwriting.com