Cedar City Insider Staff
Jul 23, 2026
Trivia Questionâť“Cedar City, Utah was the first city in the United States to be served by which pioneering commercial airline, founded in 1926 as part of a mail and passenger route across the Southwest? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Quote Of The Day |
Success is not the position where you stand, but the direction in which you look. — Benjamin Franklin |
Shelby Springall has quickly become a standout figure in Cedar City, inspiring a new wave of ambition across southern Utah.
As a science student at Southern Utah University, Shelby juggled demanding coursework, a job as an orthodontic assistant, and her duties as a pageant winner—first as Miss Iron County and now as a Miss Utah contender.
Her advocacy centers on the STEAM initiative, promoting creativity alongside science and technology through her "Finding Your Sparkle" platform.
Shelby’s impact ripples outwards, encouraging more young women in Iron County to pursue STEM and arts fields once considered out of reach.
Her vibrant on-stage speed painting and work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library highlight her belief in childhood literacy and learning access.
As Cedar City transforms, Shelby stands as proof that embracing both ambition and humanity can shape the region’s future. Read More... |
Joke Of The Day |
I told my GPS to take me somewhere with fresh mountain air, stunning red rock scenery, and a thriving Shakespeare festival.
It said, "In 500 feet, arrive at Cedar City, Utah — where the altitude is high and the drama is technically on purpose." |
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For an unforgettable Italian dining experience in Cedar City, Chef Alfredo's Ristorante Italiano is a destination worth savoring.
This locally loved restaurant combines authentic Italian recipes, exceptional service, and an elegant white-tablecloth atmosphere that's perfect for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasion.
The menu features handcrafted favorites including five delicious varieties of ravioli, pillowy homemade gnocchi, rich pasta dishes, and perfectly prepared filet mignon, all made with premium ingredients and classic Italian flavors.
With an impressive 4.6-star rating and more than 520 Google reviews, it's easy to see why this Cedar City favorite has earned a reputation as one of Southern Utah's premier fine dining destinations.
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Southern Utah University in Cedar City has been named one of the top Colleges of Distinction for 2026-2027, highlighting its strong national reputation for student engagement and impactful education.
Unlike traditional rankings, this recognition emphasizes active learning, dedicated faculty, and a campus brimming with opportunity.
With hands-on research, immersive internships, and personal mentorships, SUU offers students real-world skills that resonate far beyond the classroom.
Administrators stress that career readiness is a lived reality, seen in partnerships with local businesses and community-based learning throughout southern Utah.
Program expansions in business, engineering, and healthcare directly meet local workforce needs, while SUU’s commitment to affordability ensures access across all backgrounds.
For Cedar City, the university’s growth sparks new housing, business activity, and lasting pride—making SUU a pivotal force in the community’s future. Read More... |
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Interesting Facts |
Cedar City, Utah hides some genuinely unexpected stories beneath its red-rock surface.
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Located in the heart of Cedar City, Utah, Centro Woodfired Pizzeria has become a local favorite for authentic wood-fired pizza, handcrafted flavors, and a warm dining experience that keeps guests coming back.
From classic favorites to creative specialty pizzas, the menu is built to satisfy both casual diners and true pizza lovers alike. Guests also enjoy fresh salads, appetizers, desserts, and a carefully selected drink menu that complements the experience.
With over 3,300 Google reviews and a strong reputation for quality and service, Centro Woodfired Pizzeria has earned its place as one of Cedar City’s must-visit restaurants for locals and travelers alike.
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Secret Little Hack |
Beat the Utah Shakespeare Festival Crowds by Targeting the "Tent" Shows
Most visitors to Cedar City plan their Utah Shakespeare Festival trips around the big indoor Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre productions, which sell out weeks in advance.
The insider move is to target the outdoor Adams Shakespearean Theatre — specifically the afternoon matinees on weekdays — but even savvier locals know to check last-minute availability for the smaller experimental "New Works" productions held in the intimate Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre. These lesser-advertised shows often have open seats right up to curtain, tickets run cheaper, and the casts frequently include the festival's most daring performers who are eager to take creative risks.
Pair this with one more local trick: Cedar City sits at over 5,800 feet elevation, so even blistering summer afternoons drop sharply after sunset. Locals bring a light jacket stuffed inside a small backpack rather than hauling a blanket, which frees up your hands for intermission snacks from the food carts outside — something first-timers always wish someone had told them before they shivered through Act III. |
Anticipation is rising in Cedar City as the beloved Pioneer Legacy Celebration returns to honor the enduring spirit of southern Utah’s pioneers.
The festivities, set at the Eccles Coliseum Stadium, will feature an electrifying fireworks display as the evening’s highlight.
Guests can expect lively entertainment, a patriotic air show, and a poignant tribute honoring military service members.
Families are especially looking forward to historical reenactments that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of early settlers—including Mormon, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Jewish, and Native American pioneers.
Over 100 local youth will perform vibrant songs and dances celebrating Utah’s heritage, infusing the event with youthful pride.
A special moment will gift a local deaf resident the chance to hear, enriching the night with compassion and unity.
Open to all and free of charge, the Pioneer Legacy Celebration stands as a testament to Cedar City’s enduring sense of community. Read More... |
Tip of The Day |
Beat the Crowds at Cedar Breaks by Going at Dusk
Most visitors to Cedar City head straight to Cedar Breaks National Monument in the morning, but the monument's rim glows a deep amber-red in the final hour before sunset — colors that midday light completely washes out. Arrive around 90 minutes before sunset, walk the short Ramparts Trail along the rim, and you'll catch the amphitheater's hoodoos shifting through shades of orange, pink, and violet as the light drops. Temperatures fall fast at 10,000 feet, so pack a jacket even in summer.
As a bonus, Cedar Breaks is a designated Dark Sky park, so if you linger just after dusk you can witness a star canopy that rivals anywhere in the American West — no telescope required. |
đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question: Western Air Express (later Western Airlines) |