Eat, rest, play: destinations make winter weekends a holiday.

• Author: Little, Candace M.
• Position: Executive Getaways

A good weekend getaway location has three requirements: a one-of-a-kind activity, tasty dining options and a comfortable place to rest your head. While there are many places in Utah that offer a fun-filled retreat, here's a look at two destinations that go above and beyond, providing a surplus of activities, good eats and plenty of rest.

Mele Kalikimaka

With an average temperature of 41 degrees in December, St. George isn't as warm as Hawaii, but a weekend getaway there will still feel more temperate than in Utah's northern cities.

Destination Attraction

The Tuacahn Amphitheater, known for its warm-weather musical productions, celebrates the wintry season with a Festival of Lights and live nativity. This production's actors are local volunteers depicting the Bible's rendition of the Christmas story. Complete with angels, shepherds and live animals, the play shows twice each night, costs $2 a person and is only 20 minutes long. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings glowing with thousands of Christmas lights. There is also live music and entertainment on the plaza, a bonfire, concessions and a train ride back stage to see sets and costumes of Tuacahn productions.

Good Food Options

There is plenty to do in St. George's Ancestor Square, year-round, such as visiting the historic buildings, shopping at local boutiques and enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants--including The Painted Pony. This upscale restaurant features dining in a simple Southwestern way. The menu items change seasonally, but in recent winters some favorites have been butternut squash ravioli and steamship shortribs. Make a reservation ahead of time--and if you really want the full experience, request seating at The Pony Table (seats up to four people). This table has been painted by a local artist and is sometimes reserved weeks in advance.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Rest Your Head

As the name implies, The Seven Wives Inn was the home of a polygamist family living in St. George in the 1800s. Within walking distance from Ancestor Square, the rooms are furnished with period decor and housed within two neighboring homes and a small cottage. The innkeepers bring you a complementary freshly baked breakfast to your room each morning, and you can also request a boxed lunch for your drive home or afternoon activities. And there is wireless Internet access if you need to catch up on some work.

Dashing Through the Snow

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