This Best Small Utah Town To Visit Is……….(Spoiler: Not Moab)
I don't know why I bother. Here was another list of the “Top 50 Best Small Towns To Visit” list. This one was compiled by HGTV. The difference of this list from others I have looked at is that it included one entry from each state, so I knew Utah would have one contributor.
So I braced my self knowing that when I scrolled past Texas to see the town HGTV chose to be the best small town in Utah, I knew it would be most likely Moab, or less likely Park City. They always get the mention.
Well, I was wrong. And the town HGTV chose is in our own backyard, and I think it's kind of cool and well past due.
Now, I don't know the criteria that HGTV used in putting together this list, so I can't tell you if there were any considerations for population or any other statistics. But, like all these lists I've perused over the last few years, there does seem to be some sort of tourist attraction element to them. So, what small town did HGTV decide it was worth skipping over Moab and Park City?
Kanab to Moab: Challenge Accepted
It seems like HGTV thought a visit to the county seat of Kane County was the thing to do in selecting Kanab. Here's what HGTV had to say about the town.
Home to the largest animal sanctuary in the U.S., Kanab, Utah, combines the spectacular geography of the Rocky Mountains with the Desert Southwest. It's also the gateway to the south entrance of Zion National Park and a short drive away from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Lake Powell and other don't-miss stops. Dozens of Westerns have been filmed in or near the town, earning its nickname, "Little Hollywood.”
I thought it was a little weird that they out being also a short drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, but o.k.
Kanab has a lot to offer. It has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the 19th century when Mormon pioneers settled the area in the 1860s. The name "Kanab" comes from a Paiute word meaning "willow," referring to the trees that grow near the Kanab Creek. Over time, the town developed as a ranching and farming community but gained broader recognition as a filming location for numerous Western movies and TV shows in the mid-20th century.
With a population of around 5,000 people, Kanab maintains a close-knit, small-town atmosphere. The town is known for its friendly community, outdoor lifestyle, and increasing focus on ecotourism and conservation. In addition to its natural beauty, Kanab celebrates local culture through events like the annual Western Legends Heritage & Music Festival, which honors its film history. Sounds like a good place to visit. And maybe a better place to call home.
Take that, Moab.