First building you need to make your way to is the Monticello Frontier Museum/Welcome Center which is quickly becoming the premier information center of San Juan County; clean restrooms; free informational brochures, booklets, local phone books and maps; an assortment of books, maps, postcards, puzzles, toys, apparel for sale; a diorama of Monticello spanning 1888 to 1911; the museum allowing the viewer to see a history of San Juan County's pioneers and Native American cultures; fine examples of horse drawn farm implements adorn the outside of the building.
The newest edition is the "Big 4 Tractor" museum which houses the famous tractor, and will include photos and implements associated with tractors. The "Community Ambassadors" who staff the Center live locally, so are a great resource when it comes to planning out your stay. Their philosophy is, "We don't just give you vacation ideas, we send you on an Adventure!"; whether planning out a day trip, or several days, they can map out travel loops to maximize your total experience.
Need gas, snacks, cold drinks; there are three gasoline/convenience stores within the town: Shell, Maverik and Conoco. The Conoco station encompasses a Subway and also offers hot, freshly made pizza. The Shell station encompasses a Taco Time and Chesters Fried Chicken ; while Maverik offers its own line of hot food products.
Hold on now, what about a freshly made boxed lunch to take out on that hiking, driving or climbing adventure; the Peacetree Cafe offers smoothies, wraps, salads and sandwiches while PJ's Cafe does the more traditional hot sandwiches, burgers and fries. Looking for a sit down place, again the Peacetree and PJ's offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, but if you're looking for comfort food that makes you go "Ahhhh" and makes you feel warm all over, then head on over to the R & F Restaurant, (435) 587-2400. K & A Chuckwagon will be reopening soon (June 2014) to offer its authentic chuckwagon style dinners. Looking for a steakhouse (serving dinner only, beginning at 5pm), Line Camp Steakhouse, (435) 587-2351 (9 miles north on Peters Hill), is your go-to place and offers seafood dishes also. Line Camp is also the location for the Runnin' Iron Inn and offers sites for RVs and camping.
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| Line Camp Steakhouse and Runnin' Iron Inn |
What kind of stores can offer amenities to travelers? Blue Mountain Foods is the local market and while the selection may be limited, they do have the best bakery in the area. If you have special dietary needs or are looking for a much larger selection in variety, then City Market in Moab, Utah or Cortez, Colorado (a Walmart also) is your best bet. Before going, make sure to plan out your trip to Kane Creek Overlook, Flat Pass/Steel Bender, Canyonlands National Park (all in San Juan County) if heading to Moab. Colorado way, get details on the Hovenweep National Monument and Lowry Pueblo Ruins loop; visit the Anasazi Heritage Museum; or make the pilgrimage to Mesa Verde.
San Juan Pharmacy offers all types of health and beauty aids, plus a selection of gifts and souvenirs; while you're there, say hello to the pharmacist, and Mayor of Monticello, Tim Young. The Merchantile has household items, and sells fabrics for all you quilters that cannot resist buying up new fat squares or yards; a Family Dollar just had their grand opening on Center Street; Napa Auto is on Main Street for your automotive needs. Looking for Native American crafts or unusual gifts, try out the Abajo Trading Post or the new Monticello Artisan Co-Op. Are you in need of auto repair, oil change, or just want to make sure your vehicle is in good shape? Call Steve at Draper's Towing and Repair, (435) 587-2788; if he isn't able to help you out, he won't hesitate to direct you to another auto service in the town that can. Needing cash fast? Wells Fargo and Zions Bank have ATMs; while you might not want to travel with a lot of cash, most businesses take Visa and Mastercard (American Express and Discover not so much).
Monticello has an assortment of hotels, motels, a bed and breakfast (Grist Mill Inn), National Forest campgrounds, RV parks and campsites. To find the best place suited to your desires, check out reviews on TripAdvisor.com or Yelp.com; what better way than to hear what fellow travelers have to recommend? Still not sure, once again, call or go to the best source in town, the Welcome Center!
Did you know that, besides the typical cattle ranches, Monticello has an alpaca ranch? The Peter Springs Alpaca Ranch, Dorothy Pipkin-Padilla (Owner), Phone: (435) 419-0750, Email: dpalpaca9@yahoo.com Alpaca items are for sale, especially the "pooh" for all you gardeners; tour group coordinators, call Dorothy and see about arranging a tour of the ranch.
Golfers, are you looking for a paradise full of green lawn and holes-in-one; the Hideout Golf Course is your siren's song.
Lastly, looking to buy or rent a home here in Monticello; contact Robert Hatch at Lex Realty, (435) 587-1044, Email: roberthatch@frontiernet.net to help find that perfect location for your needs.
Remember, a stay in Southeastern Utah begins in Monticello, Utah...who knows, you might love it so much, you'll be buying a home through Lex Realty.
Mary Cokenour
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