These Towns in Utah Have The Best Main Streets

If one wants to know the character of a town, whether that be architectural, culinary, or cultural, a good place to start is the downtown area. While many cities have soulless main streets, dotted with uninspiring, cookie-cutter architecture, some others exude a character and personality that easily shines through. Whether that be the quaint mom-and-pop shops that offer a delightfully intimate experience, the eclectic art galleries that celebrate the town’s rich heritage, a park here, a stream there, and a copious distribution of colorful murals, a town is as good as its main street. And Utah, with its stunners such as Moab and Kanab, boasts many towns whose main streets are awe-inspiring. Read on to discover the 9 towns in Utah with the best main streets.

Moab

Moab is a famous Utah gem curled up just south of Interstate-70 on the eastern side of the state. The town boasts an estimated population of about 5,200 and is often named among the best small towns—not in the Beehive State—but in America. A popular gateway to both the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab is encircled by spectacular red-rock formations that add drama, life, and color to the town’s character. Though a famous outdoor mecca, Moab’s downtown is just as alluring. The downtown features wide-open spaces, broad streets, many of which are tree-lined, and several quaint stores and buildings whose color and appearance gel remarkably well with the area’s sun-tanned landscape. For those who will want to grab a quick bite, Jailhouse Café, located at 101 N Main Street, will make one wonder why all restaurants are not like that.

Brigham City

Nestled on the western slope of the Wellsville Mountains at the foot of the dramatic Wasatch Range, Brigham City is encircled by breathtaking scenery on all sides. The town boasts a population of about 20,700 and strikes a sweet spot between small-town charm and big-town grandeur. Named for Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who led an exodus of thousands of Mormons westward to the Great Salt Lake Valley, Brigham City boasts a rich religious heritage. Brigham City’s gorgeous downtown is hard to miss. An inviting arch that spans the road is emblazoned with the words “Gateway to World's Greatest Wild Bird Refuge.” This is in reference to the 75,000-acre Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Brigham City’s award-winning downtown features several quaint shops, classic restaurants, and gift boutiques. If craving a snack, Idle Isle Candy has been serving hand-dipped chocolates since 1921. 

Park City

With a population of about 8,500, Park City is another Utah gem that a first-time visitor will find surreal. Nestled on the south end of Snyderville Basin on the eastern side of the Wasatch Mountains, Park City’s architectural landscape is an exciting blend of old, odd, and new—and a call-back to the town’s rich mining legacy. Once a venue of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, an event that put the city on the global map, Park City has a well-established reputation as a skier’s mecca. The town’s Main Street is lined with several shopping and dining options, including a farmer's market whose very name — Park Silly Sunday Market — would pique anyone’s interest. More of a street festival, this open-air market runs every Sunday between June and September.

Cedar City

Named for the abundance of juniper trees, which in official reports were identified as cedar trees, Cedar City is a cool mountain town that is framed by nature’s quiet majesty on all sides. Set on the backdrop of a mountainous area in southwestern Utah— on the slope of the Hurricane Fault, a big earthquake fault in that section of the state, Cedar City is small but not dead-boring—and big yet not all about glitz and glass. Nicknamed the Festival City, Cedar City’s downtown area is lined with several bronze statues that celebrate individuals who left their mark on the town’s history. The downtown also features many craft shops and boutiques, classic restaurants, and art galleries. Check out the Cedars Hotel, one of the oldest buildings on Main Street and once among the finest hotels in Southern Utah.

Ephraim

Once an important fort during the Black Hawk War, a bloody conflict between the United States and Native Americans that remains Utah’s most tragic confrontation, Ephraim is nestled in the Sanpete Valley, on the east side of the San Pitch River. Boasting a population of about 5,900, this Utah secret is just where those seeking rustic charm amid a quaint, slow-paced environment will want to backpack for. Ephraim’s downtown boasts several fascinating attractions. One may want to check out the historic Hansen-Sparks Home, for instance, once the only house in Ephraim with a painted door. Also, for being the first home in Ephraim to have indoor plumbing, John Dorius Home should be on the to-do list of a first-time visitor.  

Tremonton

Nestled near the Idaho state line near the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 84 in the Bear River Valley, Tremonton’s charming downtown easily earns it a spot among the state’s finest. This little gem boasts a population of about 11,600 and was called “Tremont” as many of its founders were from Tremont, Illinois. If someone will want to enjoy a Turkey steak sandwich — or just about any other delicacy— Mack's Family Drive-In, though a tad old-fashioned, offers delectable delicacies whose flavor is difficult to forget. Art lovers, however, will want to marvel at the many beautiful murals all around town. The best way to view these murals is through a walking tour, best organized in good time. Besides, the town boasts several shopping options. 

Mount Pleasant

Any town with the name “Pleasant” will be quite a temptation to any vacationer. Utah’s Mount Pleasant, fortunately, lives up to its descriptive appellation. Visitors will want to check out a town that claims to lie in the geographical center of the Beehive State. While several places claim that honor, Mount Pleasant even has a monument that supposedly marks the state’s center. Unfortunately, the United States Geological Survey does not seem to agree with Mount Pleasant’s assertion. That, however, detracts nothing from Mount Pleasant’s charm — whose downtown district — featuring beautiful Victorian-style buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Moreover, most of Mount Pleasant’s historic buildings are well-preserved and give a good reflection of the town’s rich past.

Richfield

While Richfield’s population is small — and presently stands at about 8,400 — its appeal is anything but. Nestled along Interstate-70 in south-central Utah, Richfield is an essential stop for those exploring southeast Utah. No outdoor lover will ever forgive himself for setting foot in Richfield without checking out the nearby Richfield Paiute Trailhead located one block southwest of Lions Park in Richfield. Many regard the Paiute Trailhead as the best trail in Utah. Lions Park itself, though not having a single lion, has a green, grassy area where children will love to run around. The town’s Main Street is also just as enchanting and is lined with several quaint stores and shops that will easily lighten a visitor’s wallet.

Heber

Once named by Home Beautiful among the 25 happiest towns in the United States, Heber’s environs—and downtown area— seem designed to make people happy. Curled up in the breathtaking Heber Valley — at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains — a segment of the south-central Rocky Mountains, Heber is encircled by breathtaking views on all sides. Aside from radiating Old West charm, amid an endearingly bucolic environment, Heber is a peaceful Utah stunner ideal for someone who will want to relax and wind down. Attractions on Heber’s Main Street include Avon Theater, an old-school cinema located at 94 S Main Street. Many other quaint shops and restaurants line Heber’s gorgeous downtown area. For those who will want to explore a lake, the sparkling Deer Creek Reservoir is just minutes away.

The Takeaway

If the eye is the window to the soul, as Roman orator Cicero once remarked, then a main street is the window to a town. Even if ideas of a perfect main street could be miles apart, many will vouch for a main street that has character, is authentic, and that features beautiful art in good measure. Of course, an ideal main street should also give access to nature’s scenes and sounds. Luckily, Utah boasts several main streets that come remarkably close to the ideal. From Heber to Brigham City, and many main streets in between, Utah acquits itself well.