Travel Guide: Moab
EAT
love muffin cafehttp://www.lovemuffincafe.com/a small local quick breakfast / lunch spot. good for grabbing a sandwich for the road or if you're in the mood to try a southwestern breakfast burrito - a staple for those in the west. try the new mexico if you're looking to go traditional.
zaxhttp://www.zaxmoab.com/nothing to write zagat about - but honest food with decent ingredients. there's enough variety for everyone although the vegetarian pizzas were quite delish. the atmosphere is fun and comfortable. (more importantly) they also carry a wide selection of local small-brewery beer on tap.
desert bistrohttp://www.desertbistro.com/higher end feasting with small plates centered around western fare of fish and game. with outdoor seating it would be the perfect spot for a relaxing dinner at the end of the night. good for those looking to add some variety to their culinary experience in moab.
quesadilla mobillahttp://www.quesadillamobilla.com | https://twitter.com/quesomobillathe highest yelp rated 'restaurant' in moab happens to be a food truck. we spotted them around town at least twice a day and can't be that hard to find. if you're set on trying some of their famous cheesy bites follow their twitter feed for a more sure spotting. the southern belle looked particularly delicious...
STAYmoonflower campgroundswebsiteafter checking out every site in the city (literally) besides the off-road spots, this one had us kicking ourselves for not arriving earlier. with only 8 first-come-first-serve spots and no reservations the site fills quickly and is family friendly. with camp spots in an alcove of the canyon the sites sit right up against the tall red rock walls creating a very fantastical scene especially at night.
moab under canvashttps://www.airbnb.com/rooms/989078for those looking to create a unique staying experience in moab this airbnb.com listing is for you. with glamping canvas tents setup outside the city you can stay in a real bed while enjoying being near the beautiful outdoors that moab is famous for.
gonzo innhttp://www.gonzoinn.com/if you'd rather go the hotel route, try the gonzo inn. part mid-size hotel with modern amenities and part local character it is the perfect marriage for moab. with all the usuals like full bathroom, jacuzzi tub, and kitchenettes, there's also a pool and hot tub facing the west for some wonderful sunset moments. gonzo is right in the middle of the town which makes it easily accessible and walkable when going from dinner to drinks and back
DOarches national parkhttp://www.utah.com/nationalparks/arches.htmthe main reason people come to moab is to visit and play in arches and canyonland national parks. i visited arches, so i can only speak to this park's special beauty and history. make sure to see landscape arch, the windows arches, delicate arch, and the double o arch if possible.it's best to split the landscape/delicate o hike for the early morning (better photos + hiking) and then come back the next day to finish the park and see delicate arch at sunset - oh so worth it. there's no water or food in the park so pack supplies, and when the sun falls the desert gets cold quick - make sure to bring a sweatshirt.
poison spider bicycleshttp://poisonspiderbicycles.com/bycicles. one of the most popular reasons and activities that people flock to moab. this company specializes in bike trips and rentals. the most popular trail is slickrock and the terrain is worth seeing alone. get out for an early morning ride before it gets too crowded.
moab adventure centerhttp://www.moabadventurecenter.com/this is one of the best tour / adventure companies in moab, highly rated and seen everywhere you go. you can rent jeeps, bikes, 4x4s, and rafting equipment. they also arrange a variety of group outings if you prefer. in the warmer months i'd suggest a the river rafting trip or standing paddleboard renting to add some variety to the desert activities. next time i'd love to try the 4day-3night southwest sampler.moab city guide.