Ledgestone Vernal Hotel
If you’re only in town for a short visit, follow our guide on how to see the most important parts of Vernal – in just 24 hours!
8:00 AM – Breakfast at King Tut & Dinosaur Cafe
Start your day off with a full breakfast – you’re going to want the energy! King Tut’s offers some classic country breakfasts that you’ll love – try the strawberries and cream pancakes or Philly cheese omelet.
9:30 AM – Hiking at McConkie Ranch
Just 20 minutes outside of town, McConkie Ranch is privately owned with kind owners who allow people to hike the Petroglyph Trail and see old Native American carvings. The history is awe-inspiring, and at less than a mile, the hike is something anyone can handle.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Wingers
After that hike, you’ll be hungry so enjoy some hot wings at Wingers. Their Cajun Spice sauce is warm with flavors, but those who prefer less heat may like the Bourbon BBQ.
1:00 PM – Wander the Utah Field House of Natural History State Museum
Enjoy dinosaur sculptures in the garden and view various exhibits about the history of Vernal and the surrounding areas. Displays include information about local flora and fauna, as well as now extinct nature that had a role in the Uintah Basin’s evolution to the present. You’ll even learn more about some of the local paleontological studies conducted in the area.
3:30 PM – View the bones at Dinosaur National Monument
Any visit to the museum needs to include a trip to Dinosaur National Monument. While the exhibits are interesting, it’s hard to imagine the full scale of what’s been found in the area until you see the wall of dinosaur bones. The exhibit hall also has information on notable people, including John Wesley Powell and Pat Lynch.
6:30 PM – Dine at Antica Forma
Antica Forma is an amazing Italian restaurant in Vernal, and you’ll appreciate dining here. Start with the mussels in white wine, and if you like spice, indulge in the seafood fra diavolo. The food is divine, and the warm atmosphere creates a positive experience.
8:00 PM – Enjoy a brew at Vernal Brewing Co.
Finish the day with a craft beer at Vernal Brewing Company. Their honey blonde ale is light and perfectly sweet, an excellent example of the quality they pour into every creation. If you’re a fan of darker beers, enjoy the milk stout, which is rich and full-bodied with darker and smokier flavors that come out subtly.