VIRGIN: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Our home, Virgin, is a town in Washington County in the state of Utah in the United States. The population recorded as being 596 in the 2010 census but it's likely more than that right now.

Virgin is located along the Virgin River, which is how it got its name, and not far from Zion National Park. The elevation is 3,606 feet (1,099 meters) and is right on State Route 9.

DID YOU KNOW ... ?

The esteemed global publication USA Today listed a trip to Zion National Park as its single best one-tank trip from Las Vegas.

The article said: "Leave the bright lights and clanging slot machines of the Strip behind and head to Zion National Park, about 160 miles away from downtown Las Vegas.

"Here, the only slots you'll find are the narrow slot canyons, surrounded by giant, colorful sandstone cliffs.

"See the park from the bottom up by starting at the Narrows, one of the most popular areas of the park - located at the bottom of a thousand-foot gorge.

"Prepare to get wet, as the hike involves walking (or wading depending on the time of year) through the Virgin River.

"Not into camping but want to spend the night? Treat yourself to one of the comfortable cabins or lodges at nearby Zion Mountain Ranch."

The newspaper article appeared during 2015, and if you're planning to visit Zion National Park then you shouldn't miss a stop at the Fort Zion Restaurant and Virgin Trading Post. We can assure you that you will not be disappointed, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

ICE CREAM: THE BEST IN THE WEST

Made every day to a homemade, secret family recipe, the ice cream at Fort Zion's Restaurant has been dubbed as 'The Best in the West' bu numerous visitors.

Just look at the reviews on TripAdvisor and other review sites and you'll see why it's a firm favorite with visitors.And at just $2 per scoop it's exceptional value for money.

Some of the most popular flavors, some of which sell-out, include the 'Prickly Pear Cactus', Virgin Vanilla' for those who are a little less adventurous, and a sugar-free lemon option for anyone watching their sugar intake.

Our tips are (1) order early, and (2) never ask for the recipe - only two people in the world know it and they have no intention of giving it to anyone.

THE WORLD COMES TO VIRGIN

The Fort Zion Restaurant and Virgin Trading Post has seen as many overseas visitors compared with Americans during its opening week in April 2017.

Megan Anderson, Manager of The Trading Post, said:"This is pretty unusual as we usually see more American visitors at this time of the year.

She added that during the first seven days the Utah business has seen visitors from countries as far afield as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, China and Mexico.

"The fact America has been attracting visitors from all parts of the world can only be a good thing for Virgin, for Utah and the country in general."