Star Nursery, a beautiful nursery in Washington, Utah

I wanted to share another treasure I found while on our recent "work-cation" . . . 

                 Star Nursery!

I spotted this beautiful building in the small town of Washington, Utah.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw it for the first time.

Isn't it beautiful!?!

I love going to nurseries and walking around for hours-on-end admiring flowers . . .

        but this one drew me in because of the building's striking natural beauty.

Yes, it's grounds were over-flowing with flowers, shrubs, and trees . . .

             but it was the pioneer-style red sandstone structure, highlighted with white trim, studded with countless wood-pained windows, all framed in natural wood . . . that left me in awe.

I've dreamed of opening a Bed &Breakfast since I was 18-years-old.

And several times, while admiring this building, I thought to myself, 

                 Gosh, I wish I could transplant this building to Southern California (where I live), 

         and transform it into my home . . . or better yet, a Bed & Breakfast!

Could you imagine!?!

Can you see the sign above the door?  

                    It reads The Washington Cotton Factory. 

Yes, it was really a cotton factory! This building is rich in history.

1940,  photo by Delos H. Smith

For many years during the 19th century, the factory was at the center of cotton production in Washington County.

The building has been used for many purposes over the century, including a Social Community Center.

Since 1998, Star Nursery has owned this historic Cotton Mill Factory.  

Craig Keough, owner, purchased it with the idea of retaining its integrity, while also operating a nursery and showcasing the factory’s red sandstone beauty.

The main floor of the building was carefully adapted to house its garden shop, while preserving the cotton factory’s pioneer era construction. 

According to the Historical Society, its exterior and upper floors were left unchanged.

The upper floors have been made available for public use and tours. 

I hope to return one day, so that I can tour the building's upper floor. I'm sure the views are beautiful.

If you're ever in Washington, Utah, be sure and visit Star Nursery. You won't be disappointed!

Here's a peak at the nursery's grounds . . . 

~ view from the gazebo ~

~ view of side of building ~

~ another view of the side ~

25 Main Cafe & Cake Parlor ~ St. George, Utah

When I told my girl-friends, Emily and Jennie, that the kids and I were going to accompany my husband on a business trip to St. George, Utah, I asked them . . .

"So, what's there to do in St. George?"

They told me about 25 Main Cafe & Cake Parlor, a local favorite . . . and I can absolutely see why!

Look at their store-front windows . . . big puffs of cotton clouds and floating bottles of Perrier!

Let's go inside . . .

The interior is quite charming . . .

            . . . warm hues with pops of bright turquoise, beautiful bird decor, mini Cuckoo clocks, and beautiful patterns.

This darling cupcake sign is the first thing you see when you walk in the front door.

25 Main's Cafe is to the left . . . and the cupcakes are to the right!

I visited the Cafe first, where I ordered a Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad. 

Given the insane heat outside (UGH!), I thought a salad would be light and refreshing . . . and it was!

I found the salad beautiful, fresh, and quite delicious!

 A peek at the Cafe side . . .

And now on to the whole reason I stopped in . . .  Cupcakes!

Here's the Cupcake side of 25 Main . . .

Unique displays of brightly painted mini Cuckoo Clocks hung in open frames on a large wall.

More turquoise!

I LOVE the fabric pattern on the back of the booth seats! Love!

Did you happen to notice the large Cupcake Schedule posted on the wall beside the counter?

Here's a small version . . . 

Look at those yummy flavors!!

I was there on a Saturday, so here's what I bought . . .

Chocolate and Raspberry make a perfect pair,

so I wasn't surprised at this lovely combination. 

The chocolate cake was tender and moist,

and the raspberry frosting was quite delightful and 

slightly sweet.

My youngest son's favorite cupcake!

Mmmmm . . . Strawberries & creme.

You just can't go wrong with this combination.

I was pleasantly surprised by the tender and moist vanilla cake

and the strawberry frosting, which tasted like it was 

made with fresh berries.

My oldest daughter's favorite cupcake!

Chocolate!

Need I say more!?!

Everyone loved it!

Chocolate and Espresso . . . YUM!

Again, the cake was tender and moist,

but the frosting was most memorable to me.

The espresso flavor was strong, but not too strong . . .

and tasted as though it was naturally flavored.

This cupcake was my personal favorite!!

I'm not a coconut fan, but my husband is . . . 

so I bought this one for him.

I did try it, however, and its texture and flavor was also quite delightful.

Another win!

My husband gave it a thumbs up!

 

I love visiting Cake Parlors and Cupcakeries with my best-friend, Alex, and my family whenever we travel, near and far!

Like here. Here. And here.

25 Main is a treasure in St. George, and I can understand why! 

I hope I have the chance to return one day, and sample the other flavors I missed.

Thanks, Emily and Jennie, for the great referral! Love you girls!

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