First visit: Aug 2024
If one looks only at a map you might think you're in for a slog of a drive going from Montpelier to Vernal, but that happily is not the case. It's a wonderful journey with many visual delights. We did detour through Rock Springs, which is a tough sell for tourists (and a windy one), but we had a few things to do there.
We decided to stay at a classic 60s motel in Vernal, and checked into the Dinosaur Inn. It was originally built in 1929 as cabins, but was clearly refurbished in the 50s especially when you see the giant dinosaur model outside (it was called Dine-A-Ville Motel then). Only thing missing is the outdoor pool where the slide seemingly outlets right onto the freeway (lol). One of those "down and out rooms" motels with two large queen beds, and lots of flies. The latter a special feature of Vernal apparently since they joined us for dinner too. Maybe that's why dinosaurs are extinct?
For dinner, we found another brewpub right down the block. Utah still has alcohol hang-ups but they're getting better - ever so slowly. You can't order anything stronger than 5% on tap, but ordering higher gravity beer cans onsite is no problem (what???). Just don't go looking for those higher ABV cans at convenience or grocery stores. I had one tap beer and one canned beer. Mrs. RJG just had one from a can.
As per my protocol, if I see Italian on a non-Italian menu, I tend to order it anyway as it seems to be better. In this case I got the baked pasta with Italian sausage. Very good. Super hot temperature and flavorful. Mrs. RJG went with the blackened salmon tacos which she loved.
Great service as well. Would definitely come back here.
It appears I may have been legally drunk since Utah considers .0000000000000001% as bombed. But somehow I managed to get our SUV back safely in the quarter mile I had to navigate through the tough streets of Vernal.
8/28/24 (new entry)
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