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In Utah, we're lucky to have many beautiful natural areas to visit. One such place is Zion Canyon. And thanks to people like Larry McKown and his family-friendly Flanigan's Inn & Spa, it's easier than ever to enjoy it.
In 1978, Larry purchased a piece of property in Springdale. He moved from his home in Salt Lake City the next year to open a small 12-unit motel for visitors to Zion Canyon. In 1984, he converted the front of the property into a restaurant, which became Spotted Dog Café and renamed his hotel Flanigan's Inn.
Today, Flanigan's Inn & Spa includes a lodging facility with 29 spacious rooms, five suites and two extended-stay villas. The Deep Canyon Adventure Spa and Salon offers massage and body work, facials, skin care and alternative healing services. The hotel includes a pool and hot tub as well as a nature Koi pond and a nature trail that provides great canyon views.
Spotted Dog Café, operated by executive chef Robert Teta, boasts handcrafted regional cuisine with a superb wine list. All dishes are made using fresh ingredients and hormone-free meats. Guests can enjoy the art collection and a cozy fireplace in the dining room or dine alfresco on the European-style patio. The reasonably-priced menu, where prices were recently lowered by 30 percent, also includes hearty pastas, light summer salads and healthy choices for kids.
In 2006, Larry's daughter, Rebecca McKown, joined his venture and now helps run the inn. Larry is a strong believer in being active in the community and helping other businesses around him succeed. He spearheaded the Springdale planning/zoning commission, arts council and re-opened the visitor's bureau. Following in his footsteps, Rebeecca serves on the planning/zoning board and is an EMT. Larry and Rebecca are responsible employers who treat their employees well, which means they have very little turnover, and they aim to make the inn as environmentally friendly as possible.
