Celebrate Women’s Day with an Aretha Franklin Itinerary

Today we celebrate international women’s day and women’s history month with a special highlight on Aretha Franklin. In just 5 weeks CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE will be performing their spectacular ARETHA’S GOLD tribute concert on the Tuacahn stage! It’s the perfect chance to honor a most remarkable woman, and tickets start at just $25!

To make it an even more unforgettable day, we have developed a fun, Aretha Franklin-themed itinerary to coincide with the concert on April 13.

But first, a little about Aretha!

Did you know she was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Or that she won 18 Grammys and had 112 singles on the Billboard charts? Remarkably, she was a self-taught musician whose incredible voice was declared a natural resource by the state of Michigan!

On a more serious note, she was also the victim of domestic abuse. Her lifelong passion was to use her fame, money, and exceptional talent to further civil rights and gender equality. She became known for her cover of Otis Redding’s song, “Respect,” and through it, encouraged thousands of women to leave abusive relationships.

Make plans now to celebrate the courage and talent of Aretha Franklin, and all women everywhere, with a day of making memories with those you love.

Aretha Franklin Daytrip Itinerary for Saturday, April 13

Hike Padre Canyon via Tuacahn

Start the day at Tuacahn with the fresh air, blue sky, and spectacular view of the surrounding red rock canyon. This hiking trail begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot and starts off easy with plenty of extraordinary rock formations along the way. Be prepared for the trail to get more challenging as it goes along. The whole out and back to the saddle between Padre Canyon and Snow Canyon is just under 3 miles. But the good thing is that you can turn back at any time. If you make it to the top, you’re rewarded with a spectacular view on either side of the saddle.

A Special Breakfast at the Tuacahn Cafe

There’s nothing Aretha liked better than good ol’ southern, comfort food, and from 9am to Noon on April 13, you can get into the spirit of the day at the Tuacahn Cafe with a hearty breakfast of flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in pork sausage gravy. Or opt for orange juice with pancakes, French toast, or an omelette.

Take in the Tuacahn Saturday Market

From 10am to 2pm, stroll along a tree-lined walkway next to a beautiful running water feature while browsing local artwork, crafts, and more! Grab lunch from one of the food trucks or vendors and enjoy your meal along with the free live entertainment.

Shop at Switchpoint Thrift Store or the Switchpoint Boutique

Find inspiration in Aretha Franklin by channeling her phenomenal sense of fashion. Pink was her favorite color, and she knew how to make an entrance! Find your own statement piece to wear to this evening’s concert, all the while, helping a good cause. Open from 9am to 5pm, the Switchpoint retail centers work to provide funding for the local homeless shelter and rehabilitation programs geared to helping families get back on track to living their best lives—definitely something Aretha would get behind!

Check out Rock House Records

Experience music the way Aretha did! Visit this locally owned record shop in downtown St. George and start a vinyl collection, perhaps with a cool vintage Aretha Franklin album.

Head back to the Tuacahn Cafe & Gift Gallery

Come early so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a fantastic pre-show meal at the Tuacahn Cafe. You can order one of Aretha’s favorite dishes, traditional Mac & Cheese, or try one of the new dinner menu entrees, featuring pesto and primavera pastas, steak and shrimp tacos, and fantastic salads, like the Cobb, Berry, or Mediterranean. After dinner, visit the adjoining Tuacahn Gift Gallery to find something special to remember this amazing day!

Donate to the Dove Center

In memory of the great strides Aretha made for women, Tuacahn is partnering with the DOVE Center for this concert. The Dove Center’s mission is to help those impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence, and to spread awareness in understanding safe, healthy relationships and mutual respect. Visit the DOVE Center representatives on the Tuacahn Plaza to learn more about their important work and how you can help.

Be inspired with the Aretha Franklin tribute concert at the Tuacahn Outdoor Amphitheatre

For the ultimate daytrip finale, get tickets for ARETHA’S GOLD, an Aretha Franklin tribute concert by CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE! There’s nothing like live entertainment under the night sky where you can embrace your inner strength with songs like “Respect,” “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Amazing Grace,” and more! Hear Aretha Franklin’s music as it was made to be heard! Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8.

Grab your friends and family and come celebrate an incredible woman who wasn’t afraid to use her gifts to change the world! This Southern Utah daytrip itinerary is guaranteed to leave you empowered and with lasting memories. Get the best seats to the concert by booking your tickets today!

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