The Stone Lizard Flourishes with Simpson TLC

by Janet Wilcox
The Craig and Kathy Simpson family bought the Blanding Motel from Gary and Sharon Guymon in September 2011 and embarked on a journey of creativity, problem solving and success. 
Their son Adam designed a metal Stone Lizard which became the motel’s namesake.  He also made signs and metal sconces for the rooms.  They first painted the outside, replaced the teal awnings and added planter boxes.
The old office became the mechanic room and they took out the coal burning stove and repaired everything that didn’t meet HIPAA requirements (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996).
In keeping with the Southwest theme, they purchased rugs, utilized petrified wood, and purchased rustic chairs/ beds/ couches from the Grand Canyon Lodge.
They took out all the old carpeting, textured the walls, repainted and added hardwood floors and put in tongue and groove ceilings and even added petrified wood sinks.
They put in triple trusses to support the floors and utilized both tile and wood in the floors.    
Room #19 became a breezeway into the back where they maintained a beautiful garden, fire pit with patio furniture that was used by guests for outdoor meals.    
Next came landscaping: Many of the trees that the Blickenstaff family planted were still producing fruit so they weren’t starting from ground zero.
The Simpsons brought in 30 additional trees and 60 shrubs, which helped control noise from the road and they put in both a drip and a sprinkling system.
They also planted grapes, herbs, and other crops that could be utilized for meals.  Their son Adam designed and made signs as well as metal sconces for all the rooms. A retaining wall was added, as well as a gate and vent covers.
In 2022, they fixed the last six rooms, replaced the sidewalk and added large outdoor rocks.  Then they celebrated by taking their family to Italy!
Over the years they’ve had many interesting guests:  Thurl Bailey, as well as the Utah Lt. Governor have stayed there, as well as the head of BYU grounds, and a college professor from Kenya who invented a water purifier. 
The Crow Canyon staff came twice a year for three or four nights with anywhere from 18 to 30 people. They did lots of night photography. 
The Lizard staff would cater meals for large groups like this.  Europeans are especially interested in SE Utah and Craig printed out maps for visitors so they knew how to get to interesting places in the county.
The quality of the accommodations and meals soon spread and the state identified them as a “preferred” provider. Their excellent service also resulted in a positive article in the New York Times!
As priorities changed, they decided to sell The Stone Lizard which occurred in three months. 
The new owners are Lela and Denny Jones and the Stone Lizard is still ever present and welcoming.