So, the eastern side of the South Rim?

Yes. Sorry that mislabeled it the Eastern Rim. It is really the eastern half of the South Rim.

Another vote for Capitol Reef. We liked this park and did a horse riding trip in Torrey (just an hour).
I recommend the restaurant Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder between Torrey and Bryce and we also stayed at the Boulder Mountain Lodge which was lovely.

"How about in Springdale near Zion?"
Our favorite meal at Zion last month was breakfast at the Zion Inn. We rode the shuttle there and had a buffet breakfast that was really good. The night before we had dinner at The Pioneer in Springdale. It was OK only.
I agree with the hike at the end of the shuttle ride. We are go back soon.