It's no secret we take great pride in our Utah roots at Gardner Village. Preserving and honoring the past is something we do all year, but July is an extra fun time to celebrate our state. From treats and games to Americana photo ops and even facials, here are a dozen (and 1!) happy ways you can get into the Utah spirit and enjoy time with your loved ones this summer:
1. Step Back In Time
A visit to our historic Gardner Flour Mill is not only excellent shopping at CF Home Furniture & Design and delicious dining at Archibald’s Restaurant, it’s also your chance to see how things were done when the early pioneers first settled in Utah.
Of course, the mill isn’t the only pieces of preserved history to be found. Many of our shops were once located in other spots throughout Utah before being transported to The Village, where they live on in new and happy ways today. Look for the plaques on display outside many of our buildings to learn more about the unique stories behind these locations!
Pssst… Want to make a game out of the history walk and even earn a treat? Check out #11 below!
2. Taste Utah
Nothing says “Utah” quite like salt water taffy, and Chocolate Covered Wagon just happens to be famous for the stuff. (They even had an Olympic pin of their taffy and were featured on The Food Network!). Stop in and see how taffy is pulled before choosing your own amazing assortment from their many available flavors.
Psstt… Want a FREE piece of taffy? See #11 below!
3. Pony Rides
Giddy up! It’s time to take a stroll through The Village on horseback… make that ponyback! All of the animals at The Farm are rescues, making this visit all the more meaningful. Whether you stop by to visit the ponies and many other animals at The Farm, or you make this start of your experience with a guided pony ride around The Village, you’re little buckaroos are going to remember the experience (and you’re going to adore the photo ops!).
4. Burger Time
Phew! All this summertime fun works up an appetite. Nothing like an all-American burger to hit the spot. Stop by Archibald’s Restaurant for lunch or dinner. After all, who wants to cook in this heat? Why not let our team take care of the meals for you?
5. Join the Club
Willow Hill Yarn Company is one of the top spots to shop for yarn in Utah. Now’s your chance to get first dibs on their unique offerings as a member of their newly-launched Yarn Club. It’s your chance to get yarn, notions, and projects that aren’t otherwise available in store. Plus, you have the option to purchase each month, so you can pick and choose your favorites without any long-term commitments required. The one down side? Spots are extremely limited. We suggest you set a reminder to visit their site at the beginning of each month to see the latest and/or follow them on Insta. Trust us when we say you want first dibs on these must-have club deals!
6. Take the Train
All aboard! You haven’t seen The Village until you’ve taken the train. The Gardner Village Express leaves the station frequently during the summer months. Grab your ticket at The Train Shoppe for just $4 and take a ride with the family. Rides during July 2021 will be given on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. For rides on other days, please inquire.
7. Feed the Ducks
Many animals call Gardner Village home, including friendly ducks who adore your visits. As you stroll from shop to shop, plan on some time at the water’s edge, where our feathered friends will happily greet you. You can even pick up feed at Chocolate Covered Wagon or the coin machines outside Seven Gables Mercantile.
8. Plan Your Escape
Yes, a trip to Gardner Village is a memorable escape from the everyday, but we’re talking specifically about an escape that requires a bit more strategy. Choose from one of several escape rooms at A Great Escape and see if you’re up for the challenge. This makes a fun activitiy to do on a date or with friends, and they even have a family-friendly option that’s great for all ages. Think you have what it takes to solve the puzzles in time?
9. Relax at Our New Day Spa & Salon
All of this patriotic play has us ready for a little R. and R. Good thing Soulstice Day Spa & Salon is now open. Try their specialty Red, White & Blueberry Lemonade Facial on for size and see if it doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more Village adventures!
10. Take a Patriotic Selfie
Now that you’re feeling refreshed (see #9), put that glowing face forward with a selfie in one of our popular photo spots. Pose front of our fun flag wall hanging for a patriotic profile pic. While you're at it, check out our newest pic spot for a postcard perfect shot. Darling pets (on leashes) welcome!
The games continue with our free Gardner Village scavenger hunt. It makes learning about state history fun and gives you a chance to really explore the beauty and authenticity we’re known for. You can follow along on your smart device, but we encourage you to print your forms ahead of time. You see, a filled out printed version earns you a free piece of that famous salt water taffy Chocolate Cover Wagon is known for. (See #2) Doesn’t get much sweeter than that!
12. An Evening of Magic at Mystique
Ready to end your day on a magical note? Take in a show and dinner at Mystique Dining. Here, you’ll be entertained by top-rated magicians as you’re served a multi-course meal. The atmosphere is intimate and enchanting, creating an experience you won’t soon forget.
But wait, there’s one more way to enjoy the unique summer fun that is Gardner Village. On July 17 from 11AM to 3PM, we’re hosting a classic car show with Unity Car Show Productions. It’s an opportunity to see how things rolled in the good ol’ days and a fun (and free) experience the entire family will enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there!
Wednesday Jul 7 2021
It's no secret we take great pride in our Utah roots at Gardner Village. Preserving and honoring the past is something we do all year, but July is an extra fun time to celebrate our state. From treats and games to Americana photo ops and even facials, here are a dozen (and 1!) happy ways you can get into the Utah spirit and enjoy time with your loved ones this summer:
1. Step Back In Time
A visit to our historic Gardner Flour Mill is not only excellent shopping at CF Home Furniture & Design and delicious dining at Archibald’s Restaurant, it’s also your chance to see how things were done when the early pioneers first settled in Utah.
Of course, the mill isn’t the only pieces of preserved history to be found. Many of our shops were once located in other spots throughout Utah before being transported to The Village, where they live on in new and happy ways today. Look for the plaques on display outside many of our buildings to learn more about the unique stories behind these locations!
Pssst… Want to make a game out of the history walk and even earn a treat? Check out #11 below!
2. Taste Utah
Nothing says “Utah” quite like salt water taffy, and Chocolate Covered Wagon just happens to be famous for the stuff. (They even had an Olympic pin of their taffy and were featured on The Food Network!). Stop in and see how taffy is pulled before choosing your own amazing assortment from their many available flavors.
Psstt… Want a FREE piece of taffy? See #11 below!
3. Pony Rides
Giddy up! It’s time to take a stroll through The Village on horseback… make that ponyback! All of the animals at The Farm are rescues, making this visit all the more meaningful. Whether you stop by to visit the ponies and many other animals at The Farm, or you make this start of your experience with a guided pony ride around The Village, you’re little buckaroos are going to remember the experience (and you’re going to adore the photo ops!).
4. Burger Time
Phew! All this summertime fun works up an appetite. Nothing like an all-American burger to hit the spot. Stop by Archibald’s Restaurant for lunch or dinner. After all, who wants to cook in this heat? Why not let our team take care of the meals for you?
5. Join the Club
Willow Hill Yarn Company is one of the top spots to shop for yarn in Utah. Now’s your chance to get first dibs on their unique offerings as a member of their newly-launched Yarn Club. It’s your chance to get yarn, notions, and projects that aren’t otherwise available in store. Plus, you have the option to purchase each month, so you can pick and choose your favorites without any long-term commitments required. The one down side? Spots are extremely limited. We suggest you set a reminder to visit their site at the beginning of each month to see the latest and/or follow them on Insta. Trust us when we say you want first dibs on these must-have club deals!
6. Take the Train
All aboard! You haven’t seen The Village until you’ve taken the train. The Gardner Village Express leaves the station frequently during the summer months. Grab your ticket at The Train Shoppe for just $4 and take a ride with the family. Rides during July 2021 will be given on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm. For rides on other days, please inquire.
7. Feed the Ducks
Many animals call Gardner Village home, including friendly ducks who adore your visits. As you stroll from shop to shop, plan on some time at the water’s edge, where our feathered friends will happily greet you. You can even pick up feed at Chocolate Covered Wagon or the coin machines outside Seven Gables Mercantile.
8. Plan Your Escape
Yes, a trip to Gardner Village is a memorable escape from the everyday, but we’re talking specifically about an escape that requires a bit more strategy. Choose from one of several escape rooms at A Great Escape and see if you’re up for the challenge. This makes a fun activitiy to do on a date or with friends, and they even have a family-friendly option that’s great for all ages. Think you have what it takes to solve the puzzles in time?
9. Relax at Our New Day Spa & Salon
All of this patriotic play has us ready for a little R. and R. Good thing Soulstice Day Spa & Salon is now open. Try their specialty Red, White & Blueberry Lemonade Facial on for size and see if it doesn’t leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more Village adventures!
10. Take a Patriotic Selfie
Now that you’re feeling refreshed (see #9), put that glowing face forward with a selfie in one of our popular photo spots. Pose front of our fun flag wall hanging for a patriotic profile pic. While you're at it, check out our newest pic spot for a postcard perfect shot. Darling pets (on leashes) welcome!
11. Free Scavenger Hunt
The games continue with our free Gardner Village scavenger hunt. It makes learning about state history fun and gives you a chance to really explore the beauty and authenticity we’re known for. You can follow along on your smart device, but we encourage you to print your forms ahead of time. You see, a filled out printed version earns you a free piece of that famous salt water taffy Chocolate Cover Wagon is known for. (See #2) Doesn’t get much sweeter than that!
12. An Evening of Magic at Mystique
Ready to end your day on a magical note? Take in a show and dinner at Mystique Dining. Here, you’ll be entertained by top-rated magicians as you’re served a multi-course meal. The atmosphere is intimate and enchanting, creating an experience you won’t soon forget.
But wait, there’s one more way to enjoy the unique summer fun that is Gardner Village. On July 17 from 11AM to 3PM, we’re hosting a classic car show with Unity Car Show Productions. It’s an opportunity to see how things rolled in the good ol’ days and a fun (and free) experience the entire family will enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there!