This time of year, it’s common to go o’er the river and through the woods. Only, Grandmother’s house isn’t our final destination. Instead, you’ll cross the stream and follow the cute new rock pathway, where you’ll come to a very special new addition at Gardner Village—the Nancy Long and Chris Christenson memory bench.
If it weren’t for these two taking a chance on a big dream back in 1980 and then again in 1990, when they transformed an old abondoned flour mill in West Jordan into Country Furniture and Gifts (now CF Home Furniture and Design) and Archibald's Restaurant, Gardner Village wouldn’t be here today. Read more about our fascinating history here.
We doubt anyone could have imagined at that time that this would become a prime destination for families and cherished traditions for years to come.
Want to give the bench a test sit? You’ll find it just across from Boho Chic Boutique.
Being the week of Thanksgiving, where so many focus on family and togetherness, we love having this chance to share our serene new seat with you. After all, Gardner Village has always been about families and, to this day, remains family owned by two of Nancy’s children, Angie Gerdes and Joe Long, who now work tirelessly to carry on the legacy.
The Village is woven into your stories, which is something we don’t take lightly. Whether you and yours board a broom for an annual WitchFest gathering or you go by sleigh to see the holiday sites and seek out elves and see the big guy himself, Gardner Village enriches the holidays.
Beyond the holiday celebrations, Gardner Village adds magic to the everyday. The Woodland Fairy Festival, which takes place in the spring, brings imagination to life and has become the latest beloved annual tradition for many throughout Utah and far beyond.
Beyond seasonal celebrations, it is the greatest honor to see so many choosing Gardner Village as the backdrop to their milestone moments. From weddings and anniversaries to class and family renunions, it's such a joy to share in your big life moments.
image: Wixom Photography
Of course, there's much to be said about slowing down on any given day to stroll through the Village, shop the locally owned businesses, and experience the rich Utah history in the buildings and grounds that is hard to find elsewhere. The perfect finishing touch, of course, is experiencing it with family and friends. There’s so much beauty in the memories made with each new trip.
From our grateful hearts, we thank you for keeping tradition alive. For recognizing the special place that Gardner Village is and adding to its unique story with your own beautiful moments. Like Nancy and Chris, we care deeply about our surrounding community and the impact we can have when we come together.
Whether you’re traveling o’er the river and through the woods this holiday season or staying closer to home, we hope your upcoming holidays are spent with those closest to you, enjoying the little moments that add up to be the big ones.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Thursday Nov 20 2025
This time of year, it’s common to go o’er the river and through the woods. Only, Grandmother’s house isn’t our final destination. Instead, you’ll cross the stream and follow the cute new rock pathway, where you’ll come to a very special new addition at Gardner Village—the Nancy Long and Chris Christenson memory bench.
If it weren’t for these two taking a chance on a big dream back in 1980 and then again in 1990, when they transformed an old abondoned flour mill in West Jordan into Country Furniture and Gifts (now CF Home Furniture and Design) and Archibald's Restaurant, Gardner Village wouldn’t be here today. Read more about our fascinating history here.
We doubt anyone could have imagined at that time that this would become a prime destination for families and cherished traditions for years to come.
Want to give the bench a test sit? You’ll find it just across from Boho Chic Boutique.
Being the week of Thanksgiving, where so many focus on family and togetherness, we love having this chance to share our serene new seat with you. After all, Gardner Village has always been about families and, to this day, remains family owned by two of Nancy’s children, Angie Gerdes and Joe Long, who now work tirelessly to carry on the legacy.
The Village is woven into your stories, which is something we don’t take lightly. Whether you and yours board a broom for an annual WitchFest gathering or you go by sleigh to see the holiday sites and seek out elves and see the big guy himself, Gardner Village enriches the holidays.
Beyond the holiday celebrations, Gardner Village adds magic to the everyday. The Woodland Fairy Festival, which takes place in the spring, brings imagination to life and has become the latest beloved annual tradition for many throughout Utah and far beyond.
Beyond seasonal celebrations, it is the greatest honor to see so many choosing Gardner Village as the backdrop to their milestone moments. From weddings and anniversaries to class and family renunions, it's such a joy to share in your big life moments.
image: Wixom Photography
Of course, there's much to be said about slowing down on any given day to stroll through the Village, shop the locally owned businesses, and experience the rich Utah history in the buildings and grounds that is hard to find elsewhere. The perfect finishing touch, of course, is experiencing it with family and friends. There’s so much beauty in the memories made with each new trip.
image credit: Camera Shy
From our grateful hearts, we thank you for keeping tradition alive. For recognizing the special place that Gardner Village is and adding to its unique story with your own beautiful moments. Like Nancy and Chris, we care deeply about our surrounding community and the impact we can have when we come together.
image credit: Camera Shy
Whether you’re traveling o’er the river and through the woods this holiday season or staying closer to home, we hope your upcoming holidays are spent with those closest to you, enjoying the little moments that add up to be the big ones.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!