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The Place for History and Fun this Summer is at Gardner Village in Utah | Here are 13 Things You Can Do to Celebrate with Them!
Jun 25, 2021, 3:58 PM | Updated: Jul 7, 2021, 10:20 am
Photo: Gardner Village
This article about Gardner Village in Utah is Presented by Gardner Village.
Summer is the perfect time to spend a day at a Utah favorite: Gardner Village! They really do have something for everyone, whether it’s just getting a bite to eat, fun family activities, or going to find a gift for someone you love, you’ll find it at Gardner Village in Utah.
1. Take in the Incredible History of Gardner Village in Utah
Photo: Gardner Village
Archibald Gardner was one of the original pioneer settlers in Utah in 1847. Archibald and his family settled on the west bank of the Jordan river and built a mill in 1853. Nearly a century passed where it was handed from owner to owner until it was eventually left vacant. Then Nancy Long decided to buy the mill in 1979. While Nancy wanted to create a house out of the mill her vision shifted and in May of 1980, she opened Country Furniture and Gifts (now CF Home Furniture & Design). In 1990, she opened Archibald’s Restaurant adjacent to CF Home. But she wanted to take it further, and over the next few years, and using donated houses and buildings, Nancy and her family built an entire village of shopping, dining, and fun.
2. Eat Some Salt Water Taffy at Chocolate Covered Wagon
Photo: Gardner Village
Not only is salt water taffy hypnotic to watch being made on a taffy puller, but it’s also a signature delicacy in Utah. And the salt water taffy at Chocolate Covered Wagon is no exception. Not only has Chocolate Covered wagon been featured on Food Network and the Travel Channel, but the taffy puller itself is a part of history. It’s been making taffy since the 1870s! And they even use salt right from the Great Salt Lake.
3. Take a Pony Ride at the Farm
Photo: Gardner Village
A place where your kids can take a pony ride? Awesome! A place where your kids can take a pony ride starting at only $5? Even Better! A place where your kids can take a pony ride, enjoy shopping, dining, and make family memories that can last a lifetime? You won’t find anything like The Farm anywhere else in the state!
4. Eat a Mill Burger at Archibald’s Restaurant
Photo: Gardner Village
The famous Archibald’s Restaurant is located in a historic flour mill that was built in 1877 by one of the original pioneer settlers to the Salt Lake Valley, Archibald Gardner. Much of the original equipment is still there today. But the food is the real highlight at Archibald’s. Take the Mill Burger for instance. It features bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and roasted tomato aioli. And it comes with your choice of side. It will leave you feeling absolutely satiated!
5. Join the Yarn Club
Photo: Gardner Village
For all things yarn, you’ll absolutely want to check out the Willow Hill Yarn Company. Whether you are a beginner or advanced at needle skills, Willow Hill has what you need to knit, crochet, or thread something beautiful. And they even offer classes too! You can even join their club!
6. Ride the Train at The Train Shoppe
Photo: Gardner Village
Founded in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1965, The Train Shoppe is the only 100% model railroading store left in Salt Lake County. And its employees and customers are all devoted model train enthusiasts. But don’t let that scare you! If you are just getting into the hobby, they are happy to walk you through any questions you might have. And if you just want to check out the world of model trains, this is the place!
Plus, right at the Train Shoppe you can hop on the Gardner Village Express and enjoy a meandering tour of the village on a nice comfortable trackless train ride.
7. Feed the Ducks on the Village Path
Photo: Gardner Village
The pond and stream in Gardner Village are an incredible place to find and feed cute little ducks and ducklings through the summer.
8. Take a Flag Selfie at Seven Gables Mercantile
Photo: Gardner Village
Right next to the pond where you just fed some ducks, you can take a selfie with the beautiful American Flag integrated into the side of Seven Gables Mercantile. And while you are there, make sure to stop in! It’s like an old-fashioned general store right in the middle of Gardner Village. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts!
9. Challenge Yourself at A Great Escape
Photo: Gardner Village
Challenge yourself, work on your team-building skills, and solve a mystery. At A Great Escape, you’ll find five timed escape rooms that have riddles and puzzles to help you break free. You can even choose different themes as well. And you can even get clues along the way.
10. Get a Red, White, and Blueberry Lemonade Facial at Soulstice Day Spa & Salon (Opening July 2021)
Photo: Adobe Stock
Soulstice Day Spa & Salon is a newcomer to Gardner Village, but they fit right in. Come in and spend a few hours decompressing with a patriotic red, white, and blueberry lemonade facial or any of the other services they offer. You’re bound to leave there feeling a little bit better about life.
11. Enjoy an Evening of Magic at Mystique Dining
Photo: Gardner Village
The setting is intimate. The food, delicious. And the entertainment, captivating! Enjoy a full five-course meal in Mystique’s Grand Dining Chamber, an opulently decorated room that creates a truly captivating backdrop. Mystique Dining brings in the finest magicians to perform no more than 30 guests per performance. You’re absolutely guaranteed an up-close experience.
12. Try The Historic Scavenger Hunt
Photo: Gardner Village
Now with all the info in #1, you should be prepared to do Gardner Village’s annual Historic Scavenger Hunt celebrating Utah’s pioneer heritage including their namesake, Archibald Gardner. Get a group together and find all the items and earn a free piece of saltwater taffy at Chocolate Covered Wagon.
13. Come Check Out Some Cool Rides at the Car Show
Photo: Adobe Stock
Come out and join the fun as Unity Car Show Productions brings a car show to Gardner Village on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is free, and the show will be held in the northwest parking lot of the Village. You’ll be able to see some really amazing vehicles from the car community in and around Utah.
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