Spring break staycation: a perfect day at Gardner Village

If you’re sticking close to home this spring break, you don’t have to stay inside and dream of warmer days. Gardner Village in West Jordan offers a day full of fun for kids and adults of all ages. 

Built around a historic flour mill, the locally owned shops and restaurants operate out of charming pioneer-era homes and buildings. Experience a blend of history and modern-day fun at Gardner Village this spring. Here’s sampling of what’s offered this season.

Get creative

Whether you like trendy knitting and crochet projects or you prefer classic art classes, you can do it all at Gardner Village. Those who love trendy grandma hobbies and anything involving yarn will enjoy spending time at Willow Hill Yarn Company.

Learn the basics of watercolor, acrylic or oil painting at one of The Art Cottage’s many workshops. If you’d rather stick to a pencil or graphite, try out one of their beginner drawing courses.

Those who have some experience with art can also find intermediate and advanced classes at The Art Cottage. Learn more about schedules and classes on The Art Cottage website.

Learn the art of crafting homemade chocolates, while experimenting with different flavors and ingredients at Chocolage Covered Wagon. They also provide classes on chocolate dipping, candy making and cake decorating. 

Another fun and educational option includes The Happy Camper Deli. They offer a variety of classes and workshops that allow participants to learn new culinary skills and enjoy delicious food. Some specific classes they offer include sandwich-making, salad-creating, soup-cooking, food-pairing, catering, event-planning and cooking demonstrations. 

All of these ideas and more can also be found here.

Embrace your family’s wild side

Families with younger children will love Little Buckaroo Petting Zoo, located inside Ricochet Canyon. Kids can meet and pet farm animals within their spacious enclosures and even ride a pony if they are feeling adventurous. A trackless train also runs through the Village.

After the petting zoo excitement, check out the wild west adventure park! Kids can ride fun amusement park rides, play on the playground, and participate in outdoor games.

Grab some grub 

When you start to get hangry, check out one of the many food options onsite at Gardner Village. Grab a sandwich, pizza, soup or pastry at Happy Camper Deli and Bakery. One Google reviewer said, “This place is great. I’ve heard about a few times and decided to stop in. I should have come sooner. Sandwich was awesome. German Chocolate cookie was amazing. You need to stop in here!”

For a sit-down meal, Archibald’s Restaurant is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Their salads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks, seafood and legendary pot roast are all customer favorites.The restaurant also boasts fried green tomatoes—an appetizer they say has been on the menu since they opened in 1990.

For a sweet treat, a stop at the Chocolate Covered Wagon candy store is a must. In addition to the homemade chocolates, you’ll have a hard time deciding between the caramel apples, fresh fudge, caramels, and fresh-pulled saltwater taffy. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking one or two of each home with you.

The great (spring break) escape

In addition to all of the fun you can have with young kids, teens and adults will enjoy solving puzzles to break out of an escape room. Choose between Area 52, Malcolm’s Missing Millions, or the Harry-Potter-inspired theme room. Use your knowledge of puzzles, patterns, and history to unlock more clues and solve the mystery. 

A Great Escape also has kid-friendly escape rooms to help them get in on the fun and practice for the more challenging rooms. It’s a good idea to book your room ahead of time on the Great Escape website.

Kick your feet up

If you prefer to escape from your worries and responsibilities, head over to the Soulstice Day Spa & Salon. Their experienced and qualified professionals offer hair styling, esthetic services, massages, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and more.

Soulstice’s 4.6 star rating on Google speaks volumes about the experiences they offer guests. One reviewer wrote, “I absolutely love the spa. I will not go anywhere else. The staff is amazing. The services are out of this world.”

Review their list of services and book your day of relaxation on the Soulstice website.

Sit down for a magical dinner

For a truly unique experience you won’t soon forget, reserve a spot at Mystique Dining. Their 5-course gourmet meal and magic show is entertaining and delicious from the appetizer to the final bow. The Grand Dining Chamber sets the mood for the evening with low lighting from chandeliers, striking red table linens, and opulent finishes throughout. Guests first enjoy their meals in the intimate space followed by a magic show inspired by the Vegas greats.

The 2.5 hour long experience is best suited for teens and adults. 

For a more casual yet equally entertaining evening, visit Mystique’s sister property, The Prestige. Magic shows happen every night at the vintage parlour theatre, but you can choose your dinner from their menu of comfort foods. The Prestige shows are recommended for kids and adults 8 years and older. Reservations are required at both venues.

Plan your spring break staycation

Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, you can fill your time with memorable activities the whole family will enjoy making. 

Gardner Village’s shops are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m, but some of the locations like Mystique Dining, Archbald’s Restaurant, the spa and escape room are open later. See their directory of shops, restaurants, and experiences at gardnervillage.com.