If you are looking for a place to wander, to get lost for a little while, either by your self, with a date or spouse, or even with the kids, Gardner Village is a place that has a little something for everyone.When I was much younger, I remember driving by the old, dilapidated Gardner Mill on 7800 South in West Jordan, wondering what that old place was and why it didn't get torn down. I'm glad it stayed. What has happened in its transformation has been truly spectacular.
Gardner Village is an old, turn of the century style village, filled with modern shops and amenities. It is anchored by the Gardner Mill building which now houses Archibald's Restaurant and Country Furniture and gifts. The village behind the mill is filled with fun and interesting shops to explore.
The Village Christmas Shoppe has Christmas decorations and ideas all year round. Take the kids into the store in July and get them excited six months ahead of time. The Naborhood Bakery makes fresh goodies everyday and just walking by the store and smelling the bread, doughnuts and chicken soup is enough to make your head spin. One of my favorite shops is Sweet Afton's. This is an old time candy shop with all the old fashioned and modern candies you could ever dream of. If you like fudge, this is the place to go. They make fudge in dozens of different flavors. My favorite is the Snickers fudge. Don't forget The Storybook Nook with a great collection of children's books and toys.
The kids will enjoy the Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo and Pony Rides. Your kids will love petting the rabbits, pigs, goats, llamas, cow, donkeys and more. Cost is just $2.00 per child. If you'd like to give them the chance to ride a pony, it is an extra $3.00. And for your peace of mind, hand washing stations are available.
The Jordan River Parkway is just around the corner from Gardner Village, under the railroad bridge, and is connected by a walkway. Enjoy a nice evening walk on the parkway and then head on over to Archibald's for a relaxing dinner.
Place: Gardner Village
Location: 1100 West 7800 South, West Jordan, UT
Phone: 801.566.8903
Hours: Jan. & Feb. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mar. to Dec. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Closed Sundays. Some parts of Gardner Village have slightly different hours. Check before you go.
Cost: Visiting Gardner Village is FREE- Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo, $2.00 per child; Pony Rides, $3.00 per child.
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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 12.5 miles
Ogden: 47.9 miles
Provo: 34.8 miles
Logan: 92.6 miles
Best Petting Zoo Ever! The chickens let the children hold and cradle them in their arms. The Mother llama lets children sit on her while she is sitting down. (Ask an employee to have her sit.) The Mother llama and baby llama are very friendly. There are sheep, bunnies, horses, ducks, a turkey, and a goose. The turkey and goose will eat food right out of your hand. The baby cows walk right up to the children and are not afraid. You can walk inside every cage for a more hands on experience. The horses are very friendly too. You won't be disappointed!
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