“My Secret Life In Utah County”

My kids tease me about what I refer to as “My Secret Life in Salt Lake”.  I love Salt Lake City! One of my favorite things to do is to plan a day to visit some of my favorite shops, exploring and finding new ones, and eating a yummy lunch at one of my favorite haunts . . . but that is a post for another day!  Today I want to share some fun places I recently discovered in Utah County.  I live in Kaysville, which is about an hour’s drive north of Utah County – depending on traffic.  During this crazy Covid pandemic year of 2020, I started following some cute shops on Instagram with the hope of a visit before Christmas.  I finally made that happen, and want to share what I found!

My first stop was Sun River Gardens located at 1248 N. State Street, Orem, Utah 84057 - 801-229-1975. Sun River is one of those places I describe as “dangerous”!!! What I mean by dangerous is that I immediately want to buy every single thing in the store!!! After a quick walk through the store, I went back and got a basket. It had been months of retail therapy deprivation, but I was a good girl and exercised A LOT of restraint! I did come home with some fun treasures, and gifts as well. This is a store that just makes you feel good when you walk in. I think it smelled wonderful, but I’m not totally sure because I had my face mask on, and only got whiffs of wonderful things occasionally. It felt so good to be out and about after months of isolation! Sun River was a winter wonderland of beautiful displays and creative inspiration. They are not just a nursery that sells plants; they also have the most incredible gift area, as well as a reception center complete with decorating and catering. I can’t wait to go back and see what they have for Valentine’s Day! They also have a boutique of local artisans every February, called “Bloem Market” – the dates for 2021 are February 12-13th.

My second stop was an adorable little quilt/yarn/gift shop, Harmony. And oh did I feel harmony when I walked through the door of the quaint little home they’ve turned into a homey feeling shop! Located at 315 E. Center Street – Provo, Utah 84606 – 801-615-0268. Rachel the adorable owner immediately made me feel welcome, yet also gave me space to browse and shop at my own pace. Harmony carries some beautiful fabrics not seen anywhere else in Utah – which is rare. An incredible selection of yarns - I don’t knit or crochet, but do love to make tassels to adorn many of my crafty creations! And a unique collection of gift items directed more toward the vintage taste, which I love and adore. It feels like home to me, and brings back happy memories of my Aunt Leone. When I think of vintage, I think of her! Harmony is a worthwhile and fun little place to stop for a quick uplifting pick-me-up!

My third stop is one of my all-time favorites in Springville, Utah which is south of Provo, Utah; it is a destination place for me. Corn Wagon Quilt Co. is located at 303 E. 400 S. – Springville, Utah 84663 – 801-491-3551. If you love fabric as much as I do, you will LOVE Corn Wagon!!! They have cottons, and more wool than any other place I’ve seen, as well as unique embroidery threads – which I also love! A couple years ago, they also opened up a new gift shop directly behind the quilt store called “Corn Wagon Too”. If you are looking for some fun and unique gifts for yourself or your crafty friends, Corn Wagon does not disappoint! The Springville Museum is also just West of Corn Wagon down the street and is worth the stop if you have time. Once a year they hold a quilt exhibition and feature some of Utah’s top quilters.

The first time I went to Corn Wagon Quilt Co. a few years ago, I asked them for a good place to eat.  They immediately suggested Art City Trolley.  Located at 256 N. Main Street - Springville, Utah – 801-489-8585.  The food is fresh, home-made, and delicious!   There is also something to fit every taste from their own unique main dishes, to burgers and yummy fries, to incredible salads with home-made dressings, to amazing desserts!  I LOVE salads, and their salads are some of the best I’ve ever had!!!

So if you’re looking for a fun day of discovery, support these small local businesses, sitting at the base of the beautiful mountains that tower above the East side of Utah County, including Mt. Timpanogos!  Be sure to start early, and check out some of my favorite “Secret Life in Utah County” businesses.  

Love Ya, Les  ☺