Venue Spotlight: Castle Park

Before Castle Park became a reception center, it was a private estate used for family gatherings and was designed with elaborite fairytale and Disney themes. You can still see traces of the previous decor around the property--including the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs cabin near the castle. It was built by a local retired couple who had around 40 grandkids, nearly all were girls, that lived in the neighborhood. Some of you may remember when the Princess Festival used to be held here. The family hosted the festival on their grounds until it grew too large to be held there.

The new owners converted the property into more of a neutral-toned atmosphere to accommodate wide-ranges of reception colors. The space is used primarily for receptions, but it also doubles as a corporate and family meeting center as well.

Castle Park was designed to accomodate all types of demographics--including those with tight budgets. You will find that Castle Park has some of the lowest rental prices around. On their site you can even compare prices with other venues.

There are multiple places to host a reception on the grounds. The main building consists of an upper and lower ballroom. The garden is another area to rent out for outdoor events. And of course there is their famous castle available for rent.

The main building has two brides rooms and a grooms room available. The lower ballroom is home to a baby grand piano and the upper ballroom has a large flat-screen TV. There is a kitchen in the main building which is shared if two parties are going on at the same time. The large kitchen is great for prepping your own food before the party. Castle Park also allows alcohol to be served as long as it is served through a designated bartender.

Another reason Castle Park is so great is because of the wide range of items you can rent. You are welcome to bring in your own decorations, of course, but Castle Park offers glasses, linens, table runners, backdrops, center pieces, and more available for rental. You can also rent out a park pavilion which is great for a summer wedding or outdoor family gathering.

Visit their website for more information on renting out their gorgeous property!

Christmas Carols in Utah Valley

It's not too late! You still have 4 days to attend one of the traditional Christmas Carol productions in Utah Valley (last day being December 22). Some of these productions have had the same Ebenezer Scrooge perfecting the role for years upon years. And let's just be real, Christmas Season isn't complete without Mr. Scrooge, Christmas ghosts, and Tiny Tim.

Here's two that you can (should!) attend:

Hale Center Theater Orem
225 West 400 North, Orem, UT 84057
Hours of Operation: 7:30pm
Price: $16-$20, Children are $4 less
(Shows daily, except Wednesday and Sunday)

• Hale Theater Website 
• Utah Valley-Hale Center

Little Brown Theatre
248 South Main Street, Springville, UT 84663
Hours of Operation: 7:30pm
Price: $8-$10 

(Monday, Friday, Saturday)

• Little Brown Theatry
• Utah Valley-Little Brown Theatre

Christmas Cruise Coupon

Another Utah Valley favorite during the holiday season that you need to be aware of during in the Christmas Cruise at the CLAS Ropes Course. Last year over 2,000 people enjoyed these professional 40-person boat excursions, so that goes to show how popular these cruises have become! The cruise runs for about 25 minutes and takes you up and down the beautiful Provo River, showcasing the thousands of lights reflecting off of the water.  There are also holiday scenes along the store, Christmas music on the boat, and a special appearance by Santa Claus in his very own canoe! If you are looking for a unique Christmas experience for whole family, we think this is it! Keep in mind that the boat is uncovered, so we suggest gloves, blankets, coats, and maybe even some warm hot cocoa (maybe grab some for the whole family at Mawka Moka or Kneaders in Provo?!). You can find the dates, times, and pricing information at http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=59 and book your cruise at ClasRopes.com or call 373-1897. 

To make matters even better? The CLAS Ropes Course is providing you with an exclusive coupon for a buy one, get one 1/2 off coupon to make your excursion happen. You can snag that coupon here: Utah Valley Christmas Cruise Coupon.

We would love to see your pictures from your trip!! Please tell us all about it in the comments below. 

Salem Pond Holiday Lights

Teaser picture! Now you need to go see this area all lit up.

 If you are looking to take your family or friends out to a festive lights show this season, perhaps you should try the more quaint location at the Salem Pond.  Knoll Park is lit up beautifully each year for your pleasure, and the price of $0.00 per person/per car/per whatever is rather inviting.  Even if you have visited another lights festival this year, you can never get enough holiday spirit! For more details, stop on over to UtahValley.com.

Here are some of the basics for starters: 
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Knoll Park
200 West 300 South, Salem, UT 84653
Starts at 6:00 pm.

Traverse Mountain Outlets!

We don't know about you, but we are getting a little antsy with the opening of the Outlets at Traverse Mountain just around the corner (happening on November 16)! The holiday ads that stores are starting to put out are just not helping either.  But we know one thing is for certain this season, you have to stop in at the new Outlets for some of your shopping. There are 40 stores spread out over 225,000 square feet of property that you can't miss out on.  Here is an article with the listings of all the stores on the property:

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsburger/55084527-53/outlet-store-factory-mountain.html.csp

Get planning your routes ladies and gentlemen this year's shopping in Utah Valley is going to be HOT!

New Museum!

We are happy to announce that there is a new children's museum in the works at Thanksgiving Point. Today, a groundbreaking was held to start the construction of the new buildings.The new museum will be called the Museum of Natural Curiosity and will feature 150 exhibits where families can explore and discover arts, sciences, history and culture.  The doors to this museum will open in spring of 2014 but we encourage you to follow its progress! We can't wait to enjoy the 45,000-square-foot building and 5 acre rainforest for exploration. 

Congratulations Thanksgiving Point on this accomplishment!

The Bell Room is a Must!

 We have the opportunity to check out Utah Valley venues, restaurants, and locations first hand and yesterday we had the treat of visiting the newly renovated Bell Room--located on Center Street in Provo. This vintage inspired venue is a living piece of American history located on the corner of University and Center in downtown Provo. If you want to have an unique, elegant event in a room filled of cobblestone floors, old-world fountains, and subtle southern charm, then this is your place. We have a feeling that by hosting your event here, it will be the talking point for the rest of the year! Really, who wouldn't want that?!

Here are some of the photos we took on our inside look! Thanks to Jason for his hospitality and tour. If you want more information about this location or the Under Ground Social Hall (to be featured soon) than give Historic Provo Town Square a call at (801) 812-9573 or visit www.oldadobe.com or utahvalley.com.

Newsies News!

SCERA Shell offers year-round entertainment that always leaves you satisfied. Since it's cloudy out, we thought we'd offer you an activity idea for tonight! Newsies, the film, is now showing at the SCERA. Now is the perfect time to hop on over for a sweet date, outting, or first-time experience for your kids.

For a full list of fun ideas happening this week ONLY visit: http://www.utahvalley.com/things-to-do/performing_arts.aspx

Reception highlight: Wadley Farms

 

We thought we'd do a highlight on one of the gorgeous, premier reception centers right here in Utah Valley (located in Lindon, just up the street from Pizza Factory to be exact).  This past weekend one of our employees held an event here and it was wonderful.  Wadley goes out of their way to accommodate their guests and even provides parking assistants. And did we mention how beautiful and open the property is? Who wouldn't want to take a stroll through these beautiful gardens? Make sure you check out Wadley Farms for your next event and give us call if you'd like us to help connect you.

Also, we'd like to remind you that there are reasons to stress about over hosting an event, but there isn't a reason to get overwhelmed with planning! The Utah Valley Convention and Visitor Bureau offers free services for planning. They'll hook you up with hotel rooms, venues and everything you could possibly need, for FREE! This means the best deals and accommodations for your every need will be addressed, saving you hours of research. 

Give us a call. We cater all group sizes and parties. We would love to help you find your fairytale location for meetings, receptions, parties, dinners, etc. Stress less with our free help. 

Call us at 801-851-2100 or meetinutahvalley.com for a RFP or visitutahvalley.com for venue information. 

Let's Talk About - Two Buck Tuesday

Every Tuesday in August, Thanksgiving Point offers their Two-Buck Tuesday deal. The $2 deal gives you and your family or friends the opportunity to experience everything Thanksgiving Point has to offer for just $2/venue! You can venture on over to any of the following venues for the deal: 

•  Farm Country
•  Thanksgiving Point Gardens
• Emporium 
• Museum of Ancient Life

One of our personal favorite deals is at Emporium where cooking classes are just $2 on Tuesdays as well.  Here, you can learn all sorts of recipes to thrill your very own guests at a dinner/party/celebration/etc. Don't forget to bring a friend or a good notepad for little reminders! Before you show up for the class however, make sure you give Thanksgiving Point a call so they can prepare class space for you! Call them at 801.768.2300. Get more information as well here: http://bit.ly/MqOpk9

Lastly, here is the hidden gem about the Thanksgiving Point Gardens that most people don't know about (unless you have visited the Gardens before).  Vespas and golf carts are available for rent at the check-in station. This spices up the Gardens trip for your young ones and helps make the Gardens more accessible for those who need a lift.  Don't forget about this option when you are planning out your Thanksgiving Point Trip! 

As always, check out utahvalley.com or the Thanksgiving Point Two-Buck Tuesday page here http://bit.ly/MqOpk9 for more information.

Theater Time

Calling all theater guru's, summer lovers, and concert goers! Where you at? Utah Valley outdoor theater showings are coming to a close which means you need to get out in the open air for a show. Here is a list of the remaining must-see shows/concerts:

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

August 6-13

American Fork Amphitheater 

http://bit.ly/QF9Q8y

7 Brides for 7 Brothers

-August 18

Sundance Resort Outdoor Theater

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?id=1382

Fiddler on the Roof

August 3-18

SCERA Shell
 http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2160

 

Yesterday Once More-A Tribute to the Carpenters

August 20

SCERA Shell 

 http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2285

Diamond Rio

August 27

SCERA Shell

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=2691

Dancing Under the Stars

August 24-25

SCERA Shell 

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=1385

 

Coupons

Word on the street is that many people are searching for fun things to do INSIDE to beat the heat right now. We have great news for you! 

Utahvalley.com offers new coupons for fun activities all the time. Right now, we have a coupon for Fat Cats in Provo that offers a deal for just $6 a person. Find the coupon here:  

http://www.utahvalley.com/packages-coupons/coupons.aspx?couponId=57 

 

We also have a coupon right now on our site for FREE chips n salsa at Chilis. We can't resist! Cool off with a frosty beverage and grab the friends for some spicey salsa. Find the coupon here:  

http://www.utahvalley.com/packages-coupons/coupons.aspx?couponId=52