Food, Fun, & Shopping at the Riverwoods!

This month I got to be a part of an amazing blogging event at the Shops at the Riverwoods in Provo.  I remember when Wynnsong opened as the first stadium seating theater in Utah County and how everyone wanted to go there.  Then the Shops at the Riverwoods opened with some amazing stores and restaurants, but it has just gotten so much better in the last couple years with the addition of top-notch restaurants, unique stores, and a new great activity center.  

Our morning started off with us seriously as kids in a candy (and toy) store:  Blickenstaff’s.  If you haven’t been there, you are missing out on some serious fun.  This is the way toy shops were meant to be:  surrounded by a plethora of vintage toys from floor to ceiling that are there for you to touch and play with.  I’ve taken my kids there and they love it!  And the bloggers there were no different…we couldn’t get enough play time in.  And talk about candy!  This place has all sorts of favorite candies from years gone by plus the latest favorites. 

What’s the best way to end a trip to the toy store?  Ice cream!  We headed over to the new Provo Beach Resort for a ice cream scoop from Ike’s Creamery, the only place in Utah that serves Blue Bell Ice Cream.  The Resort also features so many great indoor activities (perfect for our recent winter weather onslaught) from a ropes course to an arcade, mini croquet, a FlowRider, and more. 

Then we explored Zion’s Mercantile, an LDS bookstore that is also filled with beautiful artwork and gifts.  Sheri treated us to some incredible and touching inspirational art, and what made it even better was that she had a story to tell about every piece that just enhanced and enriched the experience and my love for each piece she shared.  She also shared the lightest, fluffiest bread with honey butter from La Jolla Groves.  While we were at Zion’s Mercantile, we got to meet Robert A. Boyd, who is a renowned photographer and artist who has created some very beloved LDS temple artwork. 

Our last stop on our Riverwoods tour was one of my favorite restaurants in Provo, La Jolla Groves.  We were treated to a divine tasting of much of their menu, which focuses on fresh, quality ingredients combined to create dishes that please the eye and the palate.  I absolutely love La Jolla Groves and was thrilled to meet the executive chef behind it all and indulge in listening to his passion. 

The Shops at the Riverwoods make a great date spot and I can’t wait to go back with Mr. Diner.  Watch for dining reviews about La Jolla Groves and Ike’s coming soon!

Thanks to the Casual Blogger’s Conference, Blickenstaff’s, Ike’s, Zion’s Mercantile, & La Jolla Groves for sponsoring this great event!  Photos courtesy of Bryce Olsen Photography.  Thanks Bryce!