By MARIA FANO
maria@du2.byu.edu
It can be difficult to plan a perfect romantic evening that's also inexpensive, but here's a romantic Christmas date that's very affordable.
If you haven't ever been to Thanksgiving Point, here's your chance to take that special someone to a place that offers fine dinning, good entertainment and Christmas lights all under one roof.
The month of December is the perfect time to visit Thanksgiving Point. At this time of year, 600,000 lights decorate everything from the main building to the gardens and golf course. The popular Christmas lights can be viewed for no charge, and are open Monday though Saturday from 5:30 to 11 p.m. until Dec. 31.
After a romantic stroll to look at the lights, a couple might want to try some of the food in the Garden Wall restaurant. The Garden Wall offers a unique atmosphere indoors.
The restaurant has hand-painted walls that look almost like wallpaper. Landscape scenes were painted on the walls by 16 different artists over a period of four months.
Bart Jarman, the restaurant's food service manager, described the food at the Garden Wall.
'The menu is unparalleled, we have the finest chefs in Utah and we have a menu perfect for the season,' he said.
Not sure what to order? Try their maple-pecan baked chicken, a popular entree for the season.
Once dinner is over, head back outdoors to enjoy a nice romantic carriage ride for two. The rides last about 25 minutes, are available daily from 6 to 10 p.m. and cost $20.
There is also free, live entertainment in the restaurant foyer at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Groups such as Silver and Strings, Christmas Bells and the Utah Valley Hand Bell Ringers entertain the night away. For performance information call 768-4971 or 768-2300.
Other Thanksgiving Point facilities include an animal barn, a soda fountain, a deli and a gift shop emporium.
Receptionist Leslee Gillies said people enjoy Thanksgiving Point because 'it has a happy atmosphere and it's fun, beautiful and very romantic.'
There is so much to do at Thanksgiving Point that a couple can't possibly get bored, and during the busy Christmas season, that makes one less thing to worry about.