Thanksgiving Point Family Pass

For most of the 14+ years I've lived in Utah, I didn't really know what to think of Thanksgiving Point. I mean, what is that place? As far as I knew, it had a big tower, a petting zoo, and a movie theater. And I was right . . . but only a very, very little bit right. Thanksgiving Point is so much more.

According to Thanksgiving Point's website:

With quality at the core of what we do, we contribute to the lives of individuals, families and communities by offering experiences that change lives through The Promise of Discovery.

Thanksgiving Point Gardens, the Children’s Discovery Garden, Farm Country, and the Museum of Ancient Life, and the Emporium and restaurants offer stimulating and engaging experiences in a safe, family-friendly setting. They foster learning, bring families closer together and provide beautiful gathering places for groups of all kinds, giving them opportunities to share their cultural heritage and common bonds.

Hands-on discovery is delivered through innovative educational courses, day camps and field trips. Educational offerings are designed for every age group, from toddlers to adults. ...

Experiences at Thanksgiving Point offer discovery with a flair that is unique. Because of the creativity that is paramount in the design of our venues and programs, people who engage in the Promise of Discovery have a one-of-a-kind adventure that is both memorable and life-changing.

I was invited, with a group of fantastic local bloggers, to participate in a Holiday Tour at Thanksgiving Point, and let me tell you: what a treat. Really. We began in the Emporium Kitchen where we sampled from Harvest Restaurant's dinner menu.


Rock Shrimp Nachos -- I'm glad to have tried it, I'd order it for dinner. It's got just a hint of sweet mixed in with that chile.


Dinner menu


The chef serving up our next treat. Excusing the poor-quality picture, notice the screen above the counter: perfect setting for the cooking classes offered.


Harvest Butternut Squash Soup with Curried Baked Pumpkin Seeds. Go ahead and drool, I may have. It was perfect.

After our tastebuds danced around, we learned how to make a simple craft (neighbor gift, anyone?) by planting a paper white bulb in a soup can and making it pretty. This kind woman was moving around so quickly while teaching us, it was difficult for me to get a photo of her, but in the end, I think my craft was exactly what she had in mind.






Following our hands-on activity, one of the retail designers described a year-in-the-life of someone who has her job, and guess what: it's Christmas all the time for her. The designers at Thanksgiving Point work year-round to ensure that the latest styles are accessible to those of us who visit, and getting ready for the Holiday Season begins in January. The design team is dedicated, focused, and on top of things in a way that makes my imagination spin. Their efforts are beautifully displayed in the Emporium, where each room has its own unique style of what's available, from furniture and clothing to decor. After a tour of the Emporium, we got to head downstairs to see the behind-the-scenes and inventory of this retail wonderland.

To round out our evening, we boarded the trolley, hot chocolate in hand to sip as we took a tour of the Holiday Lights. I will be taking my family to this display. I think it would be perfect in, or just after, a light snowfall.

As a thank-you for attending the evening's events, Thanksgiving Point provided me with a 2011 Annual Family Pass (disclosure). I have to admit, when I first found out about the family pass, I was hesitant to be excited because so often a 'Family Pass' means 2 adults, 2 children, and I don't like having to choose which of my kids gets to go for free, or debating whether or not to even use the pass since I'd end up having to pay more, even with my Free Pass. Imagine how thrilled I was to read that Thanksgiving Point's Family Membership is, "...for all members of your immediate family under age 18 living at home." That's right - ALL members. An actual family pass that is good for your entire family.

And imagine how nice it will be for you to present a 2011 Annual Family Pass to your own family on Christmas morning.

Thanksgiving Point has given me a membership (value: $175) to award to one reader of my blog. Remember, this is good for all of next year, so in addition to making your holiday plans ahead of time, be sure to enjoy the Museum of Ancient Life, Farm Country, The heralded Golf Course, and the Gardens throughout the year. (And look for fun events, like the 5K I participated in earlier this year.)

Here's what's included:
~ Free Admission to Thanksgiving Point Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life, and Farm Country for all members of your immediate family under age 18 living at home
~ 10% Discount on Retail & Food Property Wide
~ Monthly Thanksgiving Point Gazette
~ E-Mail Blast
~ Personalized Membership Card
~ 50% off Admissions for accompanied guests
~ Early Admission to Thanksgiving Point Gardens
~ Mammoth Screen Movies Discount, $5 per person/per movie

Explore and enjoy.

This giveaway ends on Monday, December 13th, 2010, at 11:59 pm MST. Each of the following is worth an entry:

~ Leave a comment telling me what you'd most enjoy doing at Thanksgiving Point
~ Follow @formerlyphread on twitter, tweet about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post with a link to your tweet**
~ Become a fan of formerly phread on facebook, and leave a comment on this post telling me you've done so
~ Update your facebook status with a link to this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post with a link to your status

** The tweet entry can be done daily, so remember to comment each time you do it, with a link to the tweet

The winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 14th. The winner will email me their mailing address, and I will send them their prize.

Good luck, everyone! And thanks to Thanksgiving Point for hosting such a nice holiday tour.