Provo's neighboring city of Orem -- also known as Family City USA -- is home to countless unique restaurants, shopping and entertainment destinations.

Stretching across both Orem and Provo, State Street in particular is a showcase of numerous "hidden treasures."

Shopping

The Planted Earth, 440 S. State Street, 225-4510

A hub for antique-hunters from across Utah Valley, The Planted Earth is a sure place to find all things vintage - along with services in floral arrangement and design. Merchandise at this family-owned shop is constantly changing, making shopping there a new experience every time. Home to Edna the Ghost, this store is also a great stop on a historical Utah tour.

The Mod Bod Boutique, 910 S. State Street, 225-4312

As a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality modest clothing, The Mod Bod Boutique offers fashion-forward basics for women and girls. The Mod Bod's snug and extra long T-shirts can be worn alone or layered under otherwise immodest shirts, or paired with some of their other classic skirts and dresses.

The Book Baron's Cottage, 425 S. State Street, 225-4088

Specializing in used books, The Book Baron's Cottage sells books from their quaint store and on eBay. The shop's walls are lined with books from top to bottom, ranging from romance and mystery novels to school textbooks. The store offers a paperback exchange, gifts, crafts and more.

Savers, 81 N. State Street, 225-9445

The vintage look is in style, and Savers is the place to find those one-of-a-kind items from the past. Even if you're not into donning the thrift store look head to toe, Savers is still a great place to find that unique scarf, purse or other outfit-completing accessory.

Entertainment

Classic Skating & Fun Center, 250 S. State Street, 224-4197

This two-part "fun zone" includes an indoor skating rink and an outdoor water park. Though the water slides are only open for the summer, the skating rink is a source of year-round entertainment. Roller blades and roller skates are available for rental. Special themed nights include Dollar Thursday, Cosmic Friday and Disco Saturday.

Nickelcade, 170 S. State Street, 802-8555

Play video games to your heart's delight at this inexpensive arcade. After an entrance fee of $1.50 to $2, the Nickelcade offers unlimited games for the cost of a nickel each. Games range from nostalgic Pac-man, Super Mario Brothers and Ninja Turtles to the cult favorite Dance Dance Revolution.

SCERA Theater, 745 S. State Street, 225-2787

This non-profit, charitable organization provides wholesome and affordable entertainment through movies and performing and visual arts. The theater includes a free art gallery of local talent. "Return to Christmas" starts Nov. 23 and the movie "Bee Movie" is playing in the Xango Grand Theatre. Visit www.scera.org for more information.

Cougar Video, 700 N. State Street, 374-2228

Offering edited movies for $1 a day, this video rental store caters specifically to the LDS college student. Cougar Video also has a selection of more than 1,000 previously viewed movies for sale.

Restaurants

Chef's Table, 2005 S. State Street, 235-9111

After opening just two years ago, Chef's Table has already been recognized as the best restaurant in Utah Valley and one of the top 10 in Utah. This high-class restaurant serves as an escape from the typical college town scene and has been the site of many wedding proposals. Each sophisticated plate is prepared in an artistic fashion, with quality taste to match. Dinners such as macadamia nut-crusted halibut and sautéed duck in port reduction sauce range from $11 to $36.

Apollo Burgers, 452 N. State Street, 226-4000

Inspired by the Salt Lake original, Crown Burger, this Greek-owned burger joint only serves food made from fresh, quality ingredients -- making it a step up from the typical fast food restaurant. Apollo Burgers' menu includes the famous pastrami burger, along with Greek specialty items such as gyros and souvlaki.

Fresh Food Junkies Café, 500 S. State Street, 221-7788

Found inside Good Earth Natural Foods, this quaint café offers an extensive menu of signature tastes for those seeking healthy, flavorful meals. Contributing to the flavor-packed food are the fresh and original dressings, sauces and dips, all made in the café and available for purchase by the bottle.



Copyright Brigham Young University 14 Nov 2007