Feeling like a spooky autumn adventure? Bike down the Jordan River Parkway and make a stop at the outdoor historic Gardner Village. Although its normal biking access to the Jordan River Parkway is currently under construction, Gardner Village is just yards from the parkway's 7800 South trail head.

For a fun weekend adventure, my kids and I biked from Winchester Park in Murray two miles south on the paved, nonmotorized Jordan River Parkway trail to 7800 South and then cut across to Gardner Village to get a treat, a stop that turned out to be full of spooky fun!

Listed on the National Historic Register, Gardner Village now boasts a restaurant, more than 30 specialty shops, including the kids' favorite -- Sweet Afton's candy shop -- plus a daily petting zoo with rabbits, llamas and goats. Gardner Village is open year-round, parking is free, and there is no entry fee.

Fall and Christmas are favorite times to visit. Locals know that beginning in October, Gardner Village becomes "bewitched" -- the grounds, stores, trees, walking paths, bridges and ponds of Gardner Village are decked out Halloween-style with witches of all shapes, sizes and job skills! You'll see life-size flying witches, boating witches, shopping, cooking and laughing witches, and even Miss Witchy Poo doing her thing in the Witchy Poo outhouse.

But don't worry -- this bewitching décor is very family friendly. Half the draw for this bustling shopping area is the cute, feel-good way the village is decorated. Families come to take festive fall pictures alongside the boutique-style witches adorning every corner of Gardner Village. I admit we did our share of photo shoots, getting our own family picture next to the life-size witch standing outside Sweet Afton's candy shop advertising that she "Will Cast Spells for Chocolate."

And just wait until Oct. 24 and 25 -- Gardner Village casts its own spell on Salt Lake and Utah County ladies who flock in witch attire for the annual Witches Night Out, a free event to which ladies are invited to wear costumes, witch hats or fall attire. It's worth going just to see the dress-ups -- plus there are prizes, emcees, dancing, food booths, boutique displays and a Witches Parade.

The rest of October at Gardner Village is dedicated to fun children and family activities, including a special Wee Witches Weekend on Oct. 16-18 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. At Wee Witches Weekend, kids can participate in a costume parade, take a pony ride, make crafts, get their witch nails painted, purchase yummy treats and more. While admission and parking are free, some activities may have nominal charges.

Visit Gardner Village's Web site to download a scavenger hunt form for spotting some of the witches on display throughout the village. The completed forms are good for a 25-cent cookie at the Naborhood Bakery.

IF YOU GO

Gardner Village

Where: 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan

What: Visit the fully decorated village of specialty shops -- witches of all shapes and sizes on display, plus special events

When: Wee Witches Weekend, Oct. 16-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Witches Night Out, Oct. 24-25

Info: www.gardnervillage.com