After doing some shopping and sightseeing along Arnolds Park boardwalk, we were ready for a much-needed drink and a snack. On the lower level of the Central Emporium is The Gardens, a locally owned bar
After doing some shopping and sightseeing along Arnolds Park boardwalk, we were ready for a much-needed drink and a snack. On the lower level of the Central Emporium is The Gardens, a locally owned bar and grill.
Years ago, The Gardens, along with the Central Emporium, used to be a ballroom, then boat storage, and now it is one of the many restaurants owned by Parks Marina in Okoboji. in fact, if you go to their website (https://www.parksmarina.com/) you’ll find all the properties they own, including Barefoot Bar and O’Farrell Sisters, which we will visit later in our series.
Our initial visit
Virtually at lake level, patrons only need to walk down a few stairs to the dock, and the West Okoboji Lake invites you. When we made our visit, we sat at the bar, wondered around inside, and onto the patio. We hear sunsets out here are unmatched! So, we’ll put this on our to do list next time we visit.
With a couple hours to spare, we ordered our drinks, shared a fantastic buffalo chicken wrap, and people watched while we waited for our boat tour. You heard me right! Since The Gardens is owned by Parks Marina, they, being smart business owners, have capitalized on the large crowds of tourists who travel here every Spring and Summer.
Boats and bands!
And you guessed it, I booked us an hour-long Siesta Cruise, which we will see more of in our next blog post, but for the moment let’s appreciate this prime location The Gardens has been enjoying for years now. The interior truly feels like a boat house. Patio doors wide open, allowing the fresh breeze off the lake. I can see how patrons could relax here all night.
In addition, live bands are consistently booked all season long, and they even have dance parties! I especially love the webcam. Even though I know I’m only a couple hours away from Okoboji, I still enjoy having a bird’s eye view of customers socializing, and watching the boat traffic pass by, all from the comfort of my couch.
Plan your visit
When you make your visit to Arnolds Park and Okoboji, make sure to stop by the Central Emporium, make your way down to The Gardens, and order one of their pizzas to share with your friends. And take advantage of their weekly and daily lake cruises embarking from their pier.
Finally, if you’re like me, you’ll want to review their menu before you go, so make sure to visit their website (https://www.parksmarina.com/the-gardens/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GardensBoji/) to start game-planning, and while you’re there check out their daily specials and scenic pictures.
712-332-2990
144 Lakeshore Drive
Arnolds Park, IA 51331