The March Getaway!
Taking a weekend away or vacation can shake up our lives just enough that when we return home, we feel refreshed and ready to tackle the normalcy of every day life. However, sometimes even a vacation sounds like too much work to plan--so relax! We want to provide you with some activities that essentially plan themselves; you just decide when!
What’s a Minnesota getaway without the outdoors! Hot or cold, we Minnesotans love to be outside and stay active. With that said, the weather has a tendency to be extremely unpredictable (hello March snowstorm or Heat Wave! Yes, I am talking to you directly). So, I’m here to provide you with some potential outdoorsy options in March.
First, there’s the option of a nice walk outside in the brisk air; it may not be too warm but if you walk fast enough, you’ll keep up a good body temp! Lake Carlos State Park has endless walking paths which provide you with an opportunity to be out in nature and enjoying the crisp air. Special Candlelight Snowshoe on March 4th at 7pm. Candlelight Event: Snowshoe : Mar 4, 2023 | Event | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us). Bold North Cellars recently opened a new Cross Country Ski and snow shoe trail! Bold North Trail — Carlos Creek Winery.
Second, if there’s some snow on the ground, then these are perfect options for you: Andes Tower Hills. They are offering a deal of buy one get one skiing, so purchase one day and boom! You have another day to go. With kids, it can be tricky to keep them entertained for long stretches but if you break it up over two days then it can be a nice way to stay active. Along these same lines, Andes also features a tubing hill, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. They also offer cross country ski rental as well as ski rental.
Andes Tower Hills Kensington MN Ski Snowboard Tube
Sometimes, the little ones need a place that is easy and works indoors. Try Alexandria’s beautiful indoor play area, Shenanigans! Shenanigans Indoor Playground - Explore Alexandria Minnesota
Preparing and sharing a special meal together is one of our favorite activities! That’s why after a day spent outdoors it can be extra rewarding to enjoy a hot meal that everyone gets to appreciate together. Plus, the best conversations can always happen after exchanging shared experiences. A good meal can range anywhere from getting dressed up and going to a nice restaurant in town, to getting takeout to enjoy without the hassle of cooking or even making a meal in one of our top of the line kitchens together. Lure Lakebar (luremn.com), The Garden Bar On Sixth | Alexandria MN, Pike & Pint Grill - Alexandria, MN (pikeandpint.com).
If I’m being honest, sometimes you just need some adult time. There is the potential to lean into the Midwestern culture as well as the local culture by doing something maybe… booze related? There are so many cool local haunts that feature anything ranging from wine and beer or even other spirits. Guests in the past have scheduled tours with Panther Distillery where they have raved about how fun it was while also getting to give business to the local community! There are also Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Northmen if you’re interested in doing a wine tasting or getting to try out some local brews and enjoy live music or trivia! Check out the link to their website for their hours and March schedule.
http://www.pantherdistillery.com
https://www.carloscreekwinery.com/events
If you’re looking for a classically Midwestern Millennial activity and want to really lean into your inner Viking, then check out US Axe. Everyone can go together and take out annoyances that have slowly built up over the week by throwing axes at a target! Don’t be afraid thinking that you aren’t strong enough because the accuracy is more important than the strength. As a reigning champ of this, I can say with certainty that nothing is more satisfying than seeing that axe hit the board and sticking. They do require that you must be 12 or over to participate and anyone under 16 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dress in close-toed shoes and plenty of layers so when you’re throwing you don’t get too warm, if people don’t want to participate, they can still come and watch for fun!
https://www.unitedstatesaxe.com/faq
No matter if you choose to stick around one of our beautiful homes for the whole vacation or if you go out and explore these different activity options, there is no better feeling than returning to a home where you get kick off your shoes and relax. Sit by the fire, enjoy a hot meal and snuggle up with your favorite crew around a movie that you’ve been wanting to watch. No matter what you choose, we want this to feel like your home away from home.