2025-12-15 09:47:56
California-based family, Nathaniel, Kiola and Ezekial, along with Kiola’s parents, Kevin and Daria, had heard a lot about Minnesota’s restorative side – so they hopped a direct flight to experience how Minnesota can provide an escape hatch from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
SEEK THE SERENITY OF A LAKESIDE CABIN
Nothing is more quintessential and restorative in Minnesota than a stay at one of its MANY lakeside resorts. Nature Link’s matte black cabins, soothing event space, and mind-settling barrel sauna look as if they were torn from the discerning pages of a design magazine. After breathing in the cool pine air, Nathaniel, Kiola and Daria enjoyed an onsite yoga class with a spectacular view of snow-covered Clark Lake as the backdrop. With a location that feels remote but is right next door to the Paul Bunyan State Trail in Brainerd, Nature Link is a perfect starting point for living lake life all year round.
PLAY IN THE SNOW
Northland Arboretum offers more than two miles of marked snowshoe trails that pass through a prairie restoration area full of birds and a fragrant jack pine savanna. The chilly air didn’t bother Kiola – “Once you get going, you don’t notice how cold it is...I’m literally sweating.”
After working up a sweat, refuel with a hearty supper club meal – there are several options in the Brainerd Lakes area. Kiola said she’d “never forget” supper club standards like a pickle-forward relish tray and popovers smeared with honey butter, but don't sleep on Minnesota classics like panfried walleye alongside a local brew.
GO CRATE DIGGING
Back in Minneapolis, Nathaniel found his happy place, slipping into the stacks at Roadrunner Records for what felt like hours. The shop has stocked new and used vinyl for nearly 40 years and hosted in-store performances by such indie and avant-garde acts as The Mekons, Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Michael Hurley. Nearly $50 bucks later, “You’ve got a great shop for sure” Nathaniel noted as he headed out the door with a new stack of old vinyl.
Other stops include taking in the hygge at MN Traders Co. cafe and well-curated gift shop in Pequot Lakes; a carriage ride in the snow and cool dip in a hot tub at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa; Family fun at Mall of America® in Bloomington; and the best of local Minneapolis dining at both Malcolm Yards or sampling fusion fare from chef Kamal Mohamed in the northeast Minneapolis neighborhood.
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Wellness
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