The Home Stretch: Surviving the Last of Winter

If you’ve lived in Minnesota for more than one winter season, you know just how painful January and February tend to be because of the weather. Most of us get caught endlessly scrolling through Netflix, only to choose something we have already watched ten times. Unfortunately, this year has been no different. With limited availability of restaurants and no social gatherings, coupled with the usual freezing temps, this winter has been tougher than most. The good news – We are on the home stretch! The time of patios, green golf courses, and open lakes is in our future. BUT, what can we do to pass the time? Here are some of our favorite covid-safe activities to tide you over until summer! 

BE ACTIVE: One of the toughest aspects of Minnesota winters is the struggle to stay active. The outside is too daunting for a slow jog, and your body tenses up at the slightest touch of cold air… not to mention the frozen nose hairs (eek!). We’ve found a few great places that we love to keep our bodies moving!

Do you need something more adventurous than normal gym weights? Well, Minneapolis Bouldering Project is open again and rock climbing might be the perfect activity to get you out of the house! A place full of climbing walls, ranging in all difficulty levels is the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. Go have fun with friends and get a workout in, is there anything better than that? 

Thr3 Jack is a North Loop Restaurant that features 6 Golf simulators. If you can’t wait to get out on the links this summer, get to Thr3 Jack for a practice session, or a fun, full 18 with your friends! Don’t even get us started on the food and drinks – you won’t be disappointed! 

OrangeTheory Fitness has finally hit the North Loop! If you’re not familiar with this trendy fitness community, their heart-rate-based HIIT workout is a total-body group workout that combines science, coaching, and technology to guarantee maximum results from the inside out. Get into their “The Orange Zone” and your beach body will be ready for the lake in no time! 

BE CREATIVE: Do you need to find a way to express yourself, and unleash your creativity? Are your simple house crafts getting old? Even with the covid restrictions, here are our recommendations on some of the safest and most fun ways to exercise your brain!

If you’ve been following along with our previous blog posts, you know how much we love The Workshop MPLS. Gather your family and get ready for your hands to get dirty! Spend a few hours working with clay and unleash your creative mind! You might also take something home worthy enough to show off to all your friends.

Does your creativity come to life through puzzles and brain-twisters? Excuse yourself from reality and dive deep into the unique experiences offered by Trapped Puzzle Rooms. With multiple themed rooms, these games are a fun challenge that will test your brain and prove which of your friends has the best problem-solving skills.

Are you missing the craft cocktail spots as much as we are? Luckily, we found Equal Parts Cocktail Company! Jump on a zoom call and get personal teaching on making classic cocktails! Not only is this a fun and unique experience, but you’ll take away knowledge of classic cocktail techniques that can be used to impress your friends. 

Whether you need physical movement or a new way to exercise your brain, we all know we need to do SOMETHING until the snow finally melts away and we can begin to enjoy our beloved Minnesota summer. These are a few of our favorite activities, and we highly recommend them to whoever else is getting Minnesota winter restless.