“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” Albert Camus
During a particularly fabulous #PrairiePlaces Twitter chat earlier this week, readers like you shared suggestions for how to beat cabin fever and fun ways to stay active during the winter. I learned about some cozy coffee shops and cool cross country skiing trails. They suggested two winter festivals, a few restaurants to try and even a haunted (?!) underground location.
I think you’ll like their recommendations as much as I did.
How do you beat cabin fever? “Plan a night out! We’re at the #mnwild game tonight after dinner at Red Cow.” –@SaintPaul
“Here are 5 #NDLegendary ways to break cabin fever in North Dakota! – @NorthDakota
“Of course, the @fargomoorhead Frostival is going to be a great option for combating cabin fever this year!” – <@DoYouEvenPaleo
Photo provided by visitsaintpaul.com
What parks or outdoor attractions will you visit this winter? “I’m hoping to cross country ski in Beulah or Cross Ranch State Park this year.” – @FeistyEats
Lake Metigoshe is also a beautiful place for cross country skiing!” – @DoYouEvenPaleo (In case you were curious, all three of these options are located in North Dakota.)
“The 130th Winter Carnival! We hear this year’s castle will be crazy.” – @SaintPaul
This event looks really fun. If you’re in Saint Paul between January 28 and February 7, you can check out a treasure hunt, outdoor disc golf challenge, beer dabbler, three parades and more. It’s a pretty big deal and attracts over 250,000 visitors.
“63 National #wildlife refuges = #NDLegendary winter wildlife viewing! – @NorthDakota
“ND #Badlands Theodore Roosevelt National Park – @DickinsonCVB (You can also find tourism info online at visitdickinson.com.)
Photo by sugarbrookecreative.com
What are your tips for staying active during cold weather? “Get out and cross country ski! It’s fun for all ages!” – @SugarBrooke
Those are her girls and her photo, shown above. I feel like if they can do it, this is the year I should try. @wildbrookie also recommends snowshoeing. I think I’m going to have to try both this year.
@NorthDakota included a link that includes six different ways to enjoy the outdoors in winter. It includes cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails, if you want to get active this winter, too.
“My gym is like a family, so not going is out of the question! I socialize AND stay active at the same time.” – @DoYouEvenPaleo You can check out her gym here — @CrossFit701.
“Ice skating. Watch the 2016 US Figure Skating Championships for inspiration.” – @SaintPaul It’s coming up in (you guessed it) Saint Paul on January 15-24.
What’s the coziest spot in your town?
“Big fan of Nina’s Coffee Café. So was F. Scott Fitzgerald. ” – @SaintPaul
“20 Below Coffee Co., Stumbeanos downtown. Near home is Beans and Red River Coffee Co. opening 1/2/16! – @DoYouEvenPaleo
“So many cozy places in North Dakota but here are 8 of our favorites!” – @NorthDakota
Photo provided by North Dakota Tourism
When friends visit your city in the winter, where do you take them? Winnipeg, Manitoba: “I take them to The Forks here. I love it there in the winter! Sans river trail.” – @accordingtomio
Saint Paul, Minnesota: “It’s always 52 degrees in the Wabasha Street Caves, AND it’s haunted.” – @SaintPaul
Dickinson, North Dakota: “A cup of coffee at The BrickHouse Grille. – @DickinsonCVB
Bismarck, North Dakota: “The Dakota Zoo. The wolves and arctic foxes are awesome now.” – @WildBrookie
Fargo, North Dakota: “Even in the winter, I think it’s worth visiting @downtownfargo. So many warm, welcoming shops and great restaurants!” – @DoYouEvenPaleo
What events and attractions would you add to this list? What are the coziest spots and best winter sights in your city or town? What are your favorite ways to stay active during the winter? I’d love your input as well!
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