Winter Escape for Two

After you’ve settled into your hotel, kick off your weekend away with the ultimate in relaxation by getting a couple’s massage at SALT Salon Spa Café. Upon your arrival, you’ll start with a foot soak and exfoliation. From there, let your cares drift away as you experience a 60-minute full body massage and oil scalp massage treatment in their relaxing Himalayan Salt Room. Experts in halotherapy, the SALT spa experience will improve your mood and can help purify your respiratory system, boost your immunity and more.

Located nearby, you’ll want to stop into sota clothing, a store with merchandise that screams Minnesota, in an elegant, understated way of course! Created by Minnesota native Spencer Johnson, sota offers everything from hoodies to hats to drinkware and artwork, many of which feature the brand’s signature design of two crossed oars accompanied by the state outline. (Bonus: There’s no sales tax on clothing and shoes in Minnesota!) You’ll find another great photo-op at sota’s Minnesota-themed selfie station. The side of the building is painted with an outline of the state emblazoned with the catchphrase “You betcha,” as well as Minnesota’s unofficial mascots, giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his friend Babe the Blue Ox.

Armed with some new winter gear, it’s time to play outside. Theodore Wirth Regional Park offers some of the best winter recreation in the area. Rent some skis at The Trailhead and take advantage of Theodore Wirth’s Word Cup class cross-country ski trails. Whether you prefer skate style or classical skiing, you’ll enjoy the variety of ski options, from open sections with spectacular views of downtown Minneapolis to wooded trails overlooking scenic lakes. You can also try fat tire biking, snowshoeing and snow tubing, or even take a snowboarding lesson!

Did you love the pottery scene in the movie Ghost? If so, you have to try a “clay date” at Fired Up Studios. This two-hour class will give you the chance to try out a potter’s wheel and get your hands dirty (and possibly your clothes, too) as you make your own unique pot. Come prepared to have a good time and they’ll do the rest!

Have a nightcap at our unofficial distillery district. Located across the parking lot from one another, you’ll find Copperwing Distillery, home to Vodskey and FRESAS, a strawberry gin, and Dampfwerk Distillery, a family-owned distillery serving up German-style brandies and herbal liqueurs. Both offer distinctive flavors and creative cocktails, and both are open until 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays!

Work off all those decadently delicious calories by lacing up a pair of skates at the ROC, St. Louis Park’s signature outdoor covered skating rink. Feeling wobbly on the ice? It’s the perfect excuse to hold hands! Rental skates are available.