Minnesota Winter.
TeachTheGirl
Posts: 2,091 Member
I'm still not used to this cold even though I've been living here for 6 years. I'm not really a winter person. I don't like snow or snow sports. What do people DO in this cold weather apart from sip cocoa and wish that they could hibernate?!
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Lots of playing cribbage and making lefsa. :happy:0
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Lots of playing cribbage and making lefsa. :happy:
^^ THIS! Lefse and Cribbage (and hot cocoa w/ peppermint schnapps) make everything better.0 -
Snowshoeing! But that requires going out in the snow. It's all about having the right gear for bundling up!0
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Ive lived here for 15 years now and I will never get used to it BUT I try and make the best of it - my 11 year old loves to ski and I do too so we do that - or we just bundle up and go throw snowballs (when we have snow :grumble: ) with the kiddos - you def work up a sweat!!0
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I hibernate. I eat a lot of carbs--mac & cheese, hot dish, cheesy potatoes, etc. I watch a lot of TV and movies, read, and basically melt into my couch for 4-5 months. I gain 10 lbs of insulation, which falls off around April-ish once the days get longer & warmer.0
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This winter I plan on doing something different outside. Running! We'll see how that goes. I need to get some Yak-Traks yet. Otherwise, I'm going over to Melissa's house. hahaha0
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This winter I plan on doing something different outside. Running! We'll see how that goes. I need to get some Yak-Traks yet. Otherwise, I'm going over to Melissa's house. hahaha
^^^Come on over, there's enough carbs for everyone! :laugh:0 -
I want to try snowshoeing! I hate feeling cooped up in the winter time. I love the outdoors, even in winter, as long as I have warm gear on and lots of layers!!0
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I want to try snowshoeing! I hate feeling cooped up in the winter time. I love the outdoors, even in winter, as long as I have warm gear on and lots of layers!!
You can rent snowshoes for the DAY for $5 at many of the Minnesota State Parks. Some have the old-fashioned wooden ones and others have the modern metal version. I recommend trying both!
My first outing was with the wooden ones at Nerstrand Big Woods and it was a blast! I fell in love right away and my fiance and I spent most weekends on our snowshoes that winter...and we each lost over 30 lbs! Then, we gained it back when we had no snow last winter :sad: Needless to say, I'm hoping for snow this year!!0 -
I'm a native and I still don't like the cold. I do read a lot more in the winter. I also go to bed a little earlier. And make a lot more soups. And go to more museums. I also love a lot of the MN Winter events- the Art Shanty Project, the Candlelight Snow Shoeing/Hike at Afton State Park, Holidazzle, sledding, ice skating, the Red Bull Ice Thing, the Winter Carnival. I hear there is going to be an ice castle at the Mall of America which sounds cool. I really like going to events in the winter and being among others who are just as cold as I am, but making the most of it. Smart Wool socks have radically changed my life and tolerance of outdoor winter events.0
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Minnesota winters are why we have the highest amount of summer birthdays.
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Minnesota winters are why we have the highest amount of summer birthdays.
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Minnesota winters are why we have the highest amount of summer birthdays.
:laugh:
That is definitely true!!
I don't like winter either, but I am a crafty person. So, I will be making quilts, sewing, embroidery, crochet and I am reader so I have books upon books. I don't like going out just want to stay in, but the new guy loves doing things, so we are out all the time.0 -
Snowshoeing is my #1 also, although - like Heather - I was bummed when there was no opportunity for snowshoeing last year. I think REI probably rents showshoes too (and cross country skis!), although they probably charge more than the state parks. I'm not fond of going out once the temp drops into the teens, but if it's above that I can survive if I bundle up enough.
I also like Starryone's suggestions of hitting up the festival (etc.) circuit). I enjoy lots of those events too and it helps to not feel as cooped up.
I really have to force myself to get outside in the winter. Here are some other ideas (some related to exercise more than others):
Mall of America (for walking or rides)
The aquarium at MOA
Dave and Busters
Going for walks through the snow
Hot yoga (I go to Core Power)
Como Conservatory (not much walking, but the outdoor tropical feel lifts my mood)
Wii or On Demand (with a special SAD lamp lighting up my whole room)
Going to a tropical-feel pool, like Shoreview Community Center
Signing up for a fun Community Ed class
Pilates or other drop-in class at a community or rec center (St Paul has a bunch)
Paint your Plate (not exercise, but a fun mood-lifter)
Winter Carnival and the two parades
Children's Museum (especially if you have a kiddo to bring!)
Teaching/coaching/volunteering/mentoring (I coach preschool gymnastics)
Making a snowman
Offering to shovel the driveway of someone who can't do it themselves (Okay, I NEVER do this, but it sounds good, right?!)
Walking or rollerblading in the Dome, or walking in the Roseville Hockey Center
Ice skating (indoor or out)
Sky Zone or other trampoline park (you don't need a kiddo to do this!)
All that said, I end up on the couch about 80% of my free time, but I do have a lot of ideas. Holler if you want more specifics on any of them.0 -
Great list, Amy! I second the Community Ed classes; I know my community has fitness drop-in classes for $5-7 that include Zumba, yoga, cardio kickboxing, etc. Great way to inexpensively try something new if your gym doesn't offer it or if you're not a gym member.
REI does rent snowshoes, but they're $15+ for the day and they tend to have fairly limited availability.
If anyone wants to try cross country skiing, you can rent the entire set of supplies (boots, skis, poles) at the MN State Parks for $15 for the day. Obviously places like Joe's and REI also rent the skis, but again, they're more expensive.
The parks also have lots of educational programs to try and most are FREE! Snowshoe making, bird watching, winter camping, etc. I'm a huge fan of the parks all around. Tip: Always stop in the office to visit with the park ranger because they can tell you want to look for in the park (wildlife, historical sites) and the trail conditions.
I'd also recommend checking events listings on exploreminnesota.com for ideas around the state.
The Minnesota Historical Society is another place to check for museums and historical sites/events.
I'm a Minnesota native who HATED everything about winter until the fiance convinced me to try snowshoeing three years ago. Now, we're out and about all winter long. The more you get out in it, the less you'll notice the cold. Having the right gear goes a LONG way; moisture wick underwear, good winter boots, different layering pieces, etc. The gear doesn't have to be expensive with so many options now (Target C9, New Balance, ShopKo's Energy line, etc).0 -
I want to try snowshoeing! I hate feeling cooped up in the winter time. I love the outdoors, even in winter, as long as I have warm gear on and lots of layers!!
You can rent snowshoes for the DAY for $5 at many of the Minnesota State Parks. Some have the old-fashioned wooden ones and others have the modern metal version. I recommend trying both!
My first outing was with the wooden ones at Nerstrand Big Woods and it was a blast! I fell in love right away and my fiance and I spent most weekends on our snowshoes that winter...and we each lost over 30 lbs! Then, we gained it back when we had no snow last winter :sad: Needless to say, I'm hoping for snow this year!!
Thanks for the info! I am definitely going to give it a try this year. I am sure I will love it.0
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