There is nothing quite like girlfriends. They are good for the soul. There is something so comfortable about being with those people that just get you. You don’t need to guard what you say or explain your past. You already know each others history and you know that no matter how long it has been since you have seen each other, you can always pick up right where you left off with lots of laughter and fond memories.
Alyson and Katrina and I met 6 years ago while living in England. We were all military wives and explored that part of the world together. Since then we have all moved back to the U.S. but we try to get together for a girls trip once or twice a year.
This time, they decided to come to me and I was thrilled to show them my home town of Minneapolis.
We struck gold when it came to the weather. They visited in late September and the temperature was absolutely perfect! First thing on the agenda, bike riding around Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet.
Now let me tell you, if you are a grown woman and have not ridden a bike in years (like us) stepping on that bike and peddling for the first time will make you absolutely giddy. Who knew riding a bike was so much fun? It took me straight back to my childhood remembering the freedom of the wind rushing through my hair.
And the best part about riding around those lakes was seeing all of the gorgeous houses. We just had to stop and take a picture of this beauty.
After bike riding I took them to a few of my favorite little shops in Linden Hills.
“The Wild Rumpus” is the most wonderful children’s book store I have ever seen. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and the store is not only stuffed with books but with animals too!
Below is one of the two chickens that roams free in the store along with a cat. Also in cages throughout the store you can find things like lizards, birds, chinchillas and spiders.
Just down the street from Wild Rumpus, we ate a charming little lunch at Tilia. The squash soup, brussel sprouts and bacon spinach salad were sublime.
After lunch we drove to the sculpture gardens and saw the iconic cherry and spoon sculpture, sat and talked for a while and soaked up some of those last golden rays of sunshine before Autumn really hits.
We also walked around the old milling district and the stone arch bridge.
The next day I forgot my camera when we visited the James J. Hill house in St. Paul, but it was amazing! I would highly recommend the tour.
Also that afternoon it was warm enough to take the boat out and teach our friends how to wake surf 🙂
On our last day together we visited Matt’s Bar the inventor of the Jucy Lucy.
After Matt’s we walked around Minihaha falls and ended the trip with Izzy’s Ice Cream.
Thank you Alyson and Katrina for coming and visiting and thank you to my sweet husband and kids that had to fly solo for a few days.
After trips like this I always feel like I am a better mom. Girlfriends are good for the soul.
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