Get the Girls Together for a Minnesota Getaway

You can usually hear them before you see them—the group of women who have been apart for too long. The laughter, the stories that nearly finish themselves from being told so often, the comfortableness in their shared energy, and then heads leaned together as they capture the moment with a selfie. Occasionally, there is the less subtle marking of a girls’ weekend . . . the matching t-shirts (smiles).

Whether it’s for a gathering of moms giddy at being off-duty, long-standing school friends, or retirees with the freedom to feel like a kid again, here are four ways to have some fun with your best gal pals in Brainerd and Baxter, MN.

  1. Get Drinks—Check 5Rocks Distilling Co. who makes their own spirits and creates the most delicious and beautiful craft cocktails. Get a craft beer at Jack Pine Brewery which has a great selection of beers and seltzers. Go to Dennis Drummond Wine Company to try their wine and bistro.
  2. Grab a Bite—There is no shortage of great places to get a bite to eat in Brainerd/Baxter. Check out our directory for a list, but here are a couple of local favorites. Try Passport restaurant in downtown Brainerd. The menu changes each month and features food from around the world. The Local 218 is a great place to gather with an amazing menu of shareables, main courses ranging from pasta to steak, and delicious drinks. This scratch kitchen should definitely be on your list. Did someone say margaritas? El Tequila has those plus the fabulous favorites you know and love about authentic Mexican restaurants.
  3. Go Shopping—Shopping and chatting are a quintessential part of a girls’ getaway, right? Brainerd and Baxter have a fun collection of boutiques, big box stores, and thrift shops to explore. Most of the well-known chains are found in Baxter but spend some time finding the unique Baxter shops like Christmas Point and The Light Depot. Then head to Downtown Brainerd where you’ll find a dozen shops, each unique in its own way. We also recommend checking out the neighboring communities of Crosby and Nisswa, each about 10 miles from Brainerd/Baxter, boasting adorable main street shops.
  4. Get Outdoors—Brainerd is definitely an outdoor destination, so whether its golfing, fishing, hiking, or biking, we’ve got you covered. A couple of spots you definitely should go are the Northland Arboretum and the city parks along the Mississippi River.

Have a knack for thrifting? Check out this blog for ideas. Wanting to treat yourself to a spa day? Check out this blog for spots. Looking for live music or fun events? Check out our calendar. Stay in one of the hotels in Baxter and you are just minutes from great drinks, dining or shopping. Start planning your trip today!