Solsite Co. Creative

Tag: #onlyinmn

  • Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Camping – Minnesota

    Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Camping – Minnesota

    Have you been to the awesome camper cabins at Whitetail Woods Regional Park?

    The best part is that Whitetail Woods Regional Park is only 40 minutes from the Twin Cities and yet, you feel like you are 1000 miles away.

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    There are only three cabins so they book up quickly on the weekends. There is more availability during the week and if you plan ahead.

    The cabins sleep six, are very clean, and well kept. They have heat and would be a gorgeous winter getaway. The trails for hiking, walking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are literally right outside your door. They are very spacious with a beautiful deck that looks out over the towering pines.

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    We only stayed for one night and I was worried that it would feel like a lot of work for such a short amount of time. I was completely wrong! We loved the whole experience and felt so relaxed. It was a good reminder that even one night away is so good for the soul. We had plenty of time to hike, take photos, grill an amazing dinner and watch the Minnesota Vikings (oh yes we did! There is great wifi for streaming). Then we were blessed with a beautiful sunset. There is nothing better than spending all day and night outdoors!

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    The next morning we had coffee and breakfast over the open fire, a couple hours of hammock time, and a lovely walk.  This sunrise!

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    We will definitely stay here again. If you’ve been there, let me know your thoughts. If you haven’t and are looking for a cool place to camp close to the Twin Cities, I would check it out.

    My reminders and takeaways from this trip…..

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    Keep it simple.

    One night away in Mother Nature’s arms is the best medicine.

    Treat yourself…

    xo

    Another great spot to enjoy peace and quiet in the Twin Cities is Two Pony Pizza Farm.

    We stayed here in 2017 – updated July 2019.  ©Tracy Blowers
  • Keep It Simple – Westwood Hills Nature Center – Minnesota

    Keep It Simple – Westwood Hills Nature Center – Minnesota

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    Keep it simple.

    The best things in life are right in front of you.

    I hear people say all the time that they wish they could do this or that based on what they see on social media. Today’s “Mondays are for daydreaming” post is a reminder to put your phone down and see the inspiration all around you. Yes, we can get inspired by what we see on social but if we are getting sad or comparing ourselves, we need to step back and keep it in perspective. We have to remember that everyone has different priorities and different lives but that doesn’t mean ours is less or more.

    It’s all about our view.  

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    The little things that we take for granted.

    Sitting on a patio, the flowers in our backyard, or a walk through a neighborhood park. I was thinking about this a lot after recent conversations and as I walked with Terry through Westwood Hills Nature Center.

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    Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods, and restored prairie. The preserve is beautiful throughout the seasons and provides homes for many animals, including deer, turtles, fox, mink and owls. (from Westwood Hills Nature Center’s website) 

    They also offer many programs, camps, and activities run by professionally trained naturalists. It’s a little piece of heaven in the middle of the city.  A perfect spot for kids AND adults to play and learn.

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    We saw so many turtles! The more we looked, the more we saw.

    The next time you’re feeling uninspired, take a walk. A slow walk. Take a few deep breaths and look around. Take your shoes off and put your feet in the grass. Even just 20 minutes outside can help stress and anxiety.

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    Literally, stop and smell the flowers.

    Have a great start to your week and remember to keep it simple!

    Your life is full of abundance.

    XO

    #iPhonePhotography #WhatStirsYourSoul

     

  • Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

    Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

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    It’s a rainy day so I’m dreaming of camping, looking at photos from past trips and planning new ones. I love going through old pictures and reminiscing. One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is the convenience of not having to travel too far to “get-away”.

    We really enjoyed camping at Baker Campground which is part of the Three Rivers Park District (offering 27,000 acres of parks and trails) and is only 22 miles from Minneapolis.

    The campsites are spacious, tons of wooded trails, and we loved being so close to Lake Independence. There’s so much to do that it’s hard to find time to relax! We rented their tandem bike which was so much fun. Another nice amenity is that they have rental equipment for almost any activity that you want to try. I recently turned 50 and it’s motivated me to try new things! It’s nice to be able to rent and try something a few times before making a big purchase.

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    This was the first time that we brought our girl, Utah, camping with us and the first time that Terry and I put up a tent together. (which you know can end a marriage. ;-)) But we were very pleased with our REI Co-op Camp Dome 4 Tent. It was very easy to set up…whew! There was plenty of room for us and we even brought Utah’s kennel in for the night.

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    I love all the different hiking trails and taking pictures of the wildflowers. The trail system is extensive offering something for everyone based on your skill level.

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    There is nothing better than relaxing in our hammock after a hike! If you are considering getting one, DO IT. I love the ENO hammocks because they are so easy to pack and don’t take up much room. They are so lightweight that you can just throw them in your backpack. I waited to purchase one thinking it would be hard to deal with and wish I would have got one sooner. It’s the little things!

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    Utah loves the hammock too! 🙂

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    What is your favorite thing about camping or favorite spot?

    Sponsored advertising content for REI. 

    ©Tracy Blowers

     

     

     

  • Weekend Plans? Local Art – Minneapolis

    Weekend Plans? Local Art – Minneapolis

    700analog-1735I had a blast taking photos at the opening celebration of The Analog Difference Art Exhibition located in the retail space at 700 Central! Gallery hours this weekend are Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19, 1-6pm. Art-A-Whirl is also happening in Northeast Minneapolis! Did you know that Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country? Tons of local art with the opportunity to meet the artists, local food and live music! Learn more: nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/

    Four artists are featured in the 700 Central exhibit: Ben Holmberg, Jess Zottola, Jonathon Rosemond, and Sarah Nicole. The artists all possess different aesthetic and conceptual points of view within various presentations.

    Here are a few photos from last night. Have a great weekend!

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    This gallery will be open until June 6th! The regular hours will be:

    Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12:00pm – 4:00pm and Saturdays 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

    ©Tracy Blowers

     

     

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