Still Smiling from the They Hunt, We Gather at Grand View Lodge with Elizabeth Ries
Hello friends! Thank you for an incredible weekend experience at the They Hunt, We Gather at Grand View Lodge. I am still smiling when I think about all the fun we had. Getting to know so many wonderful, smart, kind, and interesting women made this weekend truly special. I feel rejuvenated, and I hope you do too!
I promised to follow up with links to some of my favorite things that I mentioned throughout our time together, so let's dive in!
Culinary Delights
One of the highlights of our They Hunt. We Gather at Grand View Lodge was our cooking class with Chef Justin. He is the nicest guy. He knows just the right amount of butter and heavy cream to use. Cooking with him was such a joy!
Here's the cookbook that helped me fall in love with making soup in my early '20s. It's a classic. Even though it's vegetarian, I still use it all the time. The soups and dips/sauces are fantastic.
I also love high-quality salt. This is the one I always have on hand. Great salt makes a difference in cooking.
Wild rice is an essential food for us here in Minnesota. I get mine from an Ojibwe family. It's hand-harvested and truly wild—not cultivated! I buy a 5-pound bag, and it lasts me all year.
Speaking of wild rice, here's my version of the Minnesota classic Chicken Wild Rice Soup. It warms the soul!
Fitness Fun
Starting Saturday with a gentle yoga class was special. Thank you to everyone who joined! A couple of us brought our own yoga mats. If you love yoga, I can't recommend this mat enough. It's dyed naturally and infused with ayurvedic herbs. The smell is heavenly, energizing, and relaxing. Don't forget Grand View Lodge offers yoga and more tons of fun at its NorthPark Recreation Center.
I can't go back to a plastic mat after using this one. You'll feel the same once you try it!
During the weekend, I made sure to get outside for a couple of long walks. These are my favorite walking shoes, which are also cute! I pack them on every trip, and I am wearing them as I write this.
I also brought my favorite winter hats from local maker NickiChicki. I have been wearing them for years, and I always get compliments. There's something special about wearing hand-knit goods!
Fun and Friendship
We enjoyed so many cocktails! It was delightful to learn how to craft a cocktail from Stephanie at Tattersall and taste several rose options side by side. I know some people are not fans of organic wines, but if you are curious, I love Avaline. Their rose is lovely and a go-to for me when I'm with family!
I also adore their sparkling wine. It's a fun way to start a gathering. Usually, I reach for a mocktail. I discovered Aplos drinks last time I was at Grand View and have enjoyed them since! The Lime Spritz is my favorite.
Thank you to the team at Grand View. Every person I encountered at the resort was friendly and helpful. You all excel in hospitality. To everyone who spent the weekend with me, I can't thank you enough for celebrating milestones. Whether it was birthdays, quality friend time, or being cancer-free, you were all a joy to be around.
As I reflect on our girls' weekend, I am filled with gratitude. Should we start planning for next year? Yes! Happy Holidays to all! I look forward to seeing you on Twin Cities Live!