🌯Burritos, Bonsais & Ballgames

ICYMI: Minnesota Wild and Timberwolves both advanced in the playoffs this week… so let’s all agree to have selective amnesia about how this is inevitably going to play out, and just enjoy the ride.

Have a great week!

-Joe & Haley

Your Weekend Forecast

Little Women @ Guthrie Theater

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A classic story brought to life on stage, centered on four sisters trying to figure out who they are, what they want, and how to grow up without completely losing themselves in the process. It moves through family dynamics, ambition, love, and the occasional stubborn streak that probably feels a little too familiar.

The setting leans into a warm, lived-in world, with moments that bounce between light humor and heavier reflection without making a big production out of either. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t rush anything, just lets the characters unfold in a way that feels human. Expect thoughtful pacing, strong performances, and plenty of small moments that stick longer than you’d expect.

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Let’s get out of the cities, trade traffic for trees, and let the day slow down a little. A road trip to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is exactly that kind of escape—an easy getaway with waterfalls, wooded trails, and just enough quiet to remind you your phone doesn’t need your constant attention. It’s the kind of place where a simple walk somehow turns into the best part of your week.

🗺️ Getting There

Getting to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park from Minneapolis takes about an hour, making it one of those rare road trips that feels like a getaway without requiring a full tank of gas and a life plan. Head south toward Northfield, then take the scenic backroads through rolling farmland and little pockets of woods that feel surprisingly tucked away.

Northfield makes a great halfway stop if you want coffee, lunch, or an excuse to pretend you’re the kind of person who casually browses small-town bookstores on a Saturday. Grab a pastry, stretch your legs, and keep heading toward the trees.

🥾 Things to Do

The main event here is Hidden Falls, and thankfully they made it easy for all of us who enjoy nature but would also prefer not to summit Everest. It’s a short walk from the parking area to the waterfall, where water spills over limestone ledges into a shaded little gorge that feels oddly magical for southern Minnesota.

From there, hit the hiking trails that wind through one of the last remaining sections of Big Woods forest in the state. Massive maple, basswood, and oak trees create a thick canopy overhead, and in spring the forest floor fills with wildflowers. It feels more North Shore than southern Minnesota, minus the three-hour drive and aggressive seagulls.

If you’ve still got energy, pack a picnic or bring lunch to enjoy near the picnic grounds. This is less “destination dining” and more “sit outside and remember fresh air exists,” which honestly has its own charm.

🧭 A Few Tips

• Wear decent shoes - Especially if it’s been rainy. Mud and slippery trails love surprises.

• Bring bug spray – The mosquitoes believe this park belongs to them.

• Go early – Hidden Falls gets busy on nice weekends, because apparently everyone else also likes waterfalls.

• Pack snacks – Because every short hike somehow turns into everyone being hungry.

• Grab a park permit – $7/day or $35/year, because nature also has a cover charge

Ready to roll? Nerstrand is the kind of place where the waterfall isn’t huge, the trails aren’t dramatic, and somehow it still ends up being exactly what you needed. Quiet woods, fresh air, and no group text notifications. A solid trade.

As always, happy trails!

-Joe

• Sculpture Garden Art Fair

PS: If your 2026 plans include a new home, give us a call! We’d love to help. :)