Three friends in flux…..On a Thursday night after a “grueling” workout at Gold’s Gym, Carla, Brenda and I (Kalli), decided to get a post-workout drink. The obvious choice was the Metropolis Resort for a Flirtini Martini! While at the Metropolis, we ran into Linda John and a few others from Visit Eau Claire. We started talking about life and that the three of us are at major transition points in our lives and how doing things with our girlfriends helps to keep things in perspective. The idea to have a Girl’s Getaway weekend was suggested and the planning process began!
Any time girlfriends spend a weekend together there are adventures to be found, fun to be had, and laughter to fill the air. Our weekend in the Chippewa Valley was no exception! Carla, Brenda and I have known each other for years and with Carla making a bold move to San Diego Mid-October we decided on the weekend of October 9th.
Friday, October 9th
We met at Houligans on Barstow Street to begin our journey. The wait staff was wonderful and I enjoyed a delicious meal of Halibut accompanied by a Bulgur wheat & black bean cake that was a group favorite. After dinner, we waltzed on down Barstow to the Arthur Murray dance studio for some dance lessons. What better way to burn some calories? We danced for over an hour learning the salsa, swing, waltz, foxtrot, and the tango (my personal favorite) at the experienced hands of the Arthur Murray instructors. When my instructor played Phantom of the Opera to dance the tango I felt as though I was on Dancing with the Stars….minus the beautiful gown! Still reveling in the possibilities of becoming graceful dancers, we boogied to Menomonie to check out the night life. After of bit of a “car rodeo” to find the entrance to the AmericInn where we were going to get our beauty sleep for the evening, we headed to the Stout Ale House with it’s impressive open concept and over 20 flat screen TV’s. Our bartender asked to see our ID’s and since we are all over 40 we decided he was an absolute sweetheart. (Either that or someone bribed him J) Next stop was the Pioneer Grill and Saloon to see the band Mojo Lemon and practice some of our newly acquired dance steps! Us “Fabulous Female Fatale Friends in Flux” continued to bond as we claimed a pool table and enjoyed several “friendly” games of cut-throat pool! Oxymoron?! On the way back to the hotel, Carla and I saw a ferret running in a parking lot and begged Brenda to pull over so we could save the little guy before he froze overnight. Our efforts were futile as he disappeared under a van. This was probably a good thing since we weren’t sure what the AmericInn’s policy was regarding stray ferrets!
Saturday, October 10th
After a restful sleep, we all bounded out of bed at 7:30 a.m. looking like movie stars…not a hair out of place! Ha Ha! However, quite impressive is the fact that all three of us were ready to roll in less than an hour with only one bathroom! First things first, we car rodeo’d (it’s a Brenda thing) to the Acoustic Café for COFFEE!!! The atmosphere was wonderfully warm and relaxing with good music, beautiful artwork and locally made pottery on display. I enjoyed a skinny caramel latte’ with a delicious “zero calorie” bran and raisin muffin. During coffee, Brenda and I spent most of our time trying to convince Carla that it would be FUN, FUN, FUN to hike the Hoffman Hills trails even though the temperature was a chilly 30 degrees and there was a dusting of snow on the ground! Besides, how often would be get the opportunity to bundle up and shiver on a hike once she is in California…seriously?!! Carla grudgingly agreed to go but made it very clear to Brenda and I that “we weren’t going to have any fun”! Once we arrived at Hoffman Hills and started our hike, it turned out to be the highlight of our weekend. (Carla even agreed).
Even thought the wind was cold enough to take your breath away, the autumn colors were even more breath-taking. We climbed the tower at the peak of the trail and were awed by the spectacular view that spanned for miles. As we neared the end of our hike, a lucky wrong turn provided us with the honor of meeting Dick Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman is the generous donor of the 700 acres that make up the Hoffman Hills reserve to be enjoyed and appreciated by anyone who wants to get out and be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Next destination…Downtown Eau Claire for a treasure hunt through the Farmer’s Market, then on to the Pink Event. Brenda was the winner of the treasure hunt finding some wonderful items at Autumn Hill Furnishings. With all the promotions being offered for the Pink Event, we would have loved to continue on to some of the other shops but we had a Limousine to catch! Luxury Limos (Rock ‘n Roll to Go Plus) was waiting for us at the new and impressive Holiday Inn Express on Hwy OO to whisk us away on a tasting tour! Autumn Harvest Winery offered wine sampling and a gift shop where we all purchased picnic supplies. Every girl needs an unbreakable cheese tray with a built-in wine glass holder for the music in Phoenix Park and other picnic opportunities! Next stop was the beautifully designed Leinie’s Lodge where we enjoyed a beer sample, toured the gift shop, and met a group of women from Minnesota who were enjoying a Girl’s Getaway weekend. And to think they came to the Chippewa Valley! I think there is a theme here! Our final Limo destination was the River Bend Vineyard and Winery in Chippewa Falls. With it’s high ceilings, spacious tasting room, stone fireplace, and it’s warm and inviting décor, it is definitely a must see. There is also an outdoor patio area where one can enjoy their wines made at the winery by the glass or by the bottle. After wine tasting accompanied by a mouth-watering truffle from Obsession Chocolates, we enjoyed an informative conversation about the vineyard and wine-making with Donna, one of the owners. As if we hadn’t had enough fun for one day, it was time to take the limo back to the Holiday Inn Express to freshen up and get ready for dining and nightlife in Eau Claire. Stella Blues on Madison Street was the group choice where I enjoyed the Blackened Tuna with Citrus Rum Sauce. Yum….a definite palate pleaser! Not ready for the evening to end, we walked across the street to the Livery for a cocktail then ventured a couple more blocks to Scooter’s to dance the night away! The white flag was finally waved and the three of us made our way back to the hotel for a very, very good night’s sleep!
Sunday, October 11th
Sunrise resulted in the three of us relaxing in the room with coffee while getting ready for our final Girl’s Getaway destination of Porter’s restaurant in the Ramada Inn Convention Center. We enjoyed Sunday Brunch with delicious made-to-order omelets and a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items. Wow, what a weekend! To think, in a mere 42 hours we enjoyed a fantastic fun-filled weekend right here in the Chippewa Valley dining, dancing, hiking, shopping, wine-tasting, limo-riding, and a brewery stop! We did it all and we had a blast doing it! Speaking for myself, even though I am sure Carla and Brenda would agree, a Girl’s Getaway weekend is essential to strengthen friendships and make lasting memories! I know that I will always treasure my fabulous femme fatale friends in flux! Perhaps someday we will have to change our name, but for now, we are!
Watch a video of the fun here! (click on Girl's Getaway Part 1)
