Whether you label our weekend exploring the Chippewa Valley Three Friends in Flux, One Foot In Front of The Other, or Waltzes, Workouts, and Wineries (all of these titles were seriously considered) our first Girl's Getaway Weekend was a delight for all involved. There is no question that Eau Claire and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of venues (and adventures) for women of all interests, and trust me(Brenda) we tried to pack in as many as possible.
As Kalli has already explained we began our weekend with a superb meal at Houligans Steak and Seafood Pub. I had a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon accompanied by a lovely glass of Riesling (I know red would have been the Sommelier's suggestion, but I like Riesling!) Our service was exceptional and the hour allotted for dinner flew by way too quickly-we were off for dancing at Arthur Murray just down the street.
John Speros, the owner of Arthur Murray uses a method of teaching called the Interrelated System of Learning that sounds complicated but actually assures that students of any skill level can feel successful right away. The principal is based on small individual exercises that once put together, become the bigger picture, and presto!!! You're a dancing fool! Good thing because the Salsa, Waltzes, Cha Cha's and other dances we learned, normally would have had me stepping on toes to be sure; however if I do say so myself I think I was pretty darned talented! Watch out Dancing with the Stars!
On to Stout Ale House in Menomonie, my first time there, and what a great sport's bar. Scads of TV's and plenty of room to hang out with friends. Good music and upbeat atmosphere. Also I liked the convenient location since I was a bit challenged in that department seemingly all weekend. Can't forget a big thank you to Jeremy our bartender as he was very helpful with precise directions to our next stop, The Pioneer Grill & Saloon.
The Pioneer was loads of fun! Did some dancing and tried out our new moves learned at Arthur Murray, played some pool with new friends we met, (thanks for the Swing Dance, Bob) and just generally kicked back in a very friendly atmosphere. We decided that the popcorn they make there must contain a secret ingredient because it is the best I've ever tasted! After a sad farewell to our new friends we headed back to the AmericInn in Menomonie for a very well deserved night of rest. If it weren't for the ferret incident (see Kalli's Blog) I would have been able to find it easily. The staff was very friendly, the beds were comfy, and Kalli snored :).
Next morning bright and early began with Carla whining like a puppy about our planned hike at Hoffman Hills, jeez, you think you know somebody! But once we filled her up with fresh hot coffee and home-baked strawberry scones from the Acoustic Cafe, she perked up a bit. I know Kalli already said it, but it bears repeating, the hike was truly the most amazing part of the weekend. The rec area is stunning, the views are superb, trails well maintained and we are very lucky to have such close access to this treasure. Thanks to Mr. Hoffman who we were very fortunate to stumble upon meeting when we got just a little bit lost! Good thing or we would have been late for the Pink Event in downtown Eau Claire!
Shopping at the Farmer's Market was a bit chilly, but a cuppa from Coffee Grounds fixed us up, and then on for some downtown shopping. I won the shopping contest (new apartment, a girl needs furniture), and then hop in the car again to meet up with Rock n' Roll To Go at the Holiday Inn Express where we spent Saturday night. Our limo driver Pat was wonderful, great sense of humor, he thought we were hysterical (I hope). Thank you Pat. I'd recommend a limo to anyone who wanted to tour the area wineries and Leinie Lodge. It was great not to worry about driving and there is lots of room for shopping bags! Autumn Harvest Winery, Riverbend Vineyard and Winery, and Leinie Lodge are all well worth the trip. Each is unique and definitely a must-see (and sip). Autumn Harvest has charming fruit wines and a nice family atmosphere with the Orchard right there, Riverbend Vineyard makes you feel like you've just taken a mini trip to Napa or Sonoma and the wines are just wonderful! Although I'm an Eau Claire native I had never been to Leinie Lodge before. I'm not usually a beer drinker, but I really enjoyed a very dark Ale they had and the Lodge Building is impressive. Amazing we have such great wine and beer produced locally!
In the evening we enjoyed dinner at Stella Blues where I had my favorite spinach salad with garlic mashed potatoes. It just doesn't get any better! A couple of more girlfriends joined us and then off to the Livery across the street (too cold for the patio, darn) and down a couple more blocks to end the evening with more dancing at Scooters! Prefect Day!!!
Next morning needless to say we were dragging a bit, but we ”cowgirled up" and headed back to Eau Claire for a huge Brunch at Porter's. If their buffet doesn't have it, you don't need it and the coffee was excellent as well. I've always found a nice big omelet helps to revive me after a long night out, so their omelets to order were much appreciated.
All in all I couldn't imagine that we could have had any more fun if we had traveled hours to some other destination for our weekend. Now what do we want to do next month? Bye for now.
Watch a video of the fun here! (click on Girl's Getaway Part 1)
