By 
I moved to Minnesota from Georgia 13 years ago and every winter I have to give myself the same pep talk I am about to give you…Don’t let winter hold you hostage! It is so tempting when the temperature drops to go into hibernation. Resist the urge! Bundle up the kids, ignore the temperature and go exploring.
This past weekend, we made the woods behind our cabin in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin our wonderland. Check out the short video of our adventures. Scott’s fireside jig steals the show!
If you are still unconvinced that leaving the warmth of your home is a great idea, here are a couple of spots in Wisconsin and Minnesota that might pique your interest.
Cascade Falls | Osceola, WI
The stairs that lead down to the falls are in downtown Osceola. Once at the bottom, you can walk right up to the water’s edge. You will likely have it all to yourself- a perk of winter exploration. Walk over the wooden bridge that crosses the stream and follow the path to the St. Croix River. It is a beautiful walk along the Osceola Creek. Once you have made it to the river and back, climb the stairs and warm up with a cup of coffee at The WaterShed Cafe. While you are there, you really should try the Wisconsin Meat and Cheese Board. It is AMAZING!
Franconia Sculpture Park | Shafer, Minnesota
A wander around this whimsical park is fun any time of the year. The exhibits frequently change, so you never know what treasures are in store. If you really want to snub your nose to winter’s chill, bring a winter picnic of hot soup in thermoses and dust the snow off of a picnic table.
You could easily hit up both these spots in one day. If you make it to Turtle Lake, I’ll have a cup of hot chocolate and a stale s’more waiting for you;). 
Cynthia Mackintosh
December 12, 2017I am certainly not a cold weather kind of person, but I have been to Canada in -11F! I would love to visit Minnesota especially one day because I know so many people from there. I’ll just have to break out the parka again! Nice places to visit there, I see.
Melissa Greeder
December 12, 2017I had a good laugh at your video, not a foodie blog. lol
I have lived in Minnesota my whole life. Even as a native, I still have a hard time convincing myself to leave the bear cave and come out of hibernation mode. You’ve inspired me! I might have to make a GO OUTSIDE challenge myself!
Brittany
December 12, 2017I love this. I just moved from New Mexico, where it is sunny almost every day of the year, to Columbus, OH. I am not used to the weather being this cold and it has really had me unmotivated to leave the house most days. You are an inspiration as this winter is approaching fast!
admin
December 12, 2017The first winter is the hardest, at least it was for me! I’ve actually learned to like the winter, but it took me a while. Don’t tell my husband though, I still like to hang it over his head that I moved here for him;).
Rachel P @ The Improved Me Project
December 12, 2017Loved the video! You even “kind of” inspired me. I was raised in a place where winter is in the 50s and now I live in Vermont! Snow just started falling here and I am giving myself the famous pep talk 🙂 My little one is 3 and I really don’t want her to dread snow, which means I need to make it fun and spend more time outside. It helps that we just got a puppy and she needs to spend some time outside playing regardless of the weather!
admin
December 13, 2017Thanks for your message Rachel! It is hard to muster up the “want to” to get out, but I’m always glad I do it when I get out the door. Just wish the winters were a little shorter!
Carrie
December 13, 2017I’m in Virginia and was complaining about going outside when its 40 degrees! You’ve totally encouraged me to NOT stay in all winter! Might even try your smore recipe because I know I have some stale graham crackers 🙂
admin
December 13, 2017Thanks for your message Carrie! Hope you find a great adventure in the great outdoors:)!
Tifanee
December 13, 2017I live in Canada and this even looks cold to me, but great ideas and encouragement!
Meghan
December 18, 2017Looks so cold and how we are a little jealous of your winters. 🙂 In Nashville, it never gets too cold and is easy to get out, but on the cold(er) days we get, thanks for the nudge to not stay in.
admin
December 18, 2017And I’m a little jealous of your winters:). We always want want what we don’t have! I’m heading to Nashville for a girls trip in February, so I’m hoping for warmer days!
Bridget | This Mom Life
December 18, 2017Yes! I need this pep talk – it is especially tough feeling trapped inside with a 3-year-old but such an important reminder to get outside. It makes everyone feel better!
admin
December 18, 2017I have a two year old and can completely relate! One of the great perks of getting her outside even on the cold, cold days is that she sleeps like a champ at nap time;)!
Jo @ ModernRusticMom
December 18, 2017It wouldn’t be a true outside winter adventure without the hot chocolate!
Denise
December 18, 2017Oh gosh, I can be guilty of this sometimes, I live in Ohio and the weather here is seriously bipolar lol, but I heard Wisconsin is in the same boat, thanks for the encouragement.
Harmony, Momma To Go
January 7, 2018I super duper love the video, but super duper hate the winter and anything that tries to make it fun LOL – no I am on day 4 of this cold weather here in NY and I am ready for summer.
admin
January 8, 2018Can’t say I blame you right now. For the past two weeks, we have been below zero everyday in Minnesota. I am ready for some warm weather too! 🙂