8 Reasons to Plan a Girlfriend Getaway in Shakopee
Sometimes you simply need to get away from the all the household management and dinnertime battles and enjoy yourself. Instead of slipping out with your girlfriends for just a few hours, plan a girlfriend summer getaway weekend in Shakopee, Minnesota. There is no shortage of things do whether you want a weekend to relax and be pampered, or you are ready for a thrilling adventure.
Shakopee not only offers a handful of local attractions such as the upper Midwest’s largest amusement park, but it is home to horse racing, high-end spas, camping, hiking, and more. Even better, it is located near Minneapolis and St. Paul, making it seem impossible to narrow down just a few activities to fill your weekend. Let’s explore eight reasons why you need to call up your girlfriends and begin planning your girlfriend getaways today.
1. Grab Your Drinks at a Local Winery or Brewery
On the top of the list of things to do with friends in Shakopee, is to visit exquisite wineries and breweries for tasting, learning, and relaxing. If you love wine tasting, Next Chapter Winery provides free tours every Thursday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. during the summer months. While there you can enjoy tasting some smooth wine and indulge in a delicious dinner right on the vineyard. Sovereign Estate Winery’s Tasting Room is open Thursday through Sunday, making it easy to fit this stop into your busy weekend. If you want some cold beer, Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery can help you out. Just a short drive to Waconia, this is the oldest winery and brewery in the state. Or stay in town and check out Badger Hill Brewery or Shakopee BrewHall.
2. Go on an Adventure
Getting away with your girlfriends sometimes calls for an adventure. In Shakopee, there are all types of fun-filled events for you to enjoy. If you are seeking a thrill, you must visit Valleyfair, located in Shakopee. It offers rides that will get your adrenaline pumping, as well as a water park if you want to simply want to enjoy some sun. Canterbury Park is the place to go if you love a good race. With live horse racing, plenty of food, and dozens of events held throughout the summer, there’s always something to enjoy. Canterbury Park will host Ladies Night the final Friday of every month from May 25 – August 31. Enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and more! Also, if you really want plenty of entertainment and games, you don’t want to miss Mystic Lake Casino located in Prior Lake.
If you want a weekend with a little more physical activity, check out the ropes course and zip lining options at Sand Creek Adventures. And, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. This event takes place during the late summer but it takes you back in history and you can enjoy food, shops, and entertainment like you won’t experience elsewhere.
3. Pamper Yourself at the Spa
Sometimes you just need to get away, pamper yourself, and relax. In the Shakopee area, there are many spas to make that happen. Choose from a variety of massages, facial treatments, and full body care treatments at the Mystic Lake Spa in Prior Lake. If you want to stay in Shakopee, Maxx Spa and Nails has everything you need to enjoy facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, and waxing. The Pearl Salon is ideal if you want the full treatment. Cut and color your hair, enjoy a massage, and sit back and enjoy a manicure without driving all around town.
4. Enjoy a Show or a Special Event
During your girl’s weekend, there is no need to turn in early. There are dozens of shows and various entertainment in the area every night of the week. At Mystic Lake Casino, there are shows throughout the entire summer with big names such as Kesha and Reba McEntire. If you love theater and a good meal, you’ll love the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Until September 29, you can enjoy the Broadway favorite Newsies, but beware because you may be singing for the remainder of your trip. If you are visiting Shakopee on a Wednesday between July 18 and August 15, make sure you head downtown to enjoy Rhythm on the Rails, a free concert series with food, activities, and local entertainers.
5. Visit Paisley Park
If you are a Prince fan, a must-see attraction is Paisley Park. Located in Chanhassen, you can tour Prince’s estate and production studio. Throughout the tour, you’ll see Prince’s personal belongings such as unique pieces from his wardrobe, musical instruments, and awards. There are four tour opportunities available and you must pick up some unique Prince merchandise that you can’t buy elsewhere.
6. Shop in Historic Downtown Shakopee
A girlfriend’s weekend isn’t complete without a little shopping. Downtown Shakopee offers all you need for a perfect shopping trip. If you love to support local artists, First Avenue Boutique is the place for you. This store boasts items made by local individuals and offers something for everyone from towels to beautiful clothing. Shelly’s Boutique is the place to go for name brand clothing. When stopping at Shelly’s, you can make sure you have the perfect outfit for a night on the town. North Air Market, also known as Maggie and Mary’s, is the perfect place to purchase a souvenir. Or, head to One Sexy Biker Chick and see women’s apparel with attitude. This unique store features black leather, halter tops, boots, and tight jeans. You don’t even need to ride a motorcycle to enjoy the apparel carried by this fabulous establishment. This downtown shop features a variety of food products such as soups, cheeseball mixes, beverage mixes, and more. It makes it easy to take a little piece of Shakopee home with you.
7. Don’t Forget the Food
The perfect girl’s weekend is not complete without plenty of food. Mystic Lake not only provides great entertainment and spa packages, but also amazing dining options. There are seven restaurants making it easy to appeal to everyone’s taste buds and you must visit one of the three bar options for after-dinner drinks.
O’Brien’s Public House is another must-do stop during your weekend getaway. Located in downtown Shakopee, this pub offers all your pub favorites such as burgers or a dram of whiskey. If you love sushi, you must stop for Sapporo Japanese Restaurant for dinner. Or, if you are in the mood for a little barbecue, Mr. Pig Stuff BBQ has all the meat, sides, and sauces that you need.
8. Be a Tourist
Whether you’ve been to the Shakopee area before, your girlfriend’s weekend is the perfect time to play tourist. The Mall of America is a top destination and one of the best things to do in Minneapolis with shopping, food, more than 28 attractions, and an aquarium. You can also add a little culture and learn something new on your trip at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Or, experience exquisite beauty at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. If you are in town on Saturday, you can enjoy free guided walking tours to learn a little more about the vegetation throughout the various gardens.
Additionally, if you and your girlfriends are sports fans and looking for things to do in the Twin Cities, catch a game. Women’s NBA team the Minnesota Lynx or Major League Baseball Team the Twins both play in the city.
You deserve to get out, enjoy yourself, and explore. A girlfriend’s getaway weekend in Shakopee has something to appeal to you and your group of mothers, sisters, and best friends. There is no reason to delay, so start planning your trip right away.