December is a gift. We get thirty-one days to fill our bellies and our hearts with all things holiday. It’s a full month of memory-making opportunities for people to spend time together, enjoying the sights, the sounds, and all the sparkle of the season. Make a point to gather up your loved ones and discover the kind of cheer that we often only find close to home.
Hometown inspiration:
If your morning fuel begs for something sweet, make your way down to Bakery on Main for a freshly made pastry and hot cup of coffee. With a large assortment of baked goods, everyone can find their favorite flavor. But if your taste buds are craving something savory instead, then visit Pangea Café for a warm and hearty helping of one of their signature breakfast dishes. Their biscuits and gravy are next level.
Speaking of next, you might be thinking you need to burn off some of that breakfast with a little movement. For those looking for low-key and leisure, visiting the shops in downtown Waconia will always be a delight. You can browse handcrafted goodies, vintage treasures, and trendy finds amongst places like Ruthie’s House Vintage, The Stash of Waconia, Magnolia North, and Shop Chicks Boutique.
For families and couples who want something a bit more adventurous, if Mother Nature has bestowed what she does best in this great state, a winter wonderland might have you looking for the best place to sled. Visit Lake Waconia Regional Park, where you’ll find two sledding hills waiting for you to race and ride down. Prefer to keep it cozy? Make a stop downtown at Garage Bar & Bowl for some indoor entertainment. A welcoming atmosphere with a scratch kitchen that serves up tasty food with locally sourced ingredients and six lanes for some unbowlievable fun.
Ready for an evening itinerary? If it’s date night or you’re getting together with a group of friends, some remarkable dinner options might lead you to Lola’s Lakehouse for some wintery lakeside views. If you desire a little more of an intimate atmosphere, head to Iron Tap or The Lounge upstairs for some handcrafted cocktails, appetizers, and specialty burgers and sandwiches. For a unique experience, make a reservation at Bode Gray’s and stop to sip a cocktail at The Brass Hat, a speakeasy for the modern day.
Don’t call it a night quite yet. No December holiday outing is complete without a vibrant display of bright, twinkling lights. The Winery at Sovereign Estate invites you to their Spirit of Winter, a festival of lights and family-friendly event that transforms their estate into an illumination of musically synchronized lights across 20 acres of their vineyard. Guests can stroll the grounds or purchase a Holly Trolley ride for a special guided tour.
December ignites a festive cheer and stirs our hearts with added warmth and wonder. Waconia is no stranger to its good tidings of comfort and joy, but it sure feels a little extra special this time of year.