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Blogmas, National Parks, New

The Mountains are Calling | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - Post No. 5

I took a few days off from blogmas as I was writing a lot for my full time job this past week, and will be again this coming week. This means I’ll likely end blogmas around New Years instead of on Christmas day as I’m supposed to. But that’s okay! I started blogmas to continue getting myself motivated to write consistently again, and not to become burnt out, so the pauses are okay. On to blogmas post number five – The Mountains are Calling.

The Mountains are Calling

Today, December 11th, is International Mountain Day. I already posted this mini blog on Instagram, but wanted to continue the conversation here because I just love mountains so darn much.

Have you ever been asked the This or That question: “Mountains or Beaches?”

When asked, it’s always SO hard to decide which I prefer. They both have some pretty great qualities that are drastically different from one another. But time after time, I always choose the mountains.

I know, yes, beaches are absolutely amazing and I would preferably live directly on a beach if I could. But I. LOVE. Mountains.

Whenever I think back to moments where I am filled with pure bliss, joy, and serenity, mountains are always in the picture. Every time. And today, Eric and I were reminiscing when we were boondocking in Alaska in 2021, and this particular photo came to mind.

denali mountain 2021 post

We had just left Independence Mine State Historical Park and were driving on Hatcher Pass, when this colossal, lofty beast of a mountain caught our attention. We were lucky enough to be driving Hatcher Pass on a beautiful day, one nice enough to be able to see ~100 miles as the crow flies. We pulled over and were so incredibly excited to realize, after about 45 minutes of extensive mapping and research (because we HAD to be sure), that we were looking at the magnificent Denali. A mountain we’ve only been dreaming of seeing. And one we didn’t think we’d be able to even catch a glimpse of during this trip, even if the clouds were blocking the view of the summit.

The level of excitement we had was indescribable. And we can’t wait to experience it again someday.

The Mountains are Calling
Blogmas, Lists, Midwest, Minnesota, New

Our Midwest Winter Wish List​ | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - Post No. 3

It’s December 3rd – Day 3 of blogmas! Today I’m sharing our Midwest Winter ’22-’23 Wish List – a list of some things Eric and I would love to do this winter season! Hopefully there will be something on the list that you’d like to do too (or to try if you haven’t already). If you have a list too, I’d love to see it!

I spent a majority of the day messing with optimization again, mostly focusing on images this time. I had a realization midway through that Facebook users get different views from their links that vary based on whether a person profile or a Page profile shared the link. For example, if a person profile (such as my personal Facebook account) shares a link, then the image is shown to the left of the link preview and is vertical. And if a Page profile (such as the VolkmanAdventures Page) shares a link, then the image is shown on top of the link preview and is a completely different size (and is horizontal). Eye. Roll. In my opinion. Why can’t they just both be the same? Due to this, I made the decision to update the featured images of the last five blog posts from vertical to horizontal, so now there should be some consistency and formality regardless of whether a person or a page shares any links. Yay! 

Winter 2022-2023 Wish List

Skiing at Big Powderhorn Mountain (Michigan)

We have the Indy Pass again this winter season and wow how they have grown this year! They’ve double their resorts within the Midwest region here, giving us Minnesotans even more opportunities to explore the snowy areas around us. And top of our wish list this year is Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Bessemer, MI.

Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and around a 4hr 45min drive from us here in the Twin Cities. Not too terrible of a drive as it goes through the beautiful northern part of Wisconsin, with plenty of parks and places to stop along the way. 

Eric and I have been to Big Powderhorn in the past, and it instantly had risen to the top of our “Favorite Places to Ski and Snowboard” lists. (Oh! I don’t have a post on that yet!) Therefore, we can’t wait to get back there – which will hopefully be this season. 

Check out their page, here!

*Update: Since this post went live, we now have plans to go! 🙂

Snowshoeing at Afton State Park (Minnesota)

Snowshoeing is something we haven’t done all that often as of yet, but is something we’re growing fond of! Once of the best Minnesota State Parks south of Duluth to visit in the winter season is Afton State Park in Hastings, MN.

We have been to Afton State Park once many years ago, and it was during the winter season. We didn’t have snowshoes at the time and definitely wished we did! This park offers multiple trail options, and over 10 miles of those trails can be used my snowshoers as well. Plus, you can snowshoe off trail in this park to add even more miles to your trek, which is pretty cool!

See the Willow River Cascades Frozen at Willow River State Park (Wisconsin)

Frozen waterfalls are so so SO beautiful! Eric and I stopped at a frozen waterfall last January – at Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, MN and instantly loved them. We were lucky enough to be driving in the northern Wisconsin area a few months later and was able to see another frozen waterfall again, this time at Amnicon Falls State Park in South Range, WI.

So we want to see even more! 

There’s a park just across the border in Wisconsin that has been on our bucket list for a while, and it happens to also have an amazing and large cascading waterfall. I can’t even imagine how amazing these falls are in the winter. 

The park is called Willow River State Park and it’s in Hudson, WI. Willow River SP is a popular park with miles and miles of scenic trails and a gorgeous river that carved through sandstone to create Willow River and Little Falls Lake. 

Go Skiing Somewhere We've Never Been

We LOVE skiing and snowboarding. It’s been a big part of our history since we’ve been together, and we try to get out as much as we can each season.

And though we have been to many of the slopes around us here in Minnesota, there are so many more that we can’t wait to try out! 

If you’re looking for new places to ski or snowboard this season, here are a few places in the Midwest that caught our attention: 

Snowshoe Once per Week

As mentioned earlier, we’re relatively new to snowshoeing, having only done it a handful of times over the past few years. We’ve learned that it’s a hidden gem of an activity that provides quite a workout each time.

And best of all, snowshoeing can be done anywhere! As long as you have snow, the world is your oyster. You don’t even need a designated trail. In fact, you can even help with other trails, like fat tire bike trails, by going out on the trail first to start packing the snow after a fresh snowfall.

Because it’s such a good workout and so easy to do in your own backyard (or anywhere with snow), I couldn’t not add this to my winter wish list. 

Winter Hike the Superior Hiking Trail (Minnesota)

Winter hiking is a new love of ours. We’ve found that hiking in chilly (not freezing haha) weather is much more refreshing, comfortable, and energizing than hiking on a hot summer day. So we’re thrilled that winter weather hiking season is now here! Another big goal of ours is to hike the Superior Hiking Trail, so why not do both at once? 

The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is an incredibly scenic route that spans 310 miles, with one end at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, MN, and the other end at the Canadian border where it connects with the 4,800 mile North Country Trail. 

I’d love to hike the SHT in its entirety (over time), and hiking it in the winter sounds like the best, not to mention the least buggy, time to do it. 

Our Midwest Winter Wish List
Blogmas, Lists, Minnesota, New

5 Fun Family Activities for this Holiday Season | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - No. 2

It’s December 2nd, and therefore blogmas Day 2! Today’s post is about fun family activities for this holiday season.

I spent most of my after-work hours attempting to optimize this website’s performance, which I hope is making your site experience much better! There was an annoying JavaScript issue that slowed my site speed down by like 500% and it was gross. And took forever to figure out. 

Anyways, on to blogmas installment No. 2! Technically a day late due to not getting home until 10pm from running errands, then falling asleep with only one paragraph left to write, but better late than never! Not off to a great blogmas start haha! I’ll get the timing right for tomorrow 🙂

5 Fun Family Activities for this Holiday Season

1. Write and Send Santa a Letter

One of the most fun childhood memories I have from growing up is writing a letter to Santa and sending it to him up in the North Pole. There was just something so fun about writing a letter telling Santa how good we were throughout the year and our wishes for the next year. AND he even wrote back! How cool was that?

He’s still at it even all these years later, too. And here are the steps! Along with his address: 

North Pole Postmark
Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr
Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

2. Christmas/Holiday Market

Christmas and Holiday Markets are so beautifully decorated, and provide many options for entertainment for families looking to get into the holiday spirit. With delicious treats, drinks, and activities, there’s a little something at each market for everyone! And, as a bonus, you can also get some holiday shopping done simultaneously haha! Here are some ideas for markets to visit around Minnesota: 

Don’t forget to check your local events to find one in your town, too!

3. Bonfire with S'Mores and Apple Cider

Ahh, the smell of burning firewood. A cozy reminder of the fall and winter months, and truly one of the best seasonal activities for families. Bonfires are warm and provide a great opportunity for campfire drinks, like hot apple cider and hot chocolate! 

The only thing that’s missing from the warmth of the fire and beverages, is a nice campfire snack, like s’mores! Between picking out the ingredients, heating up the marshmallows (not to mention the laughter that comes from accidentally catching them on fire), and putting together the s’more itself, these sticky snacks are a fun experience for all ages!

Bonfires and s’mores can both be made at home, or you can find a bonfire event in your local community!

4. Visit Santa and his Reindeer

Once Santa sends a letter back, how exciting would it be to see him in person? There are lots of fun opportunities to visit Santa around town throughout December, and many of those events have reindeer too!

Oftentimes Santa’s helpers are there to help with taking photos and are there to teach others about the lives of the reindeer up at the North Pole (including what they and the other helpers do in the off-season). These are fun and educational for everyone!

5. Drive / Walk through a Holiday Light Show

Holiday light shows are such a fun experience for the whole family! With multiple light show events throughout Minnesota, there are endless options for entertainment. Here are a few places to check out: 

Best of all, if you walk or drive around your city’s neighborhoods there are fun free light shows put on by the community! Our favorite free light show is put on by a couple of houses in a neighborhood down the street from our old house. 

Looking for more winter ideas? Check these two posts out:

Fun Family Friendly Ideas
Blogmas, Gift Ideas, Lists, New

5 Simple Items to Keep You Warm While Outside this Winter​ | Blogmas 2022

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Blogmas 2022 - Post No. 1

Welcome to December 1st!

And that means it’s Day 1 of Blogmas, which I’m participating in for the first time ever! Blogmas is an annual challenge that creators do from December 1st until Christmas. It’s mostly just for funsies, and to push ourselves. You’ll see bloggers do blogmas and vloggers participate in Vlogmas, or sometimes each will do both! I wanted to do this in years past but I couldn’t fully commit due to roadblocks, but this year – nothing is standing in my way! Except for myself, so hopefully I overcome this anxiety of not knowing what to talk about each day. 

I mean, I know what to write about, I have what feels like an endless supply of ideas, but more so ensuring I carve out the time to get them written, formatted, optimized, and set up correctly each day. 

I’m a little rusty, so bear with me! With that, I wanted to have goals around why I’m doing this – why I’m going to spend a couple hours writing, optimizing, formatting, and creating a blog post each day for blogmas. And those goals are: 

  1. To get into a writing habit, 
  2. To find my voice, 
  3. To challenge my way of thinking, 
  4. To become a more efficient and overall better writer, and 
  5. To find new ways to serve you, my readers!
Now that my goals for blogmas 2022 have been established, let’s get started. And maybe bear with me on this first one as it’s definitely on the extra rusty side!

5 Simple Items to Keep You Warm While Outside this Winter

1. Down Filled, Fleece-Lined Hat

You know how nice a puffy coat is in the winter, but have you tried a puffy hat? I just learned about them recently while on a trip and my mind was blown. 

This down hat is sure to keep you warm while outside this winter, even on the coldest of days! Not only that, but a down hat equals lightweight and packable, so you’ll be able to easily stuff it into your pocket or a bag should you happen to get (dare I say it) too hot. 

2. Fleece-Lined Leggings

I recently went backpacking for the first time, and the temperatures were in the lower 20’s after the sun went down (that’s the desert for you!). 

Not to be dramatic, but, without these fleece-lined leggings, I likely would have frozen to death. Just kidding, that was really dramatic, but I run cold so I would have had a significantly worse time without these leggings!

3. Wool Insoles for your Boots

Wool is one of the best natural materials to stay warm on the cold winter days. Wool inserts are a total game changer when it comes to combating cold feet! Plus, they’re comfy!

4. Puffer Blanket

Puffer blankets can be used pretty much anywhere, and they’re super lightweight and packable!

You can pick one up in fun bright colors and patterns, or as a solid color to be more discreet. 

I also have the Rumpl blankets on my 15 Life-Changing Gifts for Adventurers gift guide, but I just had to bring it back for this post too, because they are just so great!

5. Rechargeable Heated Socks

And finally, I can’t think of a better way to keep you warm in the chilly weather this winter than to have rechargeable heated socks. Honestly, my least favorite part about the winter is when my feet are cold. I love being outside, but if my feet are cold, I give up. I can name dozens of events where I’ve been having a great time other than my feet making me feel miserable!

These puppies are on the Christmas lists of both my husband and my brother in law this year, and have already sold out once since being added to those lists, so it’s safe to assume they are in high demand!

Eric and I could have used these when we were dealing with the -2*F wind chill during the Minnesota Gopher football game a couple of weeks ago haha!

5 Simple Items to Keep You Warm Outside this Winter
Gift Ideas, Lists, New, Tips and Tricks

15 Life-Changing Gifts for Adventurers

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Got an adventurer in your life who you’re looking to buy a gift for? Or maybe you’re an adventurer and someone has asked what they can buy you this upcoming holiday season?

Check out these 15 gifts ideas I personally love and would even consider to be “life-changing!”

Most of the gift items below are super versatile, meaning they are multi-use, making them so perfect for those wishing to get the best bang for their buck. And best of all, nearly all of the below items are under $50 (and can be found on Amazon)!

And if I’m missing an item that you think should be added, let me know in the comments at the end of this post! I absolutely love learning about new adventure related products, especially if they can be used as gift ideas! 

Click on each title below for more information and photos of each item.

One quick thing to note before reading: This post contains no affiliate links, contains our own thoughts and opinions, and contains links and photos that are not our own (but are used from the items’ websites to ensure the most accurate depiction).
Similarly, I do not own the rights to the below photos: they are property of the retailors. 

The 15 Life-Changing Gifts for Adventurers:

Puffy camp quilts and blankets are only for those wishing to be the absolute coziest in the outdoor elements. Is that you or the person you’re shopping for? Then you’re in the right spot! 

Puffy camp quilts and blankets are a favorite to those in the outdoor communities due to their warmth and versatility. You can cuddle up around a campfire, use them as a sleeping bag replacement, wrap them around you on a hike or chilly snack break, use them as a windbreaker, and so many other things. 

Rumpl is one of the current most popular brands due to their partnerships with big brands like Carhartt, NASA, and the National Parks, and can cost above $75, but there are other reputable brands out there as well for a cheaper purchase. 

I just tried these for the first time in fall 2022 while backpacking in Utah. It snowed during this trip! But these booties were a true game changer in keeping my toesies warm on the nights it it dropped to below freezing. I’ve since added them to my personal wish list to now add them into our gear library as the ones I used previously were borrowed. 

Grab some on Amazon here!

Down sleeping booties

Another life-changing yet incredibly simple must-have product is the foam sitting pad. That’s right, who knew a simple piece of foldable foam would be this necessary? The uses for this thing are endless: 

  • Sitting on cold (or damp) ground
  • Extra cushion on your camp chair
  • Extra padding for sleeping 
  • Small but mighty rain barrier 
  • Clean surface for eating 

And best of all, they’re inexpensive and, for those tracking the weight of their gear, are incredibly lightweight at only 54g. 

Purchase one here! 

foam sitting pad

National Parks and State Parks passports add a fun challenge and exciting element to visiting the Parks! There’s just something really exciting about going to the visitor center and getting your passport stamped. 

Since we live in Minnesota, we have a Minnesota State Parks passport that gets stamped each time we visit a new park. If you visit a certain amount of Minnesota State Parks, you receive a reward too, which adds another layer of fun. If you don’t live in Minnesota, check your state to see if they offer something similar, too!

And since we have a goal to visit all of the National Parks in our lifetime, getting stamps in our National Parks Passport is also really exciting. Each park has a different stamp design, and often they have multiple stamp options. 

national parks passport

I can’t even begin to count the amount of times it’s been helpful to have my reusable silverware on hand. 

And reusable silverware isn’t just for the outdoorsy types. If you’re interested in additional ways to better the planet, using reusable silverware in unconventional places is one of the best! I’ve been bringing my reusable silverware to work since 2017, and can’t count how many times it’s been nice to use that over disposable silverware. 

There are a few different types of reusable silverware you can carry along with you both out on adventures and in “other” settings: 

While immersed in nature (lightweight, packable, easy to clean):

At work or on the go in the city (lots of options, easy to clean):

In my opinion, Buffs have been a game-changer in both the hot and the cold weather. In the sun, desert, or beach? Use it to protect your neck and face from the sun, wind, and sand. In the snow? Use it to protect from the cold and brutally chilly wind. In the summer and fall elements? Use it to protect against mosquitoes or as a way to wipe your face throughout the day. I have three, and Eric has two. We rotate them each day we’re out and about doing things as a way to keep our faces clean and necks not sunburnt! 

Here are a few activities we’ve used ours for: 

  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • 4-Wheeling
  • Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Backpacking
  • Sleeping (to cover cold noses and block out light over the eyes)
  • As a headband
  • Desert sledding and dune-buggying (keeps sand out of mouth and off face)

Find the perfect pattern here! 

It may seem weird to have clothing in a gift guide, but just hear me out. Have I recently found my absolute favorite hiking, rock climbing, base layer-acting, all-around amazing leggings? Yes I have. My only regret is that I didn’t buy them sooner. This isn’t even a sponsored post and I’m ecstatic to tell you about these. 

I even recently wore them on a multi-day backpacking trip through brush and the backcountry and they didn’t tear, rip, become uncomfortable, smell, or chafe! They’re so breathable, comfortable, and stretchy that I’m going to go buy another pair because they’re currently on sale. Best of all, they have two great pockets and look great on all body types, too!

Grab a pair (or two) here! 

Okay so this is the only gender-specific gift suggestion I have. But there is sort of a men’s version available too, you can view here.

Okay just one more article of clothing, I promise! Both Eric and I have sun shirts/sun hoodies and absolutely love them, making them a great gift for any type of adventurer. Due to their moisture-wicking abilities, sun shirts and hoodies are perfect for year round recreation. They keep you cool yet protected by the sun and elements in the summer, act as a comfortable mid-layer for the spring/fall season’s activities, and are a great base layer for cold weather uses. 

Here are our favorites: 

Here are a few activities we’ve used ours for:
  • Paddleboarding
  • Cycling
  • Mountain Biking
  • Boating
  • Jet Skiing 
  • Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Hiking in the desert 
  • Hiking in the snow 
  • Fishing / Ice Fishing
  • Sitting at the beach / pool

If your adventurer loves parks, then a US or Canada National Parks or local State (or Provincial) Parks annual pass will be an amazing gift for them! 

One thing to note is that not all state parks in the US require an entry fee, so you may not have the option to purchase a pass in your state (i.e. Missouri doesn’t have a park pass option because they don’t charge an entry fee, but Minnesota does have this option).

Similarly, also consider whether or not that person is a traveler as not every state or province has a National Park nearby. If you’re not sure, a gift card may be a better option, this way they can either buy a pass or purchase park-related items online instead. 

Click here to check out the US National Parks Pass options! Or click here to check out the Canada National Parks Pass options! 

This inflatable solar lamp is so lightweight and compact, it’s a wonderful gift that can be used in so many places! We have multiple, so we keep a few on hand in our camp and backpacking gear library, in our RV, and in our garage for random nighttime hikes/boat rides, or in case of severe weather. 

Click here to purchase! 

Anyone else get a little iffy when it comes to walking on ice, or is that just me? If you’re in a cold weather climate that’s susceptible to ice, this one may be especially helpful! 

If you’re gifting to someone in a warm climate area that doesn’t get ice (or they don’t travel to icy places frequently), then you may want to skip this suggestion.

But micro spikes have been such an asset to surviving the slippery winters here in Minnesota, especially when we get so many freeze-thaw into puddle-refreeze weather cycles throughout the winter months. These are especially handy when ice fishing and winter hiking. 

 

When you’re out in nature away from electricity or a charging area, it’s nice to have a lightweight wireless charger on hand. We are able to get multiple charges with each of the below power banks, and would recommend them to anyone in the market. Whether you’re charging your phone, camera, flashlight, headlamp, or GoPro, our two favorites have you covered: 

1. The Charmast Portable Charger (weighs 0.5 lbs) 

2. The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank (solar charges!!) (weighs 1.34 lbs, however)

wireless charger

Quick drying items are the best when it comes to outdoor activities. Not only does it save time, but being quick drying means the item has multiple uses: wipe down your face, your body, your dishes, your vehicle, your bike, your boat seats, nearly anything and it’s dry to use again – fast! Also, quick drying towels keep away germs that would otherwise grow on slower drying towels. Plus they’re always so soft.

One quick drying towel that’s stood out the most is the REI Co-Op Multi Towel Mini. It seems like it dries nearly instantly and only weighs 0.6 ounces. This little guy also packs down into its own bag so it can be stored separately and is easily portable while camping, backpacking, canoeing, boating, or in any other activity.

Similar to the above suggested quick dry gift, a large beach towel that’s quick drying and light is perfect for a day at the beach, or a picnic, or the pool, or on the boat. This one is also wonderful because 1) sand can easily be swept off without sticking and making a mess, and 2) it has its own stuff sack, making it small and compact for transport. 

Check out the Nomadix Ultralight Towel here!

Reusable snack baggies are just as important as reusable silverware, and equally as useful! You really can’t go wrong with reusable snack baggies, but there are multiple options to choose from. 

Some, like the Stasher bags, are silicone, making them slightly heavier than other types (if weight matters to your adventurer), but are uber durable and waterproof. I love their varying colors and sizes, and some even come with a carabiner so they can be clipped to a backpack!

Others, like the Jagrom bags, are incredibly lightweight, durable, and leak proof as well. 

It’s also nice to have another type of reusable baggie that could be used for snacks, meals, or even to pack out garbage, would be the Sea to Summit Trash Dry Sack. 

Did I forget a life-changing gift?
Want to add a life-changing gift?

Let me know in the comments below!

Or, looking for more gift ideas? Check out my previous gift guide, here!

2022 life-changing gift guide text
How to, Lists, New, Tips and Tricks

Carry On Travel: 5 Great Packing Tips

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Does ditching a checked bag and using only a carry on make you nervous?

The idea of using only a carry on definitely made me nervous! That is, until one day I went for it and made the switch. And now I’ll never go back to a checked bag unless I’m packing for an extra-long trip.

It may seem like a daunting task, but you’ve got this!  If I, a chronic over packer, can do it, you can too!  You’ll be surprised at how easy it will be once you do it once or twice.

Here are my five best tips for traveling with only a carry on:

1Clothes take up the most space in a backpack or suitcase (which makes sense considering that’s what we’re changing the most).  Lay out everything you think you’ll need, then remove 40% of it.  This may seem like a large percentage, because it is, but it’s good to note that it isn’t 50%.  As an over packer, eliminating 40% of the clothing items I’d otherwise prefer to pack allows me to zero-in on what I really need to pack.  Differentiating between the want and the need is key!

2 Simplify what you’ll need by taking a moment to really think about what you use on a daily basis.  No need to bring that third extra pair of underwear on the chance you might poop them twice in one day for some reason (I always overpack when I needlessly plan for the theoretical emergencies or “just in case” moments that are 99% never going to happen – don’t do that).

3 If you dress in layers, keep in mind that you can wear the same layers for multiple days.  I usually wear a tank top under different tops or sweaters, so picking a neutral colored first layer (like a black tank top) allows me to wear that same layer multiple times throughout the trip.  Wearing the same clothing more than once also applies to other clothing too, such as sweaters, bras, shorts, and pants.  Plus, it’s amazing what types of outfits you can come up with when there are only a few option combinations available! 

4 If you’re bringing more than one pair of shoes, wear your clunkiest shoes (and articles of clothing) on the airplane.  Shoes take up so much space!  Wearing your clunkiest shoes on the airplane allows for more space in your bag.  If you’re bringing another pair of shoes and will also have them in your carry on, consider using them as storage, for example, stuff socks or more delicate items (like watches or jewelry) into the shoes.  Similarly, wearing your clunkiest articles of clothing on the plane will also save space in your bag!  I usually wear my thick zip up fleece, which doubles as warmth (because airplanes are always cold) AND doesn’t take up any unnecessary room.

5 Consider different methods of packing.  Using different packing methods will help you best utilize every nook and cranny in the bag and maximize your packing potential.  For example: 

  • Roll clothing to condense the use of space (especially for pants and long-sleeved tops)
  • Lay clothing flat to fill in gaps (instead of rolling or folding)
  • Put items inside other items (such as socks and undies into shoes),
  • Or a combination of the above

Challenge: If you’re still nervous about carry on only packing, try packing a carry on (don’t forget that free personal item!) well before your trip and try “living” out of that for the duration of your trip first!

If you’re stuck and need help with figuring out what to eliminate or how to pack, feel free to reach out in a comment below and I can help you!

Travel On, the Volkmans
carry on travel tips

Need more packing ideas? Check these out: 

New, Reviews

Are you ready for the DICK’S House of Sport experience? 

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DICK’S House of Sport is now open at the Minnetonka, MN Ridgedale Center, and you’ll want to check it out ASAP.

THE FACILITY

As you walk in, you’re greeted by a large Jumbotron screen above you that broadcasts both local and national games and sporting events.  You’ll first notice how bright, open, and airy the store is – something we’re never felt at any other sporting goods store!  Your eyes are then drawn to the large center display that changes seasonally with the fall’s best athletic wear and products. 

Immediately to your right is a large service desk that is the perfect one-stop shop for all sports services such as bike tune-ups and repairs, ice skate blade sharpening, baseball glove steaming, and tennis racket restringing.  If you have equipment that needs something fixed or tuned, they make it quick and easy to drop off and pick up right inside the store with an impressive one-day turnaround time. 

Since this new store concept is only the third such implementation in the country for DICK’S (only others being in Rochester, NY and Knoxville, TN), the store is physically much bigger than your typical DICK’S Sporting Goods store.  It is a large 2-story design (over 100,000 square feet!) with a tall rock climbing wall at the back of the second level that is easily apparent upon entering the storefront.  The upstairs of the store is huge, with loads of apparel and a massive wall of footwear, the largest of any DICK’S store (with more than 2,400 customer choices).  Downstairs is massive as well, which includes the newly implemented House of Cleats, and the golf center.  The downstairs of the store will also lead to a 20,000 square-feet outdoor sports field once completed this fall.  

THE COMMUNITY

House of Sport is designed with the community in mind. For example, the business invites local teams to come in and participate in various clinics, such as track and field or hockey. There are fitness and activity classes to sign up for as well like informational sessions and consultations with local wellness experts, and early morning yoga sessions (4 classes coming up in June, see schedule and register here!).  

DICK’S also has started partnering with local brands to sell in store. The most recent addition is Honour Coffee and Juice. Throughout the facility, it’s obvious they care about being involved in the community. From the local brands all the way down to the wall graphics of local sports teams and top hiking destinations (shoutout to Oberg Mountain over by the rock climbing wall), you can feel how connected it is to Minnesota.  

THE EXPERIENCES

Speaking of the rock climbing wall, it is a whopping 35 feet tall of fun! We were able to do some climbing during our visit and it definitely has our stamp of approval!  Most of the routes (different paths that lead to the top of the wall) are swayed more towards beginner-level climbing, which makes it a great wall to try out if you’ve wanted to be introduced to the sport, but other routes have the size and features to give even experienced climbers a challenge.  To top off our climb, the staff who helped us, Marty, was so awesome and friendly. You can make reservations to climb either online or in store. 

Indoor rock climbing wall

Throughout the store there are specialized areas you would expect from a sporting goods store such as outdoor gear, equipment for every sport you can imagine, and apparel.  The thing, however, we found that set House of Sport apart from other stores we’ve been in is the sheer number of experiential areas that have been incorporated into every area in the store.  You can’t go far before being intrigued by the next experience opportunity. 

Co Lab

Another great rotating space is Co Lab!  Co Lab is a Pop up store style collaboration space.  It currently features Hoka, as a 5k will be hosted in July at this House of Sport location in partnership with the brand! 

House of Cleats

As you walk down the stairs, you’ll find a new area called House of Cleats. In this area you can try on hundreds of cleats to make sure they fit and feel the way they should.  Trying on a pair of cleats is no longer the same experience it used to be when you try them on here – from the loud cheering and game sounds coming from above to the detailed real turf and bleachers, it’ll feel like you’re prepping to go out on the field.  

House of Skates

But the excitement doesn’t stop at cleats.  You’ll have a similar experience trying on hockey skates in the House of Skates.  This is the first and only DICK’s specialty hockey shop and onsite ambassador.  You also can’t miss the display of hockey goalie helmets painted with Minnesota themes by local Minnesota artists.  

TrackMan Simulators

Another fun in-store feature Eric got to try out was in the golf center.  House of Sport has an expansive golf section that includes a huge selection of all the biggest golf brands in apparel and equipment.  It also has three TrackMan golf simulator bays.  Eric tested out his swing while the on-staff PGA pro used the simulation equipment to track metrics such as face angle, ball trajectory, stance, and follow-through.  The technology available at the TrackMan simulators can even track your body and club using the same motion capture technology used to film Hollywood movies (yes, you even get to wear the brightly colored sensors all over your body!).  These hitting bays are rentable either online or in store, whether you just want to practice some drives or want to sign up for a clinic with a pro, it was definitely a fun and unique experience. 

HitTrax for Diamond Sports

In the diamond sports area, you’ll find a huge selection of bats and gloves for all levels of experience for both baseball and softball.  If you’re testing out a bat, utilize HitTrax!  HitTrax allows you to choose what stadium you’d like to test at, then you can test your swing with your new baseball or softball bat and practice your swing on a tee, or, even better, this location also has the option to pitch the ball to you.  

The Field

The Field will be a great addition to the store once completed in Fall of 2022.  It will be a year-round sports facility, including a turf field made from ocean plastics and an Olympic grade running track.  This space will be used for events and programming (i.e. baseball/softball training, yoga classes, fitness boot camps, youth soccer clinics, community gatherings).  In the winter, since the Field is open air, it will be converted to a large ice skating rink.  There will be a professional sound system, lighting, fencing, scoreboard, and the ability to divide into two distinct playing areas. 

Footwear Deck

In the upstairs Footwear Deck, there is another unique feature in this space (which, did I mention, alone is 7,000 square feet?) where you can request your size by simply scanning a shoe and a ‘team member’ will promptly bring them out for you!  When testing out, for example, running shoes, go for a test run on specialized treadmills that track your gait and whether the shoes fit correctly for running.  The amount of footwear selection is staggering, over 2,400 choices, and DICK’S has all the top running brands like Brooks, Nike, Adidas, and Hoka as well as a dedicated basketball section for Jordan brand. 

THE CLOTHING

Actually, let’s talk about the mannequins first.  There are ~750 mannequins throughout the store that represent all body shapes, sizes, and abilities.  It was a breath of fresh air to learn that all types of people are represented.

And while there are many clothing brand sections throughout the store, DICK’S House of Sport has three brands that stand out as their own.

The first is Calia.  Calia is an exclusive brand to DICK’s and has a great variety of apparel for all fitness types and and lifestyles.  It’s a women’s private label brand that includes swimwear, golf, and a maternity section.  As someone who loves golf apparel, Elissa was excited to learn that this House of Sport listened to consumer feedback and has created the largest selection of women’s golf apparel.

The second brand is VRST.  VRST is also a private label brand only found at DICK’S and has a great and versatile selection of workout and casual apparel just for men.

The last is DSG.  This brand is made for the entire family, and is noticeably an inclusive and affordable brand for the whole family.  Something we really admire about DSG is that 1% of every purchase of this brand goes to the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation for youth sports.

You can also find sections dedicated to other large brands like Carhartt, Nike, Columbia, Cotopaxi, and more.

There’s even an experience to be had if you’re trying on clothes!  The employees here are so helpful and nice, they are available for anything you may need.  To try on clothes, visit one of their social fitting rooms and add your name to the fitting room door.  Soon after, someone will stop by to begin assisting you with sizing, getting you new styles, and giving suggestions.

THE END

In our opinion, DICK’S House of Sport is putting an end to the traditional, boring shopping experience.  To shop here is an adventure and an experience not to be missed.  See you at the Grand Opening!

Lists, MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks, New

These 6 Parks have the Best Winter Activities around Alexandria

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Disclosure: Though Explore Alex graciously comped our weekend, the following thoughts and opinions are our own and are not in any way influenced by these factors.

Welcome to Alexandria and Douglas County in Minnesota!

Located north east of the Twin Cities by about two hours is this beautiful micropolitan. Nestled within 300+ lakes, more than 500 miles of recreational trails, and over 25 parks (two of which are State Parks), there are endless recreational opportunities for all types of explorers!

Here are a few ways you can enjoy winter at six of their local parks:

Table of Contents

Andes Tower Hills

Andes Tower Hills started in 1980, and has been an amazing addition to the community, hosting over a million skiers over time, ever since. Their mission statement includes “To offer a family friendly relationship building environment that creates positive long-lasting memories,” and you can feel that as soon as you walk in the door. If you can, try to speak with Tom “Hollywood” Anderson for a few moments – his father and uncle started Andes Tower Hills in 1980 – he was such a joy to speak with, and taught us so much about the facility and surrounding area.

With 15 downhill runs, there are options for all abilities! There are also four chairlifts equally spread throughout the hill, so we never felt like we had to wait to go up. Our favorite runs were Big Ben, Serendipity, Hawaiian Cruise, and the Big Dipper.

Throughout the week, the facility hosts hundreds of school groups and other groups seeking to learn how to downhill ski or snowboard, too. Likewise, they receive a lot of visitors from North and South Dakota due to its central location and proximity to those states. Due to their ever-increasing popularity, the chalet has recently doubled in size, allowing for even more visitors to rent, locker, eat, shop, and warm up inside.

If you prefer something else, Andes Tower Hills also offers snow tubing (and Neon Nights Tubing), snowshoeing, and nearly 10 miles of cross-country trails!

Man & Woman at Ski Lift
Skis on Ski Lift
Eric at Top of Hill
View of Ski Runs
Rental Skis
View from the Top

Big Ole Central Park

When you come to Alexandria, you have to visit Big Ole, an iconic 28-foot tall Viking statue on the south shore of Lake Agnes. According to the plaque that stands beside him, Big Ole was originally “created to accompany the Kensington Rune Stone to the New York World’s Fair in 1965.”

Big Ole Central Park is in the heart of the city, and a beautiful place to start your visit! In the snowy months, take the opportunity to snowshoe around the park, or stop by while snowmobiling on the Central Lakes Trail which goes through the park. In the summer, visit the Alexandria Farmers Market, have a picnic with lake views, or play a game in the green space.

Winter in Alexandria
View down Central Park
Trail Map
View of Lake Agnes from Park

Glacial Lakes State Park

Though we didn’t visit Glacial Lakes State Park on this trip, we did stay here back in 2017. I wanted to ensure this park was included on the list because we would recommend it! Learn more about our previous visit here.

We enjoyed this smaller Minnesota State Park, especially for its ease of access and navigation. The trails were a great mix of level and steep, depending on which way you went (unfortunately a trail map wasn’t available at the time at the ranger station or online, so I do not know the names), and always had great views and areas to explore.

There are also signs around the park to give you its history, so our plan when we return to this park is to check out all of the glacier-formed kettle lakes and continue to learn about the history of this area.

Winter activities include hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

Glacial Lakes Sign
Glacial Lakes Boots On Firepit
Glacial Lakes SP Canoes
Glacial Lakes SP View From Top Of Hill
Glacial Lakes SP Mardys Trail
Glacial Lakes SP Cabin
Glacial Lakes SP Signalness Lake

Kensington Rune Stone Park

Welcome to Kensington Runestone Park, one of Minnesota’s greatest hidden gems. This 300+ acre farmland-turned-county park provides endless opportunities for recreation all year long!

Here in the snowy months, you can explore the visitor center, cross-country ski, fat tire bike, sled, and snowshoe. In the warmer months, you can explore the visitor center, bike, mountain bike, run, picnic, or play at the playground.

We spent the day fat tire biking and checking out the visitor center. Our fat tire bikes were from Jake’s Bikes, and we were lucky enough to have Jake deliver them himself. You can tell the passion for biking that Jake has, and we learned a lot about the area and the sport by speaking with him beforehand. It was our first time on a true fat fire bike trail, so we stayed on the Olaf Ohman and Bifrost trails, which are the two beginner-most fat tire/mountain biking trails in the park. What a challenging and exhilarating sport! We’re excited to try it again someday.

Not only are there ample recreation opportunities, but this park is also the site of one of Minnesota’s greatest mysteries – the Kensington Runestone, discovered in the late 1800’s. More about this can be learned within the visitor center, which is heated and open year round.

Fat tire bike in snow by lake
Fat tire bike in snow by lake
Eric & Elissa by Bike Trail Map
Inside the Rune Stone Visitor Center

Lake Carlos State Park

This State Park holds a very special place in our hearts as Eric has been camping here annually since ~2007 with his “second family,” and I started joining them whenever possible within the last 10 years too!

Lake Carlos State Park is a great nature retreat for those seeking adventure in the Great Outdoors! It is nicely secluded on the north end of Lake Carlos, and offers many outdoor activities, no matter the season.

The wintertime activities the park has to offer are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Snowshoeing is open to the entire 1,231 acre park. There are 6 miles of groomed ski trails, and the 9 miles of snowmobile trails that are on the park connect to Douglas County trails so you can make an entire weekend from activities solely in the park if you want!

We took advantage of the good snow conditions while we visited, and strapped on the snowshoes to see what winter sights we could catch. It turns out there was lots to see, and we just barely scratched the surface. There were also many fish houses out on the lake, not far from the park.

In the summer, the park has a swimming beach, horse trails, and lots of boat parking for your summer camping getaway!

Lake Carlos sunset on ice
Elissa snowshoeing
Restroom building

Noonan Park

When you think of winter in Minnesota, you can’t help but think about pond hockey. And what better place to play than Noonan Park! During the cold months, the pond freezes over and is home to both ice skating and ice hockey, as well as ample snowshoeing and winter hiking options. In the summer, you can experience beautiful flower gardens with a lively pond, a playground with an awesome playhouse (the “Duck Inn”), and walking trails all around.

The Douglas County Historical Society shared that Noonan Park was given to the city by Philip and Mollie Noonan (a successful local businessman) with the agreement that the space would remain a public park. The Noonans paid for the initial landscaping and took care of the park from 1937 until it was donated to the city in 1943.

Duck Inn at Noonan Park
Ice skating rink at Noonan Park

Have you been to the Alexandria or Douglas County area? What parks would you recommend visiting?

MicroAdventures, Minnesota, Minnesota State Parks, New

Mankato River Ramble – a Great MN Cycling Experience

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It finally happened! Eric and I have been wanting to participate in a MN cycling event for years! We were even signed up for two, but life happened and we weren’t able to. 

That is, until the Mankato River Ramble came along. 

What an invigorating experience!

First greeted by the energetic and motivating volunteers, I was directed toward a large event check-in tent at Land of Memories Park. After checking in, I enjoyed some refreshments, snacks, and amazing live music before hitting the trail. 

This is the first time I’ve ever done an event like this, so I was feeling a little nervous. 

Though I did the smaller of the trails, called the “Minneopa Falls Loop,” it was one of the most diversely scenic 12 mile bike rides of my life. We rode through beautiful hills, to a waterfall, to a ski hill, and around through town.

And I’d love to share my 3 favorite views and experiences with you!

Stop 1 - Minneopa State Park

Biking distance from Land of Memories Park = 3.3 miles.

This was the most difficult part of the entire ride, so lucky for me it was in the beginning. If I’m being honest, I actually almost gave up on the way here! But I’m glad I didn’t because it was an easier ride once we got to Minneopa SP.

Eric and I bike often, but never in such hilly places, so I really had to fine-tune my gear shifting abilities fast. I have an older road bike that doesn’t shift as smooth as others, but once I figured those gears out, the rest of the ride was much more pleasant. 

Minneopa State Park is one of southern Minnesota’s best kept secrets. Just 5.9 miles from downtown, be sure to have this beautiful park on your itinerary. Visit in the summer or fall to view the free-roaming bison, visit in the spring to see the stunning Minneopa Falls, and visit any time of year to experience their nearly 5 miles of hiking trails and endless snowshoeing opportunities.

Stop 2 - Mount Kato

Biking distance from Minneopa State Park = 4 miles.

The stretch between Minneopa State Park and Mount Kato were the most scenic parts of the ride. First following the South Route Trail adjacent to CR 90 (Hawthorn Rd), you will then connect with the Red Jacket Trail. Be ready and make sure your brakes are good as you head toward the end of the South Route Trail, however, because you do not want to be caught off guard by this frightening 5.1% incline. The breeze through your hair during this segment feels amazing, though!

For fans of outdoor recreation, Mankato has a great skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and biking mountain right outside the city, aptly named Mount Kato. The mountain consists of 19 trails of varying difficulty, from the bunny hill to difficult black diamonds. There are 4 terrain parks for practicing your skills, and 8 chair lifts to get you back up to your favorite runs as quick as possible. Open in both winter and summer seasons, you’ll be able to take advantage of the mountain no matter when you visit!

Stop 3 - Sibley Park

Biking distance from Mount Kato = 3.7 miles.

One of the last stops along the Mankato River Ramble route is beautiful Sibley Park. You first ride in from the northeast corner of the park, by two softball fields. You’ll notice multiple park benches along the Minnesota River to your right. Don’t forget to take a rest break and soak in those river breezes.

As you ride the trail south past the park shelter, you’ll notice an old log cabin with a sign in front of it that says “Ott” catches your eye. This quaint cabin was moved to Sibley Park in 1931, but was actually constructed in 1857 by George Ott Sr., who was one of the first settlers of the area.

Following the Minnesota River Trail through Sibley Park, you’re met with one of the most beautiful gardens in the Mankato area. One could spend hours wandering around Sibley Park and see something new around every turn. Visiting in the spring means catching the hundreds of flowers blooming. And visiting in the fall, like I did, provided equally as beautiful views as the trees change color.

Back at Land of Memories Park

Biking distance from Sibley Park = 1.7 miles.

I’m not in the greatest shape – actually, in the worst shape of my life – but it felt so invigorating and accomplishing to participate!

If you’ve never done something like this before, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Doing something that’s on your bucket list (especially if it’s been on there a long time) gives you that extra motivation to just try it out!

You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, I bet you’ll want to try it again with something else – or maybe that’s just me 😉 

How have you pushed your boundaries and tried something new recently? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. You probably noticed Eric wasn’t able to attend – this is because he broke his foot on a motorcycle trip a few weeks beforehand, but he was there in spirit and promised he’ll be ready for next year! 🙂

Itinerary, Minnesota, New, Twin Cities

Self-Guided Northeast Minneapolis Brewery Tour

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Northeast Minneapolis is an eclectic area known for its art, restaurants, and – you guessed it – breweries! Minnesota has over 180 breweries, and 33 of them are in Minneapolis, making it a wonderful place to meet up with friends and try something new!

Join us as we take you to five of those breweries on a beautiful summer day. All within 2.9 miles of each other, this makes for the perfect walking (or biking!) tour of the city.

At-A-Glance Stats –
Fair State Brewing Cooperative to Sociable Cider Werks = 0.7 miles
Sociable Cider Werks to Indeed Brewing Company = 0.6 miles
Indeed Brewing Company to Able Seedhouse + Brewery = 0.3 miles
Able Seedhouse + Brewery to HeadFlyer Brewing = 0.9 miles

Fair State Brewing Cooperative

Our first brewery tour stop is Fair State Brewing Cooperative! With 20+ beverage options, this is a great stop to try something new! There’s something here for everyone, especially if your group likes different types of drinks.

Can’t decide which to get? Describe what flavors you like to the amazing bartender, who will perfectly match you with an awesome drink!

I can’t talk about Fair State Brewing without mentioning something that’s really special about them. The co-op was creating with collaboration and giving back in mind. How amazing is that? Here’s a blurb from their website: 

“In 2016, we launched our community engagement arm, Fair State Cooperates. Each month we partner with a different nonprofit organization selected by our Member-Owners. In our partnerships, we raise funds through beer sales, awareness through social media, and involvement through volunteerism.”

Our suggestions –
The Roselle (kettle sour with hibiscus)
Big Doinks (IPA)
Fruityboom Frozen Slush (Mango Dreamsicle)
Non-alcoholic cold press

Fair State Brewing
Elissa holding beverage at Fair State

Sociable Cider Werks

Ready for a cider? Stop number two brings us to Sociable Cider Werks! Here you can choose from 15+ types of beverages, including non-alcoholic options. Be sure to wander around and check out all of the fun vintage bicycles and bicycle parts. The spacious outdoor deck and patio are the perfect place to relax.

Our suggestions –
Squoze (guava)
Pinch Flat (hibiscus rose)
Training Wheels (scrumpy apple)

Beverage at Sociable Cider Werks
Elissa with beverage at Sociable Cider Werks
Hanging Bicycle at Sociable Cider Werks

Indeed Brewing Company

Welcome to Beerland at Indeed Brewing Company and Taproom! Feel free to wander around and take it all in. There are plenty of seating options both indoors and outdoors – shaded and sunny! Don’t forget to check out the gear shop for some great merch options too. 

Our suggestions – 
Strawberry Fields (sour) 
Day Tripper (pale ale)
Pink Rabbit Pils (pilsner)

Welcome to Beerland sign at Indeed Brewing
Beverage & hat at Indeed Brewing

Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Note: This brewery has unfortunately now permanently closed. 

Stop number four previously brought us to the beautiful Able Seedhouse + Brewery! Their values focused on the environment and the arts, and you could really see and feel that throughout this brewery. 

Suggestions were –
Raspberry hibiscus wheat ale
Mosaic Ain’T So (American IPA)
Non-alcoholic Northstar Kombucha (cherry elderberry)

Beverage at Able Seedhouse + Brewery
Able Seedhouse + Brewery Taproom
Elissa holding beverage at Able Seedhouse + Brewery

Headflyer Brewing

Our last stop on the Northeast Minneapolis Brewery Tour takes us to HeadFlyer Brewing. What a great atmosphere and way to end the day. Chill out on their deck or patio to chat, play a game, or reflect on all of the great places you visited today. 

Suggestions –
Oh Baby Baby (kettle sour)
Hawaiian Sophie (pale ale)
Rye-U-Mah (malt forward ale)

Entrance to HeadFlyer Brewing
Beverage at HeadFlyer Brewing
Sign in the Sun at HeadFlyer Brewing
Taps at HeadFlyer Brewing