Imagine basking in the sun on a boat in the middle of a deep blue lake when you feel a tug on your line. It’s the opening day of fishing season in Minnesota and you are reeling in the big one, smiling with satisfaction because you will have a big story to share with loved ones back at home. That dream might resonate with anglers and sustain them through the frigid, snowy winter months, but an equally intoxicating dream resounds with the spouses of anglers.
Instead, imagine a weekend free of any household duties, a weekend where you can let loose with your favorite friends, or choose to stay in, relax, and curl up with that book you’ve been waiting to read. Fishing widows, as they are often called, enjoy the opening weekend of fishing season just as much as their spouses, but for far different reasons. Instead of catching a prized fish, they want to catch up with their friends and enjoy the downtime.
If you haven’t jumped into the waters, maybe this year you should. Circle the May weekend on your calendar and schedule some activities of your own choosing, knowing that you too will have a big, fun story to share with your spouse when he returns from the lake. We’ve rounded up a few ideas in and around Plymouth that might make you ready to claim the title “fishing widow” for opening weekend and a few other ones as well.
Head to the local show. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at the latest comedy to hit the Plymouth Playhouse. The theatre launches a comedy in early May called Big Pants and Botox. The play is for mature audiences only and is penned by Girls Night author Louise Roche. The play stars Kimberley Richards, whom audiences might recognize from the previous show, Late Night Catechism. This latest show chronicles her journey coming to terms with turning 50. Tickets start at $23. 2705 Annapolis Lane N.; 763.553.1600.
Research your family tree. Did you know there is free access to genealogical records at Hennepin County Library locations, including the Plymouth Library? Look up which ship your ancestors sailed on from Europe, see which Civil War battles your great-great-grandfather fought in, or browse through census records to gain insight on your family tree. If you get stuck searching, you can tap into the knowledge of genealogy volunteers available at the Minneapolis Central Library. Check the library’s website, hclib.org for more information. 15700 36th Ave. N.
Learn to kayak. If you are new to kayaking, the perfect place to begin is flatwater kayaking. As the name suggests, flatwater kayaking takes place during calm conditions without any major obstacles. Sign up for a Three Rivers Park flatwater kayaking course at French Regional Park called Flatwater Kayaking Essentials for Women on May 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Qualified instructors will teach you not only paddling strokes and correct paddling form, but kayaking safety too. All equipment is provided and the cost is $50. Registration is required. 12605 Rockford Road.
Get a new look. Whether you’ve been together for a few years or a few decades, wouldn’t it be fun to surprise your fishing spouse with something different? Whether you want to be pampered or just try a little something new, call New Reflections Salon in Plymouth and ask for the “Fishing Widows Package.” This special deal includes an essential manicure, blowout, and makeup application for $110. Plus, you receive a complimentary gift bag of $35 value. Use this opportunity to try a different polish or a slightly different hair style. 3530 Vicksburg Lane Suite 400; 763.559.3185.
Take it outside. On a beautiful May day, there’s nothing like spending an afternoon at the park. In Plymouth, there are plenty of parks to choose from—find the details at plymouthmn.gov. Why not pick up some sugar cut-out cookies at Wuollet Bakery ($10.80 per dozen; 795 E. Lake St., Wayzata) for an impromptu tea party in the park? Or after a day of fun, head over to Honey & Mackie’s for an ice cream cone – with flavors including chocolate-covered pretzel and banana peanut butter, there’s something for everyone. Prices vary, 16725 County Road 24.
Channel your inner artist.
Instead of dressing up for an evening out, stay at home in your yoga pants for a night when you can let your creativity run wild. Artist Angie Gurung with Creatively Tipsy will come to your home and talk you and a group of your friends through creating a painting on canvas. “It’s very personalized,” says Angie. “I let the hostess pick the color scheme and then I bring everything.” The hostess can pick from more than 40 options of paintings, but Angie says paintings of birds and trees are the most popular this year. Connect with Gurung through her Creatively Tipsy Facebook page.
See what the coloring craze is all about.
Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore. Adults are discovering new ways to meditate or socialize, all while coloring an intricate design. “If your husband is out of town, you can plan a nice quiet evening at your home, instead of out on the town,” says Christy Bishop, an Usborne Books representative who hosts coloring parties. “Get all of your friends together and you can have a pretty inexpensive party,” says Bishop. “You can even opt to have kids there, too.” Prices range from $10 to $12 per person and guests can pick from coloring books that feature Celtic designs, pictures from nature, or designs from India. Reach out to Christy Bishop.
Relax.
Begin your weekend by scheduling some spa time. Book a massage to reduce stress, pain, and muscle tension. “Massages make a great gift of relaxation,” says LeeAnn Heidt with Lake West Chiropractic and Natural Health. Massage times vary from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Several practices, such as Lake West Chiropractic, and spas offer gift card specials in honor of Mother’s Day so you can even buy a gift card for a later date. Make sure to communicate with your massage therapist your aches, pains and overall concerns so your massage can be tailored to your individual needs. Lake West Chiropractic, 4100 Berkshire Lane N. #124; 763.550.1205.
Jumpstart your garden.
Visit any garden center, and
you know the second weekend of May is when gardeners put thoughts and
plans dreamed up over winter into action. They flock to garden centers
to bring home flowers, seeds or supplies and set to work on what is
hopefully a warm, sunny weekend. “The week of Mother’s Day is a
powerhouse of activity, as we prepare for one of the largest floral
holidays of the year, kick off 2016 garden season trends and provide
flowers to thousands of Minnesota high school students for prom,” says
Karen Bachman Thull, director of marketing with Bachman’s. You can sign
up for seminars or even check out the Daffodil Show on May 14-15 at the
Bachman’s on Lyndale in Minneapolis. 10050 6th Ave. N., Plymouth.
