If you caught the blog last month, you might remember the suggestion to pile the kids in the car and take them on a road trip or at least a weekend activity. Well, this month, it’s the grownups' turn. We all know the holidays loom right around the corner. This ‘cheerful’ time of year doesn’t just mean feasting, cookies, and unexplainable cheer and goodwill. We’re also in for crowded shopping malls, mandatory work parties, and spending time with loved ones we don’t necessarily like.

Well, to brace yourself for what’s inevitable, why not plan a quick adult-style escape with your spouse or significant other. If you don’t happen to have one of those, no problem! Getting together with your buddies or besties also makes for a perfect pre-winter way to destress.

So, book a babysitter and consider the following ideas for a day or a weekend of grownup fun!

Wineries and Breweries:

The Twin Cities and surrounding areas have no shortage of wineries, wine bars, and breweries. If you’re able to get away for the whole day, head toward Lake Pepin, Wisconsin. Villa Bellezza Winery offers a beautiful place for a wine tasting and maybe even an Italian meal. It also provides one of the prettiest drives in the country. In that same area, Maidenrock, Wisconsin, offers a great place to experience all things apple from hard cider to an endless variety of fresh apples. And, don’t forget to pick up some pie to take home from Stockholm, Wisconsin.

If you want to visit a brewery and take a bit of a road trip, there’s always Leinenkugel’s in Chippewa Falls. But, you don’t need to leave the Twin Cities to taste some great brews. Why not make a weekend out of it and spend a night at the Nicollet Island Inn. From that charming and historic inn, you’ll be able to cheaply Uber to all kinds of nearby breweries, including Summit, Surly, Insight, Dangerous Man, Fulton, and more. For more information on how the craft beer scene has exploded in the metro area, check out this link.

Antiquing in charming towns:

Do you have a fascination with antiques? Even if you’re not in the market for a roll-top desk rummaging through historical artifacts brings joy to many. Many nearby towns have an abundance of antique shops and plenty of places to enjoy a great meal and libation as well. Just to name a few, check out Alexandria, Northfield, Rochester, Red Wing, and Stillwater.

Of course, if you’ve got a propensity toward the slots, you can always hang out at Treasure Island in Red Wing. But, for a more festive fall adventure, check out The Bavarian Gasthaus in Stillwater. The scenery will make you think you’re in the Black Forest. Plus, after you finish your fantastic food and beer, the farmyard animals await your greeting.

Sports weekend:

Even if you don’t happen to follow the Vikes, the Twin Cities offers something for just about any sports fan. We’ve got the Timberwolves, the Links, the Loons, and here’s hoping the division champion, Minnesota Twins are still playing October baseball as you’re reading this.

A sporting event represents the perfect way to spend a day or weekend with like-minded people.

Whatever you decide to do this fall, enjoy it while it lasts. Remember, everything in moderation! Don’t OD on the pumpkin spice!

And, if you happen to pick up a few dents and dings on your autumn excursions, you know who to contact. Gray Duck Dent Repair is waiting for your call.