By Eric
Winter has its charm, I suppose. There’s Christmas and…well snow can be pretty sometimes. After several months of long, dark, cold, dreary days, however, what I like to call the “golf itch” sets in. Tired of using a full-length mirror to “practice” my golf swing sans club, I began to feel an uncontrollable desire to grip it and rip it with my 5-iron, so-to-speak.
Every Minnesotan knows the feeling. The late winter/early spring jumpiness when you just want to get outside in the warm sun and do something, anything outdoors. Sadly, we also know that those warm summer days are still months away, and we’re more likely to get seven inches than 70 degrees anytime soon.
Luckily, I’ve compiled a few sure-fire ways to enjoy some summer fun, even in the middle of winter:
Golf Dome
Minnesota golfers have two choices in the winter: pack up the clubs and let your swing get rusty, or find an indoor range to keep yourself in golf shape (not to be confused with being in actual shape). Although hardly ideal, golf domes offer an affordable way to keep you golfing through the winter so come April (May? June?) when you can finally get outside, you won’t be flailing around like you’ve never played before.
Where to go: Braemer Golf Dome, Edina, 952-826-6744, www.braemargolfdome.com
Batting Cages
Once upon a time, I played baseball. Now that I’m lazy, I play softball. Regardless of what kind of ball you choose to hit, you’ll find that there is no better way to escape the cold and get a small taste of summer than grabbing a piece of lumber (or aluminum) and taking a few hacks in the cages. Even inside, in the dead of winter, with those weird batting cage balls, there is no sweeter sound than the crack of a baseball bat. None.
Where to go: Rice and Arlington Batting Cages, St. Paul, 651-558-2117, www.rabattingcages.com
Water Park
Personally, I’m not a big aquatic guy. I like dry land. I know what’s beneath my feet and don’t have to worry about the vast, nothingness that a giant, comfortless body of water offers. Having said that, I enjoy a good splash in the pool every now and then, and have even been known to indulge in a water slide or two. Plus, if The Sandlot taught us anything (ok, The Sandlot taught us everything), it’s that nothing says summer like baseball and going to the pool…Wendy Peffercorn optional, but preferred.
Where to go: Water Park of America, Bloomington, 952-698-8888, www.waterparkofamerica.com
So, readers, how do you beat the winter blues? What are your favorite activities to stay active and “summery” even in the middle of winter? Let me know in the comments, or email me at [email protected]
