Things to do on hunting widows weekend

While more and more women are going out into the woods during deer season, many still stay behind and enjoy the proverbial “Widow’s Weekend.” But simply because the men are in the woods or at deer camp does not mean women need to stay home to “keep the home fires burning,” like back in the day. There are tons of things to do and a myriad of way for the ladies to take some “self care” time while the guys are away. Here are a few ideas:

With the girls

Opening weekend of hunting is a great time to gather the girls and have make some memories

Ladies Weekend in Minocqua

Downtown Minocqua is hosting a Ladies Weekend. Ladies can shop in style while they enjoy exciting specials, fun activities and festive refreshments. The Kick Off Party will start from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday night and participating stores will be open late. See the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce events page for more details at minocqua.org.

Catch a musical

The School District of Rhinelander’s drama department will be presenting “Footloose, The Musical!” Grab dinner with the girls Friday or Saturday night, then head to the high school to see the musical at 7 p.m. Or get a mimosa and brunch on Sunday, then go take in the play at 1 p.m.

Brunch & books

Get together with the girls and trade your most recent favorite reads. Create your own impromptu book club over breakfast or lunch.

Spa day In

Gather the girls at home. Have everyone bring face masks, hand treatments and foot soaks. 

Have a mini mani-pedi session. Brew some tea and have some light snacks.

Shop till you drop

Each lady makes a list of cool little local shops she has wanted to visit, but has not taken the time yet. Grab your purse or handbag and carpool across the Northwoods and hit them all. Those headed to Boulder Junction can get involved in the Shopping Home of the Holidays event that runs from November 18 through December 29. Those spending $50 or more at the locally owned participating businesses there will be entered to win great prizes. See the Boulder Junction website for more details at boulderjct.org.

Quench your thirst

Head to a local winery for some wine tasting. Or maybe even more fun, get everyone to bring their favorite and create a charcuterie board to enjoy at home, munching and sipping your way through an afternoon.

Enjoy Native American arts and crafts

The Lake of the Torches Convention Center is hosting a Native American Arts and Crafts Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 24. The Waaswaaganing Indian Bowl Living Arts and Cultural Center is holding the show and sale, which will feature a variety of handcrafted items. Admission is free.

Have a dinner party

Everyone can join in and create an amazing dinner for friends to share. Once dinner is over, have a recipe swap. Everyone can bring their favorite recipes to be made into a “Girls’ Weekend” Cookbook over the years.

With the kids

Just mom and the kids for the weekend? Great! Time to have some fun.

Join the Tea (Rex) Party at the Minocqua Library

The Minocqua Public Library will be hosting a Family Fun Day Tea (Rex) Party from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23. Families and kids of all ages are welcome to come and read a dinosaur tea party story, make Dino claws and paws and enjoy “tea and crumpets” as well as to stomp around a dinosaur-themed sensory path. The event will top off with a dance party at the end. This event is free to the public. 

Open skate

Let the kids burn off some energy with Open Skate at the Rhinelander Ice Arena. Open skate hours are 5 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, November 23. All ages are welcome from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and teen hours are 6:25 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.

Join the Christmas Card Drive

The Old School Arts & Learning Center at 903 Boyce Dr. in Rhinelander is holding its fourth annual Christmas Card Drive with local artist Sherrill Willis. Cards are distributed to Rhinelander area nursing homes during the holidays. Last year, 300 cards were distributed and organizers would like to up that to 500 this year.

Have a Stay-Cation movie night

It is time to indulge mom and the kids in the things they love the most. Make some popcorn, grab the pillows and blankets. Make a fort in the living room and curl up for some favorite holiday movies. 

Get your bake on

Get the kids in the kitchen and have some fun baking. Make it a baking competition with age-appropriate guidance and assistance. Let their imaginations run wild — and the best part — a big glass of cold milk and some treats to eat later!

Get a jump on the holidays

Gather the arts and crafts supplies and get a head start on the season. Let the kids make Christmas tree ornaments or other decorations to give to family, friends and teachers this holiday season. Or create Christmas cards for our troops who are deployed and away from family for the holidays.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].