Seven fun things to do for Widow’s Weekend in the Northwoods

Every November, as the blaze orange army heads to the woods for Wisconsin’s nine-day gun-deer season, women across the state celebrate something a little different: Widow’s Weekend. This weekend is that glorious kickoff to girl time where the only hunting is for good deals, good laughs, and good cocktails.

Here are seven ways to make the most of opening weekend while your favorite hunters are out tracking trophies and thinking about making jerky:

Craft & Sip Night (Brandy Old Fashioned Edition)

Forget paint-and-sip. Widow’s Weekend is time to craft-and-cocktail. Fill the table with crafting supplies, muddle up a few old fashioneds, grab the hot glue guns and get creative.

This is a great time to think about holiday crafts for family, the office gift exchange, or the garden club cookie fest. Whether the group wants to make holiday decorations, or bath salts and soaps for holiday pampering, it is sure to be a good time.

Road trip!

It seems there are specials and events going on all over the Northwoods (and beyond) on Widow’s Weekend. 

Minocqua features the Ladies Weekend in Downtown Minocqua. It kicks off on Friday evening and the fun lasts all weekend.

Rhinelander features a Show and Sell Craft event, a Youth Entrepreneur Event and a Holiday at The Hilgerman. The Rhinelander Drama Club also offers up a performance of “Oliver!”

The Brew Station in Three Lakes invites opening weekend “widow’s” to a Wi-Does Weekend celebration. They will offer happy hour specials and their take on a classic TV game show: Brew Feud- The Wi-does Edition.

Point your car in a random direction and see where the road takes you. Stop at antique shops, holiday markets, and local diners. You might find the perfect Christmas gift … or just the best fish fry you’ve ever had.

DIY spa day or pajama spa night

Who needs a resort to relax? Sometimes just the girls, some good coffee and some pampering will do the trick. Face masks, mani-pedis, fuzzy socks, and Hallmark movies (“Die Hard” is a holiday movie, too, though, right?). Light a few candles, sip hot cocoa or mulled wine, and let the hunters have their cold blinds.

Bake off!

Turn holiday stress into a party. The time for all kinds of crazy baking begins this weekend. So why not bake with friends? Have everyone bring their favorite recipes and split up the ingredients. And do not forget to have some appetizers on hand for those moments when everyone needs a break from the sugar rush.

Cabin getaway

When their favorite hunters are spending the weekend at the hunting shack, savvy Widow’s Weekend veterans know booking a cozy cabin or lakeside retreat can be the best way to spend the weekend. Invite a few friends, and the weekend is filled with fun. Add charcuterie boards, a wood fire, some board games, and maybe even a few bottles of wine, and that makes the perfect recipe for rest and ridiculous laughter.

Get your shop on

Opening weekend lines up with early holiday deals — which is basically the universe’s way of saying “go shopping.” Whether it’s local boutiques or outlet malls, this is your time to snag those gifts while the parking lots are still sane.

Do good and feel good

The holidays are a time for giving back, above all. Volunteering at a food pantry, donating to a shelter, or making a pact with the girls to volunteer with an organization close to their hearts over the holiday season can be a great way to wrap up a Widow’s Weekend. Make a plan to write Christmas cards to military members overseas, collect toys to donate, or plan a trip to go caroling at a local hospital or long-term care facility. It is a great way to kick off the season with your besties by your side.

Whether Widow’s Weekend is spent pampering, shopping, crafting, or just catching up with friends, the weekend means hunting season is not just for the hunters. It is time to recharge, laugh loud, and maybe even start a few new traditions.

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