Recreation Attractions Food+Drink
GIRLS’ TRIP: Exciting Opportunities for a Girls Weekend in the Area
from foodie faves to group activities and lodging, planning your girls weekend in the Valley has never been easier
Sawyer Hoff, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
Whether you’re hosting a fun-filled bachelorette weekend or just need some time with your girls, the Chippewa Valley has plenty of exciting activities, delicious restaurants, and comfortable lodging for your whole crew. Listed below are just a few ideas to take your girls' weekend up a notch.
ACTIVITIES
Tour and Taste Leinenkugel’s
Leinie Lodge • 124 E Elm St., Chippewa Falls • leinie.com
Beer lovers and locals know the iconic Leinenkugel factory and Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls, but have you ever actually taken the time to have a tour? Learn about how their iconic brews are crafted today and about the long-lived history of Leinenkugel’s. End the tour by trying out some of their delicious on-tap brews at the Lodge and taking in the beautiful riverside views.
Check Out the Area on Electric Bikes or Scooters
Eau Claire Bike Rental • 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire • eauclairebikerental.com
It’s never been easier to check out all of the beautiful trails Eau Claire has to offer than traveling by electric bike or scooter right through them. Grab your girls and a couple of rentals and you have an easy, fun way to navigate bridges, tunnels, trails, and more.
Yoni Steam. Yeah, You Heard Me
The Healing Agenda • 2839 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • thehealingagendaec.com
You and a friend can enjoy a bonding experience like no other at The Healing Agenda, one of the only places in Eau Claire to offer a yoni steam. What’s a yoni steam, you ask? It’s a mixture of herbs warmed in a basin placed below a special chair to sit, sending the herbal steam to your nether region. The Healing Agenda says the steam supports balanced PH, helps soothe menstrual cramps, recovery after childbirth, and more. Book the yoni steam with a friend, and enjoy the complimentary glass of wine while you sit together and bond like never before.
Get Matching Permanent Jewelry
Token Jewelry • 106 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire • tokenjewelry.com
Hello Adorn • 312 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • helloadorn.com
Instead of getting matching tattoos (you could do that too, though, no judgment!), you can get matching permanent jewelry at not one, but two places in Eau Claire. They both have an array of silver and gold options, charm add-ons, and frequent appointment openings, making it super simple and fun to get permanent bracelets.
Go For a Float (When the Weather Allows)
Loopy’s Grill & Saloon • 10691 County HWY X, Chippewa Falls • 723loop.com
When the temperamental Wisconsin weather is treating us well, there’s nothing quite like a leisurely trip down the Chippewa River on a tube. Luckily, Loopy’s Bar & Grill has everything you need to make the trip easy. With tube, kayak, and canoe rentals, plus a shuttle service to take you downstream, you can begin or end your river adventure at Loopy's. End the activity by grabbing a bite to eat at Loopy’s and a drink at the Cruzan Rum Tiki Bar.
DINING
Brunch with the Best
For some delicious brunch with a potential mimosa on the side, there are plenty of great spots in the area. Try out The Good Wives (2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire) and their ever-evolving menu of fresh and unique eats, popular for its creative dishes and plant-based and vegetarian-friendly options. The Nucleus (405 Water St., Eau Claire) is well-loved for their tried-and-true sweet or savory breakfast options (including vegan fare!). Catch a drag brunch or live music while you eat at The Lakely (516 Galloway St., Eau Claire), and enjoy delicious coffee, pastries, and other treats with your brunch at The French Press (2823 London Rd., Eau Claire).
Mid-Day Treats
Enjoy a mid-day snack or quick meal in between activities at these local hotspots. Nosh on gourmet baked goods and delectable coffee at the Nostalgic Bean (1403 Lynn Ave., Altoona) or ECDC (205 S Barstow St., Eau Claire), grab a sandwich or other treats at Eau Claire Cheese & Deli (1636 Harding Ave., Eau Claire), and snag a delicious quick lunch from Acoustic Cafe (505 S Barstow St. #A, Eau Claire).
Dinner Dates
Get dressed up with the girls and enjoy an upscale dining experience at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Ct, Eau Claire), Mona Lisa’s (428 Water St., Eau Claire), and Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub (415 S Barstow St., Eau Claire). Try more laid-back dining options with Casa Margarita (two locations), The District Pub & Grill (101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire), or TemptAsians (2823 E Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire).
After Dinner Drinks
Not ready to call it a night yet? Enjoy exquisite cocktail menus or mocktails at The Red Mixer (2526 Golf Rd., Eau Claire), The Reboot Social (220 S Barstow St., Eau Claire), Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe (1444 Front Porch Pl, Altoona), and 44 North (1488 Front Porch Pl., Altoona).
LODGING
Eau Claire has several great hotels that are not just comfortable, but stylish for your whole group. Check out downtown favorites The Lismore (333 Gibson St., Eau Claire) and The Oxbow (516 Galloway St., Eau Claire), each housing a restaurant and bar inside! For other centrally-located lodging, check out the Holiday Inn on the south side or the Holiday Inn Express on Eau Claire’s west side.
If you’re looking for something a touch more home-y, you can try one of the many AirBNBs in the area. The Lakeside Living AirBNB in Augusta offers lakeside views with a fire pit and can hold up to nine guests. For lodging with a fun twist, one Eau Claire AirBNB can be found just five minutes from Phoenix Park and includes a game room and a fun garage bar with swing seats. For rustic farm lodging, try Legacy Farm in Eau Claire, which features large spaces and a log cabin feel.
