Hygge season is here. The Danish word ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘HEW-guh’) is what makes getting through the winter not only bearable but actually enjoyable. It’s the moment when fluffy snow blankets the ground and you just want to throw on your coziest sweater and wrap yourself up in front of a warm fire sipping on some hot cocoa.
Hygge is that feeling of warmth and coziness and conviviality with friends that cuts through a frigid winter.
And this year Minnesotans are fully immersing themselves in the hygge lifestyle with the first ever Hygge Festival taking place up north in Grand Marais right by the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. During the festival you’ll be able to go on snowshoe and dogsled adventures, take a dip in the hot tub or step in the sauna, sip on hot chocolate and wine by the fire, or simply stargaze and watch the gentle waves on the lake.
Sounds quite nice.
However, this magical winter retreat isn’t until February. So now what?
Well, fortunately there are plenty of little cozy and warm nooks all around the cities so you can start enjoying the hygge life now.
The Lynhall
If there’s a place that fully embodies the hygge feel, it would be The Lynhall. Their entire philosophy comprises of rounding up all your friends and gathering around a table to enjoy a delicious warm meal. You can choose from house-baked breads and pastries, coffee, beer and wine, or go for a full hearty dish off their menu all while sitting around 16-foot long hand-crafted wooden tables. With this cozy and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll definitely want to extend your stay as long as you can.
Mucci’s Italian
There’s something so comforting about good, old-fashion classic Italian fare. Get out of the cold at this small and cozy restaurant that’s serving up red sauces and melty cheeses on their delicious time-honored pizzas and pastas. With such a warm and welcoming atmosphere you’ll feel right at home as you tuck into your lasagna and gnocchi.
The Wilde Cafe
Even the journey to The Wilde Cafe will feel a little magical. Located right on the bank of the Mississippi River you’ll walk down a cobblestone street with lights illuminating the sidewalk and Stone Arch Bridge in the distance. Once inside, you can cozy up next to their 1900’s fireplace and settle in on their comfy Chesterfield couch and soft leather chairs. You can also sink into one of their booths and enjoy a full meal with special date night deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Lowell Inn
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and cozy up at the Lowell Inn in Stillwater. Grab your friends and treat yourselves to a four-course tea service that includes scones, soups, and canapés all served in the historic George Washington Room that’s ornately decorated with heavy red curtains, huge opulent mirrors, and comfy chairs.
Or, you can opt out of tea time and go right for the toasty warm and filling four-course fondue dinner that will guarantee you forget the blizzard outside.
W.A. Frost and Co.
A St. Paul staple on Cathedral Hill, W.A. Frost radiates warmth and coziness. Decorated with heavy Oriental rugs, oil paintings on the exposed brick walls, and glowing lamps next to leather chairs and couches, you’ll be channeling the hygge lifestyle in no time. Nestle in next to the grand fireplace and enjoy a delicious meal with friends or with someone special.
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