Nisswa

Why: Winter sports are fading and golf courses don’t open for a few more weeks, so now’s the time to get a good deal on a room and spend some serious time at Glacial Waters Spa.

How: Less than three hours from the Twin Cities, Nisswa is ten minutes north of Brainerd.

Stay: There are a slew of accommodations at Grand View Lodge (23521 Nokomis Ave., Nisswa, 800-432-3788). Book one of the twelve rooms in the historic lodge or one of the nearby sixty-five cabins (one to eight bedrooms), all within walking distance of the spa. Rates start at $200 a night; specials are posted online.

Eat: The resort’s dining room and Italian trattoria are convenient, but eat like a local at the scenic lakeside Bar Harbor Supper Club (8164 Interlachen Rd., Lakeshore, 218-963-2568).

Pack: Snowshoes, in hopes that the trails are still covered in enough powder for a little walk through the woods.

P.S.: Arrive at the spa early to steam, sauna, and lounge in the relaxation room, overlooking the forest outside.