Best girlfriends escape (northern Minnesota) - Nisswa - 2014 Best of MN

Enjoy lazy days along the area's hundreds of lakes; take advantage of nationally lauded golf courses; enjoy the fragrant, hushed halls of Glacial Waters Spa (1-218-963-8700; grandviewlodge.com) or amble through downtown in search of a good beach read, perfect picnic accessories or sassy summer sandals. Feeling nostalgic? Don't miss the Wednesday afternoon turtle races or rediscovering favorite childhood candies at the Chocolate Ox (1-218-963-4443; thechocolateox.com). If you're feeling adventurous, try a stand-up paddleboard lesson through MN Surf (1-218-866-0236; mnsurf.com) or head to Crosby to bike or paddle the scenic Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area on former mining land (mndnr.gov).