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Minnesota Weekend Getaway
Do you have an Anniversary or a special birthday in 2024?! No need to plan anything – we have you covered! What is MN best known for? Our LAKES. Come and spend a weekend on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and explore the lake towns of Wayzata and Excelsior. We’re taking care of all the planning for you to have a fun filled weekend, where all you have to do is show up. Your weekend includes two nights in a spacious suite in the lovely and unique Excelsior hotel. All of your meals are covered, and trust you won’t go hungry. Some of the restaurants include: Layline, Macanda, Coalition, Red Sauce Rebellion, Benedict’s, COV and if that’s not enough, there’s also ice cream treats and some pints at Excelsior Brewing. And what lake weekend would be complete without getting out on the water? Join friends of the nursery for an afternoon or sunset boat ride on Lake Minnetonka. If you still haven’t gotten enough of the lake, you’ll have paddle board, kayak and e-bike rentals available as well. And we almost forgot – leave some time for shopping. You will have a pocketbook full of gift cards to enjoy a fun shopping spree at some great shops including: Faribault Mills, Ooh LaLa, Martins, Bridgewater, GRAY Home + Lifestyle, Brick and Linen, Henri Home and more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to getaway and recharge!
Restrictions: A weekend to be mutually agreed upon.
Generously donated by: Jennifer & Jon Salveson (this package was make possible by many donations from our local supporters in Wayzata & Excelsior)
Napa Valley Epicurean Adventure
Experience Napa Valley like never before! This package includes a 3-night stay at the Meritage Resort and Spa. Located at the southern tip of Napa Valley in the Carneros region near where Napa and Sonoma meet, the Meritage Resort and Spa is situated on an eleven-acre private vineyard and offers an experience like no other for wine enthusiasts. After checking in, your first stop is to savor the bounty of the Napa Valley region through a semi-private wine and food journey. Enjoy this unforgettable 3 hour experience that pairs seasonal ingredients with the extraordinary wines of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Next move onto the Culinary Institute of America, where you’ll find a multitude of opportunities! Whether you want to explore the ABCs of wine and cheese pairings (or wine and chocolate!) at a “Pairing Principles” demonstration, learn how to use the best of your farmers’ market finds in a Farm to Table Chef’s class, sip seasonal cocktails from the garden in the Somm’s session or simply relax and dine at one of CIA’s award-winning onsite restaurants, there is something for everybody’s culinary appetite. Enjoy $150 to use toward classes, dining and retail. Finally, you’ll receive a $100 American Express gift card to use towards any number of Napa Valley’s award-winning restaurants to experience the fresh ingredients, divine climate and stunning scenery that so many chefs have come to love. This package also includes round-trip airfare for two from Minneapolis to San Francisco or Oakland, CA.
Restrictions: Not available Easter weekend, Memorial Day weekend, week of July 4th, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving week, Christmas through New Years, and weekends in September and October. Travel must be completed within two years from the date of purchase. Reservations are subject to availability and must be booked a minimum of 60 days prior to travel.
Generously donated by: Friends of the Crisis Nursery
A Week on the Caribbean Sea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Enjoy a week-long stay in a stunning two-bedroom penthouse in the heart of Playa. Arena Blanca is perfectly located on the trendiest street, next to open air restaurants and jazz bars, just a five minute walk to the Caribbean Sea. The stunning penthouse and rooftop features tasteful decor focusing on natural materials, marble floors, mahogany cabinets, and beautiful furnishings abound. Enjoy the large rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi plunge pool — perfect for sunning, drinking, dining, and lounging — and overlooks the city of Playa del Carmen and the twinkling lights of Cozumel Island beyond. Two bedrooms + loft and two bathrooms. Comfortably sleeps five adults. Experienced local staff provides concierge service for local sightseeing. This package also includes $500 towards airfare.
Restrictions: Not available December 15, 2022 – April 1, 2023. Date must be mutually agreed upon by both parties.
Generously donated by: Judy & Jay Hoeschler and Friends of the Crisis Nursery
Vail Ski Vacation
Enjoy a seven-night stay in Vail, Colorado! Located only 150 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, as part of The Antlers at Vail, restaurants and shopping all at the base of Lionshead Village, this condo is a memory making vacation for every season! This creek side, three-bedroom, three-bathroom condominium sleeps 8+ with queen beds in two private bedrooms and a massive bunkroom for the kids. Accommodations include a fully-equipped kitchen, private balcony with gas grill, gas fireplace in the living room, high-definition TVs, washer/dryer.
Whether it’s hiking, biking, rafting and golf in the summer or skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, experience all that Vail has to offer!
Amenities include:
  Slope-side ski valet
  Creek-side pool & hot tubs
  Heated underground parking
Restrictions: Date restrictions apply and to be agreed upon by both parties. Stay must be Sunday through Sunday. Black out dates include the weeks of 12/25, 1/1, and 2/19. Must be used by December 31, 2023.
Generously donated by: Joel Connor
Revival Barn BBQ
Plan a one-of-a-kind party for your friends and family at this exceptional private home! Our hosts, Jennifer and Jon Salveson will open their 100 year old renovated barn for up to 14 guests. Have a special birthday celebration coming up or just want to do a casual gathering – you decide the guest list, the rest is taken care of! Enjoy an afternoon or evening of outdoor fun. Hop in the water or lounge poolside sipping your favorite drinks and enjoying appetizers, or enjoy yard games like giant jenga, bags, and pickleball. From there, you’ll move into the barn for a memorable BBQ dinner catered by Minnesota favorite, Revival! This Minnesota favorite is known for their fried chicken and smoked meats. Don’t let this amazing party pass you by!
Restrictions: Date will be mutually agreed upon by both parties and can be held May – October. No holidays.
Generously donated by: Jennifer & Jon Salveson
In-home Cocktail Class with Jason Suss, A Proper Pour
Learn how to make fancy restaurant style cocktails with Jason Suss, Owner of A Proper Pour. Your class will be held at your home where you will delight in tasty charcuterie from Lunds & Byerlys and participate in a hands-on cocktail class, where you’ll shake, stir, and garnish your own cocktails. Jason will teach you all the history, tips, and tricks around spirits, flavors, and garnishes. This event is for up to 8 attendees.
Restrictions: Dates will be coordinated via email according to the availability of all parties. Good for 1 year from time of purchase.
Generously donated by: Jason Suss & Friends of the Crisis Nursery