Experiencing the majesty of Mount Rushmore (Photo by Rachel Pinn)
JENNY BLOCK | Contributing Writer
jennyeblock@icloud.com
My wife thought I was crazy for going to South Dakota in the dead of winter. And when my best friend and I landed and it started to snow, I was afraid she might have been right.
But it turned out to be the best idea ever.
We were headed there for Winterfest, a long weekend filled with all sorts of fun happenings — including music, food, fireworks and a Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics. I am a sucker for a cheeky fundraiser for a good cause, so I couldn’t help but sign up. And my BFF couldn’t resist my gentle nudging to join me.
There was no time to waste on such a short trip. So we went straight to our hotel to check in.
We stayed at the Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown. I have to admit I wasn’t expecting too much. But I was blown away by this chic little respite in this charming city.
We had a large suite with an impressive kitchen set-up and plenty of space. even for all of the winter gear that had we strategically squashed into our carry-on bags. The hotel has incredibly inviting lobby with a cozy fireplace and bar, and half of the property is apartments, giving the whole place a “real locals” feel.
After checking in, we grabbed a bite at Tandoor Bocado, which was so good. The presentation of each dish was lovely, and everything we tried — from the crudos to the hummus — was delicious. And bonus: The coffee was heavenly and served in the teeniest little cups that I had to use all of my willpower not to steal.
Then we couldn’t help but pop into the bakery next door, The Sour, where we stocked up on way too many goodies for two girls on a four-day trip. But after breaking into said goodies later, we wished we had grabbed a few more.
Then it was time for our first big stop, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It had to be one of the most dramatic and delightfully strange experiences of my life. When we got there, the sun was nearly setting (something we specifically planned, as we wanted to see the monument both in at least some daylight and all lit up at night.
What we did not expect at all was that because of the frigid temperatures and icy snow on the ground, we were the only — I repeat, ONLY — souls there. It was downright magical.
After a few times around the drive, my BFF discovered the best way to get us the best view.
We parked in the parking deck, took the elevator up and walked to the monument, with a quick stop at the near-closing gift store. It was surreal: The cold. The lights. The massive monument — one I won’t soon forget. We walked in silence back to the car, both a bit overwhelmed and humbled by the sight.
We made our way back to Rapid City with a quick stop at this wild sculpture garden/store where we couldn’t help but take photos of the massive — MASSIVE — Bigfoot sculpture sprinkled with a dusting of snow that made it look straight out of some European children’s book about myths and fairytales.
Before we went back to the hotel, we warmed up with some absolutely stellar ramen at Bokujo Ramen. I have seriously been dreaming about it ever since. And it was such a cool spot filled with tons of artifacts and throwback merch.
The next day it was time for the big events: Winter Fest and the Polar Plunge. We made our way the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex which is the grooviest old hotel. The staff could not have been any kinder, and the location could not have been any more perfect.
After jumping into the icy water in our coordinating Stitch and Angel onesies, we got all warmed up and spent the rest of the weekend shopping and eating our way through Lead and taking in all of the music pop ups in all of the bars in town. We even got to partake in a hot dog and Frito pie bar, provided at one venue to any festival guests stopping by.
The grand finale was a fireworks show that we watched from the back deck of the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. I don’t know how to begin to describe how truly spellbinding it was to watch the fireworks light the sky and the rocks behind and below them. And the sound — It was so unique that when I think about, I imagine I must somehow be remembering it wrong.
We visited the fascinating Deadwood Brothel Museum, and we had an impressive steak dinner at the Franklin hotel’s Legends Steakhouse. We even popped into the casino for a few rounds at the slot machines.
On our last day, we grabbed coffee and bagel sandwiches at the Pump House at Mind Blown Studio. Unfortunately, no one was blowing glass when we were there, although they often are. And we could not resist a quick stop at the Chubby Chipmunk, where it was near impossible to decide which chocolate confections in which to indulge.
Finally, as we made our way to the airport we stopped by the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane were laid to rest. Unfortunately, it was closed because of the weather. But the local deer and the scenery gave us a show well worth the visit.
The sights and sounds and bites and experiences were incredible and, honestly, surprising. I had no idea what these South Dakota stops had to offer.
The only thing better than what we saw and did was who we did it with and among. Everyone was so nice, and when we began to see people again and again at different Winterfest events and venues, people greeted us and introduced themselves, asking where we from and if there was anything we needed.
I honestly cannot wait to go back. I would love to experience warm weather South Dakota and see some of the spots and experiences we missed — the Badlands and a more complete visit to the park at Mount Rushmore. But more than anything I look forward to being welcomed back into a community in which it makes no difference who you are or what you do, all that matters is that you’re there.
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A note about packing
If you go to South Dakota in the winter, it’s cold. Very, very cold. Pack your handwarmers and mittens and wooly socks and scarves.
I was crazy grateful to have my Stio Colter Down Jacket when I wanted a coat that felt like a full body hug that would keep me warm head to toe. And I was equally elated to have packed my Whitespace gear — a cropped puffer jacket, high waisted riding bib and merino neck gaiter, all in pink icing. I was the chicest, coziest, puff of pink all weekend long.
And with all of the ice and snow along with the bright sun, glare was a thing. A big thing. So my Smith Venture sunglasses were perfect. They have removable side shields that I didn’t need to remove, but I was happy for the option.