Parts of I-494, I-35W to close over the weekend in south metro
Some major road closures are coming up that could impact your weekend plans.
Starting 10 p.m. Friday, both directions of Interstate 35W will be closed between Interstate 494 and Highway 62.
There will also be no traffic on I-494 between Highway 100 and 35W. Westbound I-494 is also closed from Highway 77 to Highway 100.
The closures are all because a portion of the I-494 bridge.
"It's important in the summer time to get out and enjoy going to Pride or going to the events, don't let road construction deter your weekend plans. Summer's to have a good time and have fun, just make sure you leave yourself a little bit more time in advance. It's important to do that," said Kevin Walker with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
WCCO
If you use the highways, give yourself an extra 15 minutes of travel time. MnDOT says 511 will give you a good visual of all the closures.
Road closures begin at 10 p.m. Friday and last through 5 a.m. Monday.
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I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like
I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like originally appeared on Parade. When I pulled up to the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, I knew that I'd found the perfect hotel that seamlessly mirrored my personality and overall vibe. The striking architectural design and aesthetically pleasing pale pink facade signaled to my senses that I'd finally found my happy place. As I stepped inside the super luxe lobby, every stress melted away. I was instantly transported to a pink paradise that would be my home away from home for the next three days. Popular for girls' trips, bachelorette weekends, and die-hard Barbiecore fans who dream of staying in a pink hotel, this boutique property reigns supreme. It looks like something right out of Kristin Wiig's comedy-drama series Palm Royale, which is set in luxurious Palm Beach. Related: Before I could even sit down to check in (more on that later), the de Gournay mural on the walls of the property's Living Room stopped me in my tracks. My eyes lit up in delight as I marveled at the hand-painted masterpiece that covered the entire lobby. Flanked by floral-patterned couches and pastel upholstered chairs, the whimsical motif is the focal point. With flamingos sporting pearl necklaces and bedazzled monkeys sitting in trees of a lush garden, it's hard not to be captivated by the brilliant artistry. I was only pulled out of my trance when I saw the host gesture for me to start the check-in process. As an experienced travel writer, hotels are like my second home. From small, budget-friendly accommodations to sprawling, extravagant estates, I've stayed in and reviewed countless properties around the world. Also, as someone who enjoys documenting my travels and creating online content, I'm in-the-know about the most Instagrammable places around the globe and where to take those coveted IG-worthy shots. What's more, I've written about why business owners should prioritize making their spaces visually appealing and social media-friendly. From check-in to check-out, it's my responsibility to gather all the facts and details so I can share them with curious, discerning readers. The first thing that I noticed during check-in was the well-dressed staff. The women wore gorgeous, rose-colored satin dresses and the men donned light-colored, linen suits. The dresses were the prettiest, most flattering hotel uniforms I'd ever seen. It's only fitting for such a stunning, detail-oriented hotel. The moment you step onto the property, you'll notice the hospitality is unmatched. Bellmen rushed to take my bags as I approached. They whisked my luggage away, making me hands-free to hold a refreshing, cold bottle of water that was offered upon my arrival. The host checked me in, gave me a rundown of the amenities, and kindly let me know that my room wasn't ready. Since I'd arrived a couple of hours before check-in, which is 4 p.m. (check-out is 12 p.m.), she suggested that I order lunch at their on-site restaurant, Swifty's, and hang out by the sparkling pool. I happily obliged. By the time I finished lunch and took photos and videos of the pool area and lavish lobby, which also has a Dolce & Gabbana outpost and a couple other in-house retailers, my room was ready. The hotel offers sumptuous accommodations, including 89 guest rooms and suites. On the way to my standard room, I was blown away by the dazzling hallway. On my floor, the walls were adorned with white wallpaper bedecked in geometrical bamboo designs. The carpet was bright pink and covered with verdant leaves. The bold colors, patterns and textures complemented the lobby, but with a slight twist. Related: That same maximalist design approach was executed in my guest room. My eyes quickly gravitated to the light-green floral headboard, which was the clear centerpiece of the space. The wicker furniture and desk with a hidden vanity inside were charming touches that added character to the room. Plus, splashes of pinks and greens throughout made it a dream bedroom for people like me who appreciate bright colors, mixed prints and eye-catching patterns. The best part? The Colony Hotel offers a shoppable room experience. So, almost everything is available for purchase. From Matouk linens to Dyson hair dryers, guests can take a piece of pink paradise back to their homes. Pro Tip: Make sure you don't pass on turndown service. There will be a delicious Parisian treat waiting on your pillow to ensure a sweet slumber. The pool is the place to be if you can pull yourself away from your glamorous room. Comfy lounge chairs, umbrellas and playful inner tubes surround the pool. While chilling in the shade or sunbathing, guests can flip through the latest magazines for light reading. As a long-time magazine lover, I was thrilled to see the 'Poolside Press' newsstand. It gives a cool, retro vibe to the area. Plus, it's one of the most Instagrammable places (there are many) on the property. Swifty's, one of the hotel's two dining venues, is a recommended eatery. Offering three meals a day, it's a great spot to grab a bite while lounging at the lively pool scene. I had several breakfast and lunch meals, including the most delicious salmon bowl I've ever eaten. Breakfast is consistently good with offerings like avocado toast, granola parfait and other morning meal classics. In addition to Swifty's, the Colony is also home to Pink Paradise Cafe. Guests can pick up grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks. Of course, it also serves coffee and pastries for those who need a java and sweet fix. While dining or flipping through magazines poolside, you just might spot vintage-loving celebrities like Kelsey Grammer or Coco Rocha, who are known to frequent the property. The legendary hotel has a long history of being a hotspot for stars and Palm Beach socialites that dates to the 1950s. Some of its famous past guests include Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Lena Horne, to name a few. Drinks and cocktails are always flowing in the Living Room, located in the lobby. This is the prime gathering spot for live entertainment, socializing and people-watching. In fact, the Living Room even has its own series featuring notable personalities and entrepreneurs, which takes place every Wednesday evening. During my stay, Suebelle, the stylish bouffant-wearing famous influencer, was hosting a gathering. The Colony is also where trendy Palm Beachers and tastemakers go for book signings, fashion pop-ups and more. Of course, guests are decked out in the latest designer fashions. From Valentino to Lilly Pulitzer, women go to the Colony to see and be seen. It's a fashion-friendly property where getting dressed up is expected. So, be sure to pack flowy maxi dresses and glittering pink ensembles that will complement your pretty surroundings. It's also a good idea to bring a few casual pieces like tank tops, shorts and, of course, bathing suits. Ahead of my trip, I created a mental mood board to help with my packing list. It prevented me from overpacking and made my clothing selection process easy. If you're looking for a hotel where feminine aesthetics thrive and top-notch amenities abound, the Colony answers the call. That's why it's the ultimate destination for girls' trips, mother-daughter getaways and bachelorette celebrations. Whether you're hanging out at dinner, relaxing by the pool or having a slumber party while wearing the branded white robes, spending time with your favorite girls is always loads of fun. The hotel's ambiance and mesmerizing designs serve as the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Plus, it's just steps or a short drive away from the beach and nearby hotspots. Guests who want to take a dip in the ocean can request a buggy to the beach. Sure, you can walk, but who doesn't want to be chauffeured in style? In true Colony fashion, the buggy is completely branded with all the flair that the property boasts. In the mood to shop? Gather your girls and get some retail therapy on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach's famous luxury shopping district. Designer brands and luxury retailers like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. are mainstays on the strip. Also, be sure to stop in Lilly Pulitzer for vibrant print dresses and darling accessories. If you want to indulge in an off-site dinner, head to Pink Steak, where they keep the pink and green vibes going. The restaurant serves quintessential steakhouse fare like high-quality steaks, seafood and classic sides. It has a lively atmosphere that's ideal for bachelorette party groups. If being out in nature is a must, add the Ann Norton Sculpture Museum to your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to see exquisite sculptures and remarkable artwork while being outdoors. The museum even has a cozy porch for visitors to sit and take in all of nature's beauty. The Flagler Museum is another option for those who crave history and culture. The museum is housed inside Whitehall, Henry Flagler's opulent 75-room Gilded Age mansion, which is also a National Historic Landmark. Prior to my stay at the Colony Hotel, my expectations were extremely high. However, I had no clue that they'd be greatly exceeded. I anticipated that there would be plenty of cute photo-ops, good food and breathtakingly beautiful decor, but I was blown away by the hospitality and amazing attention to detail. Sometimes looks can be deceiving. For example, I've visited several places that were visually appealing but lacked in the quality of service. This hotel excelled in both areas. When I requested a steamer for my dress, it came within minutes and was, of course, pink! From the branded items in my guest room to the staff calling me by name, it was a pink paradise that I plan to revisit for years to come. Rates start at $499-$999, per night, per room in the summer season. High season starts at $999-$2499, per room, per night.I Stayed at Palm Beach's Most Instagrammed Hotel—Here's What It Was Really Like first appeared on Parade on Jun 21, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. How a Solo Bachelorette Helped Me Let Go of My Decades-Long Fear of Marriage originally appeared on Parade. For many people, the day they get engaged is one of the happiest of their lives. When I got engaged seven months ago, it was for me, too, but in the weeks that followed, it led to an identity crisis. Witnessing my parents' rocky marriage turned me off the idea completely. At 18—the age I first realized being married and having kids wasn't the only life path that existed—I decided I wanted the opposite of what I had seen growing up, and to me, that meant never getting married. Then, I fell in love. I was 36 and had just become a licensed foster parent. My focus was on motherhood on my own terms. But after my friends set me up with a cute guy in our friend group, I knew pretty much immediately that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. After we got engaged, I felt grateful for the unexpected turn my life had taken, but I couldn't just shake off my long-held fears of marriage. My partner's parents didn't have a successful marriage either. How could I be sure our marriage would work? I decided to go on a solo bachelorette to think more about all the fears and questions I had. I spent several days at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa, located right outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. The trip ended up changing my views on marriage entirely. Related: Solo travel is a rising trend, especially among women. A survey conducted by tourism marketing firm Future Partners found that nearly 40% of female travelers want to take a solo trip in 2025. Jen Trazer, the founder of female solo travel planning company The Soloist, says women often come to her during a big life transition, such as after getting engaged, divorced or when changing careers. 'Solo travel is more than just a vacation. It's an introspective experience,' she says. Brittany Duffy, a travel expert at Go Ahead Tours, adds to this, saying, 'There's been a cultural shift toward prioritizing self-care and personal wellness, especially around major life events.' Duffy says that social media has helped drive the trend too. 'Social media has normalized solo travel, showing women that it's not only safe but incredibly rewarding. We're also seeing more women who are financially independent and comfortable making their own travel decisions. They're not waiting for others to be available or interested in their dream destination— they're just going.' Trazer says that taking a solo trip by yourself before your wedding (aka a solo bachelorette) isn't mainstream yet, but she says it's becoming more popular, and both experts say there is a lot to gain from taking one. 'A solo bachelorette offers an incredible opportunity for introspection, self-discovery and personal growth during one of life's most significant transitions. This type of trip allows brides-to-be to reconnect with themselves before entering marriage and the next chapter of their lives. There's also something profoundly empowering about celebrating yourself. Instead of focusing solely on the upcoming wedding, you're honoring your journey as an individual,' Duffy says. Related: Civana ended up being a perfect place for introspection because the resort offers a wide variety of classes and workshops created to help you learn more about yourself. I signed up for three: manifesting, numerology and feng shui for relationships. I also signed up for a type of massage I've never heard of before called watsu, which combines water therapy with Shiatsu, a form of Japanese bodywork that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Below are four lessons I learned during my stay that completely transformed my views of marriage and gave me peace before entering my own. In my manifesting workshop, I learned that manifesting is bringing your deepest desires to life. It means visualizing the life you want and taking action. The teacher said it's important to act as if you already know those desires are going to happen. It was easy for me to visualize the marriage I wanted because it reflected the relationship I was currently in. But it served as a reminder that I can take actionable steps to be the wife I want to be. I closed my eyes and visualized myself as a wife. The type of clothes I would wear and the ways my partner and I would support each other. Those are things I can actually do—or in many cases, continue doing. The teacher also shared that having a gratitude practice is an important part of manifesting. 'If you think about things you are lacking in your life, those things will expand. If you think about things you are grateful for in your life, those things will expand,' the teacher told the class. With this in mind, I made a note that I should regularly tell my partner specific reasons why I'm grateful for him. Focusing on what I love about my partner will make me even more grateful for him each day. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice focusing on arranging physical spaces to achieve harmony and balance. In my feng shui for relationships class, I learned how to create a home where love can flourish. 'Your home acts as a vision board for your life,' the teacher told the class. I learned that the back right corner of each floor of the house is the 'love area,' according to feng shui. For me, that meant the den the bottom floor and my bedroom on the second floor. One of the tips was to add touches that feel romantic to your love area, like candles, photos of you as a couple and flowers. This made sense to me: It's easier to feel romantic in a romantic setting than it is in one that's sterile or encourages a different type of mood. She also shared that having photos of anyone outside of your life as a couple was a no-no for the bedroom. 'It's pretty hard to get into a sexy mood if there's a photo of your mom on your nightstand,' she shared. Point taken. It was empowering to learn that I can create a home environment that sets a romantic vibe in my house. I certainly don't want to lose the romance in my relationship after we get married! During my watsu massage, I had to trust my masseuse completely as he gently dragged my body through the water while my head rested on his shoulder and my limbs floated on the surface. This was definitely one of the more out-there wellness activities I'd ever done, but it taught me the power of surrender and going with the flow. As someone who likes to be in charge, it was helpful for me to remember to let go and trust—which is important in relationships too. The most transformative moment of my trip came during a numerology class. Numerology is the belief between numbers and coinciding events. Everyone has their own 'life path' number, a core number derived from your birthdate that can be used to learn more about your personality traits, life challenges and life opportunities—similar to an astrological sign. (You can find out yours with this life path number calculator.) My life path number is nine. 'Nine represents completion—it is the end of the 1-9 number cycle—and it also represents the belief that all things are possible,' the teacher told the class. I calculated my partner's life path number, and his turned out to be a nine as well. Another coincidence is that the year we are getting married (2025) is also a nine. After the class, I asked the teacher if there was any significance in this trio of nines. 'Oh yes,' she said. 'To me, this means that your marriage will be the one to end unhealthy relationship cycles in your families.' For her to say that to me, not knowing the baggage I brought on my solo bachelorette, meant a lot to me. Also, when we calculated the number for my wedding day, it was a two—a number that symbolizes partnership! When I called my partner up that evening to tell him about the class, he thought it was pretty cool too. 'I already knew you were my soulmate, but this just shows how destined we were for each other,' he said. I left the Arizona desert with so much hope and excitement for my wedding day. Armed with the belief that my partner and I were meant to be together and that I could actively create the marriage I wanted, I felt so empowered. It completely erased the fears or doubts I started my trip with. Related: Feeling inspired and want to go on your own solo bachelorette? Sydney Getzin, a travel advisor with FORA Travel, recommends starting with a mood board, either done on Pinterest or old-school with magazine photos. She says to think about what type of environment you want to be in and what activities you want to do. Do you want it to be super active or chill? Tenzer says figuring out your budget early is key and plays a major role in choosing a destination. It's also important to figure out how long you want your solo bachelorette to be. If you want to do some soul-searching on your trip, Tenzer says to think about how you feel most introspective. For some people, that means being out in nature. For others, it means lots of workshops, like the ones I took. Some people learn a lot about themselves by pushing themselves to the limit physically. Knowing what it is for you can help you choose a hotel and destination with these types of activities in mind. Both Tenzer and Duffy say that wellness-focused destinations or resorts are great places for introspection and typically offer interesting classes to take. 'All-inclusive hotels tend to have packages that include food, spa treatments and various classes, so those are great options to look into,' Tenzer says, adding that one she recommends is Marival Resorts. Duffy says that some destinations—like Costa Rica, Bali or Thailand—naturally encourage introspection and self-care. 'They're the perfect backdrop for spa treatments and spiritual practices,' she says. Duffy says it's also important to consider your comfort level with solo travel. 'If you're new to traveling alone, choose destinations known for being solo-female-friendly like Iceland, New Zealand or Japan. If you're more experienced, this might be the perfect time to tackle that bucket-list destination you've been dreaming about,' she says. No matter where you go, all the travel experts emphasize that a solo bachelorette is a reminder that you are still an independent person, even though you are about to enter into a partnership. And Tenzer points out that it doesn't have to be your last solo trip either. After all, you're never done learning about yourself. Next Up:Jen Trazer, founder of female solo travel planning company The Soloist Brittany Duffy, travel expert at Go Ahead Tours Sydney Getzin, travel advisor with FORA Travel How a Solo Bachelorette Helped Me Let Go of My Decades-Long Fear of Marriage first appeared on Parade on Jun 28, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Hike The Blue Ridge Mountains And Sip On Some Of The Best Wine In The South In This Virginia County
While Charlottesville, Virginia, has long been on the radar of travelers from across the Southeast and, perhaps, the entire country, its neighbor to the southwest is still yet-to-be-discovered by those outside the region. Nelson County is where Charlottesville gets its outdoorsy reputation and its incredible Blue Ridge Mountain views. Nestled in the mountains, Nelson County doesn't encompass any major cities or even larger towns. Instead, it's known for its hiking, craft beer, vineyards, and, of course, the amazing vistas that earned its reputation for being the "sunrise side of the Blue Ridge." Want to plan a trip to this idyllic Virginia county where you can get away from the hustle and bustle? Here's everything you need to know about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink in Nelson County. If you're already planning on visiting the vineyards, why not stay at one? Particularly if it means staying with mountain views and luxuriously decorated historic accomodations. The Farmhouse at Veritas is located on the property of Veritas Vineyards and Winery, but not only is it known for its wine, but also its gourmet dining program. There's a delicious multi-course breakfast each morning and the option to book their four-course, prix-fixe dinner Tuesday through Saturday. 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 22920 The six rooms at Orchard House Bed and Breakfast are both comfortable and luxuriously decorated, balancing farmhouse charm with an upscale boutique stay. The inn offers incredible views and, if you visit in the heat of summer, there's a saltwater pool ready for you to cool off. 9749 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949 For a pet-friendly stay and laid-back weekend escape, Rockwell Ridge Inn will put you right where you need to be to access hiking, breweries, and all the beauty of Nelson County. The inn has accommodations for both smaller groups and larger gatherings, all of which have the same modern rustic meets minimalist style. 1562 Afton Mountain Rd, Afton, VA 22920 Explore the outdoors with a side of spookiness. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is nearly a mile long, and, while it was built as a railroad tunnel sometime around 1850, it's now a destination for hikers and bikers. This long, dark tunnel requires a flashlight to navigate. 483 Three Notched Mountain Hwy, Waynesboro VA 22980 If you plan your trip ahead of time, try to coordinate it with a Starry Nights evening at Veritas Vineyards & Winery. This beloved summer tradition includes music in the vineyard, under the spectacular night sky. Depending on your ticket, you can bring a picnic or indulge in a seated three-course meal. 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, Virginia 22920 Crabtree Falls gets its name from not one, but five, cascading waterfalls that are found along this mountain trail. This stunning three-mile hike includes multiple overlooks where you can take in the natural beauty of Nelson County. 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway, Montebello, VA 24464 While Wintergreen Resort is a four-season resort—you can go golfing or hiking in the warmer months—it's truly known for its skiing and snowboarding. This is where you can get your snowy fix, even in the South. 39 Mountain Inn Loop, Nellysford, VA 22958 If your idea of a good country getaway requires a stop by an antique mall, then add the Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore to your list. This large space includes thousands of books, along with antiques ranging from dishware to furniture. 8230 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949 Lots of breweries serve food but few have built a following like Blue Mountain Brewery. This farm brewery grows their own hops, brews some of the state's favorite craft beer, and they have an extensive menu that includes everything you could want while enjoying a cold one. From pretzels to fried pickle dip to pizzas with local meat (including an extensive selection of gluten-free!), you could spend an entire afternoon hanging out here. 9519 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards calls itself a culinary vineyard, and that might be the only way to truly describe the level of both food and wine they're serving. Sit on their back veranda looking out over the mountains and enjoy fresh flavors like tomatillo and cucumber gazpacho or burrata and grilled asparagus salad. 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959 No trip to Virginia is complete without pulled pork barbecue, and The Blue Ridge Pig is one of the best places to get it. They're smoking meats up on top of a mountain, and, on a nice day, there's no better place to sit outside and indulge in a classic barbecue plate. 2198 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958 The restaurant at The Farmhouse at Veritas is open to diners and guests alike, and the four-course meal is one of the most elegant in Nelson County. Taking cues from local flavors and in-season produce, you can expect to find inventive dishes like smashed cucumbers, fromage frais, fried garlic, salmon roe, tarragon, and passion fruit vinaigrette or prime filet mignon, asparagus, red potato hash, and black pepper bordelaise. 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA 22920 With a range from turtle brownies to lavender blueberry cheesecake, Sweet Bliss Bakery is a beloved spot for all things sweet in Nelson County. You can grab desserts-to-go or start off with a sandwich then save your sweets for last. 2789 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958 There are enough craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries throughout Nelson County to fill up not only an entire weekend, but perhaps an entire week. You can bop around either the Nelson 151 or Nelson 29 craft beverage trails, both named for their main thoroughfares. Make sure to hit Three Notch'd Brewing Company, Hazy Mountain Brewery, Blue Toad Hard Cider, Virginia Distillery Company, and Silverback Distillery. and A portion of the Monticello Wine Trail runs through Nelson County and, while Veritas Vineyards & Winery and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards have already been mentioned, there are nearly a dozen vineyards worth visiting (maybe make this a long weekend...). Afton Mountain Vineyards, Cardinal Point Winery, Flying Fox Vineyards, and Lovingston Winery are just a few of the locations that blend classic Virginia varietals with the absolutely jawdropping backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read the original article on Southern Living
