How I Celebrated the End of My 30s (and How You Can Plan One Too)
Turning 40 felt like the perfect excuse to pause real life for a minute and make space for the people I want to carry into my next decade. Instead of a long, expensive trip that no one had time for, I planned a 40ish‑hour girls’ staycation, intentionally short, budget‑conscious, and packed with connection, laughter, and a little indulgence.
We didn’t follow this itinerary perfectly (and honestly, that’s part of the magic), but it serves as a great example of how to plan a low‑stress, high‑joy staycation or daycation for a group.
Quick Snapshot
📍 Location: Downtown Minneapolis, MN (with a pit stop in Maple Grove)
⏱️ Length: ~40 hours
👯♀️ Who: 4 girlfriends, all busy adults, all very ready for a break
📅 When: Wednesday–Friday, July 12–14
🎉 Why: Celebrating my 40th birthday and the end of my 30s
💸 Vibe: Affordable base + a few intentional splurges
Why 40ish Hours?
We’re all juggling work, families, and responsibilities, so a long getaway wasn’t realistic. Keeping it to about 40 hours felt symbolic (hello, 40!) and doable. The goal wasn’t to see everything it was to slow down, laugh a lot, and make memories.
If you’re craving time with friends but can’t commit to a full trip, this format is chef’s kiss.
Day 1: Arrival, Trader Joe’s, and Hotel Hanging
🚗 Departure | 1:30 PM
We left from Central Minnesota mid‑afternoon. One car, cozy vibes, saved money on gas and parking.
🛒 Stop #1: Trader Joe’s (Maple Grove)
Trader Joe’s is my go‑to staycation stop when coming from Central Minnesota for affordable flowers, snacks, and drinks. It instantly sets the tone without blowing the budget. It’s great for me because we don’t have the Trader Joe’s option near me, so it feels vacationy and different. It is about halfway to the destinations I go to that are closer to the Twin Cities.
Pro tip: Grab items you can use in‑room later: wine, mixers, desserts, breakfast extras.
🏨 Stop #2: Embassy Suites Minneapolis Downtown (Hilton)
Check‑in: 4:00 PM
Room: 1‑Bedroom Suite with 2 Queen Beds + Sofa Bed (sleeps 6)
Why Embassy Suites works so well for group trips:
- Free made‑to‑order breakfast
- Complimentary evening reception (aka free drinks)
- Separate living space
- Mini fridge + microwave
- Indoor pool
It’s a solid choice when you want comfort, space, and built‑in perks to save you money!
Evening Plans (or Options)
🍸 Complimentary Evening Reception | 5:30–7 PM
Two free cocktails per person + snacks in the Emerald Bar? Yes please. This alone offsets so much of the stay cost.
🏊♀️ Evening Swim
Nothing fancy, just swimsuits, laughs, and letting ourselves feel like kids again.
✨ Late‑Night Options
We kept this intentionally flexible:
- DIY beauty treatments
- Games and conversation in the room
- Or popping out somewhere close like Sneaky Pete’s
Sometimes the best moments happen when you don’t overschedule.
Day 2: Art, Food, and Feel‑Good Fun
🍳 Free Made‑to‑Order Breakfast
Served 6:30–9:30 AM. No rushing, no extra cost.
🏋️♀️ Optional Hotel Gym
Totally optional, but nice for anyone who wanted to move before a relaxed day.
🖼️ Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) | 11:30–2:30ish
It’s FREE! With over 90,000 works spanning 5,000 years, it’s easy to wander at your own pace.
Perfect for groups because you can explore together or split up and regroup later.
🍴 Eat Street Happy Hour & Lunch | 3–5 PM
Eat Street is truly the foodie heart of Minneapolis, making it ideal for grazing, sharing, and casual dining.
A must‑stop for us: Glam Doll Donuts — because every birthday deserves donuts that look like art.
Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
♨️ Option 1: Watershed Spa (Splurge)
We labeled this experience a splurge because, aside from the hotel, it was the largest single expense of the trip. That said, when you break it down by hourly cost, and factor in the experience itself along with the sense of restoration and revitalization, it didn’t feel expensive at all. Watershed offers a communal ritual bathing experience that includes hot soaking pools, a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and dedicated relaxation areas. It was everyone’s first cold plunge, and unexpectedly, it ended up being our favorite part. I also loved this element of a group trip because it naturally built in “alone time” a rare and much-needed break from constant socializing and shared living space. If you can’t commit to the full staycation, this experience on its own paired with a great mea would make an incredible Minneapolis daycation. I so wish I had photos to share, but photography isn’t allowed!
- $54 for 3 hours
- Great for connection, reflection, and deep relaxation
If your budget allows, this is a beautiful way to mark a milestone birthday.
🎳 Option 2: Punch Bowl Social (Budget‑Friendly)
A fun, social alternative with:
- Free board games, cards, giant Jenga, darts
- Happy hour food and drink specials
You can add paid activities or just hang out and enjoy the vibe.
Evening Round Two
🍸 Complimentary Evening Reception (Again!) | 5:30–7 PM
Because free drinks taste even better on night two.
😂 Acme Comedy Company | 8 PM
Ending the day with laughter felt exactly right. Acme is a Minneapolis staple and fun fact: they offer free tickets for your birthday.
Going into 40 laughing was non‑negotiable.
Day 3: Birthday Breakfast & Heading Home
We checked out, enjoyed another free made‑to‑order breakfast, and soaked in our last moments together.
If anyone wanted to extend the staycation, optional ideas included:
- Lunch in Maple Grove (Keep it affordable and check out Groupon)
- Or squeezing in one last Minneapolis stop
Keeping It Affordable (and Fair)
I covered the hotel, but guests could contribute in ways that felt comfortable:
- Bringing ingredients for a signature cocktail
- Providing a shared meal
- Covering parking ($39/day)
- Bringing a game or birthday activity
- Sharing beauty treatments or supplies
This kept things accessible while still feeling special.
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn’t about checking boxes, it was about intentional time. Short trips like this prove you don’t need a week off or a plane ticket to celebrate big moments.
If you’re planning a girls’ trip, birthday, or need a reset, consider a 40ish‑hour staycation. It might be exactly the amount of time you didn’t know you needed!
✨ Save this itinerary, adjust it to your group, and make it your own.