There’s a point every year when I need to see some green and feel the sun’s warmth on my skin. While flying away to a far-flung beach isn’t an option right now, I get my substitute slice of summer at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at St. Paul’s Como Zoo. Built back in 1915, this beautiful glass-domed horticultural treasure is home to more than 10,000 plants, and has several rooms to soak in the splendor, from the Sunken Garden to the Palm Dome. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and you are in a warm, verdant jungle…in January.

Post Halloween Candy Hangover, I soaked up some November one sun along the Stone Arch Bridge—the view of the skyline from this city landmark is one of the best. Check it out before it’s a bridge over icy water!

Sick of rush hour traffic? This is how I speed up the process: the Hiawatha Light Rail Line. I hop on to get to and from the airport, or for an MOA run. Nice and cheap—and fast. If they keep expanding the lines I may ditch my car entirely…

(Fingers crossed.)