The Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) has been around for a long time. It refers to the ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Feeling relaxed, cozy and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, community and fire all encompass the idea of hygge. It began to catch on in the United States last year.
Trend-setting Grand Marais hosted the first annual Hygge Festival last February. In honor of the second annual Hygge Festival Feb. 9-15, participating resort and restaurant owners throughout Cook County will keep their fireplaces blazing during the month of February, so visitors can drop by to warm their fingers and toes, and possibly enjoy a warm or cold beverage. A dozen or more fireplaces will be featured on the tour, including wood, gas, outdoor hearths and fire pits.
“The whole point of hygge is to slow down and get cozy,” said Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County. “After enjoying activities like snowshoeing through the woods, stargazing, drinking hot chocolate and watching Lake Superior, we hope visitors will take time to sit by the fire and snuggle. And we hope some visitors rise to the challenge of relaxing next to all of the fireplaces featured on the tour.”
The second annual festival will feature some new events:
. Fat tire biking
demonstrations
. Knitting lessons
. Cross-country skiing tour
at twilight
. Fireplace tour featuring
some historic fireplaces in
Cook County
Favorite events from last year will also be back:
. Hygge-themed menus
. Bonfires with live music
. Mukluk ball
For more info about the second annual Hygge Festival and for dates and times, visit: www.visitcookcounty.com/event/hygge-festival/
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