1. B is for Breathtaking Beauty

Where To Stay: Nature's Hideaway

Brandon's undoubtful beauty is a road turn, walk around the bend, and a stroll past the park away. And if you venture far enough, you'll find yourself beyond the Brandon Hills, and winding upon Nature's Hideaway; Brandon's secret stunning stay. Take a weekend to exchange chaos for cozy! Nature's Hideaway's rustic cabins are tucked amongst the trees on the shores of a beautiful pond. Wake up to views of nature, wildlife, and sunrises. You can slow down and shut down by enjoying their impressive selection of DVDs for a fun movie night or hop in their larger than life jacuzzi tub. Enjoy a warm interior with a snow wrapped exterior. The littlest surprises and touches will be worth remembering.

Looking to take care of your mental health? Try to stay off your phone for the duration of your stay. Keep it hidden if needed... out of sight, out of mind!

2. B is for the Brandon Hills

What To Do: Winter Hiking

For the outdoor enthusiast, beauty is found a few kilometres south of the City of Brandon in the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area. The extensive trail system offers easy, intermediate and difficult levels of terrain. Make yourself a hot chocolate to go from the cabin and enjoy a serene winter walk through the hills. Spend an hour or spend the morning!

If you're feeling extra ambitious, plan ahead of time and bring a fat bike or pair of snowshoes for a quintessential winter workout.

3. B is for Breakfast & Brunch

Where To Eat: Komfort Kitchen

Hope you're hungry, because this next stop is serving up large helpings of comfort. It's fitting that you'll be treated like royalty, as you find your way on over to Princess Avenue for Komfort Kitchen's delicacies. It doesn't matter what time you rolled out of bed this morning, because you'll have the choice of both breakfast or brunch this AM! Komfort Kitchen's homemade, hearty platters are as beautiful as they are delicious. You can see the craft and care that goes into creating each plate. Their eggs benedict is a classic choice, with their hungry platter helping to put stomach rumbles to rest.

Highly recommend wearing comfortable, stretchy pants.

4. B is for Books

What To Do: Brandon MCC Thrift Shop

If you're feeling a little thrifty, then the Brandon MCC Thrift Shop is the place to be! Spend some time sorting through treasures and pick up a new-to-you item; there's nothing like a thrifted thrill! Visit their extensive reading section and find a new book or fresh read to take back with you to your hideaway stay.

Looking for an added level of fun? If you're with a friend or loved one, surprise each other by picking out a reading material for the other person. Choose from an assortment of romance, mystery, culture, puzzles, poetry or culinary reads.

5. B is for Bowling

What To Do: T-Birds

A great weekend activity for the young and young at heart takes you to T Birds for the ultimate bowling bonanza! With an impressive offering of 20 bowling lanes, they offer 10-pin and 5-pin plays. Adding into the mix are accommodations for accessible bowling experiences for those who require it, glow-in-the-dark bowling and themed add-ons that make for extra special game time. You can even enjoy food and an adult beverage during game time. How cool is that?

If you're feeling silly on this particular day, try goofy bowling!

Backwards Bowling: (face backwards and roll the ball between your legs)
Dance Bowling: (do a dance move to the line)
Tiptoe Bowling: (walk on your tip toes to the line)
Slow-Mo Bowling: (move in slow motion as you bowl)

If goofy isn't for you, try one of these 10 tricks for fun bowling party games.

6. B is for Benny's

Where To Eat: Benny's Restaurant

Brandon's undeniably impressive food scene will bring you back, but Benny's? They'll bring you back for seconds and thirds. Dinner takes you to Benny's Restaurant on Rosser Avenue -- a great spot for local, fine dining. Treat yourself to tasty, mouthwatering dishes. I recommend:

Bacon Wrapped Scallops - Appetizer
Six scallops wrapped in maple smoked bacon. Served with a tangy cocktail sauce.

Black & Blue Salad - Entree
6oz top sirloin broiled to your liking. Mixed greens, crumbled blue cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes and roasted artichoke hearts with a dijon vinaigrette.

Braised Lamb Shank - Entree
Topped with ‘red wine demi” sauce. Served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Creme Brulee - Dessert

If you're looking for an adult beverage, may I suggest their Blue-Eyed-Blonde martini?

7. B is for Brews

Where To Go: Section 6 Brewing

Brandon's craft beer brewing scene is growing, enough so that a fun beer crawl is only a 'hop' away for an evening nightcap. See what I did there? Head on over to meet new friends at Section 6 Brewing. They have a great selection of in-house beers on tap and welcome guest brew features as well. Section 6 also accommodates those wishing to wet their whistle of other alcoholic spirits or those looking for none at all. Grab a chair and stay awhile.

If you're still feeling hungry into the evening...order food from the Dock on Princess across the street to eat and enjoy at Section 6.

8. B is for a Beautiful Morning

How To: Wrap Up The Weekend

The morning has come, but not without a well-deserved long and slow start to the day. Keep the pajamas on a little longer and get that fresh hot pot of coffee brewing. It's time to get out those freshly baked treats from Blue Hills Bakery and pull out your newly thrifted book finds from yesterday. Cozy up in bed under the sheets or on the couch with a great window view. Curl up in a blanket, make sure the electric fireplace is on and enjoy the morning. It's yours!

Take out and try out the pair of binoculars provided by Nature's Hideaway. You may see something moving out in the distance past the pond. How many birds and winter friends can you find?

The crucial ending to any memorable getaway is thinking, "yup, I'd come back here." Between the serenity of a slow morning and the fast thrill of a bowling lane, there's a tempo of speed found here for everyone. Brandon will not only have you wanting to come back, but leave you wondering how soon until you can return again.

Travel Manitoba was hosted by Brandon Tourism who did not review or approve this story.