A Trip to Nirvana and Lunch at Java River in Montevideo, Minnesota

My friend, Cindy, and I drove to Montevideo for my annual pedicure at the Nirvana Salon.  This was only my second one, and I resisted the first.  You know how you get an idea in your head about who you are?  I have always considered myself a no-nonsense kind of person when it comes to pampering myself.  Cindy, on the other hand, has always been a girly girl.

I was able to reconcile my ambivalence, however, when I considered that my self-indulgence was actually good for the local economy.  And besides, I loved all that personal attention.  Some of us don't get nearly enough physical contact, so I guess maybe I can scratch if off my "want" list and pencil it onto my "needs" list.  And, I have pretty toes now.  I let Cindy choose my nail color, a rich red like ripe cherries. 

Exhausted and starved from all that pampering, we walked across the street to Java River Coffee House for lunch.  Java River is a local mecca for creative, organic, socially conscious earth mother types.  It's the kind of place not typically found in the far reaches of Minnesota - although their popularity seems to be growing. 

I ordered my favorite item on the menu, a chicken gyro made with happy, locally raised chicken.  Java River supports regional agriculture, serving local products when possible.  Java River is the only food establishment I have known with a mission statement.

Although under new management, Java River continues to support the local arts.  I think it would be wonderful to head back across the state to Chippewa County to take part in the Meander Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl October 2nd, 3rd & 4th. You can find information about this and other creative endeavors at Java River, where a display rack is jammed full of fliers about local artists and events.

Autumn would be the perfect time to enjoy a treat in Java River's cozy courtyard.  Well, perfect for me, anyway.  I noticed there were others who didn't mind the heat and enjoyed sipping cool drinks in the shade.  I'm afraid if I had tried that, I would have have sweated the polish right off my pretty little toenails.