What an incredible experience and a fun way to spend the morning into a lovely brunch with friends. My friend was able to book this experience for 7 of us at 10am on a Saturday morning. We arrived and parked at the Seven Acre Dairy parking lot, then checked it at the cafe aka where the best ice cream of all time is served. The folks staffing the counter are always so friendly and this case was no different. A gentlemen ensured we had signed the waivers, recommended a sauna hat (more to come on that later), and then took us down to the sauna telling us that it is pretty hot in there already as he had 'tested' it out this morning.
The experience comes with a covered dome changing area, chilled water, slippers to walk around in, and a locker to store your personal items in. You should NOT bring anything metal into the sauna and restrooms are located inside the main building by the entrance. Make sure that you bring MULTIPLE towels - one to sit on and one to use to dry off after, a change of clothes, and a mental fortitude to get you through the cold plunge, which SURPRISE if you didn't know, is just jumping into the flowing river.
Now, let's talk about the sauna experience itself. Gorgeous. Well maintained, finnish sauna that is wood burning. So, it gets HOT. When we entered it was already at 180 degrees and went almost to 200 while we were in there. If you've never heard of a sauna hat and assuredly if you've never been to a sauna, I recommend getting one of these. It's made of wool and actually blocks heat from getting in, which keeps you overall, much cooler while inside the sauna. This is very important since heat rises and the sauna has two levels. Most sit on the second level and put their feet on the first, so you yourself are up higher and get ALOT of heat. There were many times, I tried to lay down on the second level or just squatted lower to reduce the heat coming through. But my fiance used the sauna hat and was perfectly fine.
As mentioned, we had 7 of us attend and all 7 of us in there was pretty cramped. You could fit 4 and 4 on the second level on either side or stagger between the first and second level, but overall it was tight. I think 7 was a good number, 6 would be great too, 8 would be cozy and no matter how close you are, sweating together in close proximity is a bonding experience.
You're able to add more wood or essential oils to the coals above to add a smell, but be warned that the smells are strong and don't require much to be added. You should also add it to the water in what you scoop rather than directly to the coals. The air will become spicy for a bit then settle.
Now, after you're sufficiently overheated, it's time for a plunge. We went in February so it was still winter and about 30 degrees outside. That being said, leaving the sauna to the outdoor weather was phenomenal. A cold plunge in itself but in the best way. The river, is much colder than 30 and is flowing, so it's VERY cold. The sign recommends 10, 30, 60, or 120 second plunges to optimize the ritual, but we could all barley make it to 5 most of the time. It takes alot of mental fortitude to get to the 30 seconds and if you do, I recommend hovering your hands and feet out of the water. Since they're your farthest appendages and get the least amount of blood flow, they freeze up first and hurt- basically giving yourself frost bite. Once you're sufficiently frozen yourself, head back into the sauna and be grateful for the heat.
Writing this all out, I can't help but think of this as some type of punishment, but after the second time in the river, I did feel better. There was an airy head high that I felt and my body while tense in the river relaxed well in the sauna and after the event was relaxed the rest of the day.
We had breakfast at seven acre afterwards which was a fantastic comfort. and I would totally do this again with friends.
That being said, some things to note. Your towels will get dirty. Because you go into the open river, dirt and grime build up as well as what is on peoples shoes and feet. I would bring a water bottle - NOT METAL to leave right outside the sauna or to bring in and drink on short occasions. Hydrating is key!!! Wet wipes would also be good to bring for after or just plan to shower at home. You are sweating most of the time so deodorant and sprays would be good for after if you plan to go out. Also, be ready to be watched! People thought we were crazy walking around in our bathing suits and going into the river when they were bundled up!!
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