As students explore the world and encounter unexpected restaurants, travel locations, hikes, and shops, they create a list of hidden gems. These hidden gems may be more ‘underground,’ a ‘hot take’ or opinion on the location. Benilde-St. Margaret’s students have found hidden gems in the state of Minnesota, within The United States, or even across the world.
Sophomore Chella Pufpaff came across her hidden gem while on a family trip in Duluth, Minnesota. While in Duluth a couple of years ago, Pufpaff’s mother was interested in finding an excursion for the day when she came across an ‘underground’ hike: Sand River Trail, a 4.7-mile trail along the shoreline. This presented not only a perfect workout but also a magical scenery. Pufpaff’s family has traveled to Duluth each year since to hike this trail. “It’s really beautiful, and it’s always such a good hike, you get to see lots of animals, the water, flowers and everything else,” Pufpaff said.
More locally, BSM science teacher Mark Peterson can be found eating authentic Mexican food at his hidden gem, Homi, located on University Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. Homi is a particularly small restaurant with half a dozen tables comparable to the size of an average classroom. Peterson’s go-to meal at Homi is the chicken mole served over rice. “It’s authentic, you know, authentic Mexican food, it’s just amazing and their mole is perfect,” Peterson said.
Some students’ hidden gems are places where they find the newest clothing trends for better prices, staple jewelry pieces, or even room decor. Junior Rylee Vieau came across her hidden gem when getting her nails done in Wayzata, Minnesota. Vieau’s hidden gem, NEAR + NORTH, is a local boutique selling larger brands, including Enewton, a popular jewelry line. “I go [to NEAR & NORTH] probably every other weekend with my friends… I recommend it because I feel you can find good deals on cute clothing,” Vieau said.
Across the world and into The Bermuda Triangle, senior Siri Gudmundson discovered her hidden gem: St. George. Gudmundson spent her 2024 Spring Break in St. George, Bermuda, where she explored a variety of blush-sand beaches, tropical foods, local stores, and lush walking paths. Gudmundson stayed in Fort St. Catherine, the northernmost part of the island, offering breathtaking views of the Gatorade blue water. “I’ve never really heard of anyone going there, and I had never heard of it before. My parents brought up the idea, and then once I went there, it was just one of the most beautiful places,” Gudmundson said.