Have you ever wanted to step into a magical world while taking a bathroom break? Well, look no further than the enchanting concept of a magical water closet cafe! This unique idea combines the charm of a traditional cafe with the whimsy of a fantastical world. Imagine walking into a cozy cafe with beautiful, hand-painted murals adorning the walls. As you make your way to the water closet, you begin to notice that something is different. The door to the restroom is not just a regular door, but a portal to another world. As you turn the knob and step through, you find yourself transported to a magical realm filled with wonder. Each water closet is themed differently, taking inspiration from various mythologies, fairy tales, and folklore.
"You've got this tree that's growing out of the rock for at least 400 or 500 years," Novitsky said. "And just to stand in the presence of something that's living, that's that old, to me is mind-boggling."
In no event shall the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the contents of the website. The tree was the sacred ground for prayers for a safe crossing of Lake Superior and for fishing success, writes Timothy Cochrane in Minong The Good Place Ojibwe and Isle Royale.
Each water closet is themed differently, taking inspiration from various mythologies, fairy tales, and folklore. Perhaps you find yourself in a restroom adorned with mermaid motifs, with soothing sounds of waves playing in the background. Or maybe you stumble upon a water closet that resembles an enchanted forest, complete with gentle birdsong and the scent of fresh pine.
Spirit of Lake Superior
On Hat Point along the northwest shore of Lake Superior stands a gnarled elder of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota’s Ojibwe people: Manido Gee-zhi gance, Spirit Little Cedar Tree. To reach it, one must pass through a grove shrouded by old man’s beard, an ethereal, light-green lichen. The lichen is “very sensitive to air pollution, so we’re happy that it grows so well here,” says Seth Moore, wildlife biologist for the Grand Portage Band.
At the bottom of a steep trail waits the tribe’s sentinel, a northern white cedar, or arborvitae, in which a spirit is said to dwell. The species, Thuja occidentalis, grows slowly on cliff faces and in northern swamp forests. The earliest written record of this aged specimen is from the French Canadian explorer Sieur de la Vérendrye in 1731, who called it a mature cedar at the time.
The Witch Tree, as it was later named, likely began life in a fissure in the granite rock that lines the lake. There it survived gales, ice floes, and blizzards—for a time. Then an unknown event, perhaps a lightning strike, damaged the tree’s crown but left its main root alive. A root sprout arose, entwining the original trunk.
As the rock fissure in which the cedar grew slowly weathered, a deep path cracked open. The tree’s roots followed, extending into the lake. Manido Gee-zhi-gance became halfland, half-water. Beneath the surface, fish dart among the roots. Above the waves, the tree’s branches offer a safe haven to the eagle and the raven.
“When you go to the Witch Tree,” says Don Hoaglund, a Grand Portage Band member, “you’re stepping into a different world.” The tree was the sacred ground for prayers for a safe crossing of Lake Superior and for fishing success, writes Timothy Cochrane in Minong—The Good Place: Ojibwe and Isle Royale. Offerings of tobacco and ribbon—and earlier, vermilion—were placed in its tortuous branches. The gifts, it was hoped, would appease Mishipizheu, the Underwater Lynx. Mishipizheu, the Ojibwe whispered, dwelled in a lair in the lake’s depths. The tradition continues today. Visitors—who must be accompanied by a member of the Grand Portage Band—leave tokens in the tree’s arms.
For all its powers, the Witch Tree nearly met its end some thirty years ago: its rocky promontory, which was in private hands, came up for sale. “The guy who owned the land had a little shack where he used to sell souvenirs of the tree,” says Hoaglund. "People were taking pieces of it, destroying the Spirit Tree little by little.”
Hoaglund and fellow band member Bill Corcoran teamed up with Rick Novitsky, then-director of the Grand Portage Band’s natural resources department, to rescue the tree. Forming the “Friends of the Witch Tree,” they raised $85,000 to purchase the land. The last payment was made in May 1990. “We had to save it,” says Novitsky. “It embodies the determination and resilience of the Ojibwe people.”
Where there is life, however wizened, there remains spirit.
The Spirit Tree is located in Grand Portage, 35 miles (56.3km) northeast of Grand Marais in Minnesota’s Cook County. Also known as Little Cedar Spirit Tree or Manidoo-giizhikens, this tree grows twisted and gnarled from bare rock on the shore of Lake Superior. There are records of this tree presence dating back over 300 years. It is considered sacred by the Ojibwe Indian Tribe who traditionally leave tobacco at this ancient tree as an offering. There are records of this tree presence dating back over 300 years. The tree is considered off limits due to it’s hallowed nature and past vandals. The only way to visit the tree is by being accompanied by a local band member. The trail to the Spirit Tree is easy and well maintained with stairs that lead down to an observation deck.
The magical water closet cafe concept doesn't just stop at the design. Inside each water closet, you'll find surprises, such as interactive displays, hidden puzzles, or even talking mirrors that offer words of wisdom. It's an experience like no other, providing a delightful escape from reality, if only for a few minutes. But the magic doesn't end there. As you exit the water closet, you re-emerge into the cozy cafe setting, where you can indulge in delicious treats and beverages. The cafe menu might also incorporate magical elements, featuring drinks that change color or food that disappears into thin air. It's a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The magical water closet cafe concept appeals to people of all ages. Children will be mesmerized by the whimsical themes and interactive elements, while adults can embrace their inner child and allow their imaginations to run wild. It's the perfect place to go with friends, family, or even on a solo adventure. So, if you find yourself in need of a restroom break and want to experience something truly magical, seek out a magical water closet cafe. Step through the door and be transported to a world of enchantment, where everyday worries and stresses fade away, if only for a moment. It's an experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and longing for a return visit..
Reviews for "Exploring the Mystical Ambiance of a Water Closet Cafe"
- Jenny - 2 stars - I was really excited to check out the Magical water closet cafe after hearing so many great things about it, but I was hugely disappointed. The concept is interesting, I'll give them that, but the execution is just not there. The food was mediocre at best and the service was slow and unattentive. The cafe itself also lacked any sort of charm or atmosphere. Overall, I would not recommend going to this place unless you're really desperate for a unique toilet-themed experience.
- Alex - 1 star - What a waste of time and money! The Magical water closet cafe is nothing more than a tacky and tasteless gimmick. The food was subpar and overpriced, and the whole idea of eating while surrounded by toilets just grossed me out. The staff seemed disinterested and unenthusiastic. Save your money and go somewhere else where you'll actually enjoy your meal instead of feeling like you're in a bathroom.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I really wanted to like the Magical water closet cafe, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The toilet theme just felt forced and uncomfortable. The food was average and overpriced, and the service was slow and inattentive. The whole experience left me feeling disappointed and wanting to leave as soon as possible. I cannot recommend this place to anyone looking for a enjoyable dining experience.