If you know me well, you’ll know that I have a deep love of all things holiday. Decorating, baking, presents, themed movies, you name it, I love it. There is one winter festivity that reigns supreme for me and it has every single year since its inception. The Union Depot’s Annual Holiday Bake Sale is […]
When it comes to art, I naturally gravitate toward local. Lucky coincidence because St. Paul’s Dow Artist Studios had their annual open house, Do The Dow, this weekend and I was able to get my fill. An exhibition that featured work from 25 different artists including Carolyn Brunelle, Noreen Tyler, Martha Kuzzy, Joan Cox, Steve […]
I have mentioned Anoka, Minnesota as “The Halloween Capital of the World,” but I haven’t told you why. While the holiday had been recognized for quite some time, it wasn’t until 1920 when George Green and other Anoka civic leaders suggested the idea of a giant celebration that included an evening parade to keep young […]
If you need something to do to this weekend, I suggest making your way to the Twin Cities Pumpkin Nights at the State Fairgrounds. Displaying more than 3000 pumpkins along the half mile walking path, Pumpkin Nights takes a theatrical approach to the typical pumpkin patch. You’ll see things like; Scarecrow Row, International Bazaar, the […]
The Great Minnesota Get Together came to a close on Monday. Another year, another 12 days of deep fried, chocolate-dipped, stacked high, served on a stick, roasted, on a bun, in a cone foods and festivities. Luckily, I was there to see it all. I even spent some time with WCCO Radio on the final […]
It’s not hard to love our next stop at the Minnesota State Fair. As we are winding down our Drink Your Way Through The Fair with Lift Bridge, it only makes sense to end drinking this much with a dance. To Grease Lightning at Andy’s Grille, that is! Every hour, on the hour, the staff […]
I’ve spent this week talking about all the great places and things to try at the Minnesota State Fair but, I haven’t told you what my top-of-the-list, get’um every time, so good you cant have just one, hoard them and never share, State Fair food is. Cheese Curds. I can’t even talk about them without salivating. […]
This is Joe. Joe loves beer. Joe loves beer so much that he has “BEER ME” tattooed on his knuckles. Joe also works at Lift Bridge and just so happens to also love the $2 burgers and $3 beers at the Midway Men’s Club. Its been at the State Fair since the ’60’s, taking the […]
Let me just avoid any confusion; it’s Meatloaf-on-a-Stick. Now that is out of the way lemme tell you where to find it. The Blue Barn, a venture by the Blue Plate Restaurant Company who started Highland Grill in 1993 and grew to include The Lowry, Longfellow Grill, Scusi, Groveland Tap, Edina Grill, 3 Squares Restaurant, […]
As soon as Brad (pictured, just moments before his glucose and mood elevated) said Lift Bridge (and me!) were headed to the Minnesota State Fair, there was one thing on my mind, chocolate chip cookies. If I know anything, its that people will wait all year just to get their hands on a fresh-out-of-the-oven, filled […]
On the south side of Carnes Avenue, between Liggett and Nelson streets sits Frontier Bar. A place known more for their attention to detail with their quirky, funny, western, saloon decor than nearly any other place at the fair – it just so happens to be the next stop as we drink our way through […]
When it comes to the Minnesota State Fair, happy people are a good indication of a worthwhile stop. The Ball Park Cafe on Underwood, between Carnes and Dan Patch Avenues, is just that. A favorite of the Lift Bridge folk, adding it our “Drink Your Way Through the Fair” trek, The Ball Park Cafe is […]
The next stop on our ‘Drink Your Way Through The Fair‘ adventure with Lift Bridge is by far one of the most well-known. O’Gara’s at the Fair has been a mainstay since it moved from the Food Building to its standalone location in 2010. It’s a staple and a local favorite with very good reason. Live […]
Welcome to the Minnesota State Fair! Yesterday marked the culmination of the excitement that’s been building all year long, the first of the 12 day extravaganza that is the Minnesota State Fair. The largest state fair in the United States by average daily attendance, “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” has been marked a permanent tradition since […]
If you are a car lover like myself, I have something you should definitely add to your #mnbucketlist. The MN C&C (ahem, cars and coffee) is a monthly gathering of automotive enthusiasts for ooo-ing and ahh-ing. It’s hosted at the Auto MotorPlex in Chanhassen off Audubon, the first Saturday of the month from April through […]
What is Community? What does it mean to you? These are questions we have all asked ourselves in our own collective pursuits. When we look to bridge gaps, end forms of oppression and different kinds of conflict, and to go further, when we decide who to vote for, where to volunteer our time, how we […]
As soon as I found out that the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener was going to be in McGregor, I knew I had to go to Mark’s Bar. A town staple that serves as a favorite watering hole for locals, vacationers, townies, “just passin’ through”s and overnight-ers; ask anyone in McGregor and they’ll know Mark’s. A […]
One of the perks of being at the Governor’s Annual Fishing Opener (69th this year!) is being in close proximity to wildlife and natural resource experts. You get this rare chance to understand an area that others merely pass through and I took full advantage. Savanna Portage State Park is only a few short miles […]
When it comes to road trips, I always seek out anywhere that serves up coffee and carbs. And when I was on my way up to the 2016 Governor’s Fishing Opener in McGregor this past weekend, I found exactly what I was looking for. Opened in 2006 by Mark and Stacy Bohn, the McGregor Baking […]
You don’t look a day over 150! Footnote: Minnesota gained legal existence as the Minnesota Territory in 1849, and became the 32nd U.S. state on May 11, 1858.
