During Minnesota’s Governor’s Fishing Opener, Green Lake was filled with anglers, cameras, onlookers, dignitaries, politicians and me. All expected. Although, I was quite surprised to see so many American white pelicans. In the past, the giant white birds and their brilliantly orange bills, once-rare to Minnesota, were a threatened species. From 1878 to 1968, Minnesota […]
The Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. It was designed to improve Minnesota’s economy, held as a venture between the state’s resort industry, media, and public officials. For me, and many others, it serves as the official kickoff of the summer tourism season. Travel and tourism are a $14.4 […]
Jake’s Pizza and Restaurant was a must-stop during the #MNGFO2018. Located in downtown Willmar, around the corner from Foxhole Brewhouse, Rosita’s and The Goodness Coffee House, Jake’s Pizza is a local favorite. From the spacious layout, accommodating for big groups after games or celebrations, to the thin crust, cheesy, melty pizza masterpieces, Jake’s really delivers. […]
While venturing around Willmar during the #MNGFO2018, I stumbled upon the pedestrian bridge that extends across the stacks of railroad tracks. It is not out of the ordinary to see long trains in Willmar. Kandiyohi County has been a railroad hub for more than 120 years. The long strings of engines pull commodities like coal, […]
LuLu Beans Coffee Shop is one of the coolest places to hang out in Willmar. Located in a converted old house off First Street, LuLu’s is the epitome of home-away-from-home. Comfy, eclectic furniture adding to the cozy ambiance with vintage postcards of Willmar’s yesteryears along with chalkboard menus and artisan pieces for purchase everywhere. In […]
Over the next few weeks, I am going to be telling you all the things I did during and on the way back from the 71st Annual Minnesota Governors Fishing Opener in the Willmar Lakes Area. First stop – Sibley State Park in the Kandiyohi County, located 15 miles north of Willmar on U.S. Highway […]
A very happy Mother’s day to all of the birth, adoptive, fur, rescue and second Moms out there! And to my favorite Minnesota woman: my Mom (isn’t she gorgeous?!) To the woman who taught me the importance of road trips in your hometown, singing your lungs out in the car, and loving the whispering pines you were born […]
Perfect sunset for fishing in the morning.
Another MayDay Parade and Festival has come and gone, but how incredible it was! The free event takes place in the Powderhorn neighborhood in South Minneapolis. It has been produced by In the Heart of the Beast Theater (HOTB) since 1975, taking place the first Sunday of May. The festivities bring out more than 50,000 […]
This past Thursday was the 15th anniversary of Second Harvest Heartland’s signature fundraising gala; Dish: Cuisine for Change. Held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul, the event included gourmet cuisine from 20+ local chefs, wine and cocktail tastings including shrimp and grits from the Oceanaire Seafood Room; farro and arugula salad from […]
The North Pole Restaurant has been a fixture in Newport, Minnesota for decades. The restaurant began in 1947 as a soda fountain in Village Drug on 21st Street in Newport. Customers could get fountain service while they waited for their prescriptions to be filled. Robert E. North (Bob) purchased the place and renamed it Newport […]
“I love everything Minnesota.” – Seann William Scott [Actor, Comedian, Producer, Minnesotan] Pictured: Wilson Bay, Voyageur
The Lynhall in Minneapolis is a hybrid of a coffee shop, bakery, full bar, and an upscale restaurant. It’s a LynLake neighborhood favorite brunch spot with a rustic, cozy, and inviting ambiance. The comfortable, bright, warm, welcoming space has a mix of communal dining tables and cafe seating complete with a fireplace, a magical hallway […]
I was lucky enough to attend the preview party at the American Swedish Institute’s newest exhibit, The Fantastical Worlds of Kim Simonsson. We began by stepping inside the “moss-covered”, fairytale-like imagination of Finnish artist/sculptor, Kim Simonsson, filled with life-sized, “moss-covered” children, animals and other mysterious characters. The American Swedish Institute exhibition displays 35 selections of […]
Victor’s 1959 Cafe just off Grand Ave, brings a little piece of Cuba to south Minneapolis. The snug hole-in-the-wall was originally a Shell gas station in the 1920’s and later operated as a Dairy Queen until it became Rick’s Ol’ Time Café. Victor’s has since become a fast favorite and Cuban go-to. They serve up […]
If you are interested in history, you need to check out the “The 1968 Exhibit” at the Minnesota History Center. 1968 was a pivotal year. ‘68 saw the Tet Offensive, the turning point of the Vietnam War, the assassinations of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, the rise of Black Power, […]
If you are in search of something to do this weekend, I recommend checking out Carver Junk Co’s CJC@HOME event in Victoria. Taking place at one of Stonegate Builders latest homes, the event showcases all of the incredible products you would usually find at Carver Junk Co.’s stores but staged in a way that brings […]
These beauties are from Dorothy Ann Bakery and Cafe in Woodbury. The delightful bakery goes all out for different holidays making it my must stop for Easter/Passover. So the story goes, St. Paul baker Ed Durin and his wife Dorothy Ann owned several bakeries. In 1951, when Ed was retiring, Walter Grochowski purchased one of […]
Located in the historic Northern Pacific Center on Brainerd’s eastside, the Roundhouse Brewery takes its name from the railroad building with a circular or semicircular shape used by railroads for servicing and storing locomotives. The taproom includes the exposed brick and historic look that is part of the Clock Tower, once headquarters to the Northern […]
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, also known as Kathio Site, is a Minnesota state park on Mille Lacs Lake in Onamia. The park contains 19 identified archaeological sites, including Petaga Point, making it one of the most significant archaeological collections in Minnesota. The earliest site dates to the Archaic period and shows evidence of copper […]
