Truffles and Tortes, Truffles and Tortes, where do I even start? Charming, yes. Quaint, indeed! Edible works of art, positively. Sinful, absolutely… Suggested by my sister Heather, the sweetest little shop of Main Street in downtown Anoka may offer savory food like chicken wild rice soup and pillowy quiche, but I need to tell you […]
If you find yourself in Anoka, head over to the Georgian Revival style designed Historic Old Post Office Building off East Main Street. Designed by prolific architect James Knox Taylor, the beautiful entrance will have you wanting to wander the halls. Once there, make your way upstairs to Emerald Isle Antiques and Gifts. The building […]
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 […]
When I say that Anoka is ”The Halloween Capital of the World”, its not just because of the fun parades or the inflatable pumpkins. Anoka carries a much more sinister past. Anoka State Hospital, also known as First State Asylum for the Insane, Anoka State Asylum and most recently Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, Minnesota’s largest […]
Last month, U.S. Postal Service issued four Jack-o’-lanterns Forever Stamps and Anoka was chosen to host the unveiling. It only makes sense, being the “Halloween Capital of the World” and all. Anoka was chosen for the dedication ceremony after a letter-writing campaign exposed Anoka’s long Halloween history. Also, 2016 is the 100th anniversary of the towns historic […]
If you’re a #Halloween #holiday fan, like myself, plan to spend some time in #DowntownAnoka, specifically leading up the big day. With a rightful claim to fame as the #HalloweenCapitaloftheWorld, #Anoka deserves the accolade. From hosting one of the first #Halloweenparades in #1920, in an attempt to take the “trick” out of “#trickortreat”, to having […]
Of all the extra stops Emily and I made after tea, this one was the most charming. Anoka’s own Nic Nac Paddywac’s on Main Street is more concrete than an occasional shop but embodies the flair, ease and newness of one. As an albeit-‘artist collective’, the vintage, garden, whimsy Parisian décor changes often. Further setting […]
Continuing along in Anoka, the historic Mississippi River town just north of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Emily and I next stopped at the Avant Garden espresso bar. Although it’s off Main Street, we found it by walking through their graffiti covered alley, stumbling onto their back patio. We know how to make an entrance. Avant […]
After the tea party, in our tea party dresses, Emily (@thegoodwithin) and I explored downtown Anoka. She was in search of a past-favorite watering hole. Serum’s Good Time Emporium has been around forever. With a building that dates back to 1885, huge neon marques inside and a mix of antiques and baubles all over the […]
“It began with the tea,” the Hatter said… And yesterday did indeed. I, along with a few of my favorite ladies had a tea party. Well, tea service at the Mad Hatter Tea Room, that is. Opened in 1999 in the old Post Office building in downtown Anoka, its located in the historic Woodbury House […]
