tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817420593402134262024-02-21T04:51:17.019-08:00MNStyledAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281742059340213426.post-82760597606913546552015-02-08T17:35:00.001-08:002015-02-08T18:36:14.880-08:00History in the Heart of Minneapolis<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Stone Arch Bridge, in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, is one of those rare places that is historic, beautiful, and still very much a part of life in the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Stone Arch Bridge has always been one of my favorite Minnesota must-sees. I love the historic feel it adds to a modernized city. It has a classic structure, but it's the only arched bridge made of stone that crosses the Mississippi. Even though the bridge has only recently been converted into a walking path for pedestrians, it still holds memories for millions. So many late night strolls have been taken, first dates and kisses had, races and marathons run, proposals made, pub crawls peddled, pictures taken, the list goes on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The history of the Stone Arch Bridge spans back to 1883, when it was constructed by railroad tycoon James J. Hill, and was surrounded by working mills of all types. Don't get me wrong, this post isn't supposed to be a history lesson, but this structure is <i>simply</i> amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">History aside, take a look at the incredible view! With St. Anthony's Falls to your left and the Minneapolis Skyline directly in front of you (depending on which way you're facing), it's no wonder the bridge is always bustling with people. Even in the dead of winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With all the runners passing me by as I <i>casually</i> strolled across the bridge, I thought I'd try to join in with a quick freeze frame! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check it out! Rain, snow, freezing temps or shine, the Stone Arch Bridge is a Minnesota must-see for all.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281742059340213426.post-31487352717840723132015-02-01T12:46:00.001-08:002015-02-08T17:58:51.253-08:00Ice Fishing? Sure! I'll Try Anything Once. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I must start this post by saying that I am not the most "outdoorsy" Minnesotan in the state. However, ice fishing is arguably the most classic winter activity, so I had to give it a try! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been ice fishing one other time in my life, when I was around 13. I remember I spent the entire time panicking because I could hear the ice expanding (aka making loud cracking noises) underneath me. Now, ten years later I put my big girl pants on and headed out to one of the largest lakes in Minnesota, Lake Minnetonka.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not having much of an idea of what to bring, my dad equipped me with an auger, fishing pole, and grub worms. As you can tell by the expression on my face, I thought those grub worms were pretty nasty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Besides that, getting started was pretty simple. First step, drill a hole in the ground with your auger, this also doubles as a workout. Next, bait the hook and get ready to get up close and personal with those grub worms. Finally, grab a bucket, drop your line in the water, and wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'd say the hardest part about ice fishing is not drilling the hole or baiting the worm, but waiting for the fish to bite. While I had several layers on, it was about 13 degrees outside and I was <i>freezing</i>. I stared at the two fishermen next to me with envy, as they walked into their toasty warm ice house. I tested my patience, and after about 8 minutes I decided to call it a day.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleB1Sw4sB0slpBEqy5TiMgfV7P_fPYno9nmpFW8k__GgbyxwYFclvEkvkxKWizMQfXJHGdhP2CDl0UxjNqN-FaW9Me2jgOs8-fY3-K3pVQ_3oL-ctHSBMgrg_aSJrSIWClSCLFDnBjAI/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleB1Sw4sB0slpBEqy5TiMgfV7P_fPYno9nmpFW8k__GgbyxwYFclvEkvkxKWizMQfXJHGdhP2CDl0UxjNqN-FaW9Me2jgOs8-fY3-K3pVQ_3oL-ctHSBMgrg_aSJrSIWClSCLFDnBjAI/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although it was a great experience and I am glad I tried it, I have decided my favorite part of ice fishing is warming up with a big cup of hot chocolate afterwards!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281742059340213426.post-882492570810617812015-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:002015-02-08T18:03:27.961-08:00St. Paul's 24 Hour Host<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nestled in the heart of downtown St. Paul is one of Minnesota's claims to fame, Mickey's Diner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Does anyone remember the movie Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? I remember watching this movie as a kid and loving it because it was filmed in Minnesota. I haven't seen the movie in years, but to this day I distinctly remember the scene filmed in Mickey's Diner. I think it stuck with me because Mickey's is truly a unique dining experience, and a historical landmark unlike any other in Minnesota. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To a kid, or person of any age, places like this are simply fascinating. As soon as you walk in the door, you find yourself thrown into the chaos of the tiny 50x10 foot interior, watching the employees behind the counter cook meals and serve customers like a well-oiled machine. I don't think I said more than a few words the entire time I was there, I was so infatuated with the entire place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Open twenty-four hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year since 1939. That's a lot of Mickey's history! Think about it, this diner has been running non-stop since it opened 76 years ago. That fact in itself is what truly makes Mickey's a note-worthy destination in Minnesota. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunsHcKwOip3VWkdNsHWbFtrRL4Vrwgzm7793eEfoUlFkFl0i-mXuUjuBci-W8Tul0utpy1kfm85VckVMx2CF3QF6NJQGrs7zt3GKDYbUGSm4QQoXQ8N_N2NSUyDWOv3ijUaCChGUBIYo/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhunsHcKwOip3VWkdNsHWbFtrRL4Vrwgzm7793eEfoUlFkFl0i-mXuUjuBci-W8Tul0utpy1kfm85VckVMx2CF3QF6NJQGrs7zt3GKDYbUGSm4QQoXQ8N_N2NSUyDWOv3ijUaCChGUBIYo/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's time to talk food, and Mickey's has it all. When I went to the diner this past weekend, I was expecting just breakfast food to be served. I don't know why because Mickey's offers every option under the sun when it comes to diner food. Although my eggs, bacon, and hash brown meal was great, I started to get food envy as I watched other dishes being prepared in front of me. I could have gotten pancakes, belgian waffles, chili, a burger, chocolate malt, the list goes on!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy this unique dining experience for yourself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="goog_1936787412"></span><span id="goog_1936787413"></span>Mickey's Diner is located on 36 W. 7th Street in downtown St. Paul. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Open anytime all the time.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281742059340213426.post-6324291125201670252015-01-18T08:08:00.001-08:002015-02-08T18:04:02.203-08:00Eden Prairie's Newest Natural Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of us just want to avoid ice in the winter, but Brent Christensen
makes tons of it on purpose. It started when he moved from California
to Utah. Being unfamiliar with the cold and how to adapt, he decided to
make the most of it by building an ice rink in his backyard. What started out as a small rink turned into sky high towers of ice. While
this may sounds like a do-it-yourself project gone wrong, it actually spawned a new career for Brent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brent now spends his winters building Ice Castles throughout the country, including this one at Miller Park in Eden Prairie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's safe to say that most Minnesotans wouldn't be impressed by an igloo. However, if you build us an ice castle, we'll come running. I say this because it was <i>packed</i>. Close to 200 people were there waiting to marvel at the beauty of Brent's creations. Every inch is so intricate in detail you almost wouldn't believe it's man-made, but rather something out of a fantasy story. It is incredible.<i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I visited the Ice Castles this weekend, it was close to 40 degrees. With temperatures above freezing, I was slightly worried about the possibility of the castle being half melted by the time I arrived. However, I soon discovered that sprinkler systems surround the structure and continuously sprayed streams of water that quickly freeze into ice sickles. It's a continuous work in progress.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoMSxK6O_hJIUeT9wZaZBV_knpaU0DSe75OZJhgRsDN4jnDkBdNlAluiCYr23yMy_PPVUOBpPQdXWl8Q97CHtvIv2rAc_ITytup3UDShH07styYBTDdtuh8QazIkkCy4zsERqul_YpiY/s1600/IMG_4417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoMSxK6O_hJIUeT9wZaZBV_knpaU0DSe75OZJhgRsDN4jnDkBdNlAluiCYr23yMy_PPVUOBpPQdXWl8Q97CHtvIv2rAc_ITytup3UDShH07styYBTDdtuh8QazIkkCy4zsERqul_YpiY/s1600/IMG_4417.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a <i>life-sized </i>structure. Inside there are caves and tunnels that you can crawl, walk, and slide your way through. After experiencing it, I would recommend the last option. I couldn't count the number of times I came close to wiping out in front of crowds of people. Whether that's because I'm clumsy or it was actually extremely icy, is up for debate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At night the Ice Castles transform into an entirely new viewing experience. It's like a natural light display as shades of green and blue glow throughout the structure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See for yourself! If you're interested in visiting the Ice Castles at Miller Park in Eden Prairie, the exhibit will be open until <b>March 7th</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Learn more about Brent, the Ice Castles, and hours of operation <a href="http://icecastles.com/ep/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/13415323/?claim=qscrdsepcjn">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281742059340213426.post-56188544151269577322015-01-11T07:22:00.002-08:002015-02-08T18:04:43.774-08:00Loomed in the Land of Lakes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Local company <b>Faribault Woolen Mill Co.</b> has become one of the many reasons why I love Minnesota.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I made the drive from the Twin Cities to Faribault, MN, I thought about how rare it is to visit a place like Faribault Woolen Mill. There are very few businesses that still exists and operate, the way Faribault Woolen Mill continues to operate today. This is a company that is truly dedicated to its mission of creating durable, comfortable, and fashionable wool products. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What amazes me the most about Faribault Woolen Mill, is that it is one of the <i>only</i> mills remaining in the country that produces its products from start-to-finish, under one roof. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Founded in 1865, while Lincoln was still president, the mill has woven blankets for much of America's history. Faribault provided blankets to pioneers migrating west, to troops during two world wars, and by the end of the 20th century, Faribault Woolen Mill created more than half of the wool blankets made in America. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, Faribault Woolen Mill has continued to create a name for itself through numerous partnership and collaborations with West Elm, Steven Allen, Target, and to my surprise Jack Daniel's, which uses Faribault's wool to filter its whiskey. </span><br />
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After I traveled to the Mill in Faribault, Minnesota, I was truly impressed. I could feel the history of the building through its aesthetics and architecture. I could sense the loyalty of the customers in the retail shop, as they carefully selected their next woolen products. It was evident that the employees took pride in their craft, and are dedicated purveyors of Faribault's recognized comfort and quality. As I left and began the drive back to the Twin Cities, I couldn't stop thinking about how lucky Minnesota is to have a company like Faribault Woolen Mill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can learn more about Faribault Woolen Mill Co. at Faribaultmill.com </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281742059340213426.post-49895071487985946582015-01-03T15:43:00.000-08:002015-02-08T18:05:05.228-08:00The World-Renowned State of Minnesota<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The summer after my Junior year in college I made the <i>daring</i> decision to do an internship 1,300 miles from my home, in Hartford, Connecticut. I packed my bags, boarded the plane, and mentally prepared myself for the fast-paced east coast culture that I was about to experience. When I arrived to my intern housing, everyone was nervously introducing themselves and awkwardly trying to make friends, as most 20 year-olds would do in this situation. Reluctantly, I joined in. One person asked me where I was from, and I smiled and answered, "Minnesota". It was then that I realized the <i>renown</i> of my home state as they replied, "Where's that?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love Minnesota for many reasons. Although I understand that when people imagine it, they picture the movie Frozen, without Elsa or the singing. However, Minnesota is much more than a giant frozen tundra.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I want to dedicate this space to exploring the historic and beautifully unique state that Minnesota is. Take a look and let's explore together!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579260170478104218noreply@blogger.com3