Feed My Starving Children

It's the holiday season, and therefore people are wondering 'how can I give?' (While fabulous, I would love if this trend lasted year round!) In three locations around the Twin Cities, Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization which sends food to 50 countries for those that need just that. They partner with other humanitarian and mission organizations to distribute the goods. With receiving nutrition, education, skills and faith are often taught, as well. Their goal is to save lives, and then provide them with the ability to thrive on their own.

If interested in volunteer opportunities, Chanhassen, Brooklyn Park, and Eagan, MN host FMSC locations! It's a fun chance for any family, business, school, club or church event. Adults and kids love to give - you see immediate results in number of meals produced to feed kids around the world! Share your time by putting chicken powder, dehydrated vegetables, soy protein, and rice into bags, seal them, and box them for shipping. Additionally cool, this ministry started in MN (now expanding to soon two locations in Chicago) and has specially developed products from food scientists in the area! 95% of giving goes to food service of the poor... a great organization overall!

Another Recommendation...

Blue Fin Bay Resort.

Nestled along Lake Superior is this fabulous getaway. It is luxurious yet peaceful and serene. Every single unit is located right on the water - each building only has two stories. Rooms are stacked with everything needed (I stayed in a suite). Ours had a private deck, living area, double jacuzzi overlooking the water, mini fridge, and welcome gifts. Even had a flat-screen tv and dvd player.

The area is gorgeous, as the North shore is divinely secluded and nature-esque. But beware: no Target! There are minimal places to eat or buy anything. If you aren't expecting it, then it wouldn't really disappoint. There is a great restaurant and a cafe at Blue Fin. Indoor and outdoor pool and hottub, spa, and 'rentals' for anything you like! (bikes, backpacks, canoes, kayaks, tennis racquets, snow shoes, etc --- although they are complimentary!) Even shuttles are available to take you to the nearest hiking trails such as Temperest River.

Blue Fin is just south of Lutsen and more than an hour north of Duluth. For the best water-front stay, I'd put Blue Fin at the very top of the list!

Perfect Asian Food!

This isn't simply a MN thing, but I have to share! I loooove Benihana. The restaurant actually began in New York and has grown to be an international sensation. It is very expensive, but perfectly deliteful. Off 394 and Louisiana Ave, this is truly a must visit. You sit around the flat stove top 'grill' surface as they cook and entertain you with your food. They flip the food, build volcanoes, toss the shrimp tails in to their hat, etc. Not only is it fun, but tastes perfect. I must say, the shrimp sauce for dipping is to die for. period. I can't say anything more except you have to try it!

One thing I love, and for some weird reason still remember, is they have pictures of famous people at Benihana on the way in - and the Olsen sisters at like age 8 were there. Funny to me for some reason.

Well, if I were a food critic, I would give this place five stars. The service is great, selection fabulous, and worth every penny. The only downfall is if you want a romantic evening for two, it's a bit difficult sitting at a table for 8. Yet, I'd still recommend it!

We had such a fabulous time at the Pizza Farm! It's A to Z Produce and Bakery which puts on the 'pizza farm' on their actual family farm every Tuesday night! I 'captured' Evan and drove him nearly 2 hours {while he had NO IDEA where we were going!} It was very exciting. When we hit Stockholm, WI {yes you venture just beyond MN for this one} he was so confused. The sign read: Stockholm. Pop. 92. haha! We get there around 7 and the sun was starting to set {so early!:( } and there were still tons of cars lined up. So we grab our picinic stuff, and head to the lawn where soo many people are still sitting there with tables, chairs, tablecloths, candles, lanterns, etc. etc. etc. just hanging out! It's crazy: you bring EVERYTHING you want because they only sell organic pizza and bread -- the ingredients are grown right there at their farm! It's the coolest 'old time' thing: full brick ovens outdoors, cats galore, old lights and deer antlers and cobwebs, old barns, etc. And the guys making the pizza dough singing in the kitchen.

It was delicious, fresh, and such a fun unique outting; I recommend it to everyone! It felt like a church picnic atmostphere to me, except more private.

Birthplace of America

Alexandria, MN.

I was born and grew up in this town, and completely love it! It used to be a 'small town', but I believe it's losing that feel. It's a town of roughly 10,000 people, although the surrounding lakes host many more residents. Originally a tourist city, Alex is most popular for its many lakes. A chain of lakes is a huge attraction.

Outdoorsmen love this city for its great fishing and nearby hunting. Once home to many small resorts, the area is being taken over by private homes and lake cabins from those in the Twin Cities.

Alexandria has a decent amount of attractions. Big Ole is a 28 foot tall statue in the center of town. The runestone museum hosts its history and that of the Vikings. The Runestone has also found a home in Alexandria's museum.

Bugaboo Bay is a popular summer location to dine and relax in the sun. Play some sand volleyball or head inside to the tropical atmosphere for food and drinks. The patio is lakeside with great views and the option to arrive by boat and park at the dock. Summer doesn't get any better!

Alex also has a great paved bike trail - the data trail - and the Carlos State Park. Walmart, Target, a small mall, Cinema 9 movie theater, bowling alley, and the huge Arrowood resort. Something for everyone!

Twin Cities: Performing Arts

Next to New York City, the Twin Cities has the most theater seats per capita. It is home to fabulous plays and musicals.

The Guthrie:

Three theaters in its new facility allow the Guthrie to retain its international and national pre-eminence.

The Ordway:

So many broadway shows travel to perform at the Ordway - Chicago, Les Miserables, and White Christmas are a few I've attended here. It's gorgeous!

The Orpheum:

I just went here for the first time to see Wicked. It is so historic and beautiful. Reminds me of the Phantom of the Opera setup. Fabulous productions can be seen here, too!

The state theater, theater in the round, and so many more places offer fabulous shows. Minnesota is a theater landmine!

Itasca State Park

Gorgeous and breath-taking, Itasca State Park was the first state park in Minnesota. It was established in 1871 and is home of the headwaters of the Mississipi River. It has 32000 acres today and includes more than 100 lakes! Once there, you can stand under the huge pines at Preacher's Grove or visit the Itasca Indian Cemetary. Bike trails galore - 16 miles of paved paths - allow you to enjoy the area fully. 33 miles of hiking trails are throughout the park, too. The best part is the headwaters: walk across the Mississipi river! Children love to play here {adults as well}. Climbing on the rocks and in the water is so fun! Camp, hike, fish, and visit historic landmarks at Itasca. Cabins are even available to rent.

New this year, among the leaves, water and fresh air - you can check my blog! Certain locations have free wi-fi through December 31 - and possibly continued after that. Personally, I find this somewhat lame that the state park feels the need to feed the technology obsession. None the less, I'm sure I'd enjoy it, too. Visit the park year round!

{Metro}Dome

Skoff you might, but in some sense of the word "the dome" is a must-see. The white bubble, made of woven fiberglass, was finished in 1982, under-budget at $55 million. Now, some call it Minnesota's Rec Room.

At first, the dome was loved by all. Brilliant. Beautiful. The white roof is kept in place by 20 fans in the building. Now, it is less than exciting. Sports fans understand how much greater a Twins or Vikings game could be. The noise, size and atmosphere of the Dome lacks luster.

BUT, the dome does host over 300 events a year (less than 100 are professional sports). And it is a major attraction to downtown Minneapolis. It's an integral part of the city, for the time being. More than 4,000 runners and 30,000 inline skaters enjoy the inside area per year. {Yes, you can rollerblade around the hall of the metrodome - what smooth-cementy ride it would be.

Especially since the use of the {Metro}Dome will be haulting in the few years to come - enter the facility, memorialize Hubert Humphrey (former mayor) and enjoy the tailwind as you exit the building. It is my favorite part.

Glensheen Mansion and its ghost

Glensheen, the historic Congdon estate. This 7.6 acre area has beatiful gardens, the mansion itself, stables, servant quarters, gorgeous shorelines, and the list goes on. The premier now 'house museum' boasts 39 rooms which were built in 1908. The home still maintains most all of its original design and decor - even throughout the landscapes.

Mr. Congdon, a former teacher, then law practicer, became a key figure in developing iron ore mining on the northshore. Among banking investments, he also invested in farming property around the Duluth area. In 1905 contruction of his families Jacobean style mansion began. On the grounds were cottages, carriage house, and a Tischner creek. Most all the produce was self sustaining, grown on the grounds. Chester Congdon then died in 1916, and his family continued to live in the home. His youngest daughter, Elizabeth Congdon, who inherited her father's business and worth of at least $40 million. She remained single and adopted a daughter. In 1977, Elizabeth and her nurse were found murdered in the mansion. Roger Caldwell, Marjorie's second husband (Elizabeth's daughter's 2nd husband), was convicted of the crime. Marjorie was tried and charges dropped. The case was overturned and still remains a sort of mystery.

Today, ghosts are claimed to be seen at the estate. Yet, the gorgeous grounds are owned by the state and available for tours. It is beautiful and a historical must-see!!!

Duluth

A town with rich history of the mining days -- some which still continues! Full of beautiful harbors, 'seaside' views, beautiful rocky shorelines, and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Duluth is a scene not to be missed!

Duluth is an old city with homes in the hills. The breathtaking Lake Superior is its crowning glory.

A beautiful harbor with an Aerial Lift Bridge is a fun site. Boat museums, food and souvenir stores, and nature trails (or rocks to climb) are all within walking distance.

Simply hang around and watch the lift rise for the huge boats!

Next up, more on Duluth's history, Glensheen mansion, and nearby Split-Rock lighthouse and Gooseberry falls!