A Great Way To Travel

   

     
     Need a ride to or from the Minneapolis Airport? Executive Express is the way to go! The shuttle will leave the driving and parking to someone else. (You can also book a private car or van service.)
      We have even had them pick us up right at our house. Otherwise you can leave your car at the Holiday Inn parking lot until you have them bring you back to St.Cloud.
     It really is a hassle-free way to get to the airport. Prices are reasonable and they have deals for kids and seniors. 
     

Celebrate but Be Safe!

Are You A Baseball Fan?

     If you or anyone in your family is a baseball fan you won't want to miss seeing the Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. It is located on the second floor of the River's Edge Convention Center downtown St.Cloud.

     Of course we couldn't have a baseball museum in Minnesota without having Twins memorabilia. There are several display cases with items from the Minnesota Twins.

     There are also items from Minnesota home boys who went on to play for teams other than the Twins. I didn't know that Rip Repulski actually was a native of Sauk Rapids.

     There is a fun collection of old bats and gloves.

     Here are our Twins players who have made it to the Baseball Museum in Cooperstown

     You'll find information on Minnesota High School Baseball,

along with this year's Inductees into the Minnesota Hall of Fame Museum.

     You can also read about the history of Black Baseball players in Minnesota baseball.

     This exhibit is FREE and is open whenever the Convention Center is open. If you like baseball at all you've got to see this!

Riverwalk

    A new path to travel has just opened up in downtown St.Cloud. It's the Riverwalk--called that because it is actually a walk right along the Mississippi River!

 

     You will be able to get on the path from the River's Edge Convention Center anytime that it is open. The day we went we couldn't get on there so we went into the lobby of the Sunwood Inn and took the elevator down to the B floor. It was a short walk through the parking ramp.

    I'm not sure just how long the Riverwalk is but it didn't take us very long to walk to the end from the Parking Ramp. We then turned around and walked it back up to where it ends on 3rd Ave. (If you keep going you can eventually hook up with the Beaver Island Trail.)

Heading back on the trail towards the Convention Center, Sunwood Inn and eventually under Division Street to 3rd Ave.

     It's a very pretty walk along the Mississippi. We saw a mink below on the shore and as we walked saw evidence of a beaver's work.

     One tree already gone.

     It was very quiet the afternoon we walked along the trail. There were two bikers that passed us going pretty fast. It's a nice addition to downtown. The only thing I would suggest to City personnel would be to mark the trail.

Like Routine?

     Here are a couple of events that St.Cloud hosts every week. One is good for the body, the other good for your brain.

*On Tuesdays you can come to the Red Carpet downtown and play cribbage. (You thought this was just a place to get a drink, didn't you?) You are invited to drop in at 9 p.m.  If you can't make it tomorrow, come next Tuesday.

*On Wednesdays you can put on your running shoes and join other runners in the Hump Day Run. It starts at 6 p.m. in front of the Endurance Shop on Fifth Ave. downtown. You'll run a 5K and then plan to stay for some refreshments at Brothers' Bar and Grill next door. The running is not timed, it's all in good fun.

Whatzup?

Lots going on the next few days!

Today(Friday)

Our own Fabulous Armadillos are performing their Floydian Slip Show at the Paramount Visual Arts Center. Show time is 7:30. Details and tickets 259-5463 or here.

Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks are performing songs by Carole King off her Tapestry album tonight at the Pioneer Place on Fifth. Show time is 7:30. Details and tickets 203-0331 or here.

Tomorrow (Saturday)

The Fabulous Armadillos perform at the Paramount.

Justin Ploof and the Throwbacks perform at Pioneer Place on Fifth.

Marcus Parkwood Cinema is showing Casper at 10 am and Night of the Living Dead.  1533 Frontage Road N, Waite Park.

Sunday

There is a Country Bluegrass Festival at Love of Christ Church from noon-2p.m. It is FREE! Live music with live bands, inflatables, kids' activities, food and fun. 1971 Pine Cone Road, Sartell.

Keri Noble is in Concert at the Pioneer Place on Fifth at 7:30p.m. She is a piano-driven singer/songwriter. Tickets $19 in advance, $22 at the door. Details or tickets 203-0331 or here.

So get out there and have some fun!!!

Weekend Update

     What's on tap for this weekend? Lots of fun events going to take place!

Hockey Lovers--It's the SCSU Men's Home Opener On Sunday, Oct.2 against the University of Regina at 7:07. The Women's team is also playing this weekend. They take on Merrimack College tomorrow at 6:07 and Saturday at 3:07. For tickets go here.

The Paramount Theater is hosting its Annual Fundraiser called "Autumn Moon: A Night in Nashville" tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m.
Featured guest is Wynonna Judd and her band, the Big Noise. Details: 259-5463 or here

Also at the Paramount on Sunday is a documentary on the history of moonshine production in central Minnesota during Prohibition. It explores the modern-day micro-distilleries. Details and tickets see above.

A Tribute to Merle Haggard will be tomorrow at the Pioneer Place on Fifth (22 Fifth Ave. S.) at 7:30 p.m. Bobby Vandall, a hometown native, and his band will be playing. Tickets are $24 in advance or $27 at the door. Details: 203-0331 or go here.

On Sunday at the Pioneer Place you can see the Premier of the new Travis Rice video "The Fourth Phase" at 7:30p.m. (It is a snowboarding video.) It is FREE.

Runners and Walkers will be taking part in the Minser Chiropractic 5K on Saturday morning along the Beaver Island Trail. There is also a 1K for kids. Proceeds from Sept. registration goes to the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center. More info here.

2016 Walk to end Alzheimers

      If you have the time and energy on Saturday morning this would be an excellent event for you to take part in. As you know, Alzheimers is a terrible disease. Wouldn't a cure for it be amazing? Here is how you can further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association
 



Time:

9:00 am - Check-in & Registration 
10:00 am - Opening Ceremony
10:30 am - Walk

Route Length: 3 miles 

Location:
Lake George Municipal Complex
1101 7th St. S
St. Cloud, MN 56301

After the Walk, join the Bobby Vee and Irene Linn families at Bad Habit Brewing to continue to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's! Everyone has a story - come share yours and join us in an effort to help end this disease. This special event features music by Slip Twister, Collective Unconscious, Walter's Wheelhouse and the Killer Vees! Goodwill donations will be accepted at the door in addition to proceeds from food and beverage sales donated in support of the cause. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. All ages welcome! 

Location: Bad Habit Brewing, 15 E Minnesota St #108, St Joseph, MN 

Time: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm

For more info go here.

Walk, Run, Bike or Skate

   

     If you are looking for a scenic place to walk, run, bike or rollerblade this is the place for you. The Beaver Island Trail is a paved trail along the Mississippi River through a mostly wooded area. The Trail head is on St.Cloud State University. (Our city is currently working to expand the trail.)

     

      There are spots where you can go off-trail and get a closer view of the river and the wildlife. It's a great, paved trail with parking close by.

      Check out the historical marker for the original location of St. John's Abbey. The monks settled there in 1856 when they first arrived in Minnesota, and I can see why. It's a beautiful location.

     I have always felt safe biking or running on this trail. If you bike remember to wear a helmet and signal (by voice or bell) that you are coming up to a walker or runner. I know from experience that this is much appreciated!

What's On Tap for the Weekend

   

    Hopefully the rain clears out and we get some sunshine this weekend. Even if we don't there is a lot happening this weekend with some of it inside.

Today
BlizzardShack Block Party at St.Cloud State University. 720 Fourth Ave. S.  This takes place at 7 p.m. at the Atwood Center Mall. Free Food, inflatables, carnival rides, and more! SCSU students, faculty and staff are FREE with ID. Non students are $10.  For details go here.


Friday
St.Cloud PRIDE Kick-off Event takes place at 10:30p.m. at Pioneer Place on Fifth (22 Fifth Ave.S.) Performances by several performers. Details and tickets here.

Movie Night at the Huskies Cinema at SCSU. They are showing Finding Dory at the Atwood Little Theater. Students, Faculty and staff FREE with ID. Non students $3.

The Central MN Builders Association's Tour of Homes starts today.
Hours 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. List of homes to tour/maps may be picked up at local Holiday Stations. More info here.

Saturday
11th Anniversary Bash. 5 p.m. at the Veranda Lounge, 22 Fifth Ave.S. FREE music by Monday Night Jazz, Andrew Walesch and Flat Top Junction. Details 320-203-0331

Huskies Cinema showing Finding Dory. See above.

Tour of Homes continues today. Hours 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sunday
Tour of Homes continues today too. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.


*Ongoing Exhibit--Art in the Nook:Landscapes by R.C.McCoy. Paramount Visual Arts Center, 913 St.Germain St.  Oil/acrylic paintings.

A Busy Saturday

   

 Next Saturday St. Cloud will be hopping! Here are a few events scheduled:

St.Cloud Walk to Defeat ALS
8:30-noon at Lake George. The is the ALS's biggest annual event which raises funds for local chapters. To register go here.

Annual Woofstock Companion Walk
9 a.m.-2p.m. Wilson Park  The Tri-County Humane Society Fundraiser. Along with the 5K will be games for people and pets, food, a silent auction, demos, music, pet costume contest and a hot dog eating contest. Details here.

St. Mary's Cathedral Block Party
4-10 p.m. on the St. Mary's Parish Grounds, 25 8th Ave.S.
Food, beer garden, festival games for adults and kids, silent auction and BINGO. Outdoor mass at 4 p.m. bring your own lawn chairs. Music by Revolution 5-6 p.m. Diamondback at 8 p.m. More info here.

GREAT Theatre Company 
The Theatre Company is putting on a performance of Sister Act at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Visual Arts Center, 913 St.Germain Street. Details and tickets: 259-5463 or www.greattheatre.org

Time for a Beer?

     The 7 West Taphouse is one of my favorite places to have a beer and a burger. They are located downtown St.Cloud on 5th Ave. South. 

     Walking in you will find kind of an industrial feel to the old building. There is seating in the front on tables, by the bar or towards the back are some more intimate booths.

   
     The Taphouse has a HUGE selection of American Craft Beers (some from local breweries) and also offers wine. My favorite thing to do is order a flight. You get 4 different beers (you choose) for $10. When we were in this past Friday there was a full page both sides of different beers to choose from. I like Porters/Stouts but my husband likes IPA's. He had the Bell's Two Hearted Ale from Michigan. The Taphouse changes out their beers so you might find something else on the beer menu when you come in.

    You can't come into the Taphouse and not have a burger with your beer (or at least one of their delicious appetizers). I enjoyed the Avocado Burger and Jerry had the Black n' Blue. Along side we had an order of Sweet Potato Fries with Parmesan seasoning. Yum, yum!!!! Prices for their food are reasonable too.

     The Taphouse has specials during the week. (Odell is a good brewing company but I really wish they would carry beer from the Lefthand Brewery in Longmont, CO.)

     Hours are Sun.-Wed. 11a.m. -12 a.m.    Thurs.-Sat. 11a.m.-1 a.m.

     This is a fun place to visit. On Friday the bartender was singing along with the music. The atmosphere is casual friendly and a good place for a little older crowd. 

   

Cone With a Cop

   

 You are all invited to join officers from the St.Cloud Police Department for a FREE ice cream cone tomorrow. Cones will be given away at the McDonald's on US Highway 10 (840 East St. Germain St.) from 3-5 p.m.
     If you're more in the mood for a FREE cup of coffee go to the McDonald's on Division St. Officers sill be present there from 8-10 a.m.  
    Here's your chance to greet and have a conversation with the officers!

Sculpture Walk St.Cloud

     The Sculpture Walk consists of 12 pieces of sculpture on loan to St.Cloud (and also available for sale). This is an outdoor exhibit that features the work of artists from the St.Cloud area as well as those from other states.  
     The Sculptures are located downtown and three are near Lake George.  Cindy Hawker, Sculpture Walk Project Manager says "...The fun part of the Sculpture Walk is that it not only stretches your muscles as you walk from one piece to another, it stretches your imagination."     
     Voting is now open to select a sculpture for the People's Choice Award. Voting closes on September 30. For more info and a map of the sculpture locations go here. 
     

Up This Weekend

     

     Art & Soul takes place Saturday, Aug.27 at the Church of St.Peter. This church is located at 930 31st Ave. N.  The event takes place at 5:30-9:30 pm. There is a FREE concert sponsored by this parish and also St. Paul's. (Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs.) Food will be for sale along with beer and wine. Children's activities and more.  For details go here.

     Edgefest is also on Sat. This event starts at 10 am. and takes place at The Water's Edge. 25958 Lake Road.  A hog roast, family fun and boat rides are some of the activities taking place. Music from BLT 4-8 pm. DiamondBack plays 9-midnight.  More info here.

St. Cloud Visitor Center

     If you are new to St.Cloud and want more info besides my blog you can go here. 

     It is located at St.Germain and 15th Ave. North.

     Inside you will find Metro Bus schedules, pamphlets and brochures for place to visit and places to eat. They have Minnesota maps and other info about the St.Cloud area.

     It's always great to bring home a souvenir or just to have something to wear to show your St.Cloud pride. You can get it here.

     You can get more info or order an official St.Cloud Visitor's Guide here.