Off the Beaten Path

     My husband found this kind of by accident when he went out for a motorcycle ride. This little gem is kind of off the beaten path and actually kind of on the border of Sartell. A few days later he brought the grandkids and me back for a visit.

     Just off the parking lot is where the trail starts. You will walk past lots of wildflowers on either side. 

                   The path then meanders into a wooded area.

      Eventually you come to the Sauk River. (It's a pretty short walk.) The day we were there the water was pretty hard since we had gotten inches and inches of rain the night before.

     Kids will be kids so of course they wanted to go in the water. We only let them go in here because up river and down river the water was flowing pretty fast--there are some rapids.

     Papa gave lessons on how to skip stones.

     On the way back to the parking lot we discovered this sweet little pond off to the side. Of course the kids had to try skipping some stones in here too! We got some really pretty photos of the girls sitting on the rocks.

     We'll be back again for sure. Maybe next time we'll bring a little snack to eat in between skipping stones. My husband says he'd like to come back with his kayak. I think I'll come back with my camera and macro lens. There's a little something here for everyone!

What's Up in the Gardens

   Next Thursday, July 21 there is going to be an Art Fair in Clemens and Munsinger Gardens.

The Fair runs from 10:00 am-7:00 pm. You can come and browse the high quality art, listen to music and find something to eat and drink all day. (The music will be at 3:00 in the Gazebo.) The event is FREE and so is parking.

A "Healthy" Alternative for Kids

      If you are looking for something fun and yet educational to do this summer with your kids check out Healthyville (and the other exhibits) at the Stearns History Museum. 

     This is one of many exhibits at the Museum. I took my 9 year old grandson and he loved it! We were there for two hours and finally we needed to head home for lunch.

     There are several things you can ride to check your pulse rate and log mileage. A couple of the vehicles had a skeleton that moved when you did.

     There are lots of interactive things to do.

     Matching muscles and bones.

Balancing what you eat with your activity level.

A whole room of doctor and dental stuff. You can look at teeth and bone X-rays and even stick your hand up a giant nose!! Eww! These are just a few of the activities dealing with being healthy.

There is something for everyone here. Exhibits that highlight days gone by. My grandson enjoyed finding the items that are listed by each exhibit. Kind of like finding Waldo!

There is a display that shows early granite quarrying.

There is a "Healing Hands" exhibit that documents the early medical practices in St.Cloud. This silver set was for patients in the hospital.

Bernicks is our local Pepsi Distributor. There is an exhibit highlighting 100 years of them being in business. 

Lots and lots of Minnesota fish and animals in their native habitats.

After walking around enjoying all of the exhibits we found a great place to sit and relax a bit. There is a theater room where you can choose from 5 short movies to watch. We chose the history of Lake George and the history of baseball in St.Cloud.

A great place to bring the family!

Salvage Sisters

     Another store that is not really in St.Cloud but oh so close--it's in Waite Park which is just next door. I am going to let you in on this find anyway. If you are like me in that you sorta like antiques but don't really like a whole store just of antiques, this place is for you!
   

     This shop is chock full of antiques, repurposed items, dishes, soaps, jewelry, clothing, furniture and much more. Plan to be here for awhile cuz there is lots to look at!

      I love repurposed items. They are so earth-friendly!

     Salvage Sisters has lots of cool furniture. Some has been refinished, some repurposed and some just left shabby-chic. (Love the red chair!)

    

     There are quite a few antiques. Look at the lace bloomers!

     There are whimsical pieces just for fun.

     Items that would make great gifts.

Home Decor and Miscellaneous goodies.

Oh yes there is something for everyone--including the guys!

Salvage Sisters is located at 115 28th Ave. South, Waite Park

You can find them on Facebook:  salvagesisters4@facebook.com

or on their website.

They are open Mon. 10am-4 pm Thurs. Fri & Sat. 10 am-6 pm

Sunday 10 am-4 pm     Closed on Tues. & Wed.