Seein' Green

          Their sign kind of says it all. If you are in need of anything plant related this is your place right in St.Cloud.

     
          A Welcome sign greets you as you enter the greenhouse.

                             Lots and lots of plants just waiting for you to take them home.

                      You can get already potted planters.

                              Hanging baskets.

Flowers and plants in just about every color. One of my favorite things to do is take a look at their big variety of succulents.

      You will also find an assortment of garden/flower gifts.  This greenhouse also has fresh cut flowers so you can order a fresh arrangement too.

     The staff is friendly and helpful and the prices are very reasonable. You won't go wrong stopping at the greenhouse to shop or...just smell the flowers!! (or like me, take photos!)

Repurposed, Restored, Reimagined

     These are the words you see when you drive up to the Modern Barnyard building. In it you will find tons of treasures!! The building actually is designed to look like a barn.

     You will find furniture...

     signage...

     kitchen items...

     and so much more!! It will take you awhile to wander through the store and check out all of the wonderful repurposed,restored and reimagined home decor and gift items.

     The Modern Barnyard is open every day of the week. We were told that new items arrive all the time so you'll want to go back often. I know we will!

     They are located at 7285 Co Rd 75, Waite Park. (St.Cloud's neighbor city). 320-253-8033

Disc Golf Closer to Home

      Right in the middle of St.Cloud we have our own disc golf course. It is the Calvary Hill Park course. It is free to the public.

     This course is fairly wide open with no water hazards. It is really in a park like setting.

     There are a few holes that are in the woods or on the edge of the woods.

     If after a game of golf you still have some energy there are pickle ball courts right across the street.

      Next to the pickleball courts is a playground and there is a basketball court (that is sometimes used as a parking lot for pickle ball players.) The disc golf course has its own parking lot.

     I have never played this course but the times that I have driven by it there didn't seem to be too many people playing. It should be easy to get on the course without too much waiting.

Hidden Lake Park

     Just a few miles outside of Saint Cloud is a lovely park called Hidden Lake Park located at  43rd Ave., St. Augusta. It is also home to the Augusta Disc Golf Course. 

    

      There are 18 holes of golf. Some holes are wide open but many are in wooded areas. A few require you to shoot over water--Hidden Lake. It is free to play, just bring your own discs.

      If disc golfing is not for you that's ok. This park has lots of paved trails through the woods. Many of the trees are really old and majestic! The path is quite flat but there are some small hills.

     After about a half mile walk you come to a covered picnic shelter. This would be an ideal spot for a quiet meal or gathering space.

     There are also benches along the way to sit and contemplate nature's beauty or just rest your feet awhile.

        There is also a large shelter which holds 150, has handicapped accessible restrooms, 18 picnic tables, grills and electric outlets. Contact the St.Augusta City Office at 320-654-0387 if you want to rent the shelter.

      You will also find a Volleyball court, basketball court and playground for the kids. 

     Park hours are 8 am to 9 pm. Pets must be on a leash and there is no swimming in this lake.

Try Out This Irish Pub

     Seems like we are on a restaurant kick but I have to tell you about one of Saint Cloud's newest eating establishments. It's called the Olde Brick House--an Irish Pub. It's located right downtown on 6th Avenue.

     Walking in you have your choice of eating upstairs or on the main floor. You can also choose to order from one of their three bars. 

One of the downstairs bars.

The upstairs bar is beautiful. Lots of ornate wood. I didn't get a photo of the third bar.

     Being that it is an Irish Pub you can choose from an extensive list of Irish Whiskeys. (This is only a partial list.) You can also choose to have a cocktail, wine, beer or other spirits.

     The food here is a combo of Irish entrees and American food. We came for lunch. My husband tried the Guiness Stew and said it was delicious!! The sirloin chunks were tender and the sauce was very tasty. I ordered a Rachel sandwich and the soup of the day. Both were so, so good! Both of our meals were $10 each. I think dinner prices are slightly higher. Lots of interesting appetizers, entrees and dessert.

     The Pub has specials throughout the week and Happy Hour twice a day and on Sunday!

     On the second floor are two banquet rooms. One is a more intimate setting and the other for a larger crowd.

     We haven't had too many days yet where it has been warm enough to eat outside but once the temps raise you can grab a table outside at the Brick House.

    

Urban Lodge

       If you like beer and pizza (and a menu with other choices), this is your place. Urban Lodge is technically not in St.Cloud but it is just across the river.

     Urban Lodge was originally called the Urban Moose Lodge Brewery. The name was changed because there was a little snafu with using "Moose" in their name.  Roy also wanted to add "restaurant" to their name.


   

      When you first walk in you see the dining room and the bar. Off to your right you see a cool fireplace and huge log you can sit on. There are also two love seats where you can sit to enjoy your beer and or food.

     Since they brew their own beer we had to try some. I tried two of their stouts and hubby tried the IPA's. They have about 12 different beers to choose from. Very good beer.
    Aside from the dining room there is also a back room designed to feel like you are in a garage. You can get up close to the brew tanks, there are lots of tv's and shuffleboard and other games. This room rents out for meetings, dinners, parties and other events for large groups.

     Originally the owner of the Urban Lodge ran a business called "Flying Pig Pizza". Along with small plates (meant to be shared), entrees, salads and sandwiches you can still get Flying Pig Pizza. The photo above is the Seared Ahi Tuna, beautifully presented. Prices range from $6-11 for the Small Plates, Salads $6, Entrees $16-26, Sandwiches $7-10 and pizzas vary depending on size and toppings. 

          Urban Lodge hosts fun events throughout the year. Here is a sample of upcoming events.

  
     Here are the hours for Urban Lodge. You can find them at  415 N Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN