What a Way to Start the Day!

Looking for a great place to have breakfast or lunch? Look no further than Waffle It--a restaurant that specializes in waffles.

With 17 waffle makers they can serve up a crowd in no time. There were 6 of us that came in and we were all eating our waffles in a short amount of time. (Sorry for the bad cell photo.) 

We tried 3 of the Sweet Waffles, one Savory and one off the Kids' Menu. (Someone in our group had a side of bacon. It was the one thing that we felt could be improved on.)

 This is the Strawberries and Cream.

 This is my pecan waffle with a side order of strawberries. Yum!!

Caramel apple.

We each had whipped cream on ours but you can opt out of that.

Here is the chicken waffle. Even the chicken has waffle marks! It comes with gravy on the side.

For the little ones...a smiling waffle plate.

Lots of fun syrups to choose from. Hubby tried them all.

 The littlest one in our group really enjoyed the strawberry syrup--especially when she could squeeze out her own!

Since this is a breakfast restaurant the hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues. through Sunday. They are located at 2018 Veterans Drive and their phone number is 320-774-3665.

Waffle It also does catering and can help with fundraising events.

Our family all agreed--it's a great way to start the day!! 

Wordless Wednesday

     Smallest cafe I've ever seen...where do you sit to eat?

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

     What's a better way to spend a summer evening than watching the hometown boys play some baseball? St.Cloud's collegiate summer team is named the Rox after the minor league baseball team that played here in St. Cloud many years ago.

     Games are played at the Joe Faber Field in west St.Cloud.  Tickets for Rox home games are available at the St. Cloud Rox Box Office located just outside the gates of Joe Faber Field on game days beginning 90 minutes prior to the scheduled start of that day's game. Tickets can also be purchased by stopping in at the Rox business office located at the west end of the Municipal Athletic Complex, or calling (320) 240-9798 from 9am to 3 hours prior to game time.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.stcloudrox.com 
24 hours a day.

     Tickets may be purchased at the Rox business office (located at the west end of the MAC) on non-game days Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, by calling (320) 240-9798 or on www.stcloudrox.com

     We chose to purchase our tickets through the Value Connection which has a booth at the Crossroads Mall. These were for General Admission (seats in the Rock pile) which really weren't too bad for the price as you can see from these photos. Be advised that until the sun starts to set it does get in your eyes if you don't wear a hat. There are also no backs on these seats.

    Besides the cheap seats there are more comfortable seats with backs behind home plate. Another option is The Sports Deck. It offers up to 400 fans a festive atmosphere while providing unlimited food, soft drinks, and $1 beers during every Rox home game through the 7th inning. Check the website for cost and more details.
     One more option is The 3rd Base Terrace which is located on top of the third base dugout It offers groups of 35 or more an exclusive seating area and hospitality during a Rox game of your choice.  Your group will get a meal grilled on site, along with unlimited soft drinks and beer through the 7th inning. 

      What makes the Rox games especially fun are the activities between innings. Fans are chosen to participate and have the opportunity to win prizes. These human balls were a hoot to watch! The Rox also have promotions for their games. Fans might get a piggy bank, a Rox poster or a Rox hat to name a few. Friday night fireworks are a hit too.

     Rox baseball is fun for all ages--from the very young to the older folks. Add in a hot dog, peanuts and CrackerJacks (and possibly some beer) and you've got a great way to take in a summer evening! 

     For more info check out the Rox website.

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.