IMG_6112

3 can’t miss Twin Cities Farmers Markets

While Lowertown Saint Paul and Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis host great farmers markets featuring locally grown produce and goods, there are ‘berry-good’ other spots that tend to be less busy and get you the same fruits, veggies and flowers. Here are three I’ve attended which are worth the trip:

11822328_1669261129977643_7957472692574358604_n.jpg
The Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through mid-October.

When: Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through October 19, 2019
Where: St. Boniface Church, 629 NE Second Street, Minneapolis 55413
What you’ll find: plenty of vegetables, fresh-baked bread, cold-press coffee, salsas, sausage, and food trucks that typically rotate

Organizers also host a winter market held inside once a month starting November 18, 2019.

When: Thursdays through October 24, 2019, 3 – 7 p.m. May thru September, 3 – 6 p.m. in October (closed July 4)
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove 55369
What you’ll find: meat, eggs, dairy, artisan choices, Chef Earl’s BBQ (recommended) and of course, produce

An indoor market is held select Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. from November through May.

Before you go: know that many vendors accept credit cards, and if they don’t, head to the information booth to buy tokens with a credit card. Those tokens are accepted by all vendors.

IMG_6112.JPG
The Edina Farmers Market is held at Centennial Lakes Park, a perfect date night spot.

When: Thursday, 3 – 7 p.m. through September 26, 2019
Where: Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Avenue, Edina 55435
What you’ll find: about three dozen vendors selling berries, corn, melons, strawberries, jams, honey and confections

Make it a date night: Centennial Lakes offers plenty to do, including paddle boat rentals (worth it), a putting course (think mini-golf combined with regular golf) and lawn bowling. If you don’t find a bite to eat at the farmers market, there are plenty of restaurants next to the park, including Q.Cumbers, a buffet focusing on healthier options (PS – on Monday nights, kids up to 12 years old eat for $.99).

IMG_6095.JPG
Bonus: Centennial Lakes Park offers paddle boat rentals. There’s also a putting green and lawn bowling.
CP Holiday Train 2

GIVEAWAY: VIP Experience for Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at Union Depot {ENDED}

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will roll through Minnesota again December, and I have your family’s chance to see it up close!

Twitter contests by Rewards Fuel
IMG-8667

40 Ways to Holiday, Day 10: December 2

In 2017, there are exactly 40 days from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Day. And with the elimination of the eighth floor display at Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis and Holiday Lights in the Park in Saint Paul, along with the disappointing change from tradition at Holidazzle, more people than ever are looking for new holiday activities. Enter “40 Ways to Holiday.” Each day between November 23 and January 1 will have at least one event worth checking out, along with plenty of giveaways along the way! Find the full list of days here.

Day 10: Saturday, December 2

Featured pick: StarTribune Holiday Cookie Contest Sampling

You can sample the winning cookies of the StarTribune’s Annual Holiday Cookie Contest at Mill City Museum in Minneapolis from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. A program will start at 12:30 p.m. Attendees will also be able to vote for a visitor’s choice award that’ll be presented. The winner and runners-up for the StarTribune’s Cookie Contest are announced in the paper November 30.

StarTribune Holiday Cookie Contest Sampling
Mill City Museum
Minneapolis
Saturday, December 2
12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Included with museum admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors, veterans/active military, college students, $6 ages 5-17, free age 4 and under and Minnesota Historical Society members

Other happenings:

  • It’s liveliest weekend of the year at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis. Julmarknad is a Christmas market with more than 40 local artists selling jewelry, glass, clothing, wood and other unique items. ASI’s own gift shop will be open as well. The restaurant at ASI, FIKA, will have a special menu and a bake sale will also take place. If you haven’t checked out the mansion, the holidays are a great time to walk through, and it’s bound to give you inspiration for decorating your own home for the season. Tickets are $10 for adults and includes admission to the museum. Julmarknad runs today from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 3 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
5Q2A2930.jpg
60 Minnesota-based artists will sell their products at the American Craft Council’s Holiday Craft Hop in Minneapolis from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  • The American Craft Council will have 60 of Minnesota’s top artists in one spot today. Their Holiday Craft Hop takes place from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the historic Grain Belt Brew House in Northeast Minneapolis. Those who attend will receive a code for 50% off tickets to the Craft Council’s biggest event of the year, the American Craft Show, which is held in April in downtown Saint Paul.
  • Downtown Stillwater is celebrating the holidays with free coffee, cocoa and cookies during their Twinkle Party on December 2nd from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Kids 12 and under will receive free twinkle lights while supplies last. The afternoon include special appearances the Teddy Bear Band and Santa!
  • It’s the last day to shop from 75 vendors during the annual Holiday Bazaar at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul. Learn more.
  • Today is the first day of the Twin Cities Largest Tea Party. Learn more.
Excelsior.jpg
Take a horse drawn carriage ride in downtown Excelsior today from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Photo credit: Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce
  • It’s Christmastime in Excelsior. You can go on a horse drawn carriage ride, take the kids to a free movie, and sit down for a community chili dinner. Festivities start at 9:30 a.m. today and go until the afterparty ends at Excelsior Brewing Company.
  • It doesn’t scream season’s greetings, but Monster Jam takes place tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. And I’m giving away tickets, along with pit passes to get you on the course, on my website. The deadline to enter is Sunday, November 26.
Narnia.png
A take on the C.S. Lewis book, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is on stage in Minneapolis. Photo credit: Youth Performance Company
  • It’s the opening weekend of Youth Performance Company’s production of “Narnia,” based on the C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Shows run through December 17 and tickets are only $7 – 15. Performances take place inside the Howard Conn Performing Arts Center just south of Downtown Minneapolis. “Narnia” is recommended for kids third grade and up.
  • Get a family photo, see a show and make crafts at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Stages Theatre Company will host its annual Snowball Winter Gala at 2:00 p.m. The family-friendly event includes a performance of their current show, “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” Tickets are $50 and the emcee for the afternoon is my good friend, Kelli Hanson from KSTP’s Twin Cities Live.
  • Nothing says happy holidays more than corgi races! Head to the Warner Coliseum at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds today and tomorrow for a big puppy play date.
  • Beer Choir Twin Cities hosts a Holiday Night Market at 56 Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis. The venue is dog-friendly inside and out.
  • You and your four-legged friend can enjoy brunch together and take a photo with Santa today from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Restaurant ninetwentyfive inside the Hotel Landing in Wayzata. The new hotel is pet-friendly if you’re looking for a staycation spot but don’t want to leave your pup behind.
  • I loved visiting Muddy Waters Bar and Grill in Prescott, Wisconsin,  for the first time earlier this year.  Their Christmas tree will be lit for the season today. And this isn’t no six foot tree. Check out these photos on their Facebook page. Festivities begin at noon. While you’re there, head inside and guess the number of Christmas bulbs hanging from the ceiling.
Muddy Waters.jpg
Take a guess at the number of Christmas bulbs hanging from the ceiling at Muddy Waters in Prescott. Photo credit: Muddy Waters via Facebook
IMG-8667

40 Ways to Holiday, Day 9: December 1

In 2017, there are exactly 40 days from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Day. And with the elimination of the eighth floor display at Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis and Holiday Lights in the Park in Saint Paul, along with the disappointing change from tradition at Holidazzle, more people than ever are looking for new holiday activities. Enter “40 Ways to Holiday.” Each day between November 23 and January 1 will have at least one event worth checking out, along with plenty of giveaways along the way! Find the full list of days here.

Day 9: Friday, December 1

Featured pick: Lutefisk Feed at Mount Olivet

mount olivet.jpeg
All-you-can-eat lutefisk! Hooray? Photo credit: Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

It’s a tradition that has lasted nearly 90 years. The congregation of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis invite the community in for an all-you-can eat buffet of lutefisk. Don’t know what lutefisk is? Google it before you go. It’s…um…different. The buffet has food for everyone, though: Swedish meatballs, boiled potatoes, lease, rice pudding with lingonberries and more. Tickets will be sold at the door.

88th Lutefisk Dinner
Friday, December 1
3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
Tickets: $20 adults, $5 kids under 12

Other happenings

23331121_1617042005005993_3645562719023662118_o.jpg
250,000 LED lights are set to music in a show planned by students from the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. Photo credit: College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota
  • The University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering (CSE) will premiere a student-designed 3D outdoor light show starting at 5:00 p.m. on December 1. It features 250,000 LED lights (!!!) set to music. Coolest part: much of the show is designed, sequenced, composed and performed by U of M students. The December 1 premiere includes a party inside Rampson Hall on campus. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be served. The show lasts about 20 minutes and repeats at 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. They’ll also run the light show on December 2, 7, 8 and 9.
  • Holiday celebrations kick off tonight at Union Depot in Lowertown Saint Paul. “American Idol” contestant Eric Gordon will perform, and a tree lighting happens at 7:15 p.m. It’s the first day of Union Depot’s European Christmas Market, an outdoor shopping experience based on the traditional open air Christkindlmarkts in Germany, Austria and other European countries. Gluhewein (spiced mulled wine) will keep you warm. Both the tree lighting and the Christmas Market are free to attend.
  • An Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar continues at Landmark Center in Saint Paul. Learn more.
  • Tonight is the annual 12 Bars of Christmas in Downtown Minneapolis. Those with the $35 wristbands will receive free cover at 12 bars along with drink specials.
  • Over 100 “indie-makers” will set up shop inside the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis for the No Coast Craft O’Rama. It runs today from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, December 2 from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Miss Richfield Santa
Miss Richfield 1981 entertains her hometown crowd every year at the Illusion Theater in Downtown Minneapolis. Photo credit: Russ King
  • If you want a holiday show where every person will be offended, Miss Richfield 1981’s annual production is for you. Tonight is opening night at the Illusion Theater in Downtown Minneapolis. Learn more.
IMG-8667

40 Ways to Holiday, Day 8: November 30

In 2017, there are exactly 40 days from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Day. And with the elimination of the eighth floor display at Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis and Holiday Lights in the Park in Saint Paul, along with the disappointing change from tradition at Holidazzle, more people than ever are looking for new holiday activities. Enter “40 Ways to Holiday.” Each day between November 23 and January 1 will have at least one event worth checking out, along with plenty of giveaways along the way! Find the full list of days here.

Day 8: Thursday, November 30

Featured pick: Holiday bazaar in Downtown Saint Paul

landmark center
Seventy-five vendors selling hand-crafted items will set up shop at Landmark Center November 30 – December 2. Photo credit: Landmark Center

2017 marks the 39th year the historic Landmark Center in Downtown Saint Paul will host its Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar. The event, which starts Thursday, November 30 and runs through Saturday, December 2, features 75 booths of handcrafted gifts. Every exhibitor will have a prize giveaway, too!

39th Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar
Thursday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, December 1, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 2, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Landmark Center, downtown Saint Paul
Tickets: $5, kids 12 and under free

Other happenings

f9a2f0342bac468406bfbc02ee0bfc2e
Minnesota Monthly magazine hosts its Best of Minnesota party in downtown Minneapolis from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Minnesota Monthly is celebrating the best of the North Star State at their Best of Minnesota party at the Lumber Exchange Building in downtown Minneapolis. About a dozen restaurants will serve food and Tim Mahoney will perform.
    • GIVEAWAY: Register here to win a pair of tickets to the Best of Minnesota Party. They’re valued at $100! The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, November 26. Click here to sign up.
  • Stop by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska for the Lighting of the Trees celebration happening tonight. You’ll see a 25-foot poinsettia tree, evergreens and more holiday decor dazzle for the first time. A bell choir will play, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies will be served. The indoor event is $10 for members, $20 for non-members and $5 for children ages 3 – 15. That ticket price also includes viewing of the Arboretum’s first-ever outdoor holiday lighting display. Tonight’s festivities go from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.