When the topic of the MN State Fair arises, many ask the question, “What is your favorite thing to do at the fair?” Plenty of people go for the culinary intrigue to see what is new and different to eat. Let’s face it, when you can only get state fair food once a year many don’t want to miss out on the excuse to indulge. You can always start your diet tomorrow, right? Some folks go for the culture and art.  And then there are the thrill seekers who go for the adventure. Whatever your favorite thing is to do at the fair, here is a list of four fun things to do at the MN State Fair this year: 1. Go for the food. Go in a group and share the food, just taking a bite of everything. Start loosening those waistbands the Minnesota State Fair has unveiled 40 new foods and 11 new frozen treats for 2015. Prepare to gorge on burger dogs (a blend of hamburger, hot dog, bacon, cheese and jalapeno on a hog dog bun), tipsy pies (hand pies made with beer and liquor), Mac and cheese cupcakes and caramel chocolate-dipped bacon ice cream bars. Feeling more adventurous? You can try the BBQ pickle ice cream or hot tail (roasted pig tail coated in a scallion ginger sauce). And what would the fair be without more food on a stick? This year’s newest offerings include the stuffed Italian meatloaf-on-a-stick and tikka-on-a-stikka. Check out the gallery below for a sneak peek at the new fair food. The State Fair runs Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. For a complete list of 2015 fair food go to: http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/06/23/mn-state-fair-food-2015 2. Go for an Adrenaline fix.  This year’s fun rides and attractions include: Turbo Bungy, Climbing Wall, Krazy Maze, and Skyscraper. Bob’s Snake Zoo, Butterfly House, Carousel, Giant Slide, Go Carts, Haunted House, Monty’s Traveling Reptile Show, River Raft Ride, Sky Glider, Skyride, Space Tower. New this year is the New York New York Fun house. With wacky walkways, mirrors, obstacles and slides, this is a four-story bonanza of Big Apple fun. Also new this year is the Super Nova Roller Coaster. This brand-new ride makes its Minnesota debut! Agile cars fly up, down and all around the track in a thrill-seekers’ scream dream! 3. Bring the kids and go for the agriculture and animals. “Little Farm Hands at the Fair” is an agricultural education exhibit for kids. Children (ages 3-10) become farm hands at this free, hands-on exhibit as they are provided the opportunity to experience the agricultural process, beginning at the farm and ending at the market. Each year, more than 40,000 Little Farm Hands and their families donate their work aprons and fire up their imaginations to help with farm chores, collect goods to sell at the farmers market, and then spend their “earnings” on real products made from the farm at the grocery store. This mock-farm consists of a series of five miniature barns, a grain bin, a tractor yard, six garden plots, an apple orchard and a farmers market connected by a self-guided pathway that directs families from a starting point to the last step in the process at the grocery store. Each building provides hands-on tasks related to planting crops and the tending of animals. 4. Go for the Art. Built in 1907, the Fine Arts building contains some of the most incredible art in MN all under one roof. You can walk around and see if you agree with the judging. Or for fun, have everyone in your group pick out their favorite piece, and then explain why they like it. The variety, talent, and beauty are stunning. A little Fair History: After four years of territorial fairs, the first Minnesota State Fair was held in 1859 near what became downtown Minneapolis. This was a year after Minnesota was granted statehood. Since its inception, the fair has been held every year with only five exceptions: in 1861 and 1862 due to the Civil War and Dakota Indian Conflict, in 1893 because of scheduling conflicts with the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, in 1945 due to war-time fuel shortages, and in 1946 due to a polio epidemic.

CONTINUE READING

There is just something about an open road on a summer day. Especially if you have some good music playing. Summer is a time for exploring and adventure. Are you itching to get out there and discover somewhere new? We have a list below that you need to check out!
North Shore – The world’s largest freshwater lake is right here in our state – that is pretty amazing, don’t you think? Lake Superior is the largest of the 5 Great Lakes and you will have a spectacular view if you cruise along the North Shore Scenic Drive. This road was named a National Scenic Byway so it is anything but just a road. It is a destination. Visit Grand Marais for unique shopping, spend time at Lutsen Mountains’ family-friendly alpine slide or on the Mountain Tram, check out the wild beauty of the Gunflint Trail or enjoy the famous fishing waters of Lake Superior. Not far away are the Boundary Waters and Superior National Golf Course. 
Lanesboro – Situated in the bluffs near the Root River, Minnesota’s self-proclaimed “Bed and BreakfastCapital” will be a place you won’t forget. Taste local wines, go shopping in the historic downtown, lined with mid- and late-19th century buildings, bike the Root River State Bike Trail, canoe the Root River, tour the town on Molly the Trolley, or see a show at the Commonweal Theatre. It is within 2 hours of the Twin Cities so you won’t be on the road for too long.
Taylors Falls/St. Croix River – In less than an hour, you can be overlooking breathtaking scenery at Interstate Park (on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin side) which attracts hikers, campers, climbers, canoeists, and photographers. This is often a fall destination for viewing beautiful leaves but don’t forget, it is a great summer destination, too! It isn’t hard to find wineries to visit in this area. For example, Wild Mountain Winery, reported to be a quaint little vineyard set in the hills. Spend the day exploring the Upper St. Croix, where you can appreciate stunning views, wildlife, marvelous food, fun shops, a lively art scene, and outdoor recreation. There is something for everyone.
Northwest Minnesota– This region is home to the headwaters of the great Mississippi River and some of Minnesota’s largest lakes. Several towns are surrounded by clusters of lakes, with family resorts and campgrounds along their shores. Major music festivals, summer theater, heritage festivals and cultural experiences draw many to this area. Mountain bikers will be excited to visit Detroit Mountain. This 200-acre Minnesota recreation destination opened their premier mountain biking season June 27th. The trails were carefully designed with all levels of riders in mind – from beginner to professional. There is even a skills course, designed to teach balance and technical handling skills and Strider Adventure Zone for kids 18 months-5 years.
Madeline Island – Ok, so this isn’t technically Minnesota (it is in neighboring Wisconsin) but we couldn’t leave it out. You’ll reach this destination in approximately 4 hours and then you’ll hop on a ferry to ride over to the island. Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands. Rich in history and beauty, you will find many interesting things to do here. Visit art galleries and boutiques or canoe, swim, golf, bike or hike. It was voted one of the “Coolest Small Towns in the US” and it is worth the drive!
We still have a good chunk of summer left to savor! Get out there and explore our beautiful state and have a great time!

Sources:
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/July-2012/15-Summer-Drives/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/index.aspx?gclid=CJfWh9-B_8YCFQuMaQodftEHiA
http://midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/best_trips/day_trips/best_day_trips_twin_cities.html

CONTINUE READING

You have heard it before, forty is the new thirty and fifty is the new forty. Perhaps the reason that people are saying this is because of the amazing Liquid Lift! The Liquid lift is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. It will tighten and lift your skin, visually taking years off your appearance. It smooths wrinkles, restores volume and enhances facial features and so much more and best of all, the results are immediate!

Through the use of Dermal fillers and BOTOX® / DYSPORT® Cosmetic, your face can be sculpted into a more youthful looking you. Instead of using surgery to pull and stretch the skin, the Liquid Lift addresses the real culprit in the aging process, volume loss. The Liquid Lift provides a quick, effective, much less invasive alternative for the patient wanting immediate results without prolonged downtime.
What the Liquid Face Lift can do for you:
• Fill in wrinkles and fold, such as smile lines and marionette lines
• Smooth out frown lines, crows feet and forehead lines
• Enhance and lift cheeks
• Restore volume to flattening and sagging areas
• Lift eyebrows up to their youthful position
•Hide bags under eyes
• Reduce jowls and create a straighter jaw line
• Plump lips and smooth out lip wrinkles
• Lift up sagging corners of the mouth
Take years off of your appearance with a Liquid Lift. We all want to look younger and our very best so why look older when you don’t have to? A Liquid Lift can bring back your youthful appearance and your confidence! Call now to find out more and schedule a complimentary consultation at 763-494-9905!

CONTINUE READING