I spent the last 10 days on a road trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Here are three insights from the trip:
1) "Fireflies" by Owl City is kind of like an old joke. The first few times you listen to it, it puts a smile on your face. The next 10-20 times you hear it, you groan when the first line is delivered and plead, "Not this one again!" And then, after some time and distance pass, you perk up when you hear the familiar cadence and join right in vocalizing with the performer whether you want to or not.
2) The first 10-hour car ride is a fun-filled extravaganza of 20 Questions, Yellow Car, and The License Plate Game. The second consecutive 10-hour driving day teaches you how to effectively problem-solve with a group.
3) Never promise your kids they will swim when you get to the hotel. All it takes is one kid with a sweet tooth and a weak stomach to make you a liar.
Next week my kids and I go back to school, so
this will likely be my last post for a while. Thanks for reading and
sending your ideas my way.
Monday, August 20
I mentioned the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge a couple of weeks ago, but today's program is so unique I wanted to highlight it again. In an effort to demonstrate the ease with which you can access natural areas via public transportation, the MVNWR developed "Going Wild: Rail to Refuge." This program provides the chance to hang with Park Ranger Judy Geck as she escorts you on the train from the Nicollet Mall Light Rail Station to the wildlife refuge. Once you arrive, a scenic tour, ranger program, and guided hike are all yours for the taking. There is no charge for Going Wild (you can't say that every day), but the train will cost about $2. Meet Judy at the station at 1 o'clock and you'll return about 4.
Tuesday, August 21
When was the last time you went rollerskating? Was there anything better than combing your hair back into a perfect feather before hitting the rink with your flashing wheels and almost holding the hand of that special skater you'd had your eye on for the last few weeks? Now you can introduce your kids to the thrill that is rollerskating, and do it on a budget. The Roller Garden in St. Louis Park hosts "Two Dollar Tuesdays" from 6-8 pm. Admission is $2 and skate rental is another $2, but "Four Dollar Tuesdays" doesn't sound as good or as cheap. If you can't make it today, there is also "Summer Skating Fun" scheduled Wednesday through Friday this week from noon to 3 pm, but that'll cost you $8 each.
Wednesday, August 22
My grandpa used to complain that rock & roll was ruining the future of this country. Today history is ruining rock & roll. Well, ruining bluegrass anyway. In a classic case of a win-win . . . win scenario, the Mill City Museum opens up its Ruins Courtyard to the Roe Family Singers for Mill City Live 2012. Not only will you catch some bluegrass in a sweet setting, the price of admission also opens the doors of the museum to you from 4-9 pm. And, as if that wasn't enough already, admission is discounted to only $5 per person. Win, win, win. Folk rockers Rogue Valley perform next Wednesday.
Please check back later!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Daily Adventures August 13-18, 2012
Thanks for reading "What Do I Do Now?" You can also find it at StarTribune.com!
Monday, August 13
We're running out of time to take advantage of the Museum Adventure Pass, which ends Labor Day after a six-year run. Only Celine Dion's time at Caesar's Palace rivals this kind of staying power. The program offers free admission for two to 17 attractions around the Twin Cities. Allow me to suggest picking up a pass at your local library and visiting The Works today. The Works is a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) museum. Admission is $6 if you need more than your two freebies, and you can pay an additional $2 each to participate in a design lab where your kids build something to bring home.
Tuesday, August 14
I'm a week early for this one, but I wanted to give you the option to catch the Choo Choo Bob Show on TV before you visit the store next week. The show airs at 9 am Saturday on channel 45, if your kids could use a primer to pique their interest in trains. Then next Tuesday, August 21, stop in for Story Time with Engineer Paul at 10 o'clock. If story time isn't your thing, you can always just stop by to check out the models. Bob also has trains you can play with while you're there. When you're done, be sure to step down the street for an ice cream cone at Izzy's. It's the best ice cream in town, according to me. Try the salted caramel - you may never order anything else again.
Wednesday, August 15
Did you know the recently fashionable food-trucks have their roots in the chuckwagons of the Wild West? At least that's what Wikipedia claims, and they're never wrong. You can taste this craze at a food-truck court in St. Paul every Wednesday, starting at 11 am, at the corner of Kellogg and Wabasha. What could be better than eating food that was made in the back of a converted delivery van? Take your purchase to nearby Rice Park and enjoy your vittles around the fountain. You can check for the latest food-truck info on Twitter using #foodtruckcourt.
Thursday, August 16
When I took my career aptitude test with the counselor in high school, he said I was supposed to be a pilot. I think I would've enjoyed that job - I love flying. If you think your kids might love flying, they have the opportunity to check it out on a free flight with the EAA Young Eagles. After flying they can become a student member of the EAA, complete an online flight training course, and even receive their first flight lessson, all for free. To set up this experience, contact a flight coordinator or visit the Forest Lake Fly-In and Open House this Saturday from 10-4.
Friday, August 17
Geocaching is the best of both worlds. It combines old-fashioned tromping around in the Great Outdoors with cutting-edge global positioning satellite technology leading you to a hidden cache. And tomorrow is International Geocaching Day, so maybe the time is right to give it a try if you haven't already. There are 25 state parks, including Fort Snelling, that offer free loaner GPS units and geocache scavenger hunts on-site. If you own your own GPS unit, there is an International Geocaching Day event at Cleary Lake Regional Park tomorrow that kicks off at noon with a potluck lunch.
Saturday, August 18
If you're not already up in an airplane at the aforementioned Forest Lake Fly-In, or out geocaching at Cleary Lake, you can take part in the final Kidical Mass ride of the summer. Today they meet at Farview Park at 9 am, ride along Emerson Avenue to Webber Parkway, and end up at the North Mississippi River Park playground. I don't think they offer shuttles back to where you started but, fortunately, you'll have your bike with you.
Enjoy your time together!
Monday, August 13
We're running out of time to take advantage of the Museum Adventure Pass, which ends Labor Day after a six-year run. Only Celine Dion's time at Caesar's Palace rivals this kind of staying power. The program offers free admission for two to 17 attractions around the Twin Cities. Allow me to suggest picking up a pass at your local library and visiting The Works today. The Works is a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) museum. Admission is $6 if you need more than your two freebies, and you can pay an additional $2 each to participate in a design lab where your kids build something to bring home.
Tuesday, August 14
I'm a week early for this one, but I wanted to give you the option to catch the Choo Choo Bob Show on TV before you visit the store next week. The show airs at 9 am Saturday on channel 45, if your kids could use a primer to pique their interest in trains. Then next Tuesday, August 21, stop in for Story Time with Engineer Paul at 10 o'clock. If story time isn't your thing, you can always just stop by to check out the models. Bob also has trains you can play with while you're there. When you're done, be sure to step down the street for an ice cream cone at Izzy's. It's the best ice cream in town, according to me. Try the salted caramel - you may never order anything else again.
Wednesday, August 15
Did you know the recently fashionable food-trucks have their roots in the chuckwagons of the Wild West? At least that's what Wikipedia claims, and they're never wrong. You can taste this craze at a food-truck court in St. Paul every Wednesday, starting at 11 am, at the corner of Kellogg and Wabasha. What could be better than eating food that was made in the back of a converted delivery van? Take your purchase to nearby Rice Park and enjoy your vittles around the fountain. You can check for the latest food-truck info on Twitter using #foodtruckcourt.
Thursday, August 16
When I took my career aptitude test with the counselor in high school, he said I was supposed to be a pilot. I think I would've enjoyed that job - I love flying. If you think your kids might love flying, they have the opportunity to check it out on a free flight with the EAA Young Eagles. After flying they can become a student member of the EAA, complete an online flight training course, and even receive their first flight lessson, all for free. To set up this experience, contact a flight coordinator or visit the Forest Lake Fly-In and Open House this Saturday from 10-4.
Friday, August 17
Geocaching is the best of both worlds. It combines old-fashioned tromping around in the Great Outdoors with cutting-edge global positioning satellite technology leading you to a hidden cache. And tomorrow is International Geocaching Day, so maybe the time is right to give it a try if you haven't already. There are 25 state parks, including Fort Snelling, that offer free loaner GPS units and geocache scavenger hunts on-site. If you own your own GPS unit, there is an International Geocaching Day event at Cleary Lake Regional Park tomorrow that kicks off at noon with a potluck lunch.
Saturday, August 18
If you're not already up in an airplane at the aforementioned Forest Lake Fly-In, or out geocaching at Cleary Lake, you can take part in the final Kidical Mass ride of the summer. Today they meet at Farview Park at 9 am, ride along Emerson Avenue to Webber Parkway, and end up at the North Mississippi River Park playground. I don't think they offer shuttles back to where you started but, fortunately, you'll have your bike with you.
Enjoy your time together!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Daily Adventures August 6-11, 2012
Hello, Regal Guardians! You can also find my blog on StarTribune.com!
Monday, August 6
There are all sorts of reasons to visit Minnehaha Falls. There are bike trails, the
Sea Salt Eatery and, of course, the falls themselves. After you spend some time soaking up
the cascading water, take a hike along the creek. You can follow the path downstream until it meets up with
the mighty Mississippi. On your
way back, stop off at the wading area and play “Grizzly Bear.” The kids can pretend they’re trout swimming
upstream while you lumber around with claw hands saying, “I’m a bear! I’m a bear!” Your kids will think it’s funny. Everyone else?
Be on the lookout for nonverbal cues.
Tuesday, August 7
Another of the best-kept secrets in town is the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
This is a beautiful site near the MOA that you can visit on your own, or
take advantage of their free programming.
Today they’re “Making Tracks: Below the Bluff” from 5:30-7:30 pm. Meet Park Ranger Judy Geck at the Old Cedar Avenue Trail Head for a guided expedition in the river valley and
neighboring wetlands. The site
says to expect brisk walking with frequent stops. Sounds like my attempts at jogging.
Wednesday, August 8
How many zeroes are in a bazillion? I don’t know, but it
looks like there are five people in The Bazillions, and they will be playing at
The Shops at West End today for free. The concert will be outdoors from 11 am
to noon in the covered arcade. We
are invited to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, and to visit the St. Louis
Park Farmer’s Market afterward. If
you can’t make it today, or even if you do, the Okee Dokee Brothers will be
there next Wednesday. My neighbor insists
they are way better than OK.
Thursday, August 9
You might remember Hennepin County Library KidLinks
from an earlier post but, if you’re anything like me, you’ve forgotten by
now. Don’t let this resource
languish in the cobwebs of your mind!
It’s been one of my favorite sources of free activities all summer
long. If you click on the link
above you’ll find seven options just for today, not to mention four guys-only
or girls-only book clubs for which you could’ve registered. You could probably still send your kids
to those, but they might get some funny looks when they start making stuff up.
Friday, August 10
Maybe it's time the squirrels and slugs aren't the only ones eating out of my garden. The Como Conservatory has a new exhibit called "Roots, Shoots, and Fruits - The Incredible Edible Garden" open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Their hope is that you leave inspired to plant and eat your own garden. A guest expert will be on hand at 11 am daily giving pointers on what to plant, keeping pests away, and how to use the fruits of your labor in meals. You can find the garden in the old butterfly exhibit site. They razed butterflies to put up a garden plot.
Saturday, August 11
If you didn't get enough gardening yesterday, you can visit Mixed Precipitation's Picnic Operetta today. This is theater mixed with community garden. Make your reservations, then bring your chair or blanket to the Eat Street Community Garden at 4 pm to enjoy a performance of The Return of King Idomeneo amongst the rhubarb. Rumor has it there may also be a meal prepared by a chef/gardener using local produce. This is a free performance, but you will have the opportunity to make a donation. Oh, and keep your mitts off the blackberries while you're there. Your stained lips will give you away.
Enjoy your time!
Friday, August 10
Maybe it's time the squirrels and slugs aren't the only ones eating out of my garden. The Como Conservatory has a new exhibit called "Roots, Shoots, and Fruits - The Incredible Edible Garden" open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Their hope is that you leave inspired to plant and eat your own garden. A guest expert will be on hand at 11 am daily giving pointers on what to plant, keeping pests away, and how to use the fruits of your labor in meals. You can find the garden in the old butterfly exhibit site. They razed butterflies to put up a garden plot.
Saturday, August 11
If you didn't get enough gardening yesterday, you can visit Mixed Precipitation's Picnic Operetta today. This is theater mixed with community garden. Make your reservations, then bring your chair or blanket to the Eat Street Community Garden at 4 pm to enjoy a performance of The Return of King Idomeneo amongst the rhubarb. Rumor has it there may also be a meal prepared by a chef/gardener using local produce. This is a free performance, but you will have the opportunity to make a donation. Oh, and keep your mitts off the blackberries while you're there. Your stained lips will give you away.
Enjoy your time!
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