Get out to the MN Zoo and see the new Amur Tiger cubs
The Minnesota Zoo (https://www.mnzoo.com/) has just put out on display two new Amur tiger cubs that were transferred over to them this past summer. Since it opened in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo has welcomed nearly 40 Amur tiger cubs. The Amur tiger, the largest of all cats and one of six remaining tiger subspecies, is a top predator of far eastern Asia. Amur tigers can grow to more than 650 pounds and measure nearly 11 feet in length, according to the National Geographic.
Lunchroom Blues
As September rolls around, and back-to-school shopping becomes old news, there are many parents – like myself – who are getting ready to send their oldest kid to school for the very first time. It is terrifying and exciting all at once. Will she make new friends? Will she have a hard time adjusting to her new schedule? Will she like her teacher? These are the normal anxieties any parent has when they entrust them to the educational system. While I share deeply in all of these concerns, the one most on my mind is… lunch. Yes, it has become painfully apparent over the past few months that I have created a food monster within my child, and I am in a total panic. Not only did she burst into tears when I read her the month’s menu for the school’s hot lunch, she also seems to think lately that I’m going to make her mac & cheese for every meal. I imagine she expects the same when the school year kicks into gear. So me, thinking I’m smart, I went and scooped up every kid and parent magazine I could find that claimed ‘healthy lunches kids love’ and ‘your first month’s school lunches solved!’ and ‘fun, easy recipes for school’. All I gleaned from sharing this with my daughter was more tears, and an ‘I guess I could eat the grapes or the plain carrot sticks’. And maybe even I feel a little bad for the kids of the ‘America’s Top Chefs’ who wrote the recipes (just sayin’). Now that we’ve established that she will not be eating hummus or cilantro fish tacos or heart shaped peanut butter sandwiches, maybe I need to take a step back, and get a little bit less creative. So I won’t be sending her to school with microwave mac & cheese, or $3.50 for a 500 calorie slice of soggy pizza and a scoop of canned green beans. But things are a lot more efficient and high tech than they were even a few years ago. They have awesome lunchboxes and thermal bowls that hold heat for 5 hours now, not to mention the awesome reusable bags for sandwiches and other snacks. I can send her to school…
Date Night
Looking for something special for a date night that doesn’t break the bank? Check out this list of date night specials to find a nice, reasonably priced night out. Bryant Lake Bowl (https://bryantlakebowl.com/) – Mondays, 6pm to midnight; two entrees, a bottle of wine or a few beers and one round of bowling for $28 per couple. Wild Roast Café (https://wilderoastcafe.com/) – Sunday through Thursday 5:30pm to close; 25% off two entrees from the pizza & salad menus, a bottle of wine and a dessert. Social House (https://www.socialhousempls.com/) – Tuesday nights; an appetizer, two entrees and a bottle of wine for $30 per couple. Red Stag Supper Club (https://www.redstagsupperclub.com/) – Tuesdays, 5pm to 10pm; two entrees, dessert and a bottle of wine for $32 per couple. Shanghai Bistro (https://www.facebook.com/Shanghaistillwater) – Wednesdays, 6pm to close; an appetizer, two entrees and dessert for $25, or 3-course sushi meal for two for $30. Tracy’s Saloon (https://www.tracyssaloon.com/index1.html) – Fridays, 5pm to close; a salad, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine or pitcher of beer for $29 per couple. Birchwood Café (https://www.birchwoodcafe.com/) – Saturdays, 5pm to close; two pizzas and a bottle of wine for $30 per couple. Gigi’s Café (https://www.gigisuptown.com/) – Saturday nights; two entrees and a bottle of wine or a few beers for $28 per couple. D’Amico (https://www.damico.com/datenight/) (D’Amico Kitchen (https://www.damico-kitchen.com/) , Masa (https://www.masa-restaurant.com/) , Parma 8200 (https://www.parma8200.com/) , Café Lurcat (https://www.cafelurcat.com/homeMN.aspx) , Campiello (https://campiello.damico.com/homeMN.aspx) ) – Sunday nights; a 3-course dinner for two and a bottle of wine for $50 per couple.
Get out and pick some pumpkins
Here is a great list of area pumpkin patches to check out and take the whole family to here in the Metro Area. Call ahead to verify opening hours and directions, and to ensure that the farm has pumpkins before you travel. Pumpkin supply depends on the weather, the season and how busy the farm has been. Afton Apple Orchard (https://www.aftonapple.com/pumpkins.htm) All kinds of pumpkins to pick, plus several varieties of apples, and corn maze, petting zoo and baked goods for sale. 14421 South 90th Street Hastings, MN 55033 Telephone 651-436-8385 Emma Krumbee's Orchard and Farm (https://www.emmakrumbees.com/) Lots of fall attractions at this popular farm include pick-your-own apples, petting zoo, maze, restaurant and an annual scarecrow festival. Take a tractor ride out to the pumpkin fields to pick your own pumpkins. There is an admission charge during pumpkin season, through Halloween. US Highway 169 501 East South Street Belle Plaine, MN 56011 Telephone 952-873-3654 Fireside Orchard and Gardens (https://www.firesideorchard.com/) This apple orchard, about 40 minutes south of Minneapolis, also grows plenty of Halloween pumpkins. Fireside Orchard & Gardens 2225 Lonsdale Boulevard Highway 19 Northfield, MN 55057 Telephone 507-663-1376 Homestead Produce Apple Orchard (https://minnesotahomesteadorchard.com/) This apple orchard has a pumpkin patch, plus a petting zoo, free hayrides, jumping castle and straw pile. Fall fun at its finest. 1080 County Road 92 Maple Plain, MN 55359 Telephone 612-290-8024 Hugo Animal Farm (https://www.hugoanimalfarm.com/) The pumpkin patch at this farm is open on the weekends. 9441 North 180th Street Hugo, MN 55038 Telephone 651-433-4455 McDougall's Apple Junction (https://www.apple-junction.com/pages/pumpkins.htm) Take a hayride to the six acre pumpkin patch, or buy a pre-picked pumpkin. Also various varieties of apples, a petting zoo, a children's playground and maze. 4325 South 110th Street (County Road 78) Hastings, MN 55033 …
It's time to carve those pumpkins
This time of year the kids want to go out and get some pumpkins to bring home and decorate. We found a great video to check out that can help you get the carving done quick and easy without making a huge mess. Enjoy!
Sever's Corn Maze & Fall Festival
Sever’s, the Midwest’s original corn maze, is celebrating its 16th season of family friendly fun. Sever's Corn Maze and Fall Festival has teamed up with the Minnesota Corn Growers for the 2012 maze and festival. You're sure to enjoy this year's Harvesting Memories maze theme. This year Sever’s has more activities, food and attractions than ever before including: Tire Mountain, Pumpkin Blasters and Goat World. Don't forget you can pick up a Halloween pumpkin at any Sever’s Pumpkin Patches (https://www.severscornmaze.com/pumpkin_patch.php) or out at the maze. 2012 Dates NOW OPEN Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays September 14th - October 28th Also open Thursday, October 18th (10AM-6PM) & Friday, October 19th (10AM-9PM) of MEA Hours Fridays: 1PM to 9PM (flashlights recommended after 7pm) Saturdays: 10AM to 9PM (flashlights recommended after 7pm) Sundays: 10AM to 6PM (Last ticket sold 1.5 hours before close) Please Note: All maze paths, courtyard and restrooms are handicapped accessible Admission Price Ages 3 & Under: FREE Ages 4 & Above: $13.00 (sales tax included) get a $1 off coupon (https://www.severscornmaze.com/coupon.php) Sever’s Corn Maze 1100 Canterbury Rd. Shakopee, MN 55379 Get directions (https://www.severscornmaze.com/directions.php) (Source: www.severscornmaze.com)
Haunted Ship Tours
William A. Irvin Haunted Ship Tours (https://duluthhauntedship.com/) Welcome to the home of the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship Tours in Duluth, Minnesota. Are you ready for a real scare? Here’s the place for it; but we warn you, tour if you dare. Each year, for the month of October the Irvin transforms itself into a haunted ship, where the ghosts come alive. Your worst nightmares will come to life and it will seem like they will never end. During the self guided tour, you’ll see how the once historic ore ship has been flipped inside out to reveal its true identity. The haunting of the Irvin is not just a rumor, mysterious sightings have been recorded. Don’t be too sure the flickering lights and slamming doors are part of the act, our ghosts may appear at any time. Walking through the dark, eerie hallways you’ll get the feeling that you’re never alone, because you won’t be. In this ship, no place is safe. Starting in the engine room you will travel through the ship until you land in your final destination which is below the freezing waters of Lake Superior in the maze of terror. If you thought the rest of the ship was terrifying, just wait until you step down into the maze. While down in the pitch dark “dungeon” of the ship, not knowing where you’re going is the least of your worries. Watch your back; you never know who’ll be hovering over your shoulder. If you think you’re brave enough to face your fears, come to the Haunted Ship. But remember only the tough ones make it through, alive. Visit the official website (https://duluthhauntedship.com/) for more information
The best places to watch Football
The NFL is back in full gear now and while some of you like to sit at home in the man cave and watch the game on your 52 inch flat screen TV there are a ton of options if you like to get out and catch all of the action at a local bar. Here are a few of the top places in the metro area to check out. JJ’s Clubhouse 6400 Wayzata Blvd. Golden Valley, Minn. 55426 (763) 595-8771 Website (https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-watch-vikings/) : https://www.jjsclubhousemn.com/ (https://www.jjsclubhousemn.com/) With more than a dozen TVs and a cozy atmosphere, heading to JJ’s Clubhouse will feel like watching the game at home … but you don’t have to cook! While they offer a bus to every Vikings game, if you don’t have a ticket, grab your seat where you can watch more than one game. And if you’re wanting to get an early start to your Vikings-watching, they serve a delicious breakfast Sunday mornings. Rail Station Bar and Grill 3675 Minnehaha Avenue Minneapolis, Minn. 55406 (612) 729-3663 Website: https://www.railstationbarandgrill.com/ (https://www.railstationbarandgrill.com/) Located in the heart of the Longfellow neighborhood, the Rail Station Bar & Grill is a family-run restaurant and bar with plenty to enjoy during a Vikings game. They have a long list of Vikings game-day specials from beer to well drinks to 1/2 price (https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-places-to-watch-vikings/) burgers. And stop by during any Vikings game and sign up to win an autographed Jared Allen jersey. New Hope Cinema Grill 2749 Winnetka Avenue North New Hope, Minn. 55427 (763) 417-0017 Website: https://www.newhopecinemagrill.com/ (https://www.newhopecinemagrill.com/) The New Hope Cinema Grill is once again playing all Vikings games — and being a cinema they can definitely claim to have the biggest screen in the metro to watch! And being a grill, they’ve got food and drink specials. They are also home to the Cinema Grill Skol Squad — a group of enthusiastic fans that make…