Our Recent Adventure at Real Ghost Tours

Real Ghost Tours opened earlier this year.  Dave and I went on the 90 minute tour earlier this month, and look forward to returning for the highly anticipated overnight version currently being planned.

Armed with EMF Meters and flashlights, our three guides had us wandering through both common and off-limits areas of the St. Anthony Main complex.

In a basement space, we were given dowsing rods. While holding the rods, I didn't expect anything to happen, but when one of them starting flinging around I narrowly escaped the need for a change of underwear.

Below, Melissa Wolfe monitors her dowsing rods.  Our guide called out to spirits, asking that they make themselves known by coercing the rods to move in specific directions.

At one point during the tour we were in a vacated upper floor space where our guide set up a digital audio recorder.  He asked if there were spirits present, and a few words did come through (although opinions differed on what those words were).  He mentioned that someone allegedly hung themselves in that space, at which point a member of our group blurted out that she had seen him (the hanging person) and pointed to a nearby rafter.  

Above, our guide gives some background on the people whose spirits are believed to be occupying St. Anthony Main. 

Brianna Tinjum, a member of our group, gave this review, "The Real Ghost Tours was fun! Learning some of the riverfront history, wandering the old buildings (sometimes in the dark, creepy), and getting to use gadgets you see on ghost hunting shows was a fun and interesting way to spend a Saturday evening.  I definitely recommend this tour."   I concur.

New Activity in the Mill District: City Running Tours

We learned about City Running Tours through a July 15 Twin Cities Business article.

Similar to The Fit Tourist, which offers out of town bicyclers several guided Minneapolis routes to choose from, City Running Tours is geared toward out of town runners.  Local runners should check it out to see if there's a route covering an area of the city they  otherwise may not visit.

According to the schedule on their website, City Running Tours offers 5K and 10K versions of each route, including one in our neighborhood called the 'Mill City River District Group Run'.  Check out their website and Facebook for details.

Travel Channel Celebrity at Mill City Farmers Market

While enjoying a cup of Sonny's Toffee ice cream in a shady spot this past weekend at the Mill City Farmers Market, I noticed Andrew Zimmern (of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods fame) was next in line.  I hope he wasn't too disappointed to find there were no exotic bugs or animals parts (wink) swirled into any of the flavors. Sonny's ice cream is a product of Crema Cafe.

Below, Fred Golchin of French Nugget with Andrew. 

Sights and Sounds of July 16 KidsFest at MacPhail Center for Music

This past Saturday MacPhail Center for Music was alive with joyful noises as parents and their future musicians (some still in diapers) soaked up KidsFest.  This action packed 2-hour event gave little ones a chance to experience as many string, brass and percussion instruments as they could handle.  They also got to make their own instrument to take home, and enjoy a performance by the Dakota Combo.

Below are two slide shows - one silent (the Sights) and one quite loud (the Sounds), followed by a video of the Dakota Combo.  MacPhail's talented Early Childhood Music teachers provided guidance with smiles and ease. 

(best viewed in full screen mode)

Mick Sterling and The Irresistibles at the 2011 Aquatennial Block Party

Tim Mahoney was just finishing his set when we arrived at the 2011 Aquatennial Block Party Friday night - just about the same time the rain gave out.

Having yet to see a Mick Sterling and The Irresistibles performance, we had no idea of the treat we were in for.

 

 

Week 11 at Mill City Farmers Market

For the first time since I started monitoring the progress, Mill City Farmers Market has been knocked out of first place in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.  If you haven't voted yet, please take a minute to do so now by Clicking here.

It's not unusual to spot a local celebrity at the MCFM.  Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine) was there today. 

Guest Post: Books & Bars at the Aster Cafe - a Poplular Monthly Event

We post the monthly Books & Bars gatherings held at the Aster Cafe under the Events section, but as of yet we haven't had the chance to enjoy one.  Karen Runyon, a Mill District neighbor, was at the July 12 event and provided us with some pictures and feedback.

From Karen Runyon:

The patio was full, 80+ people to discuss the Harry Potter series. All ages, teens to grandmothers. Some very passionate readers, great food and drink (the Aster made a butter beer for the occasion), and a spirited facilitator.

Passersby stood outside the patio listening for various lengths of time.

Jeff Kamin moderates these events, as seen below.

Thank you for the review and pictures, Karen!  We welcome contributions from our readers, it's easy - send us an email with a picture and a short (or long) description or story.

New Patient Feedback on Bierbrauer Chiropractic

Although we've published a Mill District Business Spotlight on Bierbrauer Chiropractic, and posted numerous articles from Dr. Bierbrauer under the Mill City Tmes Fitness Blog, I haven't had to seek chiropractic care - until now.  

I made an appointment with Dr. Bierbrauer hoping to get relief from neck pain, and I wasn't disappointed.  The entire experience - from getting set up as a new patient thru the initial consultation and session - was easy, efficient and relaxing. 

He sent me home with printouts of simple daily exercises that will counter the strain caused by too many hours slouched over a keyboard.  I'll also be replacing the office chair I've been using since 1996 and make an honest effort to sit up straight. 

Gone are the old days of setting up a series of follow up appointments.  With Dr. Bierbrauer, he asks that you do the exercises, take whatever other corrective action was discussed, and call him if there are follow up questions or things aren't improving. 

Another nice benefit is the Bierbrauer Chiropractic website - it's packed with scads of helpful info.  If you've been considering chiropractic care, I would highly recommend making an appointment.

There's a New Mobile Pub in Town - City Cycle Tours

Look out, Pedal Pub, here comes City Cycle Tours!

I first learned of City Cycle Tours through an article in Finance and Commerce.  While Dave and I haven't personally encountered one on the street yet (the inaugural run in Minneapolis was June 4), the pictures reflect a sleek machine.  

Company representative Daniel O'Brien took time to educate me on how City Cycle Tours compares to Pedal Pub. 

Now, I am in no way denigrating Pedal Pub, but CCT has some really cool features - from top to bottom.

Being on the short side, my first question was regarding a minimum height requirement (PP's is 5’3", which disqualifies me from pedaling). CCT's vehicle has adjustable seats, and Daniel noted they've had riders ranging from 4'11" to 6'6" who were able to adjust their seats to a comfortable height for pedaling.  CCT is equipped with soft, cushioned Schwinn bicycle seats.

Although rental prices are the same between the two companies, with CCT you'll have two staff on board - one to drive and one to assist with refreshments.  Speaking of which,  Daniel said their vehicle has full suspension and a custom designed chassis that could support laps around a race track. Two advantages - a smooth ride, and your keg of beer won't get foamed up.  If you prefer cans, there are two 66 liter coolers under the bar floor (enough space to keep 300 cans cold and out of the way).

In addition to storing beverages under the bar, CCT features space above the riders and purse/bag hooks.  There is a lip around the outside edge of the bar plus 12 cup holders to prevent your drinks, cell phones, etc., from flying off.

What if it gets dark before you're done pubbing?  No problem - in addition to the headlights and tail lights, there are over 10 LED lights.  For music, there's an aftermarket, amp-powered 6 speaker sound system with a CD deck made for a car.  It has an iPod hook up - so bring your favorite mix.

 

Several more features exclusive to CCT are a hand rail and a standing platform under the seats.  The platform makes getting on and off much easier, and prevents injury from falling off the vehicle.  It also keeps the bar at a normal height - around the chest - when you’re standing between seats; with PP, if your not seated you'll need to stand on the ground, making the bar face level or higher.

I asked Daniel about any unique events they've been involved with so far.  He mentioned a recent 3-day Susan G Komen walk in St. Paul during which they gave free rides and raffled off a tour to support that cause.  He also mentioned they're currently checking into how CCT can be involved with St. Paul's first Zombie Pub Crawl coming up in October.

Per Daniel, "Feedback so far has been fantastic, we've had nothing but positive feedback about the vehicle and the way we run it. In our short amount of operating time, we've already had people re-book." 

Find out more about City Cycle Tours via the following links:  Main Website, Features Website, Facebook and Twitter

"Freegal" Music Downloads Now Available at Hennepin Libraries

You can now download three free Sony Music selections each week through Freegal, a new online music database offered by Hennepin County Library. The songs are yours until you delete them.

All you need is a MN library card that is registered at Hennepin County Library. Access Freegal on the HCL website's "Music" page. The music is in MP3 format and will work on any computer (Mac or PC) and on any MP3 player, including iPods, and can be loaded onto iTunes.

You can access Freegal on your home computer, or on HCL's internet-connected workstations that use PC Reservation sign-ups. Freegal limits customers to three downloads per week, and updates its catalog with new additions continually. You can even listen to a sample click before downloading.

For more information, visit the HCL/Freegal website.  

Week 10 at Mill City Farmers Market

Click here to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest! 

NOTE - You can see MCFM Founder Brenda Langton in action on Sunday, July 10, at the Park Nicollet Move and Grove Family Fest at the Basilica of St. Mary, part of the Basilica Block Party.  This free event celebrates kids' fitness, healthy eating, and wellness in a fun, interactive environment.

 

Spider-Man Among Runners in the Red, White & BOOM! TC Half Marathon

Watch for Spider-Man about 1:25 minutes into the video!  (Superman also ran, but unfortunatley we didn't get a shot of him.)

July 22 is the Deadline for Submitting "The Future of Nicollet Mall Poetry Contest" Entry

The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District(DID) has announced their "The  Future of Nicollet Mall Poetry Contest".

Share your vision for Nicollet Mall by incorporating one or more of the following words into a poem:  Change, Vision, Community, Future, Gather, Vibrant and Commerce. You could see your winning poem displayed in public or win gift cards to down town establishments.

The deadline for submitting your original poem is July 22nd.  Click here for all the details.

Nice Turn Out for Inaugural Hot Dam 5K Fun Run

Funds raised from the inaugural Hot Dam 5K Fun Run will benefit future Red, White and Boom Celebrations in Minneapolis. 

 

Exciting Technology-based Innovations at MacPhail

Per their most recent e-newsletter, MacPhail Center for Music is now offering technology-based innovations to enhance musical study, including:
 
· Live, online one-on-one lessons via the internet.
· Online lesson additions to supplement classes like Piano for Children.
· Electronic lessons for some Early Childhood Music classes featuring video links to songs sung in class, research articles and sheet music.
· Video enhancements for the Crescendo Program.
· Online video tutorials for All-State Band etudes.

We had a preview of their new technologies at the Music Matters Luncheon in April - very impressive. Check out their newly re-designed website for more information.

The Benefits of Being a Mill City Commons Member - An Ongoing Series

Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons for a number of reasons, one of them being the interesting member-only events.

There were two exclusive MCC events on June 30.  The first was a tour of Graywolf Press, 250 Third Avenue North, publisher of poetry, fiction and non-fiction.  Below, Development Assistant Stephanie Shockley starts the tour.

Using the book Assumption by Percival Everett (available Fall 2011) as an example, staff members shared the process of publishing a book - from editing, to cover design and marketing.  Attendees received a copy of Invisible Strings, a collection of poems by Jim Moore. 

Afterwards we toured several artist studios at Artspace, the innovative nonprofit developer behind the potential ArtCube projecton Washington Avenue South next to the new American Academy of Neurology site.

Later that day, MCC members gathered for a pre-opening tour of the Bachelor Farmer Restaurant & Marvel Bar at 200 First Street North.   Owners Eric and Andrew Dayton led us through their restaurant and bar, which together encompass three levels.

Week 9 at the 2011 Mill City Farmers Market

As of July 1, Mill City Farmers Market held the most votes over all Minnesota farmers markets in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!   Click here to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market.

 

Canines Celebrate 2011 Pride Parade

Hundreds of 4-legged supporters turned out for the 2011 Pride Parade:

Elected Officials Show Support in the 2011 Pride Parade

There was a huge show of support from elected officials at the 2011 Pride Parade, starting with Mayor Rybak riding front and center with the Dykes on Bikes.

 

 

Solstice River XV - Global Water Dances Event a Success Thanks to Perfect Execution

Despite the wind (which at times seemed strong enough to turn the performers into human kites) Saturday afternoon's Global Water Dances event was by all accounts a perfectly executed event.  The shows audio was broadcast simultaneously on FM 88.5, and there were boom boxes spaced closely together on the bridge allowing everyone in attendance to clearly hear the music and oration.

Prior to the Dances, spectators could stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge reading Mississippi mile markers that showed water quality at various towns and cities along the river.  Below is a sample:

The entrance of Women of the Water was part of the event welcome:

Dancers were stationed high and low along the river, and were later joined by 3 kayaks and streamer bearers:

 

People of all ages gathered to watch the performances.  Global Water Dances took place at 60 locations around the world - that our beautiful Mississippi neighborhood was one of them speaks volumes.