Minneapolis Riverfront Neighborhoods Featured in Travel & Leisure Mag

Am I really the last person to "discover" Minneapolis? Until recently, I probably knew more about the religious capital of Kandy, in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, than I knew about Minneapolis. Turns out that this bike-friendly metropolis has a lot to offer visitors beyond Grain Belt Beer, long winters, and Mary Tyler Moore reruns. Here are just a few of the activities I tried during my recent visit.

All of the featured activities highlighted were from riverfront neighborhoods near downtown.

Read the full article...

Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board Photo Contest Entry Deadline is September 5

There's still time to submit your photos in the Picture a Park Photo Contest!

The contest, sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board(MPRB), People for Parks(PFP) and National Camera, is designed to highlight the life and times in Minneapolis parks year round.

Entries can depict people, activities, nature and places in the Minneapolis parks system from any time of the year.  The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents. Photos must be unpublished and taken in Minneapolis parks. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged. Photographers can submit up to four entries.

There is no entry fee. The deadline for submissions is September 5, 2011.   Rules and entry forms are available online at MPRB.  Information is also available at National Camera Exchange's website.

Photographer Categories:
- Youth (ages 17 and under)
- Adult (ages 18 and up)

Subject Categories:
- Beauty in the Parks
- Events in the Parks
- Fun in the Parks

All images will be judged on the basis of impact, image quality, composition and story telling. First, second and third place will be determined in each age and subject category.   Photos entered in the contest will also be open for vote by the public for a Peoples Choice Award.

First place winners in the three subject categories in both age divisions will receive a 2012 calendar including their winning photograph. Second and third place winners will receive certificates of merit and recognition. Photos will be posted on the MPRB and PFP Web sites, and on display at select parks.

In addition, of the six first place winners, Gold, Silver and Bronze recognition will be determined, with the winners receiving a National Camera gift card and up to a 16x20 enlargement of their winning entry.
Peoples Choice Award winners will receive a 5 x 11-inch individually engraved paver at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

State Fair Style Canning Contest at the Mill City Farmers Market

In the spirit of the MN State Fair, Mill City Farmers Market will host its own Canning Conteston Saturday, August 27.

Enter your home processed goods to a panel of judges in one (or all three!) of the categories listed below.  Your works of art will be evaluated based on the official MN State Fair criteria.

Rule #1: All produce ingredients must be LOCALLY GROWN!

Category: Sweet
Including jams, jellies, syrups, whole fruit preserves, butters...

Category: Tangy
Includes pickles, relishes, chutneys, salsa…

Category: Market Fresh
Show off your market dedication – how many Mill City Farmers Market vendors can you represent in one jar of home canned goods?!

Scorecard for all categories:

- Overall appearance
- Size and shape
- Color
- Texture
- Most creative recipe
- Best use of ingredients from the Market!

How to submit your goods:
Bring your Sweet, Tangy and/or Market Fresh goodies to the Market on August 27.  Volunteers will be collecting submissions in the Market Cafe from 8:00am – 9:00am.  A panel of judges will evaluate each submission and choose a winner from each category.  The winners will be announced after the Mill City Cooks cooking demo (around 11:00am), after which time contestants can pick up their submissions.

Please include the following with your submission:

- Name
- Phone number
- Submission name (i.e. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam)
- List of ingredients
- List of sources (i.e. name of farm/market vendor where strawberries and rhubarb were purchased)

Our Judges
Barbara Schaller is a canning connoisseur, steadily winning blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair since 1981. Visit her blog “I Can Can, Can You?” to take home some jammin’ cannin’ tips.

Liz McMann is a Master Food Preserver and natural foods educator at the Mississippi Market. She is an avid urban gardener, documenting her gardening, cooking and preserving project on her blog “Food Snobbery is my Hobbery“.

Tickets Now on Sale for Soap Factory's 2011 Haunted Basement

The Soap Factory's5th annual Haunted Basement is on the horizon.  Ticket are now available thru their website and Facebook.

Hundreds of volunteers keep the Haunted Basement screaming.  Click here if you'd like to assist with building, props, painting, cleaning, costumes, makeup, taking tickets or acting. 

Triple Espresso Coming to the Southern Theater this Fall

Triple Espresso is scheduled to play at the Southern Theater November 16, 2011 - January 8, 2012.

Triple Espressotells the story of three guys whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in 4-minutes of magnificent failure on national television. Hugh Butternut, Buzz Maxwell, and Bobby Bean tell their rags-to-rags story earnestly, with hysterical results. Butternut is a musician, a vulnerable soul with a lounge lizard smile; Maxwell is an uncertain magician with an attitude; and Bean is an irrepressible, all-over-the-map entertainer with big dreams. This comedy appeals to young and old.                                            Box Office: 612-874-1100

Week 15 at the Mill City Farmers Market

At long last, what I've been dreaming of all summer - Sonny's sweet corn ice cream!  It's heaven in a cup.

The St. Paul and Eagan Markets are still the Minnesota leaders in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.   Cast your vote for the Mill City Farmers Market by Clicking here.  

This Weekend in Mill City / August 12-14

Events this weekend in and around the Historic Mill District of Minneapolis and across the Stone Arch Bridge in Old St. Anthony.

Friday, August 11

Real Ghost Tour (2 Nights) at St. Anthony Main

Saturday, August 12

Mill City Farmers Market

Women’s Work: History Player Eva Valesh Tour at Mill City Museum

Twin Cities Polish Festival

Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Sunday, August 13

CorePower Yoga in the Park

Twin Cities Polish Festival

Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Weekend Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at Spoonriver
750 South 2nd St (at Chicago Ave S)
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-436-2236

Reservations recommended

10:00am - 2:00pm

See the menu...

Saturday & Sunday

Brunch at the Aster Cafe
St. Anthony Main
125 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-379-3138

Until 2pm.

See the menu...

Sunday

Brunch at Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-339-3388

brunch buffet 10am- 2pm Sunday
$12/person (kids 3 and under eat free, 4-12 years are 1/2 price!)

includes: eggs, bacon, french toast, hash browns, fresh salad and fruit, pastries, build your own omlette bar and more...

featuring absolut bloody bar for $5.

also offering fair trade coffee and full bar.

August 31 is the Deadline to Enter East Downtown Council Creative Media Contest

The "East Downtown Minneapolis - Can You Picture It?" photo contest is seeking photos, videos and other presentations that, through its people, architecture and public space, make the East Downtown district vibrant. 

The contest is sponsored by the East Downtown Council, and is open to everyone.  The entry deadline is August 31, 2011.

Click here for information on rules, prizes and more.

Twins Territory TC 4K Rolls Through the Mill District

A nice size crowd participated in this mornings Twins Territory TC 4K.  The race started on 12th Avenue South, headed down 2nd Street South, and took runners thru the North Loop and Warehouse Disctrict to Target Field.  The race helped raise money for the Twins Community Fund.

Week 14 at the Mill City Farmers Market

Only 3 1/2 weeks left to vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.  You can do so by Clicking here.  Currently the St. Paul and Eagan Markets are in the lead for Minnesota, but all three are behind the national leaders.  It appears Southern and Eastern Market patrons are much more involved in voting for their Markets.  What gives?

Photos - 2011 National Night Out in the Mill District

Friends (new and old), food, drink, music, massages, door prizes and Segways - they all add up to a perfect 2011 National Night Out in our Mill District neighborhood. 

Special thanks to everyone who organized, provided refreshments, and helped set up and clean up.   Also, thank you to Mill City Commons, Sorella Wine & Spirits, The Doorway, Segway Tours and Mark Stillman.

Visit the Block Party Website for more photos...

August 5 Opportunity with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

We met Scott Hubers, Lifestyle Director at Mill District City Apartments, at National Night Out.   He keeps things hopping at their building, but it's not all party, party, party.  

Scott brought to my attention a volunteer opportunity he's promoting for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity this Friday, August 5 (8:00am to 5:00pm).   Work is on a new 3+ bedroom two-level, single family house, which is taking the place of a foreclosed home that was beyond repair.   If you're looking for something to do this Friday, here's an opportunity to learn about Habitat for Humanity, work with your hands and get some exercise, and meet like-minded people who believe in giving back.

For more information, or to sign up, contact Scott at 507-339-0319 or sjhubers@msn.com. 

Mayor Rybak Leads August 1 Dedication of the 35W Memorial Garden

In remembrance of Sherry Engebretsen - Artemio Trinidad-Mena - Julia Blackhawk - Patrick Holmes - Peter Hausmann - Paul Eickstadt - Greg Jolstad - Scott Sathers - Christina Sacorafas - Hanah Sahal - Sadiya Sahal - Vera Peck - Richard Chit.

Driving rain ended shortly before the 5:00pm Memorial Garden ceremony dedicated to the victims and survivors of the August 1, 2007, 35W bridge collapse.

The Memorial Garden features 13 columns, which bear the names of the individuals lost to the collapse. Names of the survivors are engraved in the black wall behind the columns. Behind the wall is an observation deck for viewing the river and new 35W bridge.

Following speeches by Mayor Rybak and Governor Dayton, loved ones shared sentiments and there was a performance by Christina Baldwin, Jennifer Baldwin Peden and Bradley Greenwald.

Governor Dayton had ordered flags in Minnesota to fly in half-staff in observation of the fourth anniversary of the 35W collapse.

Great Turn Out for NorthEast Dog Parade

A huge crowd gathered in Chute Square for the July 30 NorthEast Dog Parade.  We didn't make it to the Red Stag for "Dogtail Hour" afterwards, but the parade kick off was quite a party by itself.

Gold Medal Park part of July 30 Great Urban Race

On our way home from the Mill City Farmers Market yesterday we noticed a table set up under a tree filled with balloon animals, so naturally we had to check it out.  Turns out the Great Urban Race was taking place downtown - starting and ending at Huberts' Target Field location.

Amye Scharlau of Cabinets for Wonders assisted contestants with their challenge at the Gold Medal Park stop.  Below, Amye demonstrates how to make a balloon dog, which contestants had to display with their picture before qualifying to move on.

  

You never know what you'll see in our neighborhood - a good reason to get out for a walk as often as possible.

Week 13 at Mill City Farmers Market

It was packed at the Market today!  Great products, demos, music and food - and the weather cooperated this time.  :)  Click here to view Kare 11's trip to the Market this morning.

As of this afternoon, the Mill City Farmers Market was still in third place for Minnesota in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.  If you haven't voted yet, please take a minute to do so by Clicking here.  Voting is open until August 31.

Mill City Farmers Market July 30, 2011

July 30: Taste of Italy with the Italian Cultural Center

The Italian Cultural Center is the home of Italian culture in the Twin Cities. Stop by to learn more about their language and art history classes, travel info, and more.  

Celebrate it at the Mill City Farmers Market where we are overwhelmed with the abundance of summer's harvests: sustainable fruits and veggies, pasture-raised meats, poultry, eggs and cheese; artisan chocolates, breads and treats. It's easy to fill your pantry needs at the Market, so don't forget your grocery list!

Produce Planner

Sweet corn is in! Along with currants, raspberries, blueberries, garlic, carrots, beets, onions, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, fennel, tomatoes, green beans, peas, radishes, herbs, salad mix, edible flowers, zucchini, summer squash, collards, kale, Swiss chard, and so much more!!!

Mill City Cooks, 10am

Market Chef, Heather Hartman welcomes Lorenzo Terregrossa of Lorenzo's Ovens to the Market. He's bringing an outdoor oven to make authentic Italian pizzas!

Discover You Can!

Canning connoisseur, Liz McMann leads a demo on safe home canning with a recipe for Bruschetta in a Jar.

Art Market, All Day

Featuring Spring Finn & Co., Cracked Clay, Fruits of the Sea , and Old World Cabinet

Live Music, 11 am - 1 pm

Members of Minnesota Opera's vocal training program will sing a sampling of Italian Art Songs. 12:30 -enjoy a preview of Mixed Precipitation's 3rd annual Picnic Operetta touring local Community Gardens. 

Music in The Park - A Relaxing End to a Hectic Day

Naphtalia was this week's Tuesday night Music in the Park artist at Father Hennepin Bluffs.  It was the first time Dave and I had a chance to attend one of these performances.  Kudos to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for bringing us this series.

The weather was picture perfect, and the attendees (ranging in age from babies to seniors) looked absolutely contented. 

New Outdoor Fitness Offering in the Mill District - Range of Motion Wellness

Minnesota summers are way too short to be exercising indoors. 

Jeremy Morris, an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer, and founder of Range of Motion Wellness, is taking his workouts outdoors.

Starting this Thursday, July 28, at 5:00pm, and every following Thursday through September 29, Jeremy is leading a 60-minute "Mill City Ruins Workout" at the Mill City Ruins parking lot (near Lock and Dam 1).

Per Jeremy, "This workout will allow people who feel a little out of shape to make the gradual transition to regular exercise, and will give regular exercisers an exciting break from the gym."

He added, "I decided to focus one of my initial group workout settings in the Mill Ruins Park because it has a lot of opportunity to deliver both low and high intensity elements by using the great topography, it's close to Gold Medal Park, which is equally flexible, convenient to so many great residences, and it's a beautiful setting.  Few outdoor workouts in the local parks have such dynamic elements as the Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge, and the history of the city all setting the backdrop with good landscape features that can help provide a quality full-body workout.
 
Ten years ago I was living in Marcy Holmes while attending the U, and commuted to the StarTribune by walking across the Stone Arch Bridge. During that time the Mill Ruins were being excavated and redevelopment of the area was underway. I was fascinated by the redevelopment of the Mill District and it just stuck with me. When I started this venture I realized that I needed to find untapped resources for these kinds of events. The river and Mill District area were great opportunities. I'm really looking forward to helping others share the resource in a new way."

Sessions are only $5 each, and will take you on a short warm-up, body-weight strengthening exercises, and a stretching cool down.  E-mail reservations are strongly encouraged, but anyone is welcome to attend.

Jeremy also offers Personal Training, Worksite Health and Lifestyle Concierge services.  Visit the website, Facebook and Twitter for more information.

2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival Events at Mill City Museum

The Mill City Museum will be one of the three downtown Minneapolis venues for the 2011 Minnesota Fringe Festival, which runs Thursday, August 4 thru Sunday, August 14.  The other areas are Upton, the West Bank and St. Paul.

Click here for the Fringe schedule at Mill City Museum. 

This is the Fringe's 18th year, with 168 different productions showing on 18 stages throughout the Twin Cities.  All shows are 60 minutes or less.

Fringe is an annual performing arts festival in the Twin Cities.  For 11 days, over a thousand artists present works in every discipline and genre.  No one selects the participating shows - a lottery determines which of nearly 400 applicants win production slots at the festival.