TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Category: Explore Local Together

  • Explore Local Together EP 3 – Sedona Road Trip

    Explore Local Together EP 3 – Sedona Road Trip

    Welcome to Explore Local Together Episode 3! We share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. This week, we’re talking about road trips, Route 66 and Sedona, AZ, and of course the Solar Eclipse – including an interview with the Science Museum of Minnesota! We’ve spent a lot of time on the road, especially in the Southwest, so we’re sharing tips, favorite hikes, restaurants, and lodging. *this post is from 2024 but still offers a lot of value

    Cadillac Ranch – Route 66 – Amarillo, Texas

    LISTEN to the podcast

    We mentioned a few tips on the podcast including ROADTRIPPERS to plan our trips. Here is the link: https://roadtrippers.com/plus?via=tracy30. Use this code to get a $5 off coupon – BTR5QTP.

    Top Sedona, Arizona, Hiking Trails

    We have visited Sedona, Arizona, for extended stays over the years, and we love the easy access to hiking trails plus the range of difficultly. Below are the six that mentioned in the podcast with a links to blog posts with more details.

    Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona, Besides Hiking

    If you’re not a hiker, there is still plenty to do in Sedona including, biking, jeep tours, trolly rides to all the iconic stops like Chapel of the Holy Cross, tons of unique shopping, peace park, spa, physic readings, artist or farmers market. Here is a link with more details on these ideas https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/12/08/sedona-arizona-things-to-do-besides-hiking/.

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    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    Below is our lightning round of some of favorite Sedona restaurants, our top pick menu items, and why we like the restaurant.

    • The Hudson
    • Top Picks: Pork Chop, Burger, Flourless Cake
    • Why we like it: Neighborhood/Local feel, great service, cool bar, views
    • Mesa Grill
    • Top Picks: Breakfast, Spinach & Pork Belly Salad, Burger, Table side Guac
    • Why we like it: Drive up to the airport is incredible, fun to watch the planes and helicopters land, dog-friendly patio
    • Oak Creek Brewery & Grill
    • Top Picks: Beer: Amber Ale and Gold Lager
    • Food: O.C.B. Charcuterie Board, Burgers, Grilled Salmon Salad
    • Why we like it: Fun atmosphere, located at the historic Tlaquepaque shopping village 
    • The Secret Garden Cafe
    • Top Picks: Reuben, Cole Slaw, Turkey Burger
    • Why we like it: Cute and comfortable bar area and patio- also located at Tlaquepaque shopping village 
    • Indian Gardens  
    • Top Picks: All of it! And the coffee and juice – great to-go options for a picnic
    • Why we like it: Historic general store just 4 miles north of Sedona up 89A, it’s a nice short drive with hikes and views along the way 
    • Page Springs Cellars
    • Top Picks: Shareable Boards 
    • Why we like it: Live music and great wine. Page Springs Cellars is located approximately 15 miles south of Sedona. Another beautiful drive with other wineries on the way, you can make a day of it.

    You can see more of our favorite restaurants at https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/12/07/best-restaurants-sedona-arizona/.

    Lodging in Sedona, Arizona

    VRBO: Red Mountain Shadows Retreat

    We love this VRBO in West Sedona because it’s in a neighborhood but still close to everything and not part of the craziness of Uptown. It’s a two bed/two bath, lovely kitchen, well-appointed, with a gorgeous backyard. Plus, it’s super dog-friendly! There’s even a private area for the dogs in the yard with a doggie door to the house.

    Bed & Breakfast: Alma De Sedona Inn

    A lovely spot and location. Mornings at Alma De Sedona Inn start with their famous breakfasts. I’m not a “bed and breakfast” person but this was amazing and we felt like we had our own space. They offer freshly brewed coffee along with juice and warm homemade muffins and scones. You can smell them baking when you wake up! Next is the main course which is different every day and made from scratch.

    If you are seeking spirituality or alone time to connect with yourself and nature, Alma De Sedona Inn, offers a Labyrinth and Medicine Wheel. Their gardens are serene and this is such a nice amenity. 

    Hotel: Sedona Reál Inn and Suites

    Spacious, clean, dog friendly hotel with a pool – excellent breakfast – and big fenced picnic/dog play area. 

    LISTEN to the podcast

    Total Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024

    The Solar Eclipse!! See all the details about the upcoming event at Science Museum of Minnesota HERE.

    There is also a fun solar eclipse event in our local area at the Wild River State Park. 

    Adoptable Dog from Ruff Start Rescue

    We are excited and thankful to be sharing something new! We are partnering with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month on the podcast. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol. 

    Meet Ace Odin!

    Photo Credit: Ruff Start Rescue

    Ace has been in rescue since May 2022. He is a Mixed American Staffordshire Terrier and American Bulldog and is a little over 3 years old. 

    He is all about the good vibes—treats, lap snuggles (he’s convinced he can fit on any lap even though he weighs 96 pounds), family car rides, and yard shenanigans. He loves relaxing, walks, playing with toys and chewing on bones. He’ll do best in a home with older kids (maybe above 10) and is not the biggest fan of cats. He has lived with dogs in the past and have done well.

    Do you think Ace could be the pup for you?! Visit Ruff Start Rescue HERE.

    Upcoming Minnesota Events:

    Reach out and let us know if you are Team Road Trip or Team Fly! OR tell us your favorite local places throughout the US and where we must stop!

    Let’s Explore Local Together! #DiscoverInspireConnect

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  • Explore Local Together Ep. 2 – St. Croix Valley Itinerary

    Explore Local Together Ep. 2 – St. Croix Valley Itinerary

    Welcome to Explore Local Together Episode 2! We share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. Each episode will include five places to explore, interviews, and, of course, TNT random rambles. This week we covered the St. Croix Valley and spending the day in Scandia and Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. Below is the itinerary. We have a great day planned for you!

    LISTEN to the PODCAST

    Spend the Day in St. Croix Valley, Minnesota

    Rustic Roots Winery located about halfway between Stillwater and Taylors Falls on the St. Croix Scenic Byway/HWY 95.

    Rustic Roots Winery has become a weekly adventure for us! We discovered the winery this winter and cannot wait to see what it is like in the summer out on the deck and watching the vines come back to life. While we love their wine, our favorite this winter has been the cider. Their food is fantastic! I really enjoy their dips and soups and Terry is a big fan of the pizza. We also are into the way they serve their charcuterie!

    Try the Airstream Grill in the summer, which features burgers and other snacks.  Rustic Roots Winery also has rotating food trucks on certain days. Check their calendar HERE.

    Shopping in St. Croix Valley

    Shoreline Goods is one mile down HWY 95 from the winery. Opening April 6, 2024! Shoreline Goods is a new shop filled with locally made home goods and soy candles. Creators, Cody and Kenny’s story is about trying something new for fun and then seeing it grow into a business and now storefront! We are so excited for them and to shop the store! The candles smell amazing and are inspired by the beautiful St. Croix Valley.

    Crabtree’s Garden Gate is located next door to Shoreline Goods.

    Crabtree’s is such a surprise when you pull off the highway and see all the fun and unique outdoor and indoor home decor. Plus so much more. They also offer super fun and beautiful bird feeders and you can buy your seed there. The bird seed mixes, have been locally developed by them over the last 15 years, and are mixed and delivered weekly for freshness. They also offer unique women’s clothing and accessories, plus fun gadgets for the kitchen. Don’t miss the samples of Minnesotan gourmet treats, coffee, and wine. Oh and they have awesome dog treats and toys!

    St. Croix Chocolates is just a couple more miles down HWY 95. Did you know we have an international award-winning chocolate shop in Minnesota?! This is a great story about an ending that led to a wonderful beginning. When Chocolatier Robyn was laid off from a career in journalism, she studied fine chocolate techniques from top pastry chefs and St. Croix Chocolates was born! 

    The artisan chocolates are made by hand, delicious, and beautiful. There is always something unique in the case when we stop and just have to try it. We’ve had fun picking all the different flavors. There are gift boxes available for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.

    St. Croix Valley State Parks

    The last stop after your sweet treat is William O’Brien State Park. We are so lucky to have such amazing state parks in Minnesota with quality recreation. This is the perfect way to end your adventurous day. Enjoy a 2 mile walk on the Wetland Trail and see the park’s rolling, wooded hills. The park offers Camping, Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Cross-country skiing, Naturalist Programs, Bird Watching, and they have an Oak Savanna Restoration. *There is construction through early 2025 on Riverway Campground, Riverside Group Camp, the Riverside Trail and the Mondale Day Use Area.

    There are 4 Minnesota State Parks along the St. Croix including William O’Brien, Interstate State Park, Wild River State Park, and Afton State Park. Add them all to your bucket list!

    LISTEN to the PODCAST

    If you’re looking for more fun things to do in the area, see my Chisago Lakes itinerary HERE.

    Reach out and let us know if you visited! OR tell us your favorite local places throughout the US and where we must stop!

    Let’s Explore Local Together! #DiscoverInspireConnect

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  • Explore Local Together Ep. 1 – Chisago Lakes Itinerary

    Explore Local Together Ep. 1 – Chisago Lakes Itinerary

    If you’re visiting from our podcast, thank you for listening to our first episode of Explore Local Together! If not, you can check it out HERE. We are excited to build community around exploring. We kicked off Explore Local Together with an itinerary for our stomping grounds, Chisago Lakes, Minnesota. Did you know this area is only 40 minutes from the Twin Cities? Enjoy the day and keep exploring local…together!

    Listen to the podcast here.

    Chisago Lakes Itinerary

    Northwoods Roasterie & Coffee Shop

    Northwoods Roasterie has been roasting its own fairly-traded organic beans since 2006. The owner is passionate about the highest quality beans and serving a great cup of coffee. The coffee is fantastic and the highlight is the atmosphere. It’s cozy with spaces to connect with others or work alone on your laptop. There is an outdoor patio, and little nooks including a quiet upstairs area. And as we said on the podcast, we really like their sausage and cheese bagels! 😉

    Antiquing in Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Picket Fence Gals offers many unique and fun treasures! The gals are super helpful while you browse and make sure to take your items to hold at the front desk so you don’t have to carry everything around. There are two buildings with multiple vendors offering a wide array of styles, from Farmhouse to Modern to BOHO to Mid-century. Every day is different because the vendors add new stock each night. Make sure to check out the local bakery items!

    Picket Fence Gals is only open once a month! Check their website for dates.

    Rose’s Collectibles – A vintage collectible shop with locations in Stillwater and Lindstrom, Minnesota. This is TD’s favorite spot to shop for vinyl records.

    Best Local Park in Lindstrom, Minnesota

    Allemansrätt Park is a Wilderness & Swedish Heritage Park. This park is a true hidden gem.

    From the Allemansrätt Park website: The term ‘Allemansrätt’ is a Swedish philosophy of the right of public access, and includes an implicit responsibility to protect and conserve. 

    Allemansrätt Park offers 125 acres to explore, including a 14-acre secluded lake and 10,000 feet of shoreline on three lakes (North Lindström Lake channel, North Center Lake, and Bull Lake), wetlands, a 5-acre island, a 33-acre peninsula, plus an 1853 homestead with educational and historic informational kiosks. There are trails, benches, restrooms, parking lots, and two campsites (camping is first come first serve for $15 a night).  

    You can walk, run, hike, go birding (over 100 species of birds), enjoy photography, ski, snowshoe, canoe/kayak or camp. The lakes are also part of the Chisago Lakes Water Trail which we will be discussing in an upcoming episode.

    Top Burger Spot near Lindstrom, Minnesota

    The Northern Lake Tavern & Grill

    The Northern reminds us of the show Cheers. They have the traditional square bar setup with all your favorite locals. It’s a relaxed, cabin-style atmosphere with yummy bar food. Our favorites are the patty melt, fries, fish, and the reuben. There is also a large patio to enjoy lake views.

    Let’s Explore Local Together!

    #DiscoverInspireConnect

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    ©Explore Local Together

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