TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

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  • Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    To celebrate my birthday, we did something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time; we reserved a spot at one of the Twin Cities Pizza Farms. We chose Two Pony Gardens in Long Lake, Minnesota, only 20 minutes from Minneapolis. It was such a magical afternoon!

    Two Pony is a farm that practices, encourages, and teaches organic gardening methods. When you get close to the farm, the road turns to dirt, and just a little further is the start of the driveway. There you find an adorable farm stand that is stocked daily with honey, jelly, tomatoes, garlic, gourds, pumpkins, flowers, and more. The farm’s main crops are dahlias and heirloom tomatoes.

    At Two Pony Gardens, there are three different areas to reserve your spot and enjoy your pizza; Farm House Front Yard, Sumac Hill, and Tailgater’s Meadow. We booked Tailgater’s Meadow. It’s a great spot to spread out, lounge, play catch, sit in the spirit tipi, or walk the trail. It’s not too far from the front yard and an easy walk to pick up your pizzas.

    Halloween and Fall Twin Cities Weekend Adventure Ideas

    Two Pony Gardens Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    Each reservation is for two hours allowing time to enjoy the farm. We loved walking around the farm and meeting all the animals. Especially the farm cat, Rocket and dog, Oak. I could have played with Oak and Rocket all day. This place, the animals, and the pizza is my definition of heaven.

    Two Pony Gardens Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    We ordered the seasonal pizza made with apples, sausage, sage, and cheddar. It was so fresh and delicious! We brought music, but it’s so rare that we get to enjoy the quiet; we were loving it and never turned the music on. The farm is incredibly peaceful. Two Pony just has that something special about it, it’s a feeling, a comfort. I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon.

    Two Pony Gardens Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    After we finished eating, I sat in the spirit tipi for a while, connecting with nature, and relaxing. Then we took a hike around the property.

    The pizza season is over but make sure to add this to your Minnesota bucket list for 2022! We had the best experience. The staff was above and beyond. We also had the opportunity to have a long conversation with the owner, Lisa. Don’t you love those people that you meet, and you can instantly have a deep conversation? That was Lisa. She’s a gem and offered so much insight.

    Lisa – thank you for sharing this amazing space and food with all of us!

    Remember to support and eat local.

    For many birthdays, I didn’t really do what I wanted. I said yes to things that weren’t good for my soul.

    This year, I stirred my soul. ❤️

    If you’re looking for another quiet getaway close to the Twin Cities, check out Whitetail Woods Regional Park.

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Best Pumpkin Patch In Minnesota

    Best Pumpkin Patch In Minnesota

    Minnesota Pumpkin Patch

    Looking for one of the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota? Head south of the Twin Cities.

    We took a beautiful morning drive from Minneapolis to New Prague to find ourselves the perfect pumpkin.

    Barten Pumpkins is a lovely family-owned property. There are pumpkins, squash, gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, custom displays, games for the kids, and plenty of space to run around and enjoy nature. Plus, it’s a perfect spot to grab some fall photos.

    I fell in love with this sign. 😉

    Minnesota Road Trip

    New Prague is an easy drive from the Twin Cities and would make a great day trip with the addition of exploring the town of New Prague. You can also have a picnic by the lake at Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park which is part of the Three Rivers Park District. Both are on our bucket list for next time.

    Admission and parking are always free at Barten Pumpkins.

    Life is short, never stop exploring. ❤️ It’s good for the soul to get out and go on an adventure.

    Sometimes, we take for granted what is right in our backyard or close to our homes.

    If you’re looking for another great park in the Twin Cities to hike and see fall colors, check out Bryant Lake Regional Park. This park is also part of the Three Rivers Park District.

    Enjoy the new season!

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Luxury Picnics In Minneapolis Minnesota

    Luxury Picnics In Minneapolis Minnesota

    Luxury Picnics in Minneapolis

    I love the luxury picnic trend because it’s a relaxed and intimate way to get together with friends in the beautiful outdoors.

    Recently, I attended a luxury picnic alongside fellow travel bloggers, photographers, writers, and content creators at B.F. Nelson Park, located on the historic Mississippi riverfront. Miko Picnics, a new local company, set up this gorgeous luxury picnic.

    luxury picnic in Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Until this event, many of us only knew each other through Instagram, and this was our first time meeting in person! That, together with this incredible setting, made for a night to remember. Not to mention connecting, laughing, sharing stories, and bouncing ideas off each other. It was a great night of women building up women.

    These delicious and pretty charcuterie boards were created by Board at Home – Minnesota.

    RachCakes Vegan Baking made these yummy cookies for the event. Her vegan treats are fresh and made to order.

    vegan cookies at a luxury picnic in Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Sip and Bloom provided a floral arrangement class. The class was so fun; I highly suggest checking them out! We enjoyed working on a creative project and having something to bring home to remember a fun summer night.

    Thank you to Shelby (Marketing Manager for @BloomingtonMN) and Sara (Planet with Sara) for planning a great event and bringing us together.

    Did you know this area is actually part of a National Park – learn more here: Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

    Life is short, never stop search for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Top Resort In Duluth, Minnesota

    Top Resort In Duluth, Minnesota

    Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth, Minnesota

    Pier B Resort Hotel is a top resort in Duluth, Minnesota. The location, amenities, and service are unbeatable. Recently, we stayed for one night on our way up from Minneapolis to explore the north shore. Pier B is situated on the edge of Lake Superior on 7.4 acres! This is what we liked the most, there is plenty of space to play and hang out without feeling like you’re right on top of the other guests. And, the fact that Pier B is dog-friendly.

    Allen loved all the different areas to explore, walk, and meet other dog friends.

    Best Location in Duluth for Ship Watching

    The views from the rooms are amazing. I took the below photo of the kayakers from our room! Pier B is the best location (even from your room) for watching the ships come into the harbor and under the iconic historic aerial lift bridge. The Lakeside Patio gives you front row seats to listen to the ship horns and the aerial bridge. Plus you can watch the kayakers, sail boats, fishing boats, birds, and more.

    Kayakers on Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota
    Ship coming into Duluth Harbor under Aerial Bridge
    People watching a sailboat in the Duluth Harbor at Pier B Resort

    We enjoyed drinks on the patio while listening to live music. Then, we ordered dinner from Silos, the onsite restaurant, to take to our room. The Mushroom Swiss Burger with grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic and chive sour cream, and Swiss and Gruyere cheese is delicious. Terry had the Parmesan Herb Walleye, a pan-fried, parmesan panko crusted walleye, served with lemon caper aioli, wild rice pilaf, and seasonal vegetables, that he said was one of the best he’s ever had.

    They offer a great new system for ordering breakfast (due to COVID) that the front desk thoroughly explains at check-in. It’s super easy, just checking off on a paper menu what you want to eat the next morning. Then, you pick it up at your designated time. We really liked this option. Our food was hot and tasty.

    Best spot for sunrise photos of Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

    Another favorite amenity at Pier B Resort Hotel is all of the patios and decks, each offering an incredible view and all are easily accessible. They are great locations to eat breakfast and take in the sunrise. An up-close and intimate view.

    Sunrise of the Duluth Aerial Bridge at Pier B Resort

    Because we were only there one night, we didn’t have time to check out all the amenities. There are so many fun things to do including the outdoor sport court, lawn games, electric scooters, biking, paddle boards, and boat rentals. Plus, the surrounding area offers endless recreation. There is shopping, breweries, Canal Park, museums, or driving up the north shore for scenic views and hiking like we did.

    Patio at Pier B Resort

    Visit the Pier B Resort Hotel for more information www.pierbresort.com.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    © Tracy Blowers

  • The Gunflint Trail – North Shore, Minnesota

    The Gunflint Trail – North Shore, Minnesota

    Gunflint Trail Minnesota

    I can’t believe that I grew up in Minnesota and never experienced the Gunflint Trail! Anyone else? We spent most of our time in the Crosslake/Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota because that is where my grandparents lived. So, this was an exciting adventure after reading and hearing stories about the Gunflint Trail over the years. We had a blast exploring and can’t wait to go back.

    The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway is one of three nationally designated highways that wind through the Superior National Forest. The drive is filled with views of lush trees, wildflowers (fireweed is my favorite), and breathtaking overlooks. The trail is about 57 miles long, starting in Grand Marais, and runs along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

    View of Grand Marais from Pincushion Mountain
    Pincushion Mountain Overlook – Views of Grand Marais

    Our first stop was the legendary Trail Center Lodge (Home of Camp Chow). I had the BEST gluten-free salmon burger slathered in the perfect amount of tartar sauce. Thank you, ladies! As well as being a great spot for lunch, you will find groceries, gifts, gas, and firewood. The Trail Center’s history goes back to the 1930s. You can read about it here http://www.trailcenterlodge.com/history.html.

    Traditions carry on in this small beautiful community on Poplar Lake.

    After lunch, we hiked Honeymoon Bluff. This is a short hike (1 mile) but with a lot of stairs. The stairs are worth the views of Hungry Jack Lake. That small speck in the photo below is a pontoon boat – doesn’t that look amazing?

    View of Hungry Jack Lake Gunflint Trail Minnesota

    Lodging and Restaurants

    Then, it was time to check into Poplar Haus! We stayed in the Northern Gnome Cabin. This dog-friendly historic log cabin, built in 1927, has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and is adorable. In addition, you have your own personal dock, fire pit, and picnic table. There is a full-service onsite restaurant, liquor store, and free use of kayaks and canoes. Plus, fishing and pontoon rentals. All of this, coupled with the Poplar Haus being located just outside the Boundary Waters Wilderness, means enjoying a little piece of heaven.

    Poplar Haus cabin on Poplar Lake Gunflint Trail Minnesota

    We took full advantage of the peace and quiet and panoramic views at the lake.

    Poplar Lake View Minnesota

    How cute are all the gnome decorations? Every day, I found a new one.

    There’s a perfect spot to hang your hammock right by the water.

    Hammock laying in front of Poplar Lake Minnesota with a sign that says Gnome Crossing

    On the whole, this is a great spot to lodge if you want to be close to some modern conveniences or it’s your first time experiencing the Gunflint Trail. For example, if you’re in urgent need of ice cream. 😉 The Trail Center Lodge is only one mile down the road. After eating the Poplar Haus burger (which was excellent), we went back to the Trail Center for one of their malts. They have a ton of flavors and are HUGE. I suggest the rhubarb.

    Allen loved hanging out by the lake and watching all the little animals, bugs, and butterflies. Thank you for being dog-friendly, Poplar Haus.

    Last, there is so much more to do with endless trails, lakes, and nature to enjoy.

    This is a tiny peek and I look forward to many more Gunflint Trail adventures. Visit the Cook County website for more information – https://www.visitcookcounty.com/.

    Superior Hiking Trail Sign Gunflint Trail Minnesota

    A Poplar Haus sunset.

    Before our Gunflint Trail adventure, we drove up the North Shore and stayed in Grand Marais for a few days. Read more about Grand Marais here: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2021/08/09/north-shore-grand-marais-minnesota/.

    Life is short, keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Montana Camping Near Yellowstone

    Montana Camping Near Yellowstone

    Montana Camping Near Yellowstone National Park

    Are you looking for Montana camping near Yellowstone National Park? We really enjoyed the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday.

    The campground was the perfect stop on our way back to Minnesota. It is nestled on the Yellowstone River with 500 feet of frontage and beautiful mountain views. It is also a great base camp while exploring Yellowstone National Park.

    camper cabin, hammock, and dog at koa campground in montana

    Livingston, Montana KOA Campground

    The campground was really busy during our stay but we felt tucked away in the deluxe cabin by the river. We really liked that there was an Albertsons grocery store down the road (about 11 miles) and other conveniences (a coffee shop 😁). The store at the KOA also offered groceries and pretty much all the essentials that you would need.

    The KOA offers deluxe cabins, camper cabins, RV sites, and tent sites.

    yellowstone river at livingston, montana koa

    We loved listening to the river flow, it was awesome for sleeping especially after filling our bellies with s’mores.

    The cabins and campground are dog-friendly including a dog park. Allen loved going for walks by the river, watching people fishing, and just chilling. Other amenities include a pool, wifi, pavilion, fishing, basketball, playground, laundry, and bike rentals.

    As the sun set, the views of the river and mountains were breathtaking. Nothing better than the golden hour.

    yellowstone river

    More Montana Camping

    This stop was on our way home after exploring Montana. Read about our Glacier National Park visit and West Glacier KOA stay HERE.

    We were only here for one night on our way through but next time we plan on exploring historic Livingston. There are museums, fine-dining, live music, and a pro rodeo. This time, it was nice just to enjoy the campground and a quiet night by the fire.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

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