TRACY SEES STUFF 👀

Tag: Minnesota

  • The Block – Dog Friendly Patio – St. Louis Park, Minnesota

    The Block – Dog Friendly Patio – St. Louis Park, Minnesota

    For Valentine’s Day, we brought our favorite Valentine (our rescue dog, Allen) to The Block in St. Louis Park to check out their dog-friendly patio. We were so impressed! They have thought of everything to make your dining experience with your pup amazing.

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    Allen has been to restaurant patios but has always been the only dog so we weren’t sure how he would behave in this setting with other dogs. When we walked in, I explained that to the server and she was so accommodating. She told me that they have frozen Von Hanson‘s smoked beef marrow bones that work well to keep the dogs busy and distracted. Of course, the bone worked and Allen LOVED it!

    Once seated, they bring your dog a mat to lay on, a big bowl of water and a little treat. They offer a menu just for the dogs from frozen bones to full meals. On one end of the patio, there is an awesome wall for photos and other end, a TV playing dog videos.

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    Besides being dog-friendly, the food was delicious! I really appreciated all of their gluten-free options. I loved this burrata salad and Terry loved all the craft beer choices. We also had cheeseburgers (mine with a yummy gluten-free bun) and the tater tots were perfect on this chilly Minnesota day!

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    For dessert, I was excited to see Muddy Paws Cheesecake, hand-crafted locally by our friend, Tami! They also offer some super fun, over the top, shakes that I can’t wait to try.

    Find the menu, weekly specials, hours and location HERE. We are so happy to have a new quality restaurant in SLP and to hang out on the patio in the summer!

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    The Block, 7007 Walker Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Fort Snelling State Park – Twin Cities – Minnesota

    Fort Snelling State Park – Twin Cities – Minnesota

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    There are so many beautiful winter trails in the heart of the Twin Cities!

    We visited Fort Snelling State Park the day after Thanksgiving (we needed the exercise after eating so much food). 🙂 Minnesota state parks waive the entrance fees on Black Friday to encourage people to get outside and explore.

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    Fort Snelling State Park is where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet. You can hike to Pike Island where they converge and enjoy 3 miles of packed walking trails. You can also leave the park and hike to the historic Fort Snelling.

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    The rivers offer amazing scenery and views as you hike the trails. We loved all the reflections of the snowy trees in the water. There are 12 miles of cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing anywhere but on the groomed trails.

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    Fort Snelling State Park also links to an extensive regional trail system.

    Our favorite thing is that the park is pet-friendly! The dogs loved getting out on the trails and meeting new friends.

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    There is a visitor center with gift shop, exhibits, and flush toilets that is open year-round. We got another sticker for the Thule!

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    It’s hard to believe this park is in the middle of the cities and right next to the airport.

    Make sure to get out and explore the Minnesota State Parks and Trails this winter!

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Camping – Minnesota

    Whitetail Woods Regional Park – Camping – Minnesota

    Have you been to the awesome camper cabins at Whitetail Woods Regional Park?

    The best part is that Whitetail Woods Regional Park is only 40 minutes from the Twin Cities and yet, you feel like you are 1000 miles away.

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    There are only three cabins so they book up quickly on the weekends. There is more availability during the week and if you plan ahead.

    The cabins sleep six, are very clean, and well kept. They have heat and would be a gorgeous winter getaway. The trails for hiking, walking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are literally right outside your door. They are very spacious with a beautiful deck that looks out over the towering pines.

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    We only stayed for one night and I was worried that it would feel like a lot of work for such a short amount of time. I was completely wrong! We loved the whole experience and felt so relaxed. It was a good reminder that even one night away is so good for the soul. We had plenty of time to hike, take photos, grill an amazing dinner and watch the Minnesota Vikings (oh yes we did! There is great wifi for streaming). Then we were blessed with a beautiful sunset. There is nothing better than spending all day and night outdoors!

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    The next morning we had coffee and breakfast over the open fire, a couple hours of hammock time, and a lovely walk.  This sunrise!

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    We will definitely stay here again. If you’ve been there, let me know your thoughts. If you haven’t and are looking for a cool place to camp close to the Twin Cities, I would check it out.

    My reminders and takeaways from this trip…..

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    Keep it simple.

    One night away in Mother Nature’s arms is the best medicine.

    Treat yourself…

    xo

    Another great spot to enjoy peace and quiet in the Twin Cities is Two Pony Pizza Farm.

    We stayed here in 2017 – updated July 2019.  ©Tracy Blowers
  • Simplify Continued…

    Simplify Continued…

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    The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. – Hans Hofmann

    This week I’m continuing to focus on keeping it simple.

    When our mind is cluttered, it’s almost impossible to be creative or to know what we truly want. When we don’t know what we want, we get pushed around like a pinball in a machine instead of intentionally doing what feels right. When that happens, we get out of alignment with ourselves and that’s when anxiety kicks in.

    Give yourself time to clear your mind, even if it’s 10 minutes in your backyard.

    XO

  • Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

    Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

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    It’s a rainy day so I’m dreaming of camping, looking at photos from past trips and planning new ones. I love going through old pictures and reminiscing. One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is the convenience of not having to travel too far to “get-away”.

    We really enjoyed camping at Baker Campground which is part of the Three Rivers Park District (offering 27,000 acres of parks and trails) and is only 22 miles from Minneapolis.

    The campsites are spacious, tons of wooded trails, and we loved being so close to Lake Independence. There’s so much to do that it’s hard to find time to relax! We rented their tandem bike which was so much fun. Another nice amenity is that they have rental equipment for almost any activity that you want to try. I recently turned 50 and it’s motivated me to try new things! It’s nice to be able to rent and try something a few times before making a big purchase.

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    This was the first time that we brought our girl, Utah, camping with us and the first time that Terry and I put up a tent together. (which you know can end a marriage. ;-)) But we were very pleased with our REI Co-op Camp Dome 4 Tent. It was very easy to set up…whew! There was plenty of room for us and we even brought Utah’s kennel in for the night.

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    I love all the different hiking trails and taking pictures of the wildflowers. The trail system is extensive offering something for everyone based on your skill level.

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    There is nothing better than relaxing in our hammock after a hike! If you are considering getting one, DO IT. I love the ENO hammocks because they are so easy to pack and don’t take up much room. They are so lightweight that you can just throw them in your backpack. I waited to purchase one thinking it would be hard to deal with and wish I would have got one sooner. It’s the little things!

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    Utah loves the hammock too! 🙂

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    What is your favorite thing about camping or favorite spot?

    Sponsored advertising content for REI. 

    ©Tracy Blowers

     

     

     

  • Mississippi – National River and Recreation Area – Twin Cities

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    Did you know that we have a National Park running right through the Twin Cities in Minnesota? The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area offer 72 miles of boating, running/walking/hiking/biking trails, fishing, birdwatching, nature and city photography, and much more. We are fortunate to live in an urban area with so much nature to enjoy.

    “Unlike most other national parks, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a partnership park.” – National Park Service.

    The National Park Service only owns 67 acres of the 54,000 acres of the park. The rest is owned by the city, state and regional parks, private businesses, homes, etc. They work in partnership to protect and preserve the mighty Mississippi. Read more: https://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

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    A few of my favorite spots to visit and explore are Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Historic Main Street Park, and the Stone Arch Bridge. The Stone Arch Bridge is a perfect spot to take photographs of the Minneapolis skyline! There are many restaurants just off the Historic Main Street. We love the Aster Cafe! Amazing made from scratch food and live music. In the summer, the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board offers Movies in the Parks.

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    The best is the changing seasons in Minnesota. ❤️ Each season offers a new perspective!

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    Nice Ride bike sharing is an easy and convenient way to explore the city and parks.

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    Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture photos and such a beautiful time to go for a walk. Sunrise is especially nice because the parks are the least crowded. Let me know if you are visiting the Twin Cities and need any recommendations. Even in the city, you can #FindYourPark!

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    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

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