Twin Cities Activities

Twin Cities Activities

It seemed like just a couple of weeks ago that the whole splendor of summer lay spread out before us. Now, here we are past the half way mark of August. Hot days and balmy nights seem to be already behind us for this year. The cooler temps probably make it easier for the kids to return to the halls of learning but still, that bittersweet feeling that we have lost something is all too familiar for many of us. In my opinion, the worse characteristic of our summer is that it’s simply not long enough.

Given the fact that the glorious days of my favorite season are so limited, I try to squeeze every drop of joy and pleasure from every blessed day right to the end. At this time, every year, I remind myself that summer is not over, it is just, like me, in its golden days and has much to offer and should be appreciated.  

So then, what do you plan to do with your last few precious weeks before the leaves begin to turn? There are so many activities, events, and destinations in the Twin Cities Metro that are tailor made for days in the seventies with low humidity. Need some inspiration?  

Art + Mini-Golf = Sculpture Garden at the Walker

If you haven't checked out the mini golf course this year or toured the Sculpture Garden, be aware that the course closes on September 3rd so you only have a couple of more weeks. The great news is that you don't have to choose between art or golf, you can have the best of both worlds since every round of golf includes admission to the museum. 

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

If you live in Minneapolis-St. Paul, you simply cannot think of the end of August and not think Minnesota State Fair time. It starts today, Thursday, August 24th and runs through Labor Day September 4th.Midway rides, agricultural and animal exhibits, food including everything fried on a stick, arts and crafts and entertainment the fair is a once a year extravaganza!  Headline acts at the grandstand this year include Nickelback, Stevie Nicks, Toby Keith, John Mellencamp and more!  

Spend a Day at a Twin Cities Park

Did you know that Minneapolis was named #1 for Parks and St. Paul #2 by the Trust for Public Land for the fifth year in a row?  So what are you waiting for anyway? Go visit your favorite Hennepin County or Ramsey County Park.  Walk, paddle, row, run, skate, cycle and just be as you sample the best park system the country has to offer right in your own back yard! My favorite park is Centennial Lake in Edina and high on my list is also Lake Harriet Park, The Nature Center in Richfield, Lake Minnehaha Falls and Loring Park in Minneapolis. What’s your first choice?  

Spend a day at the Zoo – Minneapolis Has One and St. Paul Does Too!

Amazing lives every day at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley! What's new at the zoo? Vera, the Amur tiger cub is making her public debut today and she is simply adorable. Born on April 26th, she is 4 months old and weighs 33 pounds. Amur tigers are on the endangered species list, which makes the birth of this baby extra special! Wild tigers are just one of the animal species you will see at the zoo which is home to over 5300 animals.  Along with the standard lions and tigers and bears, you will encounter exotic creatures such as African Fruit Bats, Cotton Top Tamarins, Red Pandas, Rock Hyrax, and many others. An added bonus, there are seasonal discounts at this time of year! St. Paul’s Como Zoo and Conservatory is not just about animals. Located northwest of downtown on the shore of Lake Como, the campus includes a Japanese Garden, a Conservatory filled with exotic plants, an old-fashioned carousel, and golf, both mini and 18 holes. The Como Park Golf course, although short (5,821 yards from the back tees), is hilly and features many elevation changes. It’s a relatively easy but nevertheless, fun course with a few holes that will challenge most golfers. The Victorian styled Conservatory, on the National Registry of Historic Places, is the venue for many flower shows and exhibits throughout the year. Now here is the best part...both the zoo and the conservatory are free, although a small donation of $3.00 per adult guest and $2.00 per child as a donation is suggested. 

Visit the #1 Botanical Garden in the Nation 

When was the last time you visited The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska? In March of this year, our own favorite was recognized the best Botanical Garden in America! Stroll the gardens at your leisure or enjoy a guided walking or riding tour by Trumpet Creeper Tram. Visit the Art Gallery or the Anderson Horticultural Library. Check out the Bee and Pollinator Center. If your visit extends over lunch there are great food offerings at the Arboretum Café. Before you leave, you must check out the display of local items for sale in the gift shop. The Arboretum is a place for all seasons with activities and planned events all year. Check out The Best of the Arboretum for visit recommendations. 

Let’s Pretend We Are Tourists 

When you live in the #1 Staycation spot in America, you can consider yourself a resident tourist. Forbes named Minneapolis the best for staying put and having as much fun as if you were on vacation at a far-away exotic location. Okay, that is a stretch but just go with it, please. Seriously, don’t take our wonderful Twin Cities metro for granted. We have it all, great biking trails, lots of lakes and 2 rivers for recreation, #1 best parks, #1 Botanical Garden, second only to New York for theater, and the food and music and museums!  We are so lucky to live in this wonderful place! So check out a new bike trail, or do a walking tour of Minneapolis or St. Paul, ride a paddle boat on the Father or Waters or Lake Minnetonka.

There are my suggestions. If you have a favorite Twin CIties location or event you would like to share, hit the comment section. Whatever you do, enjoy these final weeks, have some fun and make some memories to sustain you through the long winter that will be upon us much too soon! 

 

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