Tag Archives: minnesota

Minimalist Home Decor: Simplify Your Life

This movement has been around since the early 1960’s. Like a lot of past trends, this one is making its way back into our modern lifestyle. Both in fashion, and in home decor. For some, it’s a lifestyle they decide to adapt for several different reasons; be it less clutter, cleanliness, or even because they just simply like it.

Several young couples today opt to buy a house, rather than rent. As we know, rent prices are steadily increasing while wages are not. However, that is material for another blog. Therefore, investing in real estate becomes the best choice.  With this is money-saving mentality, it’s only normal millennials seek out modern lifestyle choices that can be economical yet trendy.

Now that we’ve answered as to why this movement has become a new setting trend, we’ll now give you some examples, and tips on how become a minimalist yourself. Or at least decorate your house like one.

Tip #1: One room at a time.

The purpose is to get rid of clutter. Odds are you’ll have a lot of it in several rooms. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to figure out what you’ll be doing with every tiny little thing in every single room of your house. After all you’re trying to change to a perhaps different lifestyle, and doing that won’t happen overnight. It’s a process, don’t rush into it.

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Tip #2: Furniture.

If you’re moving into a new house than this might be easier for you, if you’re redecorating than there is some serious thinking to be done. What goes? What stays? Without compromising comfort or livability the essential question to always ask yourself is: “Do I need it?”. Think that sometimes less, is more. Whatever you find yourself thinking could be tossed/donated and don’t need, then do so.

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Photo by: Cyril Caton / Flickr: Creative Comons

 

 

Tip #3: Clean surfaces, walls, and floors.

Think of it as starting new. Don’t clean the floors and put everything “you think you will need in the future” in storage. Decluttering means getting rid of it entirely. This also means storage itself. Other than perhaps winter gear, there shouldn’t be too much in there. This goes with wall decor too. If you’re into art, then try to think of your living room as an outfit. Does everything match? It is too much? If there the answer for the latter is yes, then donate it or toss it. Keep it simple, and even cleaning will become easier and less of a hassle.

Photo by: Tom Baugis /  Flickr: Creative Commons

Photo by: Tom Baugis / Flickr: Creative Commons

 

Tip #4: It’s not all black and white.

Although some people go with the classic white minimalistic type of decor, you don’t have to. The point is for your home to look clean and neat. Solid colors can help you do that. Same goes with the windows, for instance. Many people like to go for the floral, patterned window curtains. But, if you’re trying to stick to the decluttered look, go with clean, neat patterns. Or just one solid, simple color. Going with no curtains at all is also an option. Natural light is great, anyways.

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Photo by Jeremy Levine / Flickr: Creative Commons

 

Well dear reader this is where we end our post. Tell us in the comment section below what you thought, and if you see yourself in the near future being a minimalist or decorating your house like one.

 Find the original article here.

5 Hacks to Make Your Studio Apartment Look Bigger

Do you live in a loft? studio apartment? Do you see yourself living there for a while, or do you just like that style and can’t see yourself leaving it? Well, we totally understand, and we’ve got tips for you to make every square footage of that room count. Here are five hacks to make your studio apartment look bigger than it actually is:

 

1. Lighten up the floors

Yep, that’s right. Make your floors a lighter color. Paint them, or if you’re renting the place  and your lease won’t allow it, then a wide bright rug will do the trick just fine, as well.

 

2.  Clear it up

By this we mean, clear, see-through furniture is your best choice. Side tables with see-through legs. All these help into making it seem there is less space, or clutter. Try it out and tell us what you think!

3. Two-for-One

To some people this idea never seems like fun, but then again some people love the efficiency of it. Think of buying one furniture that doubles into something else. For example, your side table could also double as a bar. These not only save you space, but also keeps you and almost forces you to keep the space less cluttered  and more organized.

 

4. The walls are your friends

Well, it might sound silly but they are! They become extra space you can occupy. For example, hang your necklaces, towels, etc. Have that become another space that you can use. Here’s a tip: make sure everything has at least 5-8 inches of space between each other. The trick is to never make it seem like it’s cluttered.

 

5. Higher Up

Ok, so now we’ve used up your walls, floor, and even doubled-up some furniture use. Now, look up. Yes, the ceilings. No, we’re not hanging anything from there today (although we recommend you do—some interior decorators suggest hanging plants gives it a sense of more space to a room), but we will be painting it. If you are lucky enough to have a high ceiling, then feel free to paint it! We suggest you do the same color as your floor to lighten up the place even more.

 

Well reader, here is where we end our post. Hopefully, you’ve find it informative! Feel free to tell us if you’ve tried any of this and it’s worked! Or, if you’d like to add some more tips, feel free to do so in the comments below!

 

 

Find the original article here.

5 quotes about Minnesota by Famous People

A lot of past and present influential characters have come out Minnesota; politicians, singers, actresses, actors, athletes, etc. The midwest has and always will be a part of them. That is why after reaching stardom, they look back and acknowledge how fortunate they were to be born and raised in Minnesota. Here are some quotes by some of these Minnesota natives:

1. Al Franken

“I grew up in Minnesota, where we treasure our tradition of civic engagement — and our record of having the nation’s highest voter participation.”  

 

2. Bob Dylan

“Well, in the winter, everything was still, nothing moved. Eight months of that. You can put it together. You can have some amazing hallucinogenic experiences doing nothing but looking out your window. There is also the summer, when it gets hot and sticky and the air is very metallic. There is a lot of Indian spirit. The earth there is unusual, filled with ore. So there is something happening that is hard to define. There is a magnetic attraction there. Maybe thousands and thousands of years ago, some planet bumped into the land there. There is a great spiritual quality throughout the Midwest. Very subtle, very strong, and that is where I grew up.”

 

3. Garrison Keillor

“Minnesota is a state of public-spirited and polite people, where you can get a good cappuccino and eat Thai food and find any book you want and yet live on a quiet tree-lined street with a backyard and send your kids to public school. When a state this good hits the jackpot, it can only be an inspiration to everybody.”

 

4. Sean William Scott

“I grew up in Minnesota and everyone is so nice there. It is like Fargo. Everyone’s so chipper and you make friends just grocery shopping. We kill each other with kindness.”

 

5. Jim Ramstad

“The Minnesota spirit of compassion and help for people in need has moved countless Minnesotans to step forward to provide relief for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.”

 

 

Well dear reader, this is where we end our post. If you’re from Minnesota you’ll probably relate to many of these personalities’ opinions. If so, feel free to leave a comment and tell us which one you related to the most. Have a great Thursday!

10 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent

It’s not easy buying or selling a house. You’re full-time job is work enough. Imagine putting the pressure, stress, and extra work that comes with selling or buying a house. Cue real estate agent. Not only do they advise you on what’s best to their knowledge, but the best are experienced, and can help you get the best for your budget. Don’t stress and call a real estate agent. You won’t regret it! The top 10 Reasons To Hire a Real Estate Agent can be found on this infographic:

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Source: Keeping Current Matters. Find their website here. 

The 6 ways Minnesotans can adjust their home for climate change

 

Winter is already here, but with the holiday hectic activities we might’ve forgotten how to prepare our houses for this abrupt climate change. Here’s how:

 

1. Sign up to power your home with renewables with Xcel Energy.

That means that for the next months although your bill might seem a little higher than usual, it won’t be as high as it could go. This is because Xcel won’t charge the usual $4 fuel charge that you usually see on your bills.

 

2. Clean your gutters.

With the heavy rain fall that will come after the snowy winter ends. The extreme rainfall could exceed the capacity of your gutter, and cause exterior damage to your home. Avoid this by cleaning them. Furthermore, be also sure to check your sprouts and be aware that the water should be flowing far away from the foundation but not fast enough for it not be absorbed into the soil.

 

3. Don’t place your valuables on your basement floor.

Purchase waterproof containers. Even if you think water doesn’t get to your basement, it’s better to be prepared. Store your valuables in a high place, where you know they won’t fall.

 

4. Consider adoption.

This might sound silly but think about adopting a tree! Or, planting one. This is just to add some environmentally conscious advice, in general. Since you know, trees are always highly needed.

 

5. Consider condensing technology.

“”These systems are very energy efficient and have the added benefit of being small enough to mount on a basement wall rather than sitting on the floor and thus reducing the likelihood that the heating plant will be ruined and a house made uninhabitable if water gets into a basement,” Hamilton wrote.”

 

6. Check the street sewer’s drains.

Clean sewers without debris or trash prevents localized flooding when the heavy rain fall occurs.

 

Find original article here by MPR News. 

De-cluttering Your Home for a More Successful Sale

 

De-cluttering Your Home for a More Successful Sale and Removal

All real estate experts will agree that preparing your property prior to putting it up for sale is an essential step that will sufficiently augment your chances of a quick and successful deal. A presentable home is far more appealing and will blow out the competition. Keep in mind that emotion plays a high role in the purchasing process. One can fall in love with the design of your place and therefore be willing to dismiss minor flaws. Your goal is to help buyers envision themselves living in this exact home. Selling an estate is not an easy task, so it’s best to take care of the things that are under your control such as clutter.

First Things First

Let’s be honest – there are a lot of things on your agenda. Creating a list of all the tasks you need to tackle is extremely useful. This way, you will avoid the risk of getting lost in the process. Get equipped with enough storage options. Put yourself in the shoes of the potential buyers and mark certain areas that you think might have an influence on their decision. Small improvements might raise the value of your home and help you seal a quick deal. In terms of the interior, you can repair leaking faucets, fix wall cracks and other appliances. You might also consider repainting or replacing old fixtures. Don’t forget the exterior of your home. It is the thing that visitors will spot first. Remove the lawn appliances and furniture from the yard and find them a proper storage place.

Clean The Clutter

The fastest way to get your home ready for prospective buyers is by de–cluttering. This will also help you when preparing to move out of the house. Pre–packing is a perfect way to get rid of the unnecessary items around your home. It will also minimize your stress level. De-cluttering is the time for reconsideration of what things are actually essential to your daily life. Chances are in the process you will find things that you no longer use or that are damaged. It might be easier to deal with one room at a time. The next step is to go through all your possessions. Put some of the bulky or less appealing furniture in storage before showing your home. This way you will free up additional space and make your place look larger. Put your seasonal clothes in boxes. Decide what you want to keep and what you will throw or donate. If you don’t have enough storage space in your home, get a self–storage unit, but make sure it is out of the way when potential buyers come around. 

Before Showing Your Home

After you are finished with most of the work, now you just need a few finishing touches. Be sure that your home is clean and tidy. Vacuuming, mopping and dusting as well as window cleaning are the basics. If you have pets that live indoors, send them to relatives or neighbors before the open house so you will have time to get rid of the unpleasant odors and fur that you now realize covers everything in sight. Set a small storage space in the house where the potential buyers don’t have access. You can display valuable items and accessories that add to the overall decor. However, you need to remove pictures and personal belongings such as children’s drawings that will hinder potential buyers from envisioning their own families in the space.

About the Author: Heather Roberts is a content writer from London, UK. She lives in Balham, London with her husband and two sons, and loves planning family trips and exploring new places.

Lake Nokomis

Nokomis, Minneapolis

The Nokomis neighborhood in South Minneapolis has a population of more than 40,000 people, who no doubt find the area as interesting as we do. It’s surrounded by the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport, Veterans Memorial Park, and Interstate 35W. Many people know of the Nokomis area for its main attraction, which we’re sure you’ve heard about or visited at least once – Minnehaha Falls. Sound familiar? Well, there’s much more to this family-friendly neighborhood that you need to read about.

The first place you should visit is the neighborhood’s namesake, Lake Nokomis. During the winter, the lake is a haven for winter sports aficionados and it attracts hockey enthusiasts and ice fishers alike. Each year, for a weekend in mid-January, the lake is overtaken by the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships. Established in 2007, the annual tournament draws both local and international players and celebrates the very sport for which Minnesota is known. If you love hockey and don’t mind hanging out in sub-zero temps, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on this event!

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If you’re like us and prefer to admire the lake’s beauty from a distance, be sure to bundle up and go for a walk around the frozen terrain. Take a moment to admire one of the many picturesque bridges. You might even catch a glimpse of some brave ice fishers like the guys seen above!

Right next to the lake, you’ll find the Nokomis Community Center. Because of its stunning view of the lake, it’s a favorite location for special events, including wedding receptions! The center offers a full range of recreational programs for every age group, including athletics, cultural and fine arts, music and dance, and community celebrations. Click on the link above if you’d like to see the center’s hours, times, and upcoming events!

Nearby, you’ll find the Aqualand Aquarium Center. Family owned since 1966, its prime location makes it a favorite neighborhood destination for families with young children. If you’re feeling nautical (and want to feel like you’re in a tropical getaway rather than a frozen tundra), make sure to visit the Aquarium. Aqualand is especially known for its selection of tropical fish!

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Feeling artsy? Well then you should definitely check out the Museum of Russian Art. At first glance, it may look more like a church than a museum (the building was originally a chapel), but don’t be deceived by its appearance. In 2013, Star Tribune named it as one out of the city’s Best Museums To Take Out-of-Towners, but even if you’re a local who just wants to entertain yourself with a little Russian culture, there’s no better place to go.

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Speaking of entertainment, Nokomis has a lot more to offer! For example, the retro-inspired Parkway Theater provides a large selection of movies from diverse backgrounds for you to choose from. Described as the “Neighborhood Cinema,” the Parkway celebrates the community’s independent filmmakers from all ages and backgrounds. You can read more about them here.

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If transportation is a big concern for you, don’t worry because Metro Transit has got you covered in this neighborhood. The centrally-located transit station, which is serviced by multiple bus lines and the Metro Blue Line, is located right next to Oaks Station Place, Oak’s Properties’ newest apartment community. Talk about convenience!

If hunger strikes then you’re surely in luck, because Nokomis is home to the world-famous restaurant, Matt’s Bar, known for its “Jucy Lucy” hamburger (and no, that’s not a typo – with all that cheese, there’s no room for an “i” in Matt’s burger!). Opening in 1954 as a neighborhood joint, Matt’s Bar has since grown to be one of biggest must-eat places for out-of-towners and serves as a regular hangout for locals. The “Jucy Lucy” itself has an exciting story; make sure to read more about it on Matt’s website.

 

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If you decide to take a walk to burn off some of those calories from Matt’s (which are so worth it, in our opinion) then be ready to stroll past some of the cutest houses around. Consisting of mainly traditional and cottage-style homes, you might feel like you’ve been transported to a quaint New England town, rather than being located just minutes from the hustle and bustle of a big city. Adding to the cozy, small-town feel is the fact that you’re likely to run into professional dog walkers, escorting 6 or 7 dogs like it’s no big deal. See this adorable picture for woof-proof!

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If shopping is your preferred form of cardio, then you’re going to love the small shops on Chicago Avenue. While in the neighborhood, we had the chance to talk to some local business owners like Jake Sanders, proprietor of the family business, Shop in the City. He told us about the shop’s humble beginning in 2002, and how it has grown into a community favorite. Jake and the rest of the team currently remain active in the Nokomis community by participating in fundraisers and giving charity donations. Many of the surrounding businesses have similar stories, either being family-owned or having been around for many decades.

Because of its wide array of activities and abundance of single-family homes, Nokomis is a great place to live. For families looking to settle down in a safe community, then this is the right place. Served by elementary schools such as Wenonah, Keewaydin, and Hale, Nokomis provides a great, safe environment for kids to grow up and thrive.

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Last, but not least we have Minnehaha Falls, a magnificent 53-foot waterfall, located in Minnehaha Regional Park. The name originates from the Dakota language with “Mini’ meaning water and “haha” meaning waterfall; because of the second half of its name, it is sometimes referred to as the “Laughing Waters.” This park offers a great place to admire one of nature’s most powerful and awe-inspiring forces. During the summer, you’ll often find couples taking wedding pictures under the park’s gazebo. During the winter, it’s just as majestic when the water freezes and turns the falls into a frozen fantasy.

So, dear reader, this is where we end our post. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the neighborhood, or let us know if we missed one of your favorite local hangouts! Make sure to check out the rest of our neighborhood features to find the right match for you.

            Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools

Faith Communities

Wenonah Elementary School Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church
Keewaydin Elementary School Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church
Hale Elementary School Crosstown Covenant Church
Nokomis Montessori Magnet School Minnehaha United Methodist Church
Nokomis Regional High Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church
Laurel Nokomis School Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church
Island Village Montessori School St. Herman’s Orthodox Church
   
   
   
   

Parks

Restaurants

Lake Hiawatha Park Matt’s Bar
Nokomis Naturescape Gardens Al Vento
Lake Nokomis Fat Lorenzo’s
Lake Nokomis Main Beach Sea Salt
Minnehaha Park Las Teresitas
Bossen Field Park Corner Table
  Hot Plate
  Pepitos
  5-8 Club
  First Course
  Colossal Cafe
  Dominguez Restaurant
  Bill’s Garden Chinese Gourmet

Nene Matey-Keke Wins MAAR 2014 Realtor of the Year Award

Nene Matey-Keke, MAAR, Realtor of the Year

Most companies share a common goal of ending the year better than where they started it. RNR Realty International can certainly say they have accomplished that in 2014. The company’s principal broker and owner, Nene Matey-Keke, was recently named the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) 2014 REALTOR® of the Year. Matey-Keke beat out more than 7,500 Twin Cities competitors to receive this prestigious award for his dedication to his clients, involvement in local and national associations, and volunteerism throughout the community.

“I was humbled and appreciative that all of my efforts to gain a better understanding of and to improve both this industry and my business have culminated in this achievement,” said Matey-Keke. “I’ve spent the better half of my lifetime trying to set forth to be the best at what I do, so to be recognized by my peers for something that I’m so passionate about is the greatest honor that I could have received.”

For those who know Matey-Keke, it’s easy to see why MAAR decided to present him with this award. Driven, determined, and dedicated are just a few words that family, friends, colleagues, and affiliates use to describe the hardworking realtor. As proof, Matey-Keke holds a total of 14 different residential and commercial real estate certifications and designations, and more than 25 additional certifications, which cover financial investment, community development, and construction.

Having been in the real estate industry for almost fifteen years, Matey-Keke has been diligent in continually building not only his multiple businesses, but also his personal knowledge as well as his ever-growing professional network, which he does partly by maintaining membership in numerous associations and committees.

At MAAR, Matey-Keke recently completed his appointment to serve on the Board of Directors and has previously been on the Finance Committee, Nominating Committee and the Young Professionals Network. He will continue his involvement with the Global Business Council and Public Affairs Committee.

At the state level, working with the Minnesota Association of REALTORS® (MNAR), Matey-Keke is on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Commercial Forms Sub Committee, Governmental Affairs Committee, Minnesota RPAC Board of Trustees, Professional Standards Committee, and is an active participant of the Strategic Planning session. He also was a founding member of the Diversity Committee and served as the 2014 Chairman. During his tenure, he spearheaded a joint partnership between MNAR and Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest as one way to address the current homeownership disparity. Junior Achievement now incorporates the value of homeownership for all in its curriculum. Matey-Keke’s commitment to improving diversity within the real estate industry has led to his appointment as treasurer of the recently created local chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America – Twin Cities (AREAA).

At the national level (National Association of REALTORS®), Matey-Keke is the Federal Political Coordinator assigned to the 5th District under Congressman Keith Ellison. He is also a member of the Global Business and Alliances Committee, Research Committee, and previously served on the Federal Financing and Housing Policy Committee, Diversity Committee, and Housing Opportunity Committee.

In addition to his extensive REALTOR® association involvement, Matey-Keke also dedicates time to developing the commercial and investment aspects of his business, by actively participating in the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) and the Minnesota Real Estate Investment Association (MnREIA), respectively.

One of Matey-Keke’s many areas of focus is the international community. His attention to this particular market contributed greatly to his REALTOR® of the Year victory, as well as to his overall personal success. It was because of his background and interest in travelling and learning more about other cultures that he created RNR Realty to be an international business. He would like to use his recent accomplishment to push the business even farther globally, in order to help increase clients’ opportunities for relocation, purchasing resort or second properties, investment (Commercial and Residential) as well as to help make homeownership accessible to all worldwide.

In fact, it was his own personal struggle to overcome past adversity and a lack of access to information that motivates him to work with underprivileged communities today. Despite his extensive association involvement – not to mention running multiple businesses – Matey-Keke still finds time to teach first time homebuyer classes for various local organizations, including Model Cities, the African Development Center, and Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH). He has also spoken for the Minneapolis Urban League’s “Realizing the American Dream” class, which hits close to home.

“Being the child of two parents who have had tremendous fights to claim and acknowledge their identities, in addition to overcoming lack of access and exposure to mainstream resources, has always driven me to be the best and to take advantage of all the resources that are available to me now,” said Matey-Keke. “Rising from [my upbringing] and charting my own path with little to no guidance within the real estate industry has been difficult, to say the least. That is, until I became involved with the association. Getting more involved with the association has led me to be a better businessman and has increased my opportunities overall. Starting where I did, it’s that much more rewarding to be the first African-American to receive this honor and be recognized for having achieved a certain level of success in this industry to which I have given myself.”

Recently, Matey-Keke has also begun teaching community education classes in neighborhoods around the Twin Cities, on topics ranging from purchasing investment properties to finding the best resort and second property opportunities, locally, nationally and globally.

REALTOR® of the Year award winners are allowed to select a charitable organization to receive a $1,000 donation in their name. Matey-Keke chose MCASA Homes, a Model Cities program that provides affordable homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income families. He selected this program because he has previously worked with Model Cities, and he strongly believes in MCASA’s mission to put homeownership within everyone’s reach.

Emily Green, the 2014 MAAR President and past REALTOR® of the Year award recipient, helped name Matey-Keke as this year’s winner and presented him with the trophy.

“Nene is a REALTOR® who contributes to the community and advocates at a local, state and national level for homeownership opportunities for all,” Green explained. “His service to our industry has been invaluable and we are proud to honor him with the distinguished designation of REALTOR® of the year.”

Read more here: http://www.startribune.com/nene-matey-keke-named-realtor-of-the-year/286252901/

 

House Cleaning Facts: Men vs. Women

As homeowners, couples often get into arguments about who does the most cleaning? Often times people want to divide it 50/50 but it’s not always the case. Here are some numbers that finally tell us the truth. Take a look.

house-cleaning-facts_50290cdcd0213_w1500So dear reader, after looking at these numbers, would you say you agree? Do you do most of the cleaning or the least? Let us know!

 

5 Winter Activities to do in Minnesota

Skiing, ice-skating, and snowboarding are all famous activities to do in the winter. But, what else is there to do? Minnesota can be really cold during the winter, (understatement of the year?) and it’s normal to think that there’s not much to do other than sit around and read books. So, for those eager to go out and explore snowy Minnesota here’s a compiled list of 5 Winter Activities to do In Minnesota.

1. Visit the Holidazzle Village

Located in Downtown Minneapolis the Holidazzle starts off on November 28th with a parade, fireworks, lights, and a whole lot of singing. Although the parade only happens, to open up the festivities, the celebration continues. Take a stroll down Nicolette Avenue with family and friends, and you will come across the Holidazzle Village. It’s free of charge, and takes place from November 28th to December 21st. We bet we’ll be “dazzled”!

2. Go to Bentleyville,”Tour of Lights”

A successful and annual event in Duluth, MN. Be ready to be really cold!! Due to the Lake Effect Duluth is always a bit chillier than the Twin Cities.

If you decide to go to Bentleyville (which we totally recommend you do), put on extra layers and be ready to have fun! It takes about an hour to go through all the tour. But, people usually take up more time to stop for hot cocoa and cookies served throughout the tour. There is also the option of getting marshmallows, which you can enjoy over a fire with some hot cider. However, don’t take our word for it! Go, and let us know what you think!

3. Snowmobiling

After doing some research on where to do this, we came up that Ely, MN was one of the best places to go snowmobiling in. The trails seem to be famous, and one of them cross over three state forests! There are several options as to how long you can decide to go. For example, the 170 mile Taconite Trail, or the 80 mile Tomahawk Trail, both of them providing amazing scenic routes. There are other several options to choose from, of course, but those two seem to be the most famous ones.

4. Skijoring and Dog Sledding

What is Skijoring you ask? Well, if you’ve ski or dog sled before, you probably already have a good idea. Basically, Skijoring is skiing while you have a dog pull on you. Almost like a mix of dog sledding and skiing, if you will. There are six different parks at which you can do this at. All of them are under the link provided by the Three Rivers Park District. All six of them have different trails, and distances you can choose from.

5. Participate in the Saint Paul Winter Carnaval

This Carnival takes on a little later in the year. Starting off on January 22nd and resuming on February 1st, the Carnival is filled with family-fun, day-to-day activities. Mostly all taking place in Rice Park, you can expect a day with up to 23 different events all going on throughout the day. So, you can pick and choose whichever you want to go to!

The story behind the St. Paul Winter Carnival stars with a New York journalist describing St.Paul as “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation” during winter. Offended by the journalist’s remark, the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce decided to prove otherwise, thus the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

So, dear reader that’s where we end our post. Have you done or are thinking about doing any of these activities? Let us know, and until next time!