Category Archives: Holidays

Twin Cities Halloween Haunted House Guide 2014

Here’s our rundown of the premier Twin Cities haunted attractions: The Soap Factory Haunted Basement, Fright Farm, The Butcher Shop House of Gore and much, much more. Expect the unexpected. Keep watching, and find what terrors await you in the dark.. Boo!

So here are our top picks (alphabetical in order):

 

). Fright Farm Rochester Horror – 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Overview: “Come visit Southern Minnesota's most horrifying haunted attraction located at the historical George Stopple farmstead at the History Center of Olmsted County. From the street you will already wish you didn't come. It is truly designed to frighten and amuse you. Guided tours will include a look at the original farm house, barn, smokehouse, and caves…”

Cost: $13 at the door

Dates: Oct 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 & Nov

Time: 7 p.m. – 11p.m.

 

). Haunting Experience On Highway 61, 10900 E. Point Douglas Rd., Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Overview: “The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 opens up for its 28th consecutive year. There’s a reason we’ve been around this long. People love coming to see what we are up to each year with our Haunted Hayride, Haunted House, and more. This Halloween season is one that you don’t want to miss with haunts such as The Manor House, Scummo’s 3D Nightmare, and The Hayride, if you dare.We also have a bit of a vermin problem on our property that you can help us get under control with the Big Zombie Hunter Paintball Adventure.”

Cost: $13- $38

Dates: Oct , , 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, 31 & Nov

Time: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

 

). Haunted Ship Zombie Outbreak – 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, Minnesota

Overview: “Are you ready for a real scare? Each year, during October, the William A. Irvin transforms itself into a haunted ship. During the self-guided tour, your worst nightmares will come to life. You’ll see how the historic ore ship’s hauntings are not just a rumor. Mysterious sightings have been recorded through the decades. Walking through the dark, eerie hallways, you’ll get the feeling that you’re never alone, because you won’t be. In this ship, no place is safe. If you think you’re brave enough to visit the Haunted Ship, remember, only the tough ones make it through alive.” –VisitDuluth.com

Cost: $10

Dates: October , , 9. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31

Time: 6:30-10:00 p.m.

 

). Molitor’s Haunted Acres – 425 35th Street NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Review: “A perilous journey of your deepest fears through the Woods of Darkness, The Sewer, Mutant Mineshaft, The Trail of Blood, Quarry Asylum and The Funhouse Maze. On your treacherous quest, be mindful not to go mad and join the tortured souls who dwell here.”

Cost: $16-$18

Dates: Oct , 4, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

 

5). Scream Town, 7410 Highway 212, Chaska, MN

Review: “Drove 2 hours to come to Screamtown last night…TOTALLY WORTH THE DRIVE!!!”
-Jeniffer Rothstein

Cost: $35 for regular ticket

When: Oct 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 & Nov 1

Time: 6:30 p.m.- 11 p.m.

 

6). Soap Factory Haunted Basement – 514 Second Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Review: “This is not a Haunted House, boo-scary or hands in the bowl of grapes tricks, this is a sensory screw job that turns your mind around and lets you scare yourself. –Binary Blogger

Cost: $25; $27 Friday and Saturday

Dates: Wednesdays through Sundays, now through November 2

Time: 6- 11 p.m.

 

7). The Butcher Shop House of Gore – 1444 E. Reaney Ave., St. Paul, MN 55106.

Review: “HOUSE OF GORE is a full-size maze-style haunted house that was constructed in the way haunted houses used to be built… black lights, rats, skulls, cadavers, ghosts, strobe lights, fog machines, rubber masks, and gallons of shocking bloody gore!”

Cost: $5.

Dates: October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-31, November 1-2.

Time: 5 p.m. -11 p.m.

 

8). Trail of Terror, 3525 145th Street West, Shakopee, MN 55379

Review: “Come early and prepare your self for this scary haunted hayride (keep an eye out as things appear when you least expect it). Follow through a scary, unbelievable spooky maze and don’t be fooled by followers. The maze is the best part! This trail of terror was money worth spent and always be on the lookout, even when you approach your vehicle….I left spooked wanting more!” -Spookedme on Trip Advisor

Cost: Basic tickets $20

Dates: October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31, November 1

Time: 7p.m. – 11p.m.

So there you have it- a rundown of the best haunted houses in and around the Twin Cities. So brave ones, step foot inside Minnesota’s scariest haunted houses- if you dare. The original article from Funtober can be found here.

6 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Break out your masks and monsters! Its Halloween, and time to be scared! While being afraid at Halloween is actually a lot of fun for humans, it can be an especially stressful for pets. Between the combination of strangers, costumes, and continual door bell ringing it is no wonder that this is a terrifying time for our furry friends. Read on for tips and tricks on how to avoid a real scare and keep your pet safe this Halloween.

 

1). No Human Treats for Pets

While candy and other chocolates can be a tasty treat for humans, these sweets can be extremely harmful for pets. Besides chocolate, watch out for gum and sugarless candy sweetened with xylitol which can be lethal for Fido. In the event that your pet does eat something dangerous, immediately call your vet or the Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

The next day, or after trick or treaters leave, be sure to check for stray wrappers or other bits of candy they may have dropped. You don’t want Rover to find these before you do.

Instead, why not spoil your dog and make these homemade peanut butter, bacon & pumpkin dog treats? They are super easy to make and we promise your dog will love you for it.

2). Keep an Eye out For Decorations

In a home with pets, it goes without saying that Jack-o’- lanterns lit with candles are a bad idea. Curious creatures can easily knock them over and cause a fire. Instead, opt for artificial or battery powered lights for your decorating needs.

Similarly, decorations are not chew toys. Prevent pets from chewing on cords by keeping cords off the floor and out of reach. If chewed, Fido could suffer from cuts, burns or life threatening shocks. Better yet, try to keep your decorations outside to prevent problems before they happen.

3). Be Careful with Costumes

According to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated half of pet owners dress their pets in costumes for Halloween. Pumpkins and ladybugs are the perennial favorites.

While pet costumes may be hilarious, it is important to keep your pet’s best interest at heart. Do the right thing and double check that your pet can comfortably breath, walk, eat and go to the bathroom. In addition to what your pet is wearing, be aware of how long your pet is dressed up. Oftentimes, these costumes are made from irritating fabric that can become uncomfortable or tight over long periods of time.Not to mention, it is important to be wary of small parts can be torn off and gobbled up. Just the thought of Rover chewing off and ingesting part of his costume is downright terrifying.

 

4). Keep Pets indoors

Before nightfall, take your pets indoors. While pets are always safest indoors at night, this is especially true on Halloween in order to avoid pranksters who may want to harm pets.

5). Keep pet in secure place

Even the best behaved pets can become anxious or worked up during the Halloween commotion. Reduce stress for pets by putting them in a separate area with their favorite bed and toys well before trick or treaters arrive. This way they will have a safe haven where they can feel secure, comfortable, relaxed while being tucked away from any hazards.

Similarly, even if you are just having friends over for a Halloween party, keep your pets away from the festivities in their safe room. Even familiar people may become scary as masks and costumes change how people look and smell to a pet.

6) Make sure ID tags are on

Unfortunately, it is possible that your pet may accidentally run out the door or get lost amidst all the Halloween excitement. Should anything happen, you want to make sure Fluffy is safely returned to you. Pet owners, please double check that your furry friends are wearing their tags. Wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?

Lastly, while it may be the spookiest night of the year, remember to have fun! If you don’t have a timid dog or a scaredy cat get them involved too so all the family can participate and have a tail wagging good time. Happy “Howloween” from RNR Realty!

Hot Labor Day Travel Destinations 2014

Wanting to get out of dodge for the holiday weekend but unsure where to go? Consider choosing from Travelocity’s list of the top ten destinations for Labor Day Weekend 2014. (Find the original list here.) Additionally, RNR has mapped out where to stay, what to eat, what to see and how to celebrate so you can enjoy a little more RNR this holiday weekend.

1). New York City

Where to Stay: See how the other half lives and spend a night at The Peninsula New York, one of the city’s finest luxury hotels.

What to See: At the American Museum of Natural History you are sure to be amazed by the 94 feet long and 21,000 pound fiberglass whale suspended from the ceiling along with the other 32 million other specimens.

What to Eat: Get a slice of New York style pizza at Lombardi’s Pizzeria, from America’s first pizzeria.

Celebrate: Learn about West Indian culture, arts, history and traditions at the Labor Day Carnival Parade. Also known as the Brooklyn West Indian Carnival, it attracts a staggering one to three million participants attend each year.

2). Seattle

Where to Stay: The view from The Edgewater Hotel Seattle is worth the price alone. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, it overlooks the Elliott Bay and simultaneously provides a picturesque view of the Olympic Mountains.

What to See: Taste the best of the northwest at Pike Place Market. As one of the oldest continuously operated farmers market’s in the US, it offers a variety of shops, cooking classes and opportunities to wander.

What to Eat: Ivar’s Fish and Chips, the go to place for seafood in Seattle for over 75 years.

Celebrate: Feeling artsy? Check out Bumbershoot, the nation’s largest art and music festival. Headliners include Foster the People, J. Cole and Foster the People.

3). Los Angeles

Where to Stay: The newly renovated Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is sure to provide the ultimate luxury experience. As one guest put it, “Amazing Stay! Luxury service at its finest…This is hotel is for guest who want nothing less than the absolute BEST!”.  

What to See: Disney Land, simply because it is “The happiest place on earth”.

What to Eat: Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago. As Angeleno Magazine put it, “Wolfgang Puck’s Flagship Restaurant Rises to the Top– Again”.

Celebrate: Anyone fans of the Minnesota State Fair are sure to love the LA County Fair. the largest county fair in the country.

4). San Francisco

Where to Stay: Brave souls may want to spend the night at the Queen Anne Hotel nestled in historic Nob Hill. While this Victorian building has its charm, many have reported hauntings from the resident ghost Miss Mary Lake.

What to See: Golden Gate Bridge and its orange towers has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco.  Whether you hike, walk, bike or just take it all in, this bridge is a must see on anyones visit to the Bay Area.

What to Eat: Don’t miss out on Boudin Bakery where their world famous sourdough bread is baked fresh daily.

Celebrate: Come celebrate the last blast of summer at the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival. With over 200 artists, 20 food vendors, live entertainment, a fun-filled children’s area and beverage stands this festival offers something for everyone. 

5). Denver

Where to Stay: The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel is unique in that it provides guests a modern experience in one of Colorado’s most historic buildings. Refurbished in the old Colorado National Bank, you will find historical elements such as a breathtaking, three story white marble atrium juxtaposed with the comforts and accommodations of a modern hotel. Even if you can’t spend the night here, a walk through the lobby is worth it. 

What to See: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. The park itself provides a diverse selection of entertainment including “Yoga on the Rocks” and trails for hiking and biking. Additionally, if you are interested in checking out a concert at this venue, Atmosphere, Joe Bonamessa and One Republic will be playing this weekend.

What to Eat: The Delectable Egg had been recognized as one of Denver’s top breakfast and lunch establishments since 1982. More importantly, it is home of the Denver Omelette and all its diced ham, onion, bell pepper, and melty American cheese goodness. 

Celebrate: Head downtown to Denver’s Civic Park Center for the annual Taste of Colorado festival. Started in 1983, this four-day free admission, food, music, and entertainment festival guarantees a good time will be had by all. 

6). Chicago

Where to Stay: Dubbed the“Chicago hotel the world knows best”, The Palmer House Hilton is a legendary Art Deco style hotel that is sure to get your Gatsby gears turning.

What to See: Cruise down the river as you learn about the  city’s vibrant history and architecture on a Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise. Trust us, this truly is an enjoyable way to take in Chicago and it’s beautiful buildings.

What to Eat: Chomp on a Chicago Style hot dog from Gene and Jude’s. (And don’t even think about asking for ketchup- you just will make a fool of yourself).

Celebrate: Enjoy the spectacular fireworks at Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. As an added bonus, the display is even synchronized to music!

7). Washington D.C.

Where to Stay: The Jefferson Hotel Washington D.C. is luxurious as it is welcoming. Visitors will be enthralled by its old world feeling, beautiful period decor and exquisite customer service at this top rated boutique hotel.

What to See: The White House, because a trip to our nation’s capitol simply would be incomplete without a visiting this historical gem.

What to Eat: A signature burger from Bullfeathers on Capitol Hill. Specifically, we recommend the “Big Stick”. Imagine this: melted swiss, pastrami, thousand island dressing, bacon, coleslaw stacked on a burger served on toasted ciabatta bread with sweet potato fries. Yep. We are drooling too. 

Celebrate: Listen to free Labor Day concert on the US Capitol performed by the National Symphony Orchestra.

8). South Florida (Miami)

Where to Stay: Affordable yet luxurious, Hotel Victor South Beach  is located in South Beach’s trendy Art Deco District. Here, you will be able to walk among the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world while taking in the lively surroundings. 

What to See: Things are sure to sizzle at Miami Beach, the notorious playground for the world’s rich and the famous.

What to Eat: If you are seeking upscale Cuban food, look no further than De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean. Try the brightly flavored ceviches or the smoked marlin tacos to experience Latin fusion at its finest.

Celebrate: Those who are 21+ can celebrate All White Yacht Party. This event on a multi million dollar luxury yacht features four levels of fun and a VIP section.

9). Boston

Where to Stay: The boutique Nine Zero Hotel has won numerous awards such as “Best Hotel in Boston” and “Top Pet Friendly Hotel”. With unparalleled service and your stay is sure to be memorable.

What to See: History buffs will be enthralled with Boston’s Freedom Trails. This 2.5 mile long brick path is jammed packed with 16 historical sites, reminding viewers of bygone times.

What to Eat: Holy cannoli! The cannoli’s from Mike’s Pastry are huge, tasty and worth every penny. Go get some!

Celebrate: On Saturday, August 30th the fireworks display at the Boston Harbor kicks off the celebration of the Boston Arts festival taking place along the waterfront.

10). Las Vegas

Where to Stay: The Bellagio is a world class luxury hotel based off of Lake Como in Italy. Needless to say, it is most famous for its eight acre lake situated between their building and the Strip. In the center of the lake lies the Fountains of Bellagio, dubbed the “Dancing Fountains” that are synchronized to lights and music providing by passers with the only free show in Vegas.

What to See: “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a fantastic circus, dance performance is sure to WOW anyone. As Melbourn’s Sun Herald reported “… a magical blend of visuals and jaw dropping skills… Awesome does not begin to describe it.”

Herald Sun, Melbourne

What to Eat: With over 300 selection from around the world, even the pickiest eaters will be accommodated by the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio Las Vegas. While the variety may seem overwhelming, the stations are separated by cuisine, making it easy to navigate. But don’t pile our plate too high because you MUST leave room for dessert! With over 70 varieties of homemade sweet treats and nine gelato flavors, a satisfied sweet tooth and food coma is inevitable. 

Celebrate: In Vegas, the party never stops.  Simply walk out your door and you will be sure to find where the party is at.

There you have it readers- The hottest Labor Day Vacation destinations for 2014. Better book your tickets now s a sure way to end your summer with a blast!

50 Places in Minnesota to Celebrate 4th of July, 2014

Fireworks @ Taste of Minnesota, Saint Paul
“Photo Credit: “Fireworks @ Taste of Minnesota, Saint Paul” © 2007 by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)

Can you believe America is turning 238 years old in 2014? We’d swear she doesn’t look a day over 237. Well, anyway, as the good old US of A gets ready to celebrate Independence Day once again, you’re probably preparing your picnic baskets and poppers for the holiday. Minnesota is bursting with events over the next couple of days, and if you have yet to make 4th of July plans, look no further than at the information below. First, find your nearest city in the table (scroll past the map) and click on an event name to see the parades, concerts, festivals and dazzling fireworks displays happening in that area. Then, click on the corresponding event name in the map for specific location details.

Near the Twin Cities

#

Event

Location
1 Red, White & Boom Minneapolis
2 4th of July Celebration Powderhorn Park
3 Freedom Days Apple Valley
4 Blaine Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza Blaine
5 Summer Fete Bloomington
6 4th of July Celebration Chanhassen
7 July 4th Funfest Eagan
8 4th of July Hometown Celebration Eden Prairie
9 Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Edina
10 4th of July Celebration Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka
11 Independence Day Celebration Fort Snelling
12 Pan-O-Prog Lakeville
13 4th of July Richfield
14 July 4th Fireworks Celebration St. Louis Park
15 Manitou Days White Bear Lake

Greater Minnesota

16 Delano 4th of July Celebration Delano
17 Fireworks on Garrison Bay Garrison
18 4th of July Fireworks Sleepy Eye
19 4th of July Celebration Albert Lea
20 67th Annual 4th of July Fireworks St. Cloud
21 Detroit Lakes Fireworks Display Detroit Lakes
22 4th of July Celebration Elysian
23 MSUM 4th of July Celebration Moorhead
24 4th of July Celebration Keewatin
25 4th of July Celebration Erhard
26 Hometown 4th of July Park Rapids
27 4th of July Fireworks Over Lake Waconia Lake Waconia
28 4th of July Celebration Hill City
29 Stars and Stripes Day Fourth of July Celebration Pequot Lakes
30 Old-fashioned Fourth of July Worthington
31 4th of July Parade Grand Marais
32 Lakefest 4th of July Festival Waseca
33 4th of July Celebration Moose Lake
34 Fourth Fest 2014 Duluth
35 Fourth of July Celebration Eveleth
36 Crosslake Celebrates America – 44th Annual Fireworks Crosslake
37 4th of July American Celebration Brainerd
38 Spectacular Fireworks Fairmont
39 Harmony’s 4th of July Celebration Harmony
40 Fourth of July Celebration Stillwater
41 Old-fashioned 4th of July Celebration St. Peter
42 4th of July Veterans’ Celebration Cloquet
43 Old-fashioned 4th of July Celebration Baudette
44 4th of July Fireworks on Pokegama Lake Grand Rapids
45 4th of July Celebration Biwabik
46 Patriotic 4th of July Celebration New Ulm
47 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Crane Lake
48 4th of July Parade Afton
49 Annandale 4th of July Annandale
50 Walker 4th of July Walker

 
 
 

Plan on attending any of these celebrations? Did we miss the event happening near you? Let us know in the comments!

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Twin Cities

flowers

Since Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 11th, we would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to all of the hardworking moms (and stepmoms, grandmas, aunts, caretakers, etc.) out there who help make our houses feel like homes. In honor of this special day, we have compiled a list of places to go and things to do to celebrate Mom around the Twin Cities.

Taking your mom out to brunch has become a Mother’s Day tradition.  Luckily, the Twin Cities have lots of delicious choices when it comes to the midmorning meal. Whether she likes a more conventional buffet or a meal with contemporary offerings, there is surely something to suit her palate. The Nicollet Island Inn offers a classic five-course, champagne brunch – the perfect setting to catch up with some lighthearted girl talk. Another perennial Mother’s Day favorite is the Saint Paul Hotel Ballroom Brunch, which includes six lavish food stations and live music, making it optimal for a family gathering.  Although the Nicollet Island Inn and Saint Paul Hotel options are a bit pricey, the quality of the food at both locales make them well worth your money (and, c’mon, your mother deserves a treat). If your mother would prefer something with a bit more ethnic flair, Masa in Downtown Minneapolis – known for its authentic Mexican cuisine – is offering a three-course family style brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And of course you can’t forget about the Chatterbox Pub in Highland Park, which is serving tasty traditional brunch fare like frittatas, pastries, french toast, and house sausage at an affordable price that will leave you enough money to buy your mom a thoughtful gift.

Perhaps your mom adores shopping almost as much as she adores you (hey, nobody’s judging). If so, nothing could be more perfect than taking her to 50th and France in Edina. This high-end shopping center has a variety of stores that your mother is sure to love, including upscale retailer Dana’s Apparel and the Edina original, Hot Mama, perfect for the mothers-to-be and newly minted moms in your life. For moms who want something a little more unique, there’s Uptown, Minneapolis’s epicenter for trendy stores filled with funky finds. Or maybe your mom prefers browsing for home décor. Then historic Stillwater, only a 30-minute drive from St. Paul, would be the ideal destination, with its quaint downtown area, filled with one-of-a-kind antique shops and other boutiques.

Several attractions in the area are also offering deals for the special lady in your life. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is holding a Family Day with the theme of May Flowers, certain to brighten up the occasion. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Zoo is letting mothers in for free May 10th and 11th as part of the Macy’s Mother’s Day Weekend celebration.  Your mom (and you too!) will surely delight at seeing the animal mothers interact with their cuddly offspring. Another potential option for the cultured lady in your life is the Saint Paul Civic Symphony Mother’s Day Concert, held at the Landmark Center. The event is always quite popular, so make sure you get there well before the 1 p.m. start time if you want to secure your seats. If your mother is known for her sense of humor, you might want to take her to the Mother’s Day Comedy Jam at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday night, to see hilarious performers such as The Talk’s Sheryl Underwood and Lavell Crawford, from Breaking Bad. All the laughing you’ll do will be sure to burn off enough calories to warrant indulging at brunch the next day (just go with us on this one).

No matter how much they deny it, every mother deserves a little pampering, considering all that they do for everyone but themselves. The ever-popular Ivy Spa Club in Minneapolis is offering a special Mother’s Day package for $135, which includes a 50-minute massage and gel manicure. The Day Spa in Edina has a similar special for $100.

We all know that there’s a chance your mom will refuse to just sit back and relax even on a day dedicated to her, so fortunately there are plenty of physical activities on offer throughout the Twin Cities. If your mother is an avid outdoorswoman, go biking with her along one of the state’s many scenic trails (after all, it is National Bike Month – stay tuned for a blog post on that next week) or take her out on one of the lakes, most of which are ice-free.  Or, being the selfless woman she is, perhaps your mother would like to contribute to a cause – for that, there’s the 22nd Annual Twin Cities Race for the Cure, being held at the Mall of America.

Of course there is an unlimited amount of other ways to treat your mom on her special day; it all depends on her likes and preferences. So, tell us: where do you plan on taking the significant woman in your life this Mother’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Little Known Black History Fact

For the full original post, go to: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Little Known Black History Fact via Black America Web.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Photo Credit: David Erickson © 2007 (CC BY 2.0)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Photo Credit: David Erickson © 2007 (CC BY 2.0)

The life, works and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are well-documented, yet he too had painful experiences from his adolescence that he didn’t want many others to know about. While he has since become one of the most revered men in our nation’s history for his message of non-violent protest, he faced many personal challenges before he ever took the worldwide stage. For a brief history of the legendary man – including a little known fact about his childhood – visit blackamericaweb.com.

8 Great Holiday Events Happening in the Twin Cities

Looking for a good way to unwind after you’ve finished wrapping your gifts? Haven’t started wrapping your gifts and looking for new ways to procrastinate? Read up on these 8 great holiday happenings in the Twin Cities. Click the headings for links to each event.

Macy’s Santaland

Nothing says Christmas like taking the kids to see Santa Claus and Macy’s remains the quintessential place to do it.  The trip through the magical elf village on the way to Santaland will only have the kids more excited to meet Saint Nick and share him in on the Christmas lists they’ve been drafting for the past month and half.

 

Holidazzle

The Holidazzle has filled Minneapolis streets with floats, costumes and lights since 1992. Sadly, this 22nd year will be Holidazzle’s last. So to those who have never been, this will be your last chance to see Holidazzle before its finale bow Saturday night. Organizers are promising a successor though and it’ll be exciting to see what they have up their sleeves for next year.

 

Ugly Sweater Crawl

Four downtown Minneapolis bars will play host to the fashionably heedless looking for drink specials this Saturday night. The ugliest  best sweater will walk away with a cool $100 in cash.

 

Ugly Sweater Party

Looking for something a little more stationary than a crawl but still want to show off that turtle-necked atrocity you call a sweater? Well, you’re in luck. The Living Room Bar in the Foshay Tower is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party that will be a little more refined than the nearby crawl. Classy bars and ugly sweaters: two great tastes that go great together.

 

Winter Solstice Celebration

Celebrate winter’s longest night around a bonfire in the Enchanted Forest at the American Swedish Institute. If that doesn’t sound like a fun time, your name probably rhymes with ‘Drooge’ and you have a sibling with children (your Uncle Scrooge is what I’m getting at here). Tours of the Turnblad Mansion’s holiday exhibit will be available as well a festive dinner featuring glögg, a Swedish mulled wine. Translation? Zero bah humbugs.

 

Wells Fargo Winterskate

Get the skates out of the attic (and knee pads) and head to Saint Paul for some free skating at Landmark Plaza. Skate rentals are available and, for those less enthusiastic about any activity preceded by waiver signing, so is the option of heading to the warming house for hot chocolate and significantly fewer concussions.

 

Holiday Lights in the Park

See more than 50 holiday sculptures and animated displays in Saint Paul’s Phalen Park from the comfort of your warm car in this drive-through holiday experience.  Pro tip: hot chocolate can also be consumed in a moving car.

 

Holiday Flower Show

Trick your mind into thinking you’ve fast-forwarded into Spring by surrounding yourself with the sights and smells of blooming flowers at the Como Zoo Conservatory in Saint Paul.

Just don’t forget about all those gifts that still have to be wrapped.

 

 

 

8 of the Best Scary Movies Streaming on Netflix

Don’t feel like dressing up and going out on this (appropriately) drizzly and foggy Halloween? Don’t feel like leaving the house period? Netflix has you covered. With enough fright-filled films to keep even the most hardcore horror fan busy, Netflix streaming is sure to keep you occupied from the comforts of your couch in between trips to greet trick-or-treaters this Halloween.

 

Let the Right One In

 

One of the best new entries to the vampire genre to come out in years, the Swedish film, “Let the Right One In” is a bit slower, but offers a compelling story with enough scares and tension to keep viewers entranced. It also features one of the best endings to a horror movie ever made.

 

The Cabin In The Woods

 

A meta-horror movie that mixes scares and comedy much like “Scream” did in the 90s. The element of surprise is the key to this movie so the less you hear or read about this one the better. Just see it.

 

Carrie

 

An absolute classic, “Carrie” takes an unflinching look at the horrors of high school and how one supernaturally powered teen decides to make her prom a memorable one.

 

The American Scream

 

More for fans of Halloween in general, “The American Scream” is a documentary takes a look at three households in a Massachusetts that aren’t afraid to go all out (some would say overboard) in dressing up their homes each year into a haunted house in the spirit of the holiday.

 

Rosemary’s Baby

 

Another classic in the genre, this one stars Mia Farrow as an expecting mother who begins to expect something terrifying – that her soon to be newborn may not be of this world.

 

Session 9

 

“Session 9” gets extra creepy points here for setting up a shiver-inducing atmosphere in deciding to shoot the film in an actual abandoned mental hospital. Actors have even reported some strange occurrences and sightings while the movie was being made. We’re guessing this just made acting terrified all the easier.

 

Nosferatu

 

Don’t let the fact that this was shot in 1922 fool you; “Nosferatu” is eerie, creepy and just plain unsettling. Considered a masterpiece of the silent film era, “Nosferatu” is a must for film fans in general. Seen it already? Turn down the sound on your TV and put on some music to create your own soundtrack.

 

The House of the Devil

 

A throwback to the horror movies of the 70s, “The House of the Devil” is a slow burn until it isn’t. Ratcheting the tension to almost unbearable levels, this 2009 film takes notes on classic horror films while still setting foot into new (terrifying) territory.

 

What are some of your favorite movies that get you in the Halloween spirit? Leave your comments below.

 

5 Places to Find Great Ideas for Halloween Costumes

Halloween is just a few weeks away and it’s time to start worrying about planning what to wear this Halloween. Maybe you’re feeling arts-and-crafty and planning on fashioning an original costume yourself or you’re just going to buy something off the rack. Or maybe you’re already trying to remember what costumes you have laying around from Halloweens past.
“Now to avoid anything remotely sharp for the next four hours and

                    it’s another successful Halloween Janene!!”  

 

So before you start tearing the house apart to find that Austin Powers outfit from 1999,

do us all a favor and click a link below.  

 

Homemade Costume Ideas for the Kids

http://spoonful.com/halloween/halloween-kids-costumes

Ideas For Creative Costumes

http://twistedsifter.com/2012/10/funny-and-creative-halloween-costume-ideas/

Cheap Costumes to Buy

http://www.spirithalloween.com/sale/

104 Cheap Costumes You Can Make

http://www.savvysugar.com/Cheap-Homemade-Halloween-Costumes-20064402?slide=12&image_nid=31549830

Costumes to Avoid If You’re Trying to be Original

http://mashable.com/2013/10/03/overplayed-costume-searches/

                              “I told you to keep me out of this”