Minneapolis is well-known for its “chain of lakes”–Calhoun, Harriet, Lake of the Isles–and theparks, trails, and parkways that surround these lakes, meandering along the Minnehaha Creek, looping around Lake Nokomis, and then finding their way to beautiful Minnehaha Falls.
Although we spend a lot of time in “the Cities,” the last time I had been to Minnehaha Park and Falls was just after we were married, when my husband and I rented a tandem bike in the Uptown neighborhood near Lake Calhoun and rode around the lakes and along the creek to the falls. This summer, we finally took our children to see Minnehaha Falls, arriving by mini-van instead of bicycle, and viewing the falls through the eyes of a family rather than honeymooners.
It’s beautiful no matter how you look at it.
Minnehaha Falls can be viewed from the side or from the bridge crossing the top of the falls . . .
Minnehaha Falls
or from below. It’s about 100 steps down to bottom of the falls, with a handrail and concrete stairs. Read More »
To the right of the entrance gate at Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda is a small wooden box where injured animals can be dropped off any hour of the day or night. Sometimes local residents find distressed animals on the roads or in the water; sometimes they drop off pets that have worn out their welcome. Whatever the reason for their appearance, the wildlife center takes them all in, nurses them back to health, and, if possible, reintroduces the animals back into their natural habitat.
Most are successfully rehabilitated and released, but for various reasons, others live out their remaining days at the center. Among the current permanent residents are a pair of bald eagles with amputated wings and a fish crow named Spirit who “quacks” like a duck - the eagles cannot fly and would soon perish in the Read More »
With less than three months to go before the 2010 Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver, British Columbia, excitement is high in Canada. If you are considering a trip to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games, here are some tips to help you plan your adventure:
Buying Winter Games Tickets:
Check out Tourism Vancouver for information on purchasing event tickets. If you are not Canadian, you will need to purchase event tickets through your country’s National Olympic Committee or official ticket agent – International Ticket Sales.
Accommodations during the Winter Games:
Again, Tourism Vancouver has a great page devoted to information about booking accommodations during the Olympics. Events are held in Vancouver, as well as Whistler, so be sure you know what you would like to see and plan your accommodations accordingly.
Attractions outside the Olympics:
Yes, it is possible, you might go to Vancouver and decide you need a little time away from the games! Rest assured, there are loads of attractions in Vancouver, especially in the winter. Tourism Vancouver offers information on many of the different things to do in Vancouver, including sports, entertainment and cultural attractions.
Minot, North Dakota, is proud of its Scandinavian heritage; even McDonald’s is decorated with flags and memorabilia from Scandinavia. Each fall, Minot’s fairgrounds are home to the Norsk Hostfest, a cultural celebration involving people in native dress, good food, and music.
In the center of Minot, however, is perhaps the most visible indicator of the city’s Scandinavian heritage: The Scandinavian Heritage Park.
