Www Mnstatefair Org
State Fair is a cultural experience, a must-go for almost everyone at least every few years. Not because it's so great, but because everyone does it. Be prepared for tons of overpriced junk food, crowds with strollers rolling over your feet, rides and games (some fun and some ridiculous), but also some great educational exhibits (my favorite is Agricultural building flowers are just beautiful). Also be prepared to drop a lot of money in the process. Different kind of fun.
Quest Club
Quest is one of my favorite night clubs not because of the bigger names they bring in (sometimes), but because of the bands that play there regularly. This club usually has pretty nice crowd (to my taste, at least), and I do like the layout. A little while ago the club had its floors redone very nice, especially if you feel like dancing. Staff is not rude and parking is pretty convenient. Ill keep coming back.
Mystic Lake Casino
Mystic Lake is just something different to do on a free night. It seems that senior citizens frequent that place a lot. Im not much of a gambling person of course, but I can never spend more than two hours there without getting a little bored (granted, my friends like slot machines and not tables but there isnt really much else to do, unlike Vegas). Also sometimes the casino itself doesnt look extremely busy, yet there is a line for some more popular games. And yes, ventilation is not that great. Mystic Lake hotel is very nice though, service and pool and all that.
Lowry Hill Liquor Store
Lowry Hill has a great neighborhood-y laidback feel, but its wine selection is decent despite stores size (not the case for beer though, in my opinion). Employees are usually helpful if you need just a couple of bottles of wine, or the owner will help you if you are planning a party and need a few cases just call him and catch him in the afternoon, he knows his stuff. Lowry Hill is one of the few liquor stores I like (as a wine drinker).
Kitchen Window
Kitchen Window is my idea of a cookware shopping heaven. Of course I wish the store had lower prices, but oh well - here you get what you pay for, quality. I bought only small stuff so far, things that are not expensive enough to make a huge hole in my budget, but for which quality is important. When you have a couple of hours to spare, check this store out simply browsing it is very entertaining.
PROS: quality
CONS: expensive
Brides Of France
I went to this store more than once - shopping for myself and for my girlfriends on a budget - and not a single time did we find anything in fashion *and* clean. This store even smells funny to me. Jewelry is just okay and is grossly overpriced. Service can vary from almost great to non-existent. In my opinion, Brides of France is not worth checking out - it's a waste of time.
Aspen Waste Systems
Aspen claims to be a "green" waste remover - not sure what parameters are measured, but that would be an additional plus. Aspen Waste is the least expensive and the easiest to work business of this type available in my area. When calling customer service, one actually gets to talk to a real live person, friendly and helpful, explaining things well and not trying to upsell. They care whats convenient for you, instead of whats convenient for them. I dont have a single complaint, they are always on time. Make sure to ask about new customer special you get 2 or 3 months free with a new contract.
PROS: customer service
CONS: none
Valleyfair Amusement Park
Waterpark and coasters, picnic area and little kids' mini-park, shows and Imax - Valleyfair has it all to keep your family entertained for entire day . Sometimes it gets so busy that all the fun is gone - so it's better to go on weekdays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays) , or Sunday is better weekend day than Friday or Saturday. Or, buy seasonal tickets and enjoy a couple of hours at a time (we did that for two years using coupons they send you in early spring - was worth the money). Also, bring your own food - not only because of the prices, but because of the quality... I know because I worked there for one summer...
PROS: fun
CONS: expensive - and they charge you for parking too!
Artemisia Flower Studio
Artemisia florist messed up flower order for my wedding. Wrong colors were used, filler ordered was not used, roses were small (for that variety) and not very fresh. Only one boutonniere came as ordered . Bouquets looked nothing like ordered, not even the same shape. I gave the florist a picture for bridesmaids bouquet (very simple) and asked if she can copy it - and she said yes, but the bouquet looked nothing like a picture! How unprofessional. Dont waste your money take it elsewhere.
PROS: very nice lady
CONS: received not what I ordered
4 Seasons Dance Studio
I'm a dancer and I dislike 4 seasons for variety of reasons. To meet demand, they teach some dance styles they are not qualified to teach - but they count on the fact that beginners won't know the difference. Some teachers there are good in tango, but because salsa is in demand, they teach salsa - and bad habits that come from people without real salsa club exposure! wedding couples who are often clueless is another client base. If you care about quality of your instruction instead of people boosting your ego telling you how good you are in your first lesson, stay away.