Midway Used and Rare Books
Midway Rare and Used Books is located in Saint Paul, MN. This bookstore has a LOT of books. I'm talking, so many books that it can be crowded. If you have the time, it is a great store to search though, but it may take you some time. The store does have many books, but it's a pretty dirty, dingy store with a lot of very odd and some scary people hanging out. It is located in St. Paul's midway area. Parking is on street only, and you may have to walk a while.
PROS: Many boks
CONS: Not clean, crowded
Magers and Quinn Booksellers
Magers and Quinn Booksellers is an excellent local book store in Uptown, Minneapolis. This bookstore carries a wide variety of books. They have a great selection of Minneapolis historical books, which is my area of interest. They also have many gift items such as calendars, diaries, and other notions. This book store is so popular that it actually had it's part in forcing out the Borders across the street. They closed their doors because Magers was doing better business for the uptown folks.
PROS: Great selection
CONS: none
Valleyfair Amusement Park
Valleyfair is the amusement park in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I have always had a fantastic time at Valleyfair; I even worked as a Stage Manager at one of their live theatres. Valleyfair offers many rides, games, food, live entertainment, and a water park-all for the price of a single admission ticket. The park is open 10 am to midnight in the key season in the summer. The park has something for everyone. It is extremely clean and well kept. One tip I have for people is to pack a lunch and leave it in your car. You can get your hand stamped, go eat your lunch, and go back in the park to enjoy your day. The employees are friendly here and you'll have a great time.
PROS: Water park
CONS: Parking is somewhat pricey..about $8.
Woullet Bakery
Woullet Bakery is one of the finest bakeries in the Twin Cities. They have several locations for a reason...their stuff is good! I have tried their cakes and their donuts and pastries. Their raspberry cream cake is the best! This is an old home bakery with a twist of elegance. Woullet Bakery is also well known for their wedding cakes. I have yet to get married but may have to try one when the day comes!!
PROS: fantastic quality baked goods
CONS: none
Methodist Hospital
Methodist Hospital is located in St. Louis Park, MN. My friend has had two of her children here, and I have had surgery consultant appointments here. We both have been happy with our services. The hospital has all of your typical services, yet isn't "as big" as some of it's competitors..which makes for a more family friendly feel.
PROS: Excellent service
CONS: Have to pay for parking
Minneapolis Public Library
Minnepolis recently opened a brand new library in the heart of downtown. It is beautiful. It is the King or Queen of all libraries. The library is a total information hub. I love that they also celebrated Minnesota's beauty by decorating different rooms according to the four different seasons. The library is laid out well, but help is easy to find if needed. Take a look at the east side of the outside of the building; it's stunning.
PROS: Information galore!
CONS: no parking
Mounds View Animal Hospital
I take my pet to Mounds View Animal Hospital when I need to board her. It is very close to my house and convenient. The facility is very nice and clean. It has modern facilities, and they are also a vet, so I know there is proper medical care if needed. The staff is super friendly. They remember my pet and are always happy to see her back. My pet seemed happy and actually refreshed when she came back from the Mounds View Animal Hospital.
PROS: Prices are reasonable; $25/day for dog.
CONS: Sunday pick up times are only 1 hour: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Banfield Pet Hospital
Banfield Pet Hospital is our Vet of choice for our two dogs, Goofy and Fredo. I have been going here for years. Banfield has full services. They can do a regular check up, perform surgery on your pet, or even board them. Banfield has excellent hours; I often make evening appointments. Also, they are attached to Petsmart pet store. You can shop for pet supplies after taking your pet to the vet or get he/she groomed at the Petsmart grooming services.
PROS: Hours are fantastic. Good service
CONS: Can get very busy; evening appts are better than Saturdays
Dick Blick Art Supplies
Dick Blick is an excellent art supply store. I enjoy just browsing in this store; there are so many great items! They carry everything for painting, drawing, charcoal, sculpting, and much, much more. I needed a particular canvas a few months back, and they had a fantastic selection..and they happened to be on sale! Dick Blick has a good selection of pencils, pens, and a variety of different paints and paint products.
They have several locations in the Twin Cities.
PROS: Selection is wonderful
CONS: Some items more expensive than Michael's or Wal-mart
Hoover Wheel Alignment Inc
Last summer,I had a very unpleasant experience at Hoover Wheel Alighment. I was in a bad car accident (not my fault) and had the unfortunate situation of fixing my car last summer. Why I didn't just go to the dealer right away, I don't know. I went to Hoover because it's right next to where I work. I had a mystery problem of squeking. Hoover felt I had a brake problem, and proceeded to fix that. They didn't fix the problem entirely, and I had to take the car back. They gladly took it back to try to fix it again, but I was never quite sure of their knowledge. They were not sure of what was wrong with the car, and it still squeked. When I went to get it the second time, the workers were drinking beer in the garage..at 4 pm! Any professional garage with workers drinking beer is a big thumbs down in my book. After my horrible experience at this garage, I took my car to the dealer, and they put my car on a computer. Within one hour, they knew exactly what was wrong with it (a strut "seat"), and they fixed it within the day. The car worked perfectly. I wish I could support the "little guys", but when the little guys drink beer and don't have proper knowledge, I go to the big box dealers.
PROS: NONE
CONS: See above