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How to Experience Minneapolis Like a Local…

Stone Arch Bridge at Night Minneapolis

My name is Shanna and my city is Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I have lived in my city Minneapolis/St. Paul for 31 years (I actually grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis and now live on the outer edges of the sprawling metropolis).

My city is best described by these five words: foodie-heaven, artsy, unexpected, Minnesota-nice, and not-always-cold.

The most famous thing about my city is the fact that Mary Tyler Moore lived here, and many of the shots of the opening sequence were filmed in downtown Minneapolis (for old TV buffs reading this, there is a statue on Nicollet Mall of her in her iconic “hat throwing” pose). It is also the home town of Peanuts cartoon creator Charles Schulz.

The best way to explore my city is on foot or by using the well developed skyway system. Also, check out the light rail train to connecting downtown to the airport and Mall of America! It is a really easy way to see many sights throughout the city.

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A Woman’s No-Nonsense Guide to Chicago…

Chicago Skyline

My name is Reena Ganga and my city is Chicago.

I have lived in my city Chicago for a bit over three years.

My city is best described by these five words: friendly, green, vibrant, clean, and cold!

The most famous thing about my city is the architecture.

The best way to explore my city is on a segway tour. It’s a walking tour without the hard work!

When my girlfriends come for a visit, I always take them to the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building first, because the views are stunning and the cocktails are strong!

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Discover the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland, Ohio

There are few cities in the world that can legally claim their real estate rocks!

And Cleveland is one of them.

Ohio is home to the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which honors legends such as of John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson… just to name a few.

Music lovers – young and old alike – argue the hall of fame is the holiest place on the plant.

But what do you think…

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St. Patrick’s Day Celebration; Chicago, Illinois

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration; Chicago, Illinois

A green-dyed river, waves of green-clad revelers drinking beer for breakfast, and the sound of bagpipes filling the air?

It must be St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.

It is hard to find a place outside of Ireland where the celebration of this day is more prominent or spirited. So dust off your shamrock-shaped sunglasses, throw on some green threads and head to the Windy City for a St Paddy’s Day you will never forget. Continue

Boundary Waters Canoe Area; Minnesota

Boundary Waters Canoe Area; Minnesota

As you propel forward along the pine tree lined waters, you hear gentile lapping of waves against the canoe and loons off in the distance.

Boundary Water Canoe Area is a slice of heaven for anyone wanting to forget modern day technology and head into the vast wilderness.

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The Apostle Islands of Wisconsin

Apostle Islands; Wisconsin

It’s a sea kayakers dream. On many a calm day the gentle waters  create a sublime glide across the cobalt blue lake, where only the sound of lapping paddles breaks the silence. Honeycombed caves of red sandstone line the shores of several small islands, creating many enchanting channels with arched ceilings that are just big enough to glide through.

Once inside you marvel at the beauty of nature’s bounty- incredible rock formations shaped by water and ice. You can hardly believe that you are in Wisconsin…Continue

Chicago Festivals….from Blues to Food; Illinois

Chicago Festivals….from Blues to Food; Illinois

So you say you’re a fan of the Blues? If you are religious about it, there is only one place to go on a musical pilgrimage. A spot that will have you striking that inner chord of melancholy for three straight humid days and nights – The one and only Chicago Blues Festival.

Chicago is the Blues capital of the world, and the famous Blues Festival is the harbinger of grief and sorrow, with music that comes straight from the broken and lonely heart.

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Dog Sledding; Ely, Minnesota

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There is no greater journey, than one with man’s best friend into the arctic wilderness.

What was once used as a method of transportation, dog sledding has changed dramatically over the last hundred years.

World famous races such as the Alaskan Iditarod and week long sledding vacations are creating a new name for dog sledding.

But before we get into dog sledding vacations, let’s take a look at a little dog sled history….

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Discover the Simple Life of the Amish Communities in Northern Indiana

Amish Communities; Northern Indiana

Ever wonder what Amish Communities are like?

What better way to unplug and take a step back in time than to visit the real Amish communities of Northern Indiana?

And the best way to experience the Amish country is on a scenic drive.

You’ll see handcrafted horse buggies,  beautiful parks, waterfalls, quilts, and more!

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Museums In Chicago, Illinois

Museums In Chicago, Illinois

Are you a culture vulture? Art junkie? Museum hawk?

There are a few cities in the United States where you can go to get your fix.

Where a wealth of history, knowledge and intrigue is waiting to be seen, heard and felt. No one leaves Chicago with the feeling that something was missing, mainly because the Windy City has something that appeals to everyone’s exceptional variety.Continue

The Southwest of South Dakota

Southwest of South Dakota

Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, The Badlands, The Black Hills, General Custer, dinosaurs bones, wild horses, rich gold mines and extensive caves are all a part of South Dakota’s legacy.

What’s amazing, is that they inhabit a rather small part of the state’s southwestern corner, an area that is full of natural beauty, historical significance and general intrigue. Continue

Peace & Quiet; Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Listen.  Do you hear that?  The cars…. or shall I say, the absence of cars.  Mackinac Island is a perfect getaway for anyone needing to escape the hustle and bustle of work, city life, and traffic as no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.

Yep, you heard it right.  No vehicles (with the exception of handicap vehicle, of course).

Just imagine walking, biking or hearing the click-clock of horses strolling through town.  Say goodbye to stress and hello to peace and quiet on Mackinac Island where Lake Huron meets Lake MichiganContinue

Kicks On Route 66

Route 66, Oklahoma

It may be the most celebrated highway in the world. Emblematic of a newly motorized country discovering it was free to go wherever it pleased, Route 66 quickly became immortalized in song, literature, theater and legend. Route 66 is not just a road, it’s “The Main Street of America,” a highway of history and adventure.

Almost 90 years after it was established, a journey along this iconic thoroughfare is still considered the ultimate American road trip.Continue