A Plethora of Attractions + Special Save-the-Date Announcement!

Hill Family Reunion Summer 2016 Exclusive

I think last week I put forth a mini-plethora of attractions in out-state MN for consideration, as we breathlessly await the countdown to begin. [Which reminds me . . . because we will be sharing living space in close proximity with one another, don't forget to bring along your toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, & mouthwash.] This week I'm presenting a plethora of attractions conveniently located within the Greater Twin Cities Metropolitan area. 
      I have thoughtfully included the address, pricing information, & a "teaser" for each location. I'm typing this on SAT evening (5/28) while Rachel, Sarah, Bentley, Hadley, Brianna, Lois & Sammy are on a "frolic" down the street to the Bel Air School playground, so I'm feeling pinched for time. You will have to search for more information on your own. Notes follow below.

• American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis. $$ "Much like Sweden itself, the Nelson Cultural Center is an impressive blend of the contemporary & the historic, attached to a century-old mansion but equipped w/a green roof, exhibit & gallery spaces, a delightful cafe w/outdoor patio seating & a whimsical ceramic billy goat."
• Eloise Butler Wildflower & Bird Sanctuary, 2.5 mi. W on SR 55, then .5 m. S on Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis. FREE "A nature trail winds through native plant & wildlife habitats. Guided tours are available by appt."
• Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis. $$ + Parking ". . . housed within these ruin walls . . . once the largest flour mill in the world . . . "
• Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave. S, Minneapolis. $ ". . . the only museum in North America dedicated exclusively to the preservation & presentation of all forms of Russian art & artifacts."
• Alexander Ramsey House, 265 S. Exchange St. @ Walnut St., near Irvine Park, St. Paul. $$ Reservations required ". . . home of the 1st governor of the MN territory . . . constructed from native limestone in 1872."
• Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul. Donations "Styled after St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome."
• Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life, 2097 Larpenteur Ave. W, near Cleveland Ave., St. Paul. $$ "Depicting a prosperous pioneer-era farm complete w/resident animals, this complex includes . . . a sod house, a Dakota tepee & a bark lodge."
• Indian Mounds Park, E of the downtown business district, overlooking the Mississippi River, St. Paul. FREE " . . . believed to have been constructed as a chieftain burial place more than 2,000 years ago . . . among the interesting discoveries made during the mound excavations was a death mask--a skull covered w/red clay meant to evoke an image similar to the living person's face."

NOTES

1. I have tried to focus on attractions that appeal to cultural, historical, natural, & religious tastes . . . & avoid mundane, bourgeois attractions like zoos, amusement parks, & shopping districts. Which reminds me . . . 
2. The TSA still has an "red flag" alert in force for M.O.A., due to persistent threats of demonstrations from P.E.T.N. *. I can tell you from personal experience w/some members of the Hill Family familial connections . . . these people are not to be trifled with! Now where was I . . . 
3. Cultural attractions are color-coded BLUE. Historical attractions are color-coded ORANGE. Natural attractions are color-coded GREEN. Religious attractions are color-coded FUCHSIA.
4. In choosing attractions that would appeal to those religious persuasions most representative of our diverse families, I went w/Lutheran (Swedish variety), Russian Orthodox [My Granda Jo told me that the Handel's had some Russian ancestry.], Roman Catholic, & Native American. [It's my blog . . . I don't owe anyone an explanation.]
5. Back to the issue of mundane vs. unique attractions. I guarantee that you will be unlikely to find any of these attractions anywhere other than the Greater Metropolitan Twin Cities locale.

* People for the Ethical Treatment of Norwegians.

SAVE THE DATE . . . NO HARD FEELINGS!

I'm sure I speak for all of us [Most of us? Some of us? A few? Me?] when I tell you how thrilled I/we was/were to receive the "Save the Date" card from Megan & Chris. Even more thrilling, they chose January 7 for their holy matrimonial ceremonial.

That's my birthday!

Unfortunately . . . & I'm sure this was an honest mistake . . . a mere oversight amidst all the excitement . . . apparently the following announcement was omitted.

PACK YOUR BAGS for the 64th Birthday Celebration of Paul Leckband!

January 7, 2017 @ Samoan Sam's Discount Luau Buffet & Snorkeling Rentals

Adjacent to Makena Estates Maui

Formal invitation to follow. *

* I assume.