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We’ve scratched your back a bit this summer…given you some ideas…gave away some sweet packages…. Perhaps you have a teeny tiny minute to scratch back, yes? Between now and July 31^st, vote for Saint Paul (our pal Minneapolis was thrown in there as icing on the cake) in Travel + Leisure’s America’s Favorite Cities survey. Bonus: you can register to win a wicked go-away-cation! (Although we’d rather keep you to ourselves, of course.) And we promise to keep dishin’ out the goods.

VOTE HERE

The Minneapolis-St. Paul rivalry has been going on ever since a young George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and threw it across the Mississippi. But let’s face the facts, St. Paul. For much of my lifetime it’s been a one-sided fight. And I don’t think I need to tell you which side of the fight you’ve been on.

Sure, St. Paul is a great place to go for educational field trips and the once-a-year binge on stick-based junk food. But Minneapolis has really been the place to be and be seen: More entertainment; bigger buildings; 2.5 major sports teams. Heck, Minneapolis has a downtown,uptown AND a dinkytown. Its biggest church even throws a rockin’ block party every year, for Christ’s sake (literally). With booze!

How is St. Paul supposed to compete with that?

I’ll tell you how. They built a Sonic Drive-In.

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Mid-October: you know what happens then? You’re finally going to be settled back into your fall routine and will be looking for something to do for entertainment. Prepare for this day of cool-weather reckoning by heading-out for Ordway Center for the Performing Arts’ Little House on the Prairie On Sale Event this coming Sunday, July 26^th In addition to securing your sweet tix to the show (which just so conveniently will be playing October 13-25, 2009), there will be lots of free entertainment, register-to-win prizes, giveaways, and more. We all know the key to living in Minnesota is to always be prepared, so do your part this weekend for a smooth fall!

Just about every week, my arms physically hurt because of my St. Paul Staycations. And it’s all because of the bags I carry to my car….loaded with every kind of fresh produce and flowers that you can imagine. Of course, I’m talking about my trips to the St. Paul Farmer’s Market!

When I go to the market, I have a system. I start with a bagel sandwich made fresh on the spot piled with farmer’s market eggs, ham and tons of veggies. But that’s about the only thing that stays the same from week to week. You never know what kind of flowers will be available or which veggies will be the biggest, brightest and freshest.

Of course, this market isn’t just any market. Each and every item is locally produced. Most products are produced within 50 miles of the market. And it’s a tradition that’s lasted 150 years.

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Everyone loves a great duo: Laurel & Hardy, peanut butter & jelly, monkey & shenanigan. Let us introduce you to the up-and-coming duo of John & Paisley Reinan. John is the resident marketing guru at MinnPost.com and all-around Minnesota Man. Daughter Paisley – while career is TBD – is a classic columnist in the making. StPaulStaycation recently recruited the father/daughter team to report on their outing to the Como Park Zoo and Grand Ole Creamery. It’s all cool and stuff until the tiger does his business…

From John:

I never get tired of the Como Park Zoo. There’s so much to see, and the joyful look on every kid’s face is wonderful to behold. My 9-year-old daughter, Paisley, and I visit several times a year and always have a great time. Each visit is different.

Earlier this year, on a lovely spring day, the gorillas were in their outside enclosure, and they were feisty! Three of them chased each other round and round, pounding their chests and flinging clods of dirt at each other. We’d never seen anything like it. A huge crowd gathered and watched for almost an hour – it was better than any TV show.

Best of all, the Como Park Zoo is free! (Although we urge you to make a donation.)

Recently, Paisley and I headed over to the zoo with her buddy, Patrick. We had a wonderful time, and topped off our trip with a visit to the Grand Ole Creamery on Grand Avenue for their famous ice cream.

I’m going to turn over the rest of this post to Paisley for her account of our St. Paul staycation.

From Paisley:

I had a great day at the Como Zoo. The weather was nice, and I had my friend, Patrick, and my dad with me. We started off seeing the primates. There were monkeys galore. Seriously. There were Gorillas, Orangutans, and little-ol’-moustache men … er, monkeys.

Next, we saw the sea lions. All of them were cheerful … except one. That “one” was gliding along, looking at everyone. But when it got to Patrick, it dove under the water as if to say, “Nooooo! I can’t take it anymore! It’s too ugly! *Splash!*” Long story short: Patrick isn’t very attractive to sea lions.

After that, we went to the Aquatics Building and saw the Puffins, Fish and Penguins. Nothing much to say here. The Penguins didn’t feel like moving. Next, we went to the Big Cats department. There was an outside area as well as an inside area. We went to the outside area and saw a jaguar in a little “rock crevice,” and a huge net over its “territory” to keep visitors out. Next we saw the lions. There was a male and a female. Then we saw a tiger. He was … well, a different story. At first, he was all cool and stuff … until he did his business. Two words: P U!!

We next saw the Sparky show, the most popular thing there [Sparky the sea lion]. And it was amazing! Sparky collected rings, jumped through the air, and read an eye chart that was all R’s. R-R-R-R: get it? The last thing we did at the zoo was go on an old carousel, built in 1914 [Cafesjian's Carousel]. It was beautifully made, and fun to ride on.

Afterwards, we went out for ice cream at the Grand Ole Creamery. I got s’mores ice cream, and it was delicious.

THAT’S ALL FOR MY DANDY LITTLE OUTING!!

Another installment of our St. Paul Summer Playlists – conveniently linked directly to iTunes for your listening pleasure. (All the playlists can be seen on the Guest Blog section of the website.) This time we’ve enlisted our downtown neighbors to dispense their warm-weather musical tastes.

Xcel Energy Center + awesome summer lineup x superior acoustics = why wouldn’t you go? Well, if you are still on the fence about it, here is the Xcel Energy Center summer playlist to tempt your ear buds.

Eric Clapton – Layla

Steve Winwood – Higher Love

The Offspring – Self Esteem

No Doubt – Just a Girl

Paramore – Misery Business

Il Divo – Amazing Grace

blink-182 – All the Small Things

Fall Out Boy – Sugar, We’re Goin Down

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours

Aerosmith – Dream On

ZZ Top – Sharp Dressed Man

Nick Clark, Theatre Student, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists

1. New Order – Age of Consent (Such a comfortable song for the summer afternoons)

2. Phoenix – Lisztomania (I predict they will be the biggest band of the summer and they fit so well.)

3. The Pixies – Wave of Mutilation (UK SURF MIX) (Surf rock is always perfect)

4. The Hold Steady – Chips Ahoy (A good representative for our state, should be our anthem)

5. The Clash – Train in Vain (Happy Clash!)

6. Panic at the Disco – That Green Gentleman (Give some happy pop music a chance.)

7. Prince – Raspberry Beret (One of the sunnier Prince songs)

8. Weezer – Surf Wax America (Maybe we can’t surf here, but this will do for now)

9. David Bowie – Suffragette City (One of Bowie’s best works, best played loudly in the car)

10. The Killers – Joyride (They deserve to be on any summer list and this is one of their more upbeat ones.)

Meet Mudonna- the Saint Paul Saint’s mascot extraordinaire! When she’s not bringing home the bacon ( bad pun, sorry) at Midway, she’s out exploring St. Paul. Here is what she has to say about Summer in Saint Paul.  – Editor

It’s been six years since I left the farm and moved to St. Paul to be the Saints official two-legged mascot, and I couldn’t be happier! Working for the Saints was definitely worth the move. There’s nothing quite like getting to mingle with several thousand friendly fellow Minnesotans who love tailgating and outdoor baseball. Whenever I wander through our parking lot, there’s always a welcoming fan or ten who invite me to join the party or offer up tasty food (just no bacon!).

One of the best parts of my jobs is getting to live in St. Paul and enjoy all of the great places it has to visit and all of the fun activities around town. From great food to blues festivals, St. Paul has it all! A few weeks ago I got to participate in the Grand Old Day parade. We took our custom “tailgater” and stocked it with hot dogs and pop to pass out to the crowd. People really enjoyed seeing a 6 ft tall pig dancing in the street, but they also enjoyed the free food. I personally enjoyed hearing the bagpipes and seeing all of the festive costumes.

Whether or not there’s not a parade marching down Grand Avenue, it’s a great place to spend a nice relaxing day. I personally like Grand Ole Creamery, where they make their own hand churned ice cream! You may also see me at Billy’s on Grand on their outdoor patio.

When I’m downtown, I often find myself wandering around Lowertown, visiting the Farmers Market on the weekend or Music in Mears on Thursday nights.  In fact, you can often see me downtown during the lunch hour riding around on a Segway.  If I’m in the mood for an upscale dinner, you’ll likely find me at Pazzaluna, Kinkaid’s or the St. Paul Grill. I have to admit, though, I’m kind of a messy eater.

There’s no better place than St. Paul in the summer.  I can’t wait for the Taste of Minnesota in a few weeks.  I’ll be out there with some of my co-workers from the Saints with our speed pitch and radar gun so stop by our booth see how fast you can throw.

I also enjoy hanging out with the kids during the Saints new Play Day at Midway Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Midway Stadium.  We open up the park for kids to come and play in our bounce house and on our swing set, run on the field, participate in coloring contests and more.  Check it out Mondays at the park.  I’ll be there!

Well, that’s all for this entry. Be sure to look for my next blog when I’ll discuss my recent tryout with the Minnesota RollerGirls!

It’s going to be a big weekend in Saint Paul! Did I say “big?” This weekend is going to be huge – Titanic if you will – surely not to be missed. (Check-out recent posts for your complete to-do list.) While you’re makin’ your way around to all these fine events, venues, and attractions, be sure to also stop by the Twin Cities Jazz Festival which kicks-off tonight in Mears Park and runs through Saturday. Many of the performances are FREE, so there is no reason to not go.

To commemorate this weekend’s jazziness, we’ve enlisted Twin Cities Jazz Festival artist, Klondike Kate, and all-around Saint Paul pro Paula Berends to share some of her top Saint Paul things. Paula is celebrating the release of her first solo album Just For Me – featuring an eclectic mix of rock, folk, country, jazz and blues – and she’s performing all 3 nights of this weekend’s festival. Paula’s years of Klondike Kate-ing will surely add-up to a great show for you, so don’t miss it!

Paula will also be performing at this year’s Concrete and Grass Festival in September – which is 2 whole days of FREE music – so mark your calendar!

Without further ado: Paula Berends….

I am from New Richmond, WI and there are many things that I LOVE to do in St. Paul.  If the weather’s nice, then it’s the perfect time to take in a St. Paul Saint’s game or to go on a Padelford boat ride.  You can also check out Mears Park with the  Twin Cities Jazz Festival in June or the Concrete and Grass Festival in September.

If the weather is cool, then I want to be at the St Paul Winter Carnival !!!  From the Klondike Kate Cabaret, to the coronation, to the grand day parade, to the Vulcan Victory dance, to the ice sculptures in Rice Park – there’s so much to do and so much fun to be had by all!!!  Don’t forget to take in a Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center too!

And for any type of weather, I enjoy going to Mancini’s Char House for an awesome steak, or taking in a show at the Ordway!  The best breakfast in town will be had at the Downtowner  – split the stuffed French toast and the eggs benedict – YUM!

I am planning my own STAYcation for this very weekend and I can’t wait!!!

- Paula Berends

Margery Punnet is one half of FM107.1′s morning show: A Balanced Breakfast with Ian and Margery Punnet.

She lives and works in St. Paul with her husband ( and co-host) Ian, and her two sons.

I’ve lived in great cities, Chicago, Washington DC, Nashville and Atlanta, but boy do I love Saint Paul. My husband Ian works on Saturday nights, so more often than not, you’ll find us in town on the weekends. That’s just fine with me, especially in the summer when so many other people head up north to their cabins.
The town has a great feel in the summer. It’s so easy to have a perfect Saint Paul Saturday. It starts with an early morning trip to the Saint Paul Farmers Market. I buy a couple of bouquets of lilies, always lilies. You’ll see the LilyMan when you walk into the market. The flowers are fantastic. They stay beautiful for at least a week, and they make our house smell lovely.

The boys are eating an Izzy scoop. It's a great way to try all the flavors.

If the kids are with me, we have to stop at Candyland in downtown Saint Paul. Even though the boys are 15 and 17, I give them a dollar and they get to pick whatever they want. I am not kidding, a dollar. The tradition started years ago when they were little, and I never upped the amount and they never asked for more. So it stands, one dollar each at Candyland and everyone is happy.
From there, a nice nap. I love a Saturday nap.

After, my younger son tags along to Halfprice Books in Highland Park. I can spend hours there. Last Saturday I bought three CDs, the soundtrack to “Good Will Hunting,” Ricky Martin, and Seal. I also picked up The Letters of Virginia Woolf: Volume Six 1936-1941. Please don’t let my purchase choices discourage you from doing a little shopping, there really is something for everyone.
I love eating out on Saturday nights, but we rarely go fancy. We love Punch or Highland Grill on Cleveland or Cafe Latte on Grand. These are all great choices, especially with teenagers.
And finally, for a Saturday to be really perfect, there has to be ice cream. Izzy’s on Marshall. Just the best! Make sure you try the salty caramel ice cream.

Anna Overby

Don’t even try to pretend you are too macho for musicals.

First, no one has been “macho” since the 70s. Second, everyone likes Singin’ in the Rain…everyone. Luckily for us, Singin’ is being staged at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts now through June 28th! Even luckier: Anna Overby, Singin’ in the Rain Ensemble Member, shares the backstage and Saint Paul scoop with us. Check out what the cast likes to do in Saint Paul, then check out Ordway Center’s special offer on Singin’ tickets for Saint Paul Staycation enthusiasts.

Summertime in Minnesota is the most coveted time ever.  The snow left about a month ago, construction season started 3 months ago, and you can finally roll around with your window down.  Summer means fun in Minnesota.

For my first summer out of college, St. Paul has been a beautiful place to visit.  I’ve been available every night Singing in the Rain at the Ordway Center in St. Paul and after getting drenched onstage, the cast heads over to Kincaid’s nightly for a drinks and appetizers.  We of course usually only get an hour each night for dinner after rehearsal, so that means we stay within 50 feet of the Ordway, frequenting all the establishments.  You can regularly find the cast at Sakura’s Sushi for nigiri sushi, The St. Paul Grill a supreme salad or even Pop! for gourmet sandwiches.  Tonight is our preview party and we will all go to Pazzaluna afterwards!  If you can’t tell I’m dying to try their pizza

Being native to Minneapolis, I haven’t spent this much time in St. Paul since high school.  A member of the St. Paul City Ballet, I frequented Grand Avenue, visiting places like Punch Neapolitan Pizza, Breadsmith, and Café Latte. Walking Grand Avenue after rehearsals was like being in a new city.  I still bring my mother there every year for Grand Old Days celebration, visiting the Irish on Grand and Picky Girl.  My mother claims it was named after me!

In St. Paul, I take all my friends to enjoy La Grolla on Selby Avenue, for my Italian friends, and Forepaugh’s on Exchange street, for my French friends and The Singing in the Rain cast regularly enjoys the Grand Old Creamery on Grand Avenue.  I’ve tried my best to make it to a Summit Brewery tour, but have missed it, due to rehearsals.  Regardless we enjoy Summits after work anyways!

Nowadays, I have just graduated from the University of Minnesota in dance, and have found a new home in St. Paul. The directors at the Ordway Center have been some of the most loyal and giving people I’ve ever met.  I’ve met amazing talent from the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts and the Minnesota Opera who also share the Ordway stage.  It is a rare treat, in this industry, to find such wonderful directors such as James Rocco and Jayme Mcdaniel.   It is my hope they can make St. Paul their home just as I have.

- Anna Overby

Planning on being in town the weekend of June 26-28?

Take advantage of the Ordway Staycation Special and save on tickets to Ordway’s production of Singin’ in the Rain.

Tickets are just $35 (+fees) for performances Friday June 26 – Sunday June 28. Use Promo Code FRIENDS to unlock the discount online at ordway.org or by phone at 651-224-4222.

Don’t miss Singin’ in the Rain at the Ordway. You’ve never seen Rain like this.