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Imagine a perfect summer day, being surrounded by hundreds of different species of butterflies, a whirlwind of color, and the scent of flowers in the air.  Sound amazing?  Well it isn’t just an imagination – it’s at the Como Zoo in the Blooming Butterflies tent, just steps away from the parking lot!

Inside view of the tent

Once you enter the 2,500 square foot greenhouse that resembles a caterpillar, you see a beautiful and eclectic array of butterflies,  along with different species of plants and flowers.  There are pamphlets to pick up at the entrance that define the over 100 butterfly species.  Did you know, a butterflies life span is only 2-4 weeks?   Have a buck?  Each day at noon, you have the chance to release a butterfly into the air for the reasonable price $1.

Outside view of the caterpillar-shaped tent

While inside, you are not allowed to touch the critters, but you will find they frequently like to use your shoulder as a landing spot.  With 300-500 butterflies roaming around at one time, your chances are good!  You can also observe them while they feed on watermelon and orange slices placed on stands throughout the exhibit.

A favorite to watch, was the Cairns Butterfly, native to Australia.  The Cairns is one of the largest butterflies, with a wingspan of 6 1/2 inches!  Cairns are colored a brilliant blue, neon green, bright red, and yellow.

Looking for a good date idea?  What’s more romantic that sitting in a garden with colorful butterflies swirling about.

The Blooming Butterflies exhibit is FREE, although small donation are accepted.

Blooming Butterflies exhibit

Open daily from 10am – 6pm through September 6th

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Drive

Saint Paul, MN 55103

(651) 487-8200

On June 30, at midnight, children and adults alike flocked to one of the many theaters premiering Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight saga.  As a self-proclaimed Twi-hard, I dashed over to Rosedale AMC theater and bought the first available spot.  Need to kill a few hours before you movie?  Rosedale Center has plenty of great shops and restaurants to keep you busy and your pockets empty!

The much-anticipated movie lived up to the hype!   Eclipse was the best of the Twilight series thus far.   The two-hour movie could have lasted the entire day and my eyes still would have been glued to the screen.  The mix of romance, intensity, action, and intrigue combined to make the best summer movie yet!  Bella (Kristen Stewart) is once again surrounded by danger as she is forced to choose between Edward (Robert Pattinson), the love of her life, or her friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner).   As to not spoil the movie for the many uber fans out there, all I will say is, the movie followed the book very well.

The tickets at Rosedale AMC are $10.00 after 4pm for adults, otherwise $7.50 before 3:55pm.  Monday through Thursday, you can catch a flick for $5 (excluding holidays and weekday film openings).  When you’re sitting for two hours at a movie, comfortable seating is a must!  Rosedale AMC seats feel like you’re relaxing in a recliner at home – comfortable and most importantly, clean.  The stadium style seating assures everyone a close-up view of Bella, Edward, Jacob and all of the exciting action they bring.

So, grab your friends, head to Rosedale AMC Theater, grab some popcorn, and settle in for some great summer flicks!

Some upcoming movies to check out:  The Last Airbender ( showing now, and also available in 3D), The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (July 14), and Salt (July 23).

Rosedale AMC

850 Rosedale Center

Roseville, MN 55113

Guest service:  (651) 604 – 9344

Movie times:  1-888-AMC-4FUN

On a hot summer day, what’s better than getting a few friends together and getting a bite to eat outside.

Punch Neapolitan Pizza on Grand Avenue has a great outdoor patio shaded by brightly colored umbrellas, perfect for people watching, enjoying the weather, and savoring an authentic meal.  This Italian- styled restaurant focuses on pizzas cooked in wood-burning ovens and fresh salads.  Punch is the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch or dinner!

If a cold salad on a hot summer day, is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.  The Punch Signature Salad is made of mixed greens, prosciutto (an Italian cured ham), grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and is drizzled with just the right amount of balsamic vinaigrette.  It comes in a small ($3.95) or an entree-sized portion ($7.15).  The best thing about getting a salad at Punch is that they are all served with fresh baked focaccia bread – YUM!

Along with salads, Punch offers a very plentiful array of sixteen Neapolitan pizzas all ranging from $5.95 to $11.00.  What makes a Neapolitan pizza so special?  The ingredients of course, and the flame-blackened blisters that accompany your pizza when it is finished.  The most classic pizza at Punch is the Margherita pizza, but the most popular is the Margherita Extra!  This work of art is made with fresh mozzarella di bufala (“A” quality mozzarella), crushed San Marzano tomatoes, MT. Vesuvio tomatoes, and basil of course!  You can also create your own pizza masterpiece with pepperoni, prosciutto, ham, anchovies, olives, eggplant, roasted red pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Worried about parking on Grand?  There’s a parking lot right next to the restaurant specifically for Punch pizza eaters.  If you live close to Grand, why not ride your bike or walk?  It’s Ride Your Bike to Punch month this June (only 3 days left)!  On Wednesdays in June, wear your helmet into Punch on Grand Avenue and get $3 off any pizza.

Visit the web site at http://www.punchpizza.com for more information.

Punch Neapolitan Pizza, Grand Avenue

769 Grand Avenue

(651) 602-6068

Other St. Paul locations,

Highland Park

704 Cleveland Avenue South

(651) 696-1066

Grand Ole Creamery offers some of the best ice cream in the country according to the National City Search Best Places for Ice Cream in the Nation.  It was also voted Best Ice Cream in the Twin Cities by Mpls/ St. Paul Magazine.

Stop inside Grand Ole Creamery for a scoop of Black Hills Gold, Sweet Cream, Triple Berry Flake,  or any of their thirty-one ( and counting ) flavors of ice cream!  My favorite – Chocolate Malt Banana.  Their flavors range daily, so if you don’t see the specific flavor you’ve craved all day, they are sure to have a least one to please your aching taste buds!  Taste as many samples as you want, until you find the right one.

When you arrive, don’t be surprised if the line is out the door – and literally down the street!  People are willing to wait 30 minutes in line,  just to get a hand-rolled waffle cone and their favorite flavor of homemade ice cream.  Once you enter the doors, you immediately breath in the smell of freshly made waffle cones.  You can choose an original waffle cone or you can get it adorned with flavors such as Cinnabun or Birthday Cake.  A small cup or cone will cost you around $4.00, and if you want a large waffle cone (complete with a whopper on the bottom), it will put you back about $5.25.

Along with the scoops of ice cream, there are also sundaes and malts on the menu as well.  Celebrating a birthday party?  There are ice cream cakes too!  And a new item on their menu — ice cream pizza.  Cakes range from $21-40 and pies will cost you $16.

If ice cream is your thing, another great option is Izzy’s! Izzy’s has 32 flavors of  homemade artisan ice cream that rotates daily.  If you don’t want to be dissapointed by your favorite flavor not being there, no fear – Flavor Up is here!  Flavor Up allows you to see every 3 minutes, what flavors are available to you.  Who knew an ice cream shop could be so high tech!

Cupcake lover? Izzy’s makes ice cream cupcakes for $4.20 or $3 when you buy 4 or more – what a deal!  Izzy’s also offers different flavors of ice cream made with soy for the lactose intolerant ice cream fanatics.

Visit one or visit both – you won’t be disappointed!

Grand Ole Creamery                    Izzy’s Ice Cream Cafe

750 Grand Avenue                               2034 Marshall Ave

Saint Paul, MN 55105                          Saint Paul, MN 55104

(651) 293-1655                                      (651) 603-1458

Brewberry's Coffee Shop

On a rainy afternoon, in search of a new coffee shop, a few gems were discovered!  Sometimes you need a good, quiet spot to hang out with friends.   A good setting to study in perhaps, or just a place that has a decent caffeinated beverage to ease your tired mind.

My first stop led me to Brewberry’s, on the corner of Randolph Avenue, right across the street from Caribou (Yes, that’s right.)  Inside, there were bright green walls, accompanied by plush couches and bookshelves stocked with eclectic picture books.  Hand-painted artwork adorned the walls, and the overall atmosphere was quite homey, with an air of friendliness.

Patrick, the quirky barista behind the counter, gloated his favorite drink, iced espresso – not for the coffee newcomer!

As teenagers, you many not find coffee appealing, but there are a lot of different items on the menu that will tantalize your taste buds!  A raspberry Italian soda ($1.75) is just the ticket if you want to forgo the caffeine; it’s a refreshing and bubbly drink for a hot summer day!  The Chai tea ($3.00) is also delicious – spicy and sweet at the same time!

Since Brewberry’s is also a sit down restaurant, there is a choice of pastries, sandwiches, ice cream, and soups. Study time? This diner-style coffee house, has large table to spill out your homework as well as free wifi!

If coffee is not your thing, why not try tea!  Tea Garden is a great place to start!  It’s just a few block away from Macalaster College.  Tea Garden features comfortable couch lined walls with hanging art from locals around town.  There is also a patio in back for you to bask in the rays of the sun while enjoying a cold beverage.

Chai Shake with pearls

Try their signature Taiwanese drink known as bubble tea ($4-5).  Usually served with ice, bubble tea is made with flavored black or jasmine tea.  You can choose from classic pearls to fruity jellies to add to your favorite tea or shake.  These pearls are typically chewy and a little weird at first, but once you try them, you will be hooked!

On Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ spins a cool selection of music – Indy, contemporary, clean and fun! Oh, and if you’re lucky, you will stop by some afternoon when poets from the Macalaster poetry team are hanging out.  Maybe you’ll catch a heated poetry slam competition!  Cheers to that!

Brewberry’s

475 Fairview Ave. S.

Saint Paul, MN 55104

(651) 699-1117

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6:30am to 9pm; Suday, 7am to 9pm

Tea Garden

1692 Grand Ave.

Saint Paul, MN 55105

(651) 690-3495

Hours:  Sunday – Thursday, 10am to 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 10am to 1am

Remember when dad helped you ride a bike!

Need help decided what to get your dad for Father’s Day?  With Father’s Day being this Sunday, June 2oth, you should plan ahead and decide what to do.    Here are some tips that will make his day extra special.  What activities does he enjoy?  Golfing? Boating? Grilling some juicy steaks? Does your dad like surprises?  What is his favorite restaurant?  BE CREATIVE! Think of something out of the ordinary to do with your dad, something other than what you on a daily basis.

For those of you that don’t have much to spend, try something FREE that will warm his heart.  Dad’s just want to know that they are loved and appreciated, so don’t think you have to break the bank!

Photo © Explore Minnesota Tourism

If your dad likes being outdoors, why not try a scenic bike ride along the Mississippi River.  The river is surrounded by trails that encourage you to explore its beauty.  Starting July 10, you can visit Harriet Island and Bike with a Ranger.  This tour allows you to be guided nine miles along the waterfront to discover the history, geology and parks which make it irresistible.  Parking is free!

Click here to learn more about trails and various parks along the Mississippi River.

If you want to enjoy the scenery along the Mississippi, but don’t want to break a sweat, take your dad aboard the Padelford Riverboats.  Your dad will get to enjoy brunch and a cruise through the woods of the Great River National Park.  You can’t go wrong with scrambled eggs, french toast and bacon!  The cruise runs from 11am – 1pm, but it is recommended to buy your tickets soon before they are sold out!  The cost is $41.50 for adults and 19.75 for children, which included your brunch and cruise.  Group rates are also available.  For more information, visit www.riverrides.com.

Father’s Day is a day devoted to spending time with our fathers, so put away those cell phones, shut off the television, and dedicate time to your daddy!  Dad’s do so much for us, so let’s show how much we care!

Love ya, Dad!

For the upcoming class of 2011, if you’re like me, the same thoughts that are rushing through my head are rushing through yours.  The time is drawing near when future college decisions are crucial.  Most likely, your parents have been asking you questions along the lines of, “What majors are you looking into?” and “What colleges do you want to tour?”  All of these questions and thoughts can be very stressful, but the best time to start looking at colleges is this summer.

The transformation from high school to college is not easy.  Thoughts run through your head such as: fitting in, class size or even just navigating through campus. Can’t high school just be a bit longer?  Well, although some of us may not be ready to turn the page and graduate from high school, a lot of us are.

A perfect opportunity to look at a few of the many private colleges St. Paul an Minnesota has to offer is during the Minnesota Private College Week, which is coming up on June 21st through June 25th.  This week is dedicated to let college-seekers check out and gain helpful information on seventeen colleges!  Go with your parents or friends, and take a road trip to any private college of your choice!  Now don’t worry, this week is totally chill and is very hands on.  There are campus tours and general information sessions.  They are offered twice daily, so don’t stress if you’re late.  They last for about three hours each.

If you visit http://www.mnprivatecolleges.org, you can not only learn about the academic programs, international study opportunities, student organizations, athletic programs, but you can also register online to let the colleges know you’re coming!  They give as scheduled visits and our job is to just show up!  How easy can it get?  Click here to check out their Facebook page!

The colleges in St. Paul that you can visit are:  Hamline University, Concordia University, Macalester College, St. Catherine University, Bethel University, College of St. Scholastica, and University of St. Thomas.  A recent visit to  St. Thomas as part of  a Junior College Tour Day was a very pleasant experience.  It is prominently located in the residential area of Summit Avenue.  It is Minnesota’s largest independent university and has a great overseas study program.  How cool would it be to take a semester in Rome or Paris?  The campus seemed very collegiate and reminded me of being  in the East Coast!  Also, the student body was quite helpful and thoroughly answered any of my questions, no matter how many!

Congratulations to all new high school graduates and good luck on exploring your future college.  It may seem overwhelming at first, but an exciting new challenge that will pay off in the end.

Highland Mann Theater

When it is rainy and cold outside, it provides a great opportunity to get a few friends together and have a movie marathon, complete with popcorn and candy!  If you want to get out of the house,  try going to a movie.  The Highland Theater, in Highland Park, is a great option.  The theater, styled in 1950s garb, is prime for watching a new flick!  Some of my favorites are:  Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, and New Moon (or any of the Twilight movies)!

If you tackle the outdoors and head to a movie, you may want to grab a hearty bite to eat.  Just like snow, rain has tendencies to make you want a warm,  satisfying meal — a burger perhaps!  Two faves are:   Casper & Runyon’s Nook Groveland Tap.    I would without a doubt recommend the Juicy Nookie Burger at The Nook — it’s stuffed with gooey, Velveeta cheese!  Groveland Tap has a Cajun Lucy that is stuffed with jalapenos and Pepper Jack cheese that will surely spice up your night!

Casper & Runyon's Nook

Another favorite eatery is Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue, where the cafeteria-style restaurant boasts tasty soups, salads, sandwiches, and delicious desserts!  Don’t leave without trying the Chicken Divan soup or salad sampler.  Make sure to head up to the second floor of the restaurant to view the picture windows overlooking Grand Avenue.  Once you have filled your belly, check out Karma boutique.  Karma is a fashion, beauty, and accessories boutique.  Recently, I found the best deal on a fantastic swimsuit there.  Although, after a huge burger, you may want to walk around a little before trying on a swimsuit!  Parking can be a little tricky on Grand Avenue.  If you don’t mind paying, there are ramps along Grand and Victoria, otherwise, there is free on-street parking along Grand and neighboring streets.

Next time it rains, I hope that you’ll find yourself hoping these days happen more often!

Buzz and Neil have landed, and no I’m not talking about Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.  I’m actually referring to the two massive polar bears who occupy their new home a the Como Zoo!

The grand opening of the New Polar Bear Odyssey Exhibit was June 3, and I got a first-hand look.  I’m sure everyone who has been to the Como Zoo in the past few years remembers the old polar bear exhibit, and the two burly bears swimming in their pool.  Two years and $14 million later, they not only get to swim around, but they get to roam freely with rocky cliffs and natural surfaces surrounding their habitat!

Inside the exhibit, you can witness the polar bears up close behind glass as they romp and swim in the water.  If you want to know anything ab0ut the zoo’s resident polar bears, just ask any of the helpful staff members.  They love talking about Buzz and Neil!  Also, check out all the cool plaques with informative facts about polar bears in general.  Did you know when polar bears are newborns they weigh less than a bag of M&M’s?

For those of you who haven’t been to the Como Zoo in a while, now is your chance!  Not only is the polar bear exhibit unveiled, but a visit to the zoo is FREE   (small donations are appreciated)!  During the summer, the zoo is open from 10am — 6pm.

Como Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours and to check out all the cool activities going on all summer long, such as the beloved Sparky the Sea Lion Show that starts at 11:30am Monday — Saturday every week!

Babysitting? Nannying? Bring the kids to the zoo!  They’ll love it and it’s a great activity to get involved in.  even if the day is sweltering with heat, don’t fear:  the Splash Zone is a fun way to stay cool while splashing in the water sprays.  the Splash Zone is located in Como Town, which requires admission tickets.  Make sure to take the kids to the polar bear exhibit too!

For more information, make sure to go to http://www.comozooconservatory.org

Some say the start of summer is Memorial Day weekend, others state it’s June 21st.  The true kick-off for me is Grand Old Day!  This free, summertime festival is celebrating its 37th year, and is the largest one-day festival in the Midwest.  You do not want to miss this!  Vendors and crowds fill the street of Grand Avenue, stretching 30 blocks.

I have been going to Grand Old Day ever since I can remember and every year, my experiences have been unforgettable.  The eclectic mix of people that surround you make the experience even better.  Where else can you see people riding seven-foot tall unicycles?

It’s hard to forget the smell of cheese curds and mini doughnuts that fill the air as well as the sound of live music and the honking of parade floats.  This year, don’t miss the Teen Battle of the Bands from noon – 4:30 at Patagonia Parking lot!

Also, make sure to stop by the Grand Old Day Art Fair presented by Cafe Latte, Lavender Magazine and Walker Art Center in the Art District (Saratoga to Snelling). While you’re there, you will have the chance to make your own take-home art project!

Oh, and don’t forget to sample some food from the over 150 delicious food vendors!

Here are a few helpful tips to have a great Grand Old Day experience:

1.) ARRIVE EARLY.  If you live close to Grand Avenue, just walk.  Trust me, there will be no parking spots available for miles.

2.)  ARRIVE EVEN EARLIER if you’re planning on going to the parade at 10 am.  It’s crucial to get a good spot!  You don’t want to miss it!

3.) WEAR A HAT AND SUNSCREEN…you do not want to get a painful sunburn the first day of summer, do you?

4.) BRING EXTRA MONEY.  You never know what kind of eccentric foods or trinkets you’ll run into.

5.) BRING A CAMERA.  You’re going to run into a lot of people you know.

6.) IN FACT, BRING A LARGE TOTE to store all of your items and especially the free candy from the parade floats!

7.) GRAND OLD DAY APP for your iPhone is a much needed new accessory for this year!  Click here to learn more.

For more information about Grand Old Day, visit:  www.grandave.com/grandoldday

REMEMBER, Grand Old Day is Sunday, June 6th!  See you there!