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WinterSkate, downtown Saint Paul’s annual outdoor ice skating venue, opened this past weekend for the start of the holiday season. WinterSkate is a great way to experience Downtown Saint Paul, particularly during the holidays. We visit WinterSkate a number of times each year. My kids have honed their skills on this ice, especially early in the season when other outdoor rinks are unavailable. We’ll bring grandparents and other guests to enjoy the surroundings and watch our kids strut their stuff. With the amazing architecture in this area, the sound of holiday music and a diversity of participants, this is one of the more unique places to be in the Twin Cities.

The mechanically chilled sheet of ice, located in the shadows of the beautiful Landmark Center in Landmark Plaza, is available for free public skating all winter through the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. No skates? Don’t worry, skates are available to rent for only $2. Open skating is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, and open later on weekends, 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. on Sunday. A warming house offers beverages and snacks.

In addition to WinterSkate, Rice Park, located kitty corner from the ice rink, is decorated in full holiday glory this time of year, featuring a gigantic Christmas tree adorned with 15,000 LED lights.

Although WinterSkate and Rice Park are destinations of and by themselves, our family parlays outdoor skating Downtown with visits to nearby coffee shops, one of our favorite restaurants, or shopping at Macy’s or another our other preferred shops such as Heimie’s Haberdashery. Also, special events take place throughout the holidays that make Downtown Saint Paul a unique place in December. Landmark Center offers the Holiday Bazaar in the main cortile, December 1-3. Saint Paul’s multiple theaters offer great shows this time of year, including the Ordway‘s Cinderella.

For more information on WinterSkate with directions and links to other things to see and do in Saint Paul, go to wellsfargowinterskate.com.

We here at the651.com will be first to admit that St. Paul isn’t exactly known for its nightlife. But if you decide to ring in the New Year across the river – or if you’re looking for a quieter way to celebrate – St. Paul has a bunch of charming events and activities, perfect for sharing with a date.

Rice Park

Fort Snelling State Park is offering a family and date-friendly candlelight walk and ice skating (bring-your-own-skates) from 3 until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The event will have a bunch of cute elements including marshmallow roasting on an outdoor fire, a cup of cider around the fireplace, a skating pond on Snelling Lake, and a candlelit trail offering plenty of wintery sights. It’s a great opportunity to appreciate a nature-infused experience rarely found in big cities. (3-9 p.m. Free. Fort Snelling State Park, Post Rd. off Hwy. 5, St. Paul. 612-725-2389 or 612-725-2724.)

If downtown is more your vibe, grab a date or a group of friends and head to Wells Fargo WinterSkate. The rink will be kept open until 1 a.m. just for New Year’s Eve. The rink comes equipt with a warming house, hot chocolate and snacks for sale, and skate rental, not to mention the surroundings of the gorgeously-lit Rice Park and the historic buildings of downtown St. Paul. And in case you want to warm yourself up with a little libation (or want something to cheers the New Year with), be sure to tuck a flask into your coat. (11 p.m.-1 a.m. Free, $2 for skate rental. Landmark Center, corner of 5th & Market Sts., St. Paul, 651-291-5608, www.wellsfargowinterskate.com.)

Wells Fargo WinterSkate

Another classic winter activity that is sure to bring back waves of nostalgia (and be a great date): snow sledding. All it takes is a sled, long underwear, warm weather accessories and a sense of adventure. The city of St. Paul’s website has a handy map of sledding hills in St. Paul. Tip: make it an adult version (and stay extra warm) by bringing a flask.

Take a tour of holiday light displays in St. Paul’s Phalen Park neighborhood during its final night of the year. View over 50 holiday light sculptures and animated displays from the comfort of your own vehicle. It’s $10 per vehicle, but proceeds go directly to local Minnesota charities. (5:30-10 p.m. Beginning at 1615 Phalen Dr. E., St. Paul, www.lightsinthepark.org.)

Another fun date option (and a chance to get some exercise): cross-country skiing. The city of St. Paul grooms the following trails every winter: Como (1431 Lexington Pkwy. N.), Highland 9 Golf Course (1797 Edgcumbe Rd.), and Phalen Golf Course (1615 Phalen Dr.). Click here for a map of all winter activity locations in St. Paul. (Note: ski chalet and equipment rental is available at the Como location only.)

WE ARE STILL ON THE HUNT…

Wanted:  A beautiful evergreen tree, about 80 feet tall, to serve as the sparkling center of St. Paul’s downtown holiday festivities this winter.

Capital City Partnership and the City of Saint Paul are searching for an evergreen that fits this description to become this year’s featured holiday tree in Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy.

For the fourth year, Capital City Partnership and the City of Saint Paul have joined forces to recreate the Rockefeller Center experience in the heart of downtown Saint Paul.  The Rice Park tree will be as tall  and bright as the iconic Rockefeller Center tree, with over 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights, making it the tallest tree on display in the Midwest.

For trees to be considered, they must have overgrown their location or otherwise need to be removed.  Citizens interested in donating their tree for this event should email their address and a photo of the tree to info@capcitypartnership.com or call 651-291-5608.  The owner of the chosen tree will be eligible to have the tree removed and the stump ground down at no charge, and may also be eligible for a tax deduction.

The Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy tree will be chosen by Oct. 15, and will be cut, transported, and installed in Rice Park by Nov. 19.

The Annual Tree Lighting Event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. and will include special holiday entertainment and fireworks to kick-off the holiday season.  Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy will be on display from Nov. 27 to Jan.  Combined with adjacent Wells Fargo WinterSkate, the tree completes a vision of Rockefeller Center in downtown Saint Paul!

For more information, contact:

Sue Gonsior

Director of Communications

Capital City Partnership

sue@capcitypartnership.com

651.291.5605

Saint Paul is home to some of the most grandiose lighting displays in the state! Our fair city’s historical roots and decadent architecture offer the perfect backdrop for twinkling, colorful lights and festive displays of holiday cheer. Take an evening off from your frenzied preparations to immerse yourself in the seasonal visual delights of Saint Paul.

Summit Avenue

A wonderful driving or walking tour to do at any given time of the year, lights or no lights, Summit Avenue is the city’s most beautiful street. Lined with historic manses of many different shapes, sizes and styles, this old-timey Ave hits the mark on outdoor holiday decor like none other. Start your tour on Snelling and Summit and slowly wind your way towards Downtown St. Paul. Once you pass Lexington Avenue, the most iconic Victorian-era homes begin to appear (including the Governor’s Mansion, 1006 Summit, just off Dale) and it is here that the holiday spirit of the wealthy rears its competitive head — much to the visual delight of us common-folk. Towering pines strung with thousands of sparkling lights, glowing displays and over-the-top props dominate the grounds of many of Summit Avenue’s most note-worthy residences. Many of which, I assume cost more to power every season than I made in 2009. Tip: I certainly don’t condone walking too far in this weather without a full-on snow suit, so do the drive and perhaps pull over once you get in the thick of it for a brisk walk-about.

For more info on Summit Avenue click HERE.

Rice Park

What’s more iconic than the twinkly lights in our capital city’s own Rice Park? A glowing centerpiece to Downtown Saint Paul’s historic streets, the Rice Park display features a gigantic tree lit with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights alongside holiday decor and dozens of other glittering trees in the park – fittingly powered by Xcel Energy, of course. To make matters more dazzling, the lights are set to go into a sparkle-frenzy for five minutes each hour. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful structures in the Downtown area such as the Saint Paul Hotel and Landmark Center, this “town square” is the epitome of winter wonderland. And with the annual Wells Fargo Winterskate just adjacent, you can don your cutest/warmest holiday-wear for a romantic spin or three around the rink, complete with the glitzy park as your backdrop. Skate rental is a mere $2 per person, free if you show your Wells Fargo check or credit card.

For more info on Rice Park and Winterskate click HERE

Linder’s Garden Center

Now this is marketing at its prettiest. Family owned St. Paul staple, Linder’s Garden Center once again goes nuts with their lighting display, which is practically on the verge of being visible from outerspace. Over 150,000 lights make up this stunning display, which is run by a custom-designed computer program that controls the movement and sparkle-value of the extravaganza. And while your there being mesmerized by the fantasy of it all, you may as well pop in and buy a poinsettia or two to jazz up your own holiday display — which is guaranteed to be no where near as cool as this one.

For more info on Linder’s lighting display click HERE

Lake Phalen

In the Summer months, Lake Phalen plays host to the bikini-clad babes and muscle bound crotch-rocket riders that routinely cruise its perimeter, and on the flip side, the holiday season finds the lake ringed in glittering lights and impressively dazzling displays. A drive-through experience that costs $10 per car on Friday-Saturday and $8 Thursday-Sunday, this visual marvel donates all its proceeds to a number of charities focused on fundamental community needs such as food, shelter, education, and the environment. You’ll leisurely coast around the lake oohing and aahing over the over-the-top installations, which may be just the right recipe for a cute date night or a family outing. The best part? You needn’t leave the cozy confines of your car.

For more info on the Phalen lights click HERE

DARA MOSKOWITZ GRUMDAHL: DRINK THIS: WINE MADE SIMPLE

@ Common Good Books

Saturday November 28th / 4pm / Free

The Twin Cities’ most treasured food critic, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, has been cleverly quipping about local restaurants and foodstuffs since ye olde 1995. Best known as the longtime food journo for City Pages, and more recently for Minnesota Monthly (as well as numerous freelance stints at Bon Appetit, USA Today, Gourmet, and more), Gruhmdahl brings humor and personal insight to what’s often a rather cut and dry, albeit descriptive,  style of journalism. Always one to shuck the pretentious jive that so many other food and wine writers spew forth, it’s no wonder that Grumdahl’s new book, Drink This: Wine Made Simple, is not an over-your-head wine snob’s tome, but rather a vino-appreciation guide for the common man. The goal? Not simply to educate you on the fancy-pants aspects of wine drinking, but to actually give you a helping hand in figuring out what it is you like and why; how to pair your vino with food in the tastiest possible ways; and how to drink great wine without breaking the bank. The writer draws on her own experience as a former wine ignoramus – as well as a current award-winning expert – and fills in the blanks with interviews featuring some of the world’s savviest critics, winemakers and chefs. Today at Common Good Books you’ll be treated to a reading from Ms. Dara herself, who we expect is as charismatic in person as she is in print. Not to mention, wouldn’t this book make a great holiday gift for the foodie on your list?

For more info visit www.commongoodbooks.com

WARM POTS FOR COLD TIMES

@ Raymond Avenue Art Gallery

Opening reception: Saturday Nov 28th / 5-7pm
Runs through December 19th

Meander down to the artsy area near Raymond & University this Saturday to check out Warm Pots for Cold Times, an eclectic exhibit of locally made pottery. Featured artists Lisa Buck and Guillermo Cuellar will be on-hand at this Saturday’s opening reception to chat you up as well – and there’s really nothing better than buying art straight from the charming artist themselves, right? The exhibit runs until December 19th, so there’s plenty of time to pop in to the gallery and possibly do a little artsy local gift-shopping.

For directions to the gallery click HERE.

RICE PARK TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

@ Rice Park

Saturday November 28th / 4pm / Free

Christian and Janey plan on reviewing this for the family section, but I thought, just for good measure, I’d repost my write up from secretsofthecity.com as well — as the Rice Park Tree Lighting Cermony is quite the big deal in our fabulous capital city.

With Turkey Day feasting complete, holiday melee goes into full swing. And what’s more iconic than the twinkly lights in our capital city’s own Rice Park? A glowing centerpiece to Downtown Saint Paul’s historic streets, the Rice Park display features a gigantic tree lit with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights alongside holiday decor and dozens of other glittering trees in the park – fittingly powered by Xcel Energy, of course. To make matters more dazzling, the lights are set to go into a twinkle-frenzy for five minutes each hour. Also kicking off this Saturday is the Wells Fargo Winterskate, just adjacent to the park, where locals are invited to show off their fancy ice-skating footwork through January 31st. Skate rental is a mere $2 per person, free for you and your family if you show your Wells Fargo check card or credit card. Festivities kick off at 4pm and will include a tree-lighting ceremony, skating exhibitions, fireworks and more! Just a few more reasons why we love Saint Paul.

For more info visit www.capitalcitypartnership.com.

651 BONUS: Hit up Rivercentre this weekend as well for Saint Paul’s Wild Winter Wonderland, where you can traipse through a forest of artist-decorated trees and wreaths; a gingerbread house-making competition featuring local chefs; model trains of all shapes and sizes; wooden toy-making workshops for the kiddies; holiday treats galore; and of course, vendors shilling all manners of holiday giftery. Hours are Friday Nov 27 11am-7pm; Sat Nov 28 11am-8pm; Sun Nov 29 11am-5pm. For more information click HERE.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: 2010 INAUGURAL WINTER CARNIVAL ART SHOW

From the Black Dog:

Attention Artists: Envision the St. Paul Winter Carnival and all its fun and frivolity. From Royalty and castles to Torchlight Parades and ice carvings. You are invited to submit 2D art capturing the essence of the St. Paul Winter Carnival. First submission is $15.00 and subsequent entries are $10.00 a piece. Limit of three submissions per artist. Size limited to 5’ in length or width. Submissions are due by December 20th. Accepted submissions will be contacted by December 30th. Show will run from January 4th – 30th at the Black Dog Cafe. Awards will be given for top three entries and People‘s Choice. Opening Reception will be January 8th at 6 pm. Closing reception and awards will be January 29th at 6 pm.

Send submissions in jpg form at 300 dpi to amy@amyclarkart.com. Mail images on disk or submit hard copy to Amy Clark at The AZ Gallery 308 Prince Street, #130 in St. Paul, MN 55101. Regular gallery hours are M-F from 10 to 4.  For further information, please call 651-644-9200.

Note: While we’re on the subject of the Black Dog, keep up to date on their continuously good, arts-related events by clicking HERE.

Stop in this Friday for live music with the Fantastic Merlins, and again on Saturday for tunes from folk-rocker Jimmi Langemo. Click HERE for more info.

I’m not one of those people who often enjoys the luxury of a vacation. My “freelancer” status usually prevents me from doing much aside from running around like a chicken with its head cut off, meeting deadlines, managing events and basically working seven days a week. I am constantly in “panic mode” and have become pretty much used to it. The last “real” vacation I took was in 2001. I went to Las Vegas to visit a friend, and as luck would have it, 9/11 happened while I was there, putting an obvious damper on anything “vacation” related. That’s just the way my life rolls.

Since then, aside from business trips, I’ve attempted a few weekend excursions that have always proven more distressing than relaxing, and the urge to jack back into my laptop to continue working has always been a sick addiction that I can’t quite kick. This weekend, however, I tried a grand experiment. I grudgingly left my laptop at home and made a leap of faith — I was going to try to relax.

This past Saturday I went all out, Saint Paul style. A STAYcation in the truest sense. My day started out at the Details Salon Spa in the Lowry Building in Downtown St. Paul. Greeted by a fleet of pretty girls and the charming salon owner, Brian, I was turned over to resident esthetician, Jodi, for a “refreshing facial.” Being the tightly wound beast that I am, it took a minute for me to let my stress-guard down, but eventually I succeeded, for the most part anyway. Jodi did a number of relaxation techniques on me that included massage and aromatherapy. She applied two masks to my skin, one for exfoliation and one to tone down the uneven redness that my pale, Irish complexion has a propensity towards. All in all, a calming experience that I came out of smelling wonderfully — as Details uses Aveda products almost exclusively.

Feeling refreshed and smooth skinned-ed, I strolled across the street to check into the historic Saint Paul Hotel. One of the most opulent hotels in the Twin Cities, The Saint Paul Hotel has an air of sophistication and old-timey charm that the newer, more contemporary hotels just can’t compete with. After an easy check-in, I made my way to the room which featured a big, plush bed, and a classic selection of decor (think dark woodwork, elegant patterns, and decadent fabrics) — not to mention, Aveda products in the bathroom.

After settling in, I ordered up a delightfully unhealthy lunch of room service from the St. Paul Grill, complete with an open faced steak medallion sandwich smothered in sautéed onions and bleu cheese, fries and a Coke. I ate less than half, and, acting like the rich person I was pretending to be for the day, I unceremoniously put tray back out into the hallway to be taken away. $26 well spent.

Next up was a spin through Rice Park to take in the Flint Hills Children’s Festival, which was positively teeming with, you guessed it, children. I milled around the plaza, listening to world music while dodging strollers and rampaging kids decked out in face paint. There were interactive arts activities galore going on all around me, and the adults seemed to be enjoying it as much as the children were. I was due back at the salon for a manicure so, I dipped out of the park, but not without feeling a bit of nostalgia for the good old days, when screaming at top volume in public was deemed “cute,” not “crazy.”

A hand massage and a few coats of dark burgundy polish later, I headed back to the hotel to meet my manfriend, who was to be my escort for the evening. We freshened up and hit the American Burger Bar just a couple blocks away. Still on my unhealthy, meat-fueled mission, I ordered the “Juicy Klucy,” the Burger Bar’s cheese-stuffed (and cheese-covered) half pound burger. My date went with the “Sliders,” a fancy platter of mini-burgers that included a selection of Angus and Kobe beef burgers and a shrimp burger displayed prettily on an oblong white plate along with a heaping basket of fries. The service was quick and friendly, and the burgers were delicious, though again, I wasted more than half of my huge meal — but hey, I was on Staycation, and Staycations don’t have time for doggie bags.

We met another friend down at the Northern Warehouse to take in a new art exhibit entitled Grey. Green. which featured artists Tim Armato, Mitchell Dose, Aaron Dysart, and Andrew Lange. The exhibit was an interesting, minimal blend of mixed media work and video art. One piece featured a white pedestal from which a bare tree branch sprouted, casting a shadow on the wall behind it. A projector was cleverly aligned with the tree’s shadow, projecting little animated leaves that would fall when you shook the actual tree branch. Other standouts included colored glue sculptures fashioned into logs and branches, and a 5 lb bag of sugar with neon green string tied around it that extended out of the window to a light pole across the street. Weird stuff to be sure, but weird has always been a favorite of mine.

A few blocks away, the Back Alley Gallery was having an opening for the collaborative exhibit, Naturally, featuring the art of longtime friends Dwitt and Christopher Bowman. A tromp down the stairs into the basement of the cool old building in which the gallery is housed brought us to a bright, colorful space jam-packed with hip art lovers and wall to wall paintings, prints, illustrations and mixed media work. Immediately grabbing a price list, we were pleased to see that all the work (over 180 pieces) was priced at $250 or less, much of it under $50. My manfriend picked up a couple signed, limited edition art prints at a mere $15 a pop while we mingled with the friendly patrons and partook in some wine and a few handfuls of gummi worms and spiders — an apt treat to go along with the whimsical and vibrantly-hued show. Naturally will be open this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. as well, so stop in and catch a deal on some of this awesome art! Want to know more? Check out my interview wit Dwitt last week, HERE.

We decided we needed a few drinks to cap off the evening so we made our way to Camp, the newish gay bar on Robert Street. It was still relatively early for the crowds, being that it was only around 10 p.m., but we hunkered down in the back room where flashing lights and 80s videos were being projected onto a wall. Our bartender, Nate, was a true delight, creating specialty drinks for us that he had invented himself. One featured a pineapple juice, cranberry, vodka, and Triple Sec, and tasted nothing at all like alcohol, though we were assured the drinks were 75% vodka. Nate had been recently featured as Lavender Magazine’s “Bartender of the Week” and was happy to show off his drink mixin’ skills for us. He is also the only bartender at Camp who will let patrons do body shots off of him, as was proven when a shrill bachelorette party over-ran the bar around 11. Having heard enough drunken screeching from the contingency of 20-something girls, we headed back to the hotel. Along the way we ran into a very nice couple who had also been at Camp, and were, coincidentally enough, also on a Staycation AND staying at our hotel. Score for Saint Paul STAYcation!

Upon our safe return the hotel, we were surprised to find the lobby packed with exuberant, well dressed, (and well lubricated with alcohol) people, including a trio of costumed fairy-women. The piano bar was in full swing and people were merrily chattering and cheek-kissing all around us. After a day of not seeing a single person I knew, I was happily surprised to spot the one and only Robyne Robinson, Fox 9 News anchor and jewelry designer du jour. We had her up to our room for a night cap and some late night Pizza Luce delivery, and after she left, we fell asleep buried in high thread count sheets — and the warm, fuzzy feeling that only a successful day of relaxation and fun can bring.

All in all, my St. Paul STAYcation was a good time that I am eager to repeat, and that I encourage all of you to experience. See your city with a new set of eyes! We’ll be filling you in on all manners of fun activities and custom itineraries all summer, so check back often!

When I traveled through Europe as a young 20-something, I did the clichéd baguette, cheese and wine thing at most every meal. What I loved about those simple picnics (aside from the cheap, good wines and amazing cheeses) was the opportunity to plunk myself down on the grass, soak up the sun and people watch. For some odd reason, I don’t picnic often enough right here at home.

That’s something I’m out to change, especially considering that the city of St. Paul boasts 170 parks and outdoor spaces. Plus, the abundance of local, independently-owned shops and restaurants make ordering healthy food to-go incredibly simple.

Here’s my take on how to make your city picnic Staycation-worthy:

1)    Pick your place. Any open space of grass and sunshine near your home or office will do. Downtown St. Paul, for example, boasts no small number of such places. Try Mears Park, Rice Park, or cross the Wabasha Street Bridge to Harriet Island or the just-renovated Raspberry Island, where the Mississippi River flows around you on both sides.

Raspberry Island- newly renovated!

2)    Pick your picnicking partner. Surprise your sweetie, a friend, or your family with a weeknight al fresco dinner. Or, simply step away from your computer at lunchtime, grab a friendly co-worker and get the heck out of the office. Who says it has to be a weekend to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather?

3)    Plan your feast. A few of my fast, healthy food favorites:

• Mississippi Market (622 Selby Ave.): More than just a grocery store, the location at Dale and Selby has a full-kitchen where you can order smoothies (try the refreshing Pineapple Pleaser), made-to-order sandwiches (I’m currently noshing on a grilled turkey and brie panini with roasted red peppers), or choose something freshly-made from the deli case. My ultimate picnic recommendation: walnut pecan pate, spicy Tunisian mix olives, and tomato, basil and mozzarella salad with a baguette.

• Cheeky Monkey Deli (525 Selby Ave.):  This recently-opened deli boasts an array of fantastic hot and cold sandwiches, salads, entrees, and side items. But there’s one dish in particular that just screams summer picnic: the shrimp, chickpea & cucumber salad tossed with mixed greens, tarragon, scallions, and a citrus cilantro vinaigrette. Yum!

• Golden Fig (790 Grand Ave.): This gourmet market focuses on locally-made foods and offers a selection of ready-made items in its back cooler. Many of the items are things you’d need to take home and heat up, but if it’s simplicity you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with a loaf of Rustica bread and a block of horseradish and chive havarti.

4)    Swing by Solo Vino (517 Selby Ave., by Cheeky Monkey). Ask the friendly staff at this unpretentious wine shop for advice. I usually look for a decent bottle in the $10-$13 range and I’ve never been disappointed in their recommendation. Their chiller will cool your wine (if needed) in minutes.

Bon Appetit!