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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!

Matt Thomas (right) and Joe Mauer (left) are probably talking about Saint Paul in this picture

As much fun as we have doing things together as a family, St. Paul offers us a chance to have some fun when just hanging out with friends , without having to leave the area. For me, I rarely even need to leave Grand Avenue.  It’s a street that I consider the perfect locale for a “Split up Session”.  My guy friends and I can find a game on TV at one of the great bars and restaurants.  Or sometimes we just enjoy a beverage on one of the pub patios while our wives check out the what they call “too cute” shops all along Grand.

Matt Thomas and Family

Since St. Paul is my neighborhood, here’s by “Best of” list for spots around town:

Best burger joint-  The Nook

Best place to go have a beer and strike up a conversation at the bar-  Groveland Tap

Best get dressed up and have dinner place-  The Lexington

Best breakfast served til 2:30pm-  The Grandview Grill

Best street to go take the kids for a walk- Along Mississippi River Boulevard

Best place to go sledding-  on the huge hill across from the Town and Country Country Clubhouse

Best summer programs-  St. Paul Parks and Recreation Urban Tennis

Best arena-  Xcel Energy Center (I’ve been to over a hundred different arenas in the country and this is one of the best)

Best way to enjoy the river-  Paddleboat ride from Harriet Island

Best Mom/Dad overnight trip away from the kids-  Saint Paul Hotel with a do not disturb sign

-Matt Thomas is the primary host of Twins baseball coverage on AM1500 KSTP. Listen to him on AM1500 as you drive to the stadium. Look for him broadcasting live from the plaza when you head into the ‘dome.