Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota! It was previously Blue Sun Soda Shop, which our family had visited many times over the years. It was a fun candy and soda shop before, with locations also in Bloomington and Stillwater. But in March 2024 Blue Sun upped its game at the Spring […]
Road-Tripping I-35: Hidden Gems Between Duluth and the Twin Cities
Stops Worth Slowing Down For From Duluth to Minneapolis/St. Paul If you’ve ever driven the familiar stretch of I-35 between Duluth and Minneapolis/St. Paul, chances are you’ve zoomed right past some incredible places without even knowing it. But tucked along this well-traveled route you’ll find surprising museums, rugged state parks, cozy cafés, and rich Minnesota […]
Sweet Adventures at Northern Soda Company in New Brighton, MN
If you love craft soda, retro vibes, and a fun place to hang out, you have to check out Northern Soda Company in New Brighton, MN! Yes, there’s a hidden gem in New Brighton, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice—once with my husband and once with my kids. It’s a great destination for […]
Our Honeymoon Condo in Gulf Shores: The Perfect Beachfront Escape
My husband and I married in 2023 and chose to have our honeymoon in Gulf Shores, Alabama the following winter. We had heard about it from friends who had visited there and it sounded like a hidden gem – with palm trees, white sand beaches, and unique things to see and do. After visiting we […]
Ice Castles Minnesota: A Magical Winter Outing + 15% Discount!
Ice Castles are back at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, and they are always one of our favorite winter experiences! ❄️✨ If you’re looking for something fun to do with kids, teens, or even a group of friends, this is a must-see winter attraction. I recently visited Ice Castles St. Paul with my […]
Vatican Unveiled at Mall of America: A Unique Experience for History Lovers
If you’re looking for something different to do this winter in the Twin Cities, consider Vatican Unveiled at the Mall of America! We checked it out and it was definitely a memorable experience. This exhibit is in town January 10th through February 1st, and it’s here as part of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese […]
Hidden Gems for Families in the Twin Cities
We love the Mall of America, the popular zoos and museums (Minnesota Children’s Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, etc.), and many other hotspots in the Twin Cities. We visit them often and because there’s always something new at these places, we always enjoy returning. But sometimes we want to explore something new or a little […]
Omaha with Teens: Exploring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Beyond
Omaha with Teens: Exploring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Beyond This fall, I took my teens on a long weekend trip to Omaha, Nebraska — and it turned out to be the perfect mix of fun, learning, and quality time together. With teens who are 17 and 15, I wanted something engaging for them (and […]
Super Neon at Mall of America: What to Expect & Discount!
Super Neon at Mall of America: A Dreamy New Experience for Families My teens and I had the chance to check out the media preview of Super Neon, Mall of America’s newest attraction. It officially opened to the public on September 26, 2025, and it’s described as a glowing, mood-boosting world designed to spark joy […]
5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sheboygan, Wisconsin
5 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Sheboygan, Wisconsin: A budget-friendly Midwest getaway from the Twin Cities! This past August, I joined a small group of Midwest bloggers for a workshop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The city hosted us with free lodging, meals, and activities — and I’m so glad they did. I hadn’t spent time in […]
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