Manitou Springs, CO

We decided to drive to Manitou Springs to try the mineral springs that we heard people talking about. Their are 10 natural springs around Manitou that you can try. They are all natural with minerals that the human body needs. Our favorite spring was Twin Falls or the "Fountain of Youth", as referred by the locals. Twin Falls which has potassium and calcium in it.

If you are in the area it's definitely worth coming to see. After you can drive to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, about a 10 minute drive away. Or 7 falls is a really pretty area after you walk up the 224 stairs their are 2 hiking trails you can take. 7 falls also does a nightly lighting ceremony and they light the falls up different colors.

Minnesota

Since it's getting to be that time of year when people are going to start traveling out of state I thought I'd share some of my favorite things about MN and if you get time to them you won't disappointed (at least I hope not!)

• Mall of America - it's just something about a 3 stories of shopping/movie theatre, half mile each level!  
• Ground level of Macy's outside by the parking. Their are hands in the concrete of the workers that helped build the MOA and their families. My sister and I are in there up near the top. Our Grandpa did concrete work so he made sure we were one of the first ones to get our hands in!
• Amusement park- when I grew up and went all the time it was snoopy land but now it's Nickelodeon themed. Regardless the theme it's still a really fun area to take a break from shopping. I love the flume ride!!
• Underwater Aquarium- I went there one year for my bday and it was so much fun! Plus after you walk through they have the gift shop and an area where you can touch star fish, sea urchins, sting rays, etc. I've never been to an aquarium that lets you touch the sea life.
• Plus all the shopping! I think theirs a little something for everyone there so you won't have to worry about making sure no one gets bored.

• Downtown Minneapolis Macy's store- if you have kids. Every year after Thanksgiving they do a free Holiday show. This year will be "A Day in the Life of an Elf".  When I was growing up we went every year so I have so many found memories of our Mom taking us there. After we went to the Nicollete Street Holidazzle parade which is another must see! I love that the parade happens after Thanksgiving and goes up until almost a week before Christmas! In Denver we have ONE night to catch the lights parade :(.

• IKEA - if you don't have one in your state, Denver doesn't :(.

• Swedish Institute Minneapolis- I think this is a really neat museum even if your not Swedish.



• Duluth is really pretty! They have a fun little small town and Lake Superior is a must see. Their are multiple lighthouses around Lake Superior. I remember a few in Duluth. Of course, I love lighthouses so if you don't that might not interest you :). while walking on the rock beaches you can find Superior agates that you can sell or decorate your home with.

• St Paul winter carnival - I haven't been back for a few years to see this but I remember going with my grandparents. They used to have a huge ice castle. Not sure if that still happens. But I know they do ice sculpting competitions.

• State Fair- this is a fun event for my family. If your state has a fair I'm sure it's not to different from yours. Denver doesn't have one. We have one in Pueblo but I don't want to drive 3 hours for the fair!

• Minnesota Institute of Arts - I was very impressed when we went here a few years ago.

• A few of more places to visit are (depending on how long you have):
• Stillwater
• Grand Marais
• Boundary Waters
• Rochester
• Minnetonka
• Uptown Minneapolis
• Minnehaha falls in Minneapolis

If you have any questions just let me know or if you'd like more in site on areas/where to go I'd be happy to answer your questions.