5 Top Tire Storage Tips
Most experienced Minnesotans opt for winter tires when the snow flies. As the weather starts to warm up, Bloomington residents will want to switch back to summer alternatives. Here are five top tips for storing tires, so you’re ready to safely hit the road next winter.
-
Keep Them Clean
Always give your tires a once-over before putting them away. During the snowy season, tires accumulate plenty of dirt and grime. That gunk will lead to disaster if it sits on your tires all summer long. Use warm soapy water and a tire brush to give your wheels a good scrubbing. Let them dry completely before you pack them up, and skip the dressing or tire gloss this time around.
Whether you live in Bloomington, Minnesota, or are just visiting, you should take advantage of the winter weather and enjoy a day of cross country skiing. There are several excellent spots in the area to explore while on your skis.
Como Park Ski Center
Como Park Ski Center features more than five kilometers of groomed cross country trails. Rentals are available for skiers who don’t own their own equipment. The center’s friendly and knowledgeable staff offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. After a day spent skiing on the beautiful, snowy trails, you can warm up at the ski center’s chalet with a cup of hot chocolate.
Which Ford Escape Should You Drive?
Are you considering the five-passenger 2020 Ford Escape but aren’t sure which trim is perfect for your family? As you narrow your choices from five to the perfect one, think about what type of engine you want. You’ll also want to consider any special features that would make it the ideal SUV for you and your family.
S
The S trim features a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that gives you plenty of space for all of your cargo. There is also plenty of room for people with 40.7 inches of legroom in the second row. If you keep the seat up, it has 33.5 cubic feet of space. There are 65.4 cubic feet of space if you have the back seat folded down. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine includes auto start/stop technology to increase your fuel mileage.
Whether you live in Bloomington, Minnesota, or are visiting, it’s well worth you’re time to check out some of the area’s ice skating rinks. Ice skating is an excellent activity that the entire family can enjoy both indoors and outside. Let’s explore some of the area’s best rinks and what they offer.
Bloomington Ice Garden
Bloomington Ice Garden has been a favorite destination for ice skaters since 1970. The facility has three rinks, one of which is Olympic-sized. In addition to open skate sessions, the Bloomington Ice Garden also offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, year-round. The facility also hosts adult and junior hockey leagues.
Choose Your Ford SUV
Are you looking for a new SUV for your next family adventure? Ford offers seven different options for you to consider. As you narrow down your choices, keep in mind how many people typically travel with you and any specific features you need.
EcoSport
This five-passenger SUV features a unique cargo door. Rather than having a liftgate that goes above your head, it has one that swings open like a regular door making it easier to load cargo. It also features an auto start/stop technology. The cargo management system on the SE and above organizes your stuff and gives you an adjustable floor and shelf.
The 5 Best Places to get Brunch in Bloomington
Weekends are better with brunch and that’s a fact. Bloomington has plenty of places where you can grab some food and mimosa and spend the morning relaxing. Here are the best places to get brunch in Bloomington. 
Uptown Cafe
For a great weekend brunch spot, you have to check out Uptown Cafe. Their brunch menu is available until 2 p.m. You can try out their creme brûlée French toast which is a flaky croissant on top of a vanilla-almond custard. Another one of their specialties is their classic eggs Benedict which is Canadian bacon, two eggs, a toasted English muffin, and hollandaise sauce all served with home fries. Drink wise you should definitely try out their delicious Espresso Martini with is Monopolowa Vodka, fresh espresso, and Cardinal coffee liqueur. Uptown Cafe is located at 102 East Kirkwood Avenue.
Bedrak Cafe
At the Bedrak Cafe, they specialize in American style food. Their Brunchennette menu has some truly delicious items made from scratch. We recommend trying out their vegan Avocado Toasts which is your choice of bread toasted with olive oil and red pepper. They also have individually sized ‘Quiche of the Day’ that is served with one side. You can also try out one of their smoothies or juices for something a little lighter. The Bedrak Cafe is located at 409 South Walnut Street. Read the rest of this entry »
Top 5 Musems in Bloomington Worth Visiting
The city of Bloomington is home to an astonishing number of museums — almost 60 in total — ranging from science and media, to history and culture. Whether you are visiting on your own or with the family, here are some museums worth a peek. 
The Bakken Library and Museum
If you are looking for an electrifying experience, the Bakken Museum mainly features exhibits relating to electricity, the story behind Frankenstein, and even plant-based medicine. Hands-on activities will help children uncover the mysteries of magnetism. Young visitors can also see a show about a mad scientist’s creation and the tragic life that unfolded. Finally, museum-goers will appreciate the history of plants being used as medicine throughout time in different cultures and what these natural healing sources might give us in the future.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Both young and old people will appreciate the variety of topics in this museum. Exhibits range from paleontology, physical science, technology, and the human body, to peoples and cultures of the Mississippi River, and even dinosaurs. Visitors can also watch a film at the Omnitheater, which has the world’s largest giant domed screen, towering at 90 feet. Prepare to be amazed at the museum’s jewel: the world’s only four real mounted Triceratops specimens. For the sports fans, an exhibit titled Sportsology shows the mechanics involved in making that tennis racket swing or the work involved in scoring that goal in soccer. Read the rest of this entry »
All About the 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The first all-electric vehicle to wear the iconic pony emblem is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV and the first models are due to hit dealerships at the end of 2020. It features the performance you would expect from the Mustang stable and is packed with state-of-the-art technology. Here are some of the outstanding features of this upcoming modern classic. 
Trim Levels
The Mach-E is offered in Select and Premium trim levels with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the RWD only California Route 1, and the exclusively AWD GT. A limited First Edition model that features unique styling details was offered, but, unsurprisingly, reservations are full. A GT Performance Edition will be available in the summer of 2021.
Exterior
The Mach-E is instantly recognizable as a Mustang with its aggressive front-end styling, long hood, sleek profile, muscular haunches, signature tri-bar taillights, and front and rear pony badges. It also features some surprises like the front trunk. Under the hood is a storage space of 4.8 cubic feet for extra luggage. It is also washable and drainable making it ideal for packing with ice for a unique picnic accessory.
Standard features include LED headlights, LED signature lights and sequential rear turn signals, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The California Route 1 adds a panoramic sunroof, and power-folding mirrors. Premium trim offers 19-inch wheels and a hands-free power liftgate, while the GT has 20-inch wheels. Read the rest of this entry »
The 2020 Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that’s ready and able to go wherever your adventures take you. It’s offered in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels and you can choose a SuperCab with a 6-foot bed or the spacious SuperCrew cab with a 5-foot bed. Here are some of the Ranger’s adventure-ready features. 
Exterior Styling
The Ranger combines rugged features with sleek, aerodynamic styling. The Twin power dome hood and steeply raked windshield work together to reduce wind noise and efficiently channel air over the roof. For enhanced off-road capability, it offers great ground clearance and high approach, break-over and departure angles. Two front tow hooks enable you to rescue less capable vehicles.
Action-Ready Drivetrain
Under the Ranger’s hood is a powerful and responsive four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger to maximize the power output. It delivers 270 horsepower and best-in-class 310 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels or the available all-wheel-drive system (AWD).
The engine is paired with a smooth, slick-shifting 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. AWD models feature an electronic shift-on-the-fly system enabling you to select 4×4 high and low modes, or two-wheel drive for the highway. Read the rest of this entry »
Which 2020 Ford Expedition Trim Is Right For You?
The 2020 Ford Expedition is built with pride. This full-size SUV has all the makings of a great vehicle. The all-new Expedition is loaded with technology, power, and style for miles. Here’s a look at the different trim levels to help you decide which trim is right for you. 
XLT
The base model XLT comes standard with Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with direct injection, and twin air-to-air inter-cooled turbo chargers. When paired with Ford’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission this powerful engine delivers 400 horsepower, and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The XLT also features Power Fold, and Power Recline 60/40 third-row seats. With the push of a button you can reconfigure the space, store seats, or just relax.
It comes standard with a Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking system, as well as, a Reverse Sensing system. These use advanced radar and camera technology to monitor, alert, and even assist in braking to avoid or mitigate potential accidents.
Limited
The Limited’s powertrain is the same as the XLT’s. The outside may look the same, but it features a hands-free power rear liftgate, and power-deployable side running boards.
Inside, the Limited is loaded with luxury appointments like a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
It adds Ford’s BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) to its driver assist features. Ford’s Sync 3 technology is standard, allowing you to link your smart devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability allow you to send and receive calls, texts, access music, and get navigation, all by voice command. Read the rest of this entry »
Connect with us
