Finding a good cup of coffee shouldn’t be hard, yet it often is. Of course there are national chains on every street corner, but the true gems serving great coffee are often hard to find. Here’s a look at some of the best places to get coffee in Bloomington, Minnesota. 
West Side Perk
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in Bloomington, you need to visit West Side Perk, “Where the service is warm, and the coffee is hot!” Come inside to enjoy the service, or use the drive-through window, if you don’t have time to sit a spell.
Located on West Old Shakopee Road, West Side Perk specializes in coffee of all kinds. Their menu includes standard espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. They also serve up delicious teas, cocoa, ciders, and Italian sodas.
They serve breakfast and lunch daily. You can order fresh-baked pastries, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches. They also make soup from scratch that changes daily. Sandwiches, salads, and even avocado toast are on the menu.
West Side Perk is also a community hub. They have live music regularly, free Wi-Fi, and an ever-changing menu to match the seasons.
Mugshots Coffee Company
This family-owned coffee shop is a great place to relax, socialize, and get a great mug of coffee. Mugshots is located on France Avenue South, and their extensive list of beverages is impressive.
They have all the traditional coffee beverages, and you can enjoy a bottomless mug of coffee for only $3.00. Their baristas can whip up specialty drinks for distinguished coffee palates too, like the Chemex, Cortado, or Miel.
They also serve food all day. Breakfast sandwiches, and pastries to begin, then a variety of sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Read the rest of this entry »
Meet the 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid
The Ford Explorer has led the SUV category for years. Now you can get all the power and performance in a hybrid version. Here’s a look at some of the best features on the 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid. 
All-New Design
The 2020 Explorer has a whole new look, inside, outside, and under the hood. Sleek new contours give the Explorer a sportier look, while a new mesh grille adds an aggressive style.
The interior redesign is full of extras. The cabin now offers more room to accommodate the kids, your camping gear, and anything else you might find a need to carry. The Explorer Limited was built for an active lifestyle. The Tri-Diamond perforated leather interior delivers comfort and style.
Power
The Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid comes with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine. This hybrid powertrain delivers up to a 500-mile driving range on a single tank when equipped with the Intelligent 4WD system. The Limited is available in Rear-Wheel Drive, but the Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive version optimizes throttle and brakes to deliver power where it’s needed for additional performance and economy.
Capability
The Explorer now comes with an all-new Terrain Management system with seven selectable drive modes. Choose normal for your every day driving. Select trail mode when you venture off-road. The deep snow/sand mode delivers more control for those loose surfaces. A slippery mode will help on those wet, icy roads. Opt for the tow/haul mode when you are pulling a load. The Explorer even has an Eco mode for improved fuel efficiency on those long road trips. Read the rest of this entry »
Get Outside at these Bloomington Parks
Whether you live in Bloomington, Minnesota, or are just visiting, there’s so much to see and do, especially outdoors. Bloomington has a thriving park system, full of activities like biking, hiking, skiing, and more. Here’s a look at some of the best parks in Bloomington, Minnesota. 
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Centrally located in the heart of Bloomington, Hyland Lake Park has something for everyone. With winter nearly upon us, the Hyland Hills Ski area is open for business. They have over 11 trails plus two terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding.
Hours vary at Hyland Hills Ski Area, so check their website for details. Rates start at just $18.90 for seniors, $28.83 for juniors, and $32.55 for adults.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve is also home to the Richardson Nature Center. Indoors you’ll find works by sculptor Chris Tully depicting nature in all its wonder. The back wall of the center is all windows looking out at the beautiful preserve. It also views their own active beehive.
Outside the center, you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Check out the wildlife while wandering the trails, and be sure to pick up one of their free kits before you go. The center provides bird watching backpacks, pond exploration kits, frog kits, and even bug kits to help you discover and learn about the local habitat. Read the rest of this entry »
Your Guide to Minnehaha Falls Park
Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN covers 170 acres and takes its name from the spectacular waterfall that plunges 53 feet into a gorge. If you’re planning to spend a day at the park, and you’re wondering what to do, you know you’ll have a great time when you check out a few of these popular attractions and activities. 
Hiking
The highlight of Minnehaha Regional Park is its striking waterfall, and you have plenty of trails that will take you to different views of the falls. You can stand at the top of the falls and watch the water rush over the edge. Then use the staircase to descend into the gorge below the falls to enjoy another amazing view. If you really want to stretch your legs, take the trail down the gorge past the stone bridges and pools to a sandy beach where Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River meet.
Historical Sites
Minnehaha Regional Park is home to numerous historical sites where you can learn about the area. Robert Jones built the Longfellow House in 1906 as a replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Today, it houses the Minnesota School of Botanical Art. The Princess Depot was constructed in 1875 and was part of the first railroad line that connected Minneapolis to Chicago. It’s now a free museum. The John H. Stevens House was one of the first homes built in the area and commemorates the beginnings of Minneapolis. Read the rest of this entry »
Upcoming Holiday Events in Bloomington
Bloomington, Minnesota, always has something exciting going on, especially around the holidays. If you’re interested in having some fun around Bloomington during the holidays this year, be sure to check out a few of these popular events and activities. 
“The Nutcracker Ballet”
Head to Schneider Theater at the Bloomington Center for the Arts to watch a magical performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet.” The Continental Ballet Company brings Tchaikovsky’s classic tale of Clara’s trip to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to life for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. The performance will occur on November 30, December 1, December 7, and December 8, 2019.
Nature Arts & Crafts Fair
If you’re looking to cross a few names off that gift list and get some holiday shopping done, make plans to attend the Nature Arts & Crafts Fair on November 2 at the Richardson Nature Center. When you stop by the center, you’ll discover around a dozen local artisans and crafters selling natural beauty products, jewelry, paintings, and more. Not only will you find some unique items to give as gifts, but you’ll also be able to help out the community since a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People-Bloomington Food Shelf. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s Why You Need the 2020 Ranger
When you’re interested in hitting the road for your next adventure, the 2019 Ford Ranger comes with all the features you need to have a good time. For fun on and off the pavement, learn more about all the great features that come in the 2019 Ranger that make it ready for adventure. 
Sporty Exterior
The outside of the 2019 Ford Ranger has plenty of features that will make your drive more fun and convenient. The Ranger comes standard with automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and side mirrors with an integrated spotter mirror. For even more convenience, the truck is available with a power locking tailgate, heated and power-folding side mirrors, fog lamps, and LED lights. To help you take on all types of off-road obstacles, the Ranger also features a high ground clearance and high breakover and departure angles.
Plenty of Power
No matter what type of adventure you’re looking to tackle, the Ranger offers the power you need. The truck comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that works with a 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission to pump out an impressive 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. If you want to bring along some extra gear on your adventure, the Ranger can handle that as well. The truck offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds and up to 7,500 pounds of maximum towing. Read the rest of this entry »
A Look at the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Tech
Ford Co-Pilot360 is an advanced suite of safety features that are offered in vehicles across the Ford lineup. If you’re thinking about getting a new Ford, and interested in having some of the latest safety features in your vehicle, check out some of the features you can get with Ford Co-Pilot360. 
Lane-Keeping System
The lane-keeping system uses sensors to scan for the lines on both sides of the road to help you stay in your lane. Once it detects the lines, it can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane. The system has three settings available. In lane-keeping alert, the system can provide steering wheel vibrations to warn you when you’re drifting. With lane-keeping assist, the system will apply gentle steering torque to guide you back into your lane. You can also set the system to activate both settings.
Blind Spot Information System With Cross-Traffic Alert
The Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert can make driving down highways with multiple lanes a little easier. The system uses sensors in the rear of your vehicle to alert you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot. If it detects a vehicle, it alerts you with an indicator light in the side mirror. The system also uses the sensors to help you when backing up. If it detects an approaching vehicle, it emits an audible warning and flashes a warning light. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Top Places to Eat in Bloomington, MN
If you’re looking for a delectable dining experience in Bloomington, Minnesota, you’re in luck because this city has a superb choice of restaurants. Whatever type of cuisine you want, Bloomington has something for you. Here are four of the city’s top places to eat. 
- Ciao Bella
Located on Minnesota Drive, Ciao Bella brings you the finest authentic Italian food created with fresh local ingredients. The tasteful decor, local artwork, and low lighting give the place an elegant and intimate feel, although the ambience is very relaxed. There’s also a beautiful outdoor patio. The attentive and knowledgeable servers will make you feel right at home.
When you order, the server will bring warm bread, freshly made in-house. Along with the more familiar pasta dishes, you’ll find herb linguini with braised lamb, spicy crab spaghetti, and red pepper linguini with scallops. Entrees include Walleye Milanese, wood grilled ahi tuna, dry-aged pork chops, and brick roasted chicken. Accompany your meal with a choice from their extensive wine list.
- Woolley’s Kitchen & Bar
Woolley’s is a steakhouse set in the Embassy Suites Hotel on 34th Avenue South. They have received many awards for the quality of the food and their wine selection. The open and airy restaurant is beautifully decorated and adorned with plants. The friendly servers go out of their way to make your visit an enjoyable experience. Read the rest of this entry »
The Fun and Fuel-Efficient 2020 Ford Fusion
The 2020 Ford Fusion is a stylish and sophisticated sedan offering a quiet, refined ride. It also has nimble handling that make it fun to drive. It’s available in S, SE, SEL, and the luxurious Titanium trim levels. With three gas engines, and the option of hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, there’s sure to be a Fusion to suit your lifestyle. 
Exterior Styling
The Fusion has the signature ford grille, a sleek aerodynamic profile, and sporty rear-end styling that gives undeniable road presence. S trim features a chrome grille surround, configurable daytime running lights, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, body-color door handles and power side mirrors, and LED taillights.
SE models add a chrome-finished grille, and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SEL offers LED headlights and signature lighting, 18-inch wheels, chrome door handle inserts, and heated auto-dimming mirrors with turn signals, approach lights, and memory. Stepping up to the Titanium gets you a chrome mesh grille, LED fog lights, 19-inch wheels, a decklid spoiler, and bright exhaust tips. Read the rest of this entry »
Drive Away in the Always Classy 2019 Ford Taurus
If you’re in the market for a large sedan, consider the always classy 2019 Ford Taurus. This comfortable cruiser offers new car shoppers a smooth ride, a large trunk, and much more, all for an affordable price. Let’s delve into everything the Taurus has to offer drivers like you. 
Your Choice of Engines
Ford offers the new Taurus with your choice of two engines. The stock 3.5-liter V-6 puts out 288 horsepower. That’s plenty of get-up-an-go for daily driving around town and on the highway.
The SHO trim offers spirited drivers a lively twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine that delivers 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both variants are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers peppier acceleration, feels strong off the line, and gets up to speed.
Posh Ride
The Ford Taurus is a terrific cruising sedan. It offers a smooth, well-cushioned ride. The sporty SHO trim delivers responsive handling and is easy to maneuver through traffic. This full-sized car comes equipped with front-wheel drive standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. Read the rest of this entry »
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