Whether you’re going on a first date or celebrating an anniversary with your significant other, you’ll want a place that’s fun and memorable. Here are some amazing spots in Bloomington where you can enjoy an entertaining evening with your partner. 

1. The Escape Game

The Escape Game locks participants in a room for an hour while you work together to solve puzzles and figure out how to get out. Couples can reserve an entire room or team up with other people to escape together. It’s a great way to meet a few new friends and bond with your date, and if there’s any type of emergency, you can always leave without solving the puzzle.

In the Gold Rush room, your mission will be to find a missing prospector’s stash of gold before the mob gets to it. In Mission: Mars, your ship has landed on the Red Planet, but it took some damage on the way down. You and your date need to make repairs before harmful radiation keeps you from taking off again. You can even try to escape from jail in the Prison Break room.

The Escape Game is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It’s part of the Mall of America in Bloomington, so you and your date can enjoy shopping and snacks before or after your game. Read the rest of this entry »

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Whether you’re shopping, having fun with your kids, going on a date, or enjoying another activity, a stop at an ice cream shop will make your outing even better. Here are the top ice cream spots in the Bloomington area.

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1. Scoops Ice Cream and More

This family-owned ice cream parlor has been a popular destination in Bloomington for more than 25 years. It offers 32 different flavors of ice cream with a variety of fun toppings. You can also choose frozen yogurt, malts, shakes, smoothies, slushies, or even vegan sorbet. If you request a flavor and Scoops Ice Cream and More doesn’t have it, they’ll order it for you from one of the five creameries they get their ice cream from. They’re open on weekdays from 3:30 to 9:00 p.m., on Saturdays from noon to 9:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.

2. Milkjam Creamery

This trendy ice cream shop in Minneapolis has lots of unique flavors. Try the Black dark chocolate, the Thai Tea black tea ice cream, the Violent Skye with Nutter Butters, peanuts, toasted coconuts, and chili, or the Cereal Killers with orange coriander milk and candied Fruity Pebbles. Adults can enjoy an ice cream float or a shake made with alcohol or malt with a shot of rum, Irish cream, or bourbon.

Hot dogs are available as well. Try the Guac-Ever dog with guacamole, peppers, tortilla chips, and cilantro. Milkjam Creamery is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 11:00 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

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The 2019 Ford Fiesta ST

This sporty hatchback has an agile, aggressive look. It comes with a prominent rear spoiler, fog lights, and an ebony grille with a red ST logo in the corner. Its 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine provides 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque.

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The 2019 Fiesta ST comes with AdvanceTrac electronic stability control for superior maneuverability and handling. It also has aluminum sport pedals, an aluminum shift knob, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with the ST badge. Leather-trimmed, heated RECARO sport seats are available in Molten Orange. The FordPass app helps you find parking spaces, compare fuel prices, and get detailed information about your vehicle.

The Mustang Shelby GT350

The 2019 Mustang Shelby GT350 will attract envious looks wherever it goes. It has Mustang’s classic style, but with improved aerodynamics, a new spoiler, hood vents, 19-inch wheels, and custom Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. You can also add racing stripes and a black roof. The 5.2-liter V-8 engine can operate at up to 8,250 rpm and give 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. Read the rest of this entry »

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If you’re looking for a work truck that can handle any task, you should consider the 2019 Ford F-250. This sturdy workhorse of a truck has several features that give it strength and power. Let’s explore some of those features. 

Powerful Engines

The 2019 F-250 is powered by a 385-horsepower, 6,2-Liter FlexFuel V-8 engine that can put out 430 pound-feet of torque. If that’s not enough power, you also have the option of a 6.7-Liter Power Stroke Turbo Diesel engine capable of producing 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than enough power to handle any workload.

Towing Capability

With a conventional towing capacity of 21,000 pounds, you never have to leave any of your gear behind when driving the F-250. If you add the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package, your F-250 gets a 5th-wheel tow rating of 27,500 pounds and a gooseneck tow rating of 35,000 pounds. The F-250’s trailer reverse guidance system allows you to maneuver your tow trailer more safely, more efficiently, and easier than ever before.

Productivity Features

The F-250 includes several features designed to help you be more productive and efficient when you’re on the job. Both the SuperCab and Crew Cab models come equipped with a rear flat load floor that makes it easier to load large cargo. The SuperCab also comes with rear-hinged doors that can open up to 170 degrees. The Crew Cab gives you a lockable under-seat box for even more storage space. Read the rest of this entry »

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Whether you live in Bloomington or are just visiting the area, if you enjoy fishing there some great spots to try your hand at making a catch. Let’s explore some of the best spots and what they have to offer. 

1. Bush Lake

Bush Lake, part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, is a great place to fish any time of year. Amenities include a boat launch and landing plus two fishing piers. In winter, ice fishing is permitted on the lake. The lake is home to several species of fish including black bullhead, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. During the summer season, Bush Lake Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic after you’ve brought in your catch of the day.

2. Penn Lake

If you prefer a canoe over a motorized boat for fishing, you should try your luck at Penn Lake. Species that call the lake home include bluegill, green sunfish, and common carp. With an area for picnicking, Penn Lake provides a relaxed and laid back setting.

3. Smith Pond

While Smith Pond, located in the heart of Smith Park, might be smaller than some of the other spots mentioned here, it is still home to an abundance fish. At the pond, you’ll find hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed, and brook stickleback among other species. There’s also a fishing pier for your enjoyment and convenience.  Read the rest of this entry »

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If you’re planning to visit the Mall of America, make sure that a stop by the Lego Imagination Center is on your agenda. This premier attraction allows kids of all ages to play and exercise their imaginations. Let’s discuss some of the reasons the center is a must-visit.

Exhibits

The four-story, 6,500-square-foot Lego Imagination Center is home to some amazing Lego creations that even adults will enjoy viewing. These include a 34-foot robot, a dragon, and a Greek warrior. The center also features Lego artwork inspired by Minnesota history and wildlife.

Events

Lego fans will enjoy the many events hosted by the Imagination Center. Lego Life Meetings allow Lego enthusiasts to show off their building skills and exchange ideas. Weekly build challenges encourage builders to stretch their imaginations by challenging them to build a creation based on a given theme. The center also plays host to swaps, where fans can exchange their Minifigures and blocks with each other. All of these events are a great way to celebrate the Lego legacy.  Read the rest of this entry »

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While tires are a very important component of your automobile, did you know that you can learn a lot about your driving habits by how their tread wears away? Luckily you can make changes in the way you drive that can help your tires last longer. Let’s talk about the driving habits that most affect your tires.

Rounded Tires

If the shoulder (the area where the tread and sidewall meet) of your tires shows rounding, it could signal that something is wrong with your car’s suspension. However, it could also mean that you’re driving too aggressively. If you’re taking corners too hard, that can definitely cause your tires to round away at the shoulders.

Aggressive driving can also cause your tires to warp, form high or low spots, or become oblong-shaped. When driving at excessive speeds, you often have to apply the brakes harder than usual, which can also cause flat spots.

Scraped Tires

If your tires are scraped up, that’s probably from hitting the curb while driving. Scraped tires will eventually crack or bulge. Even if you don’t see scraping, you should get your tires looked at by a professional if you’ve had some bad bumps while driving. The damage from hitting a curb could be internal. Read the rest of this entry »

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Hunting for the next best SUV that can handle you and your family is easy thanks to the 2019 Ford Flex. This three-row SUV is one of the most useful and user-friendly vehicles Ford has ever created. The company’s keen eye for design and focus on passengers has culminated in this modern ride. 

Could the 2019 Flex be your ideal SUV? Let’s take a look and see.

Limousine-Level Capacity

The 2019 Ford Flex seats seven people in three rows that have plenty of room for passengers to stretch out. If you need more cargo space, the cabin opens up to create an impressive 83.2 cubic feet of space. The Flex sits low to the ground to allow people to get in and out easily. If you upgrade to the PowerFold third row, you can lay it flat with the push of a button. The Flex’s cabin is designed to handle you, your family, and your lifestyle.

You can configure your cabin how you want. Create a passageway between the second row’s two seats to allow easier access to the third row, or opt for the bench style. Fold both rows flat to create a truck-bed amount of space. The Flex’s flexible cabin lets you build the perfect space for your travels. Read the rest of this entry »

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If you’re taking a vacation in Bloomington, you can find many activities and attractions that will make your trip unforgettable. Read on for some tips for your trip to this Minneapolis suburb. 

Mall of America

We’ll start with a big one: the Mall of America. This iconic mall, the largest in the United States in floor area, has drawn huge crowds since it opened in Bloomington in 1992. In addition to more than 520 stores, there are great spots for family fun, such as Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe.

While kids crave the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, adults love to laugh at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, or enjoy a number of events from concerts to fashion shows. Forty million people from all over the world visit the mall annually, and now you can come and see why. You can keep the Mall of America front and center by staying in the on-site hotel, but be sure to see what else Bloomington has to offer.

Bloomington Center for the Arts

Bloomington Center for the Arts, in the north end of the Bloomington Civic Plaza, is home to nine arts organizations. One is Artistry, a nonprofit that produces theater and visual arts for 82,000 people within the region. Stage productions, arts-centered community development, educational projects, and exhibitions draw numerous visitors to Artistry, which also provides space to two art galleries. Check the Bloomington Center for the Arts website to see if Artistry or one of the other local arts organizations, such as the Bloomington Chorale or the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, has an event scheduled. Read the rest of this entry »

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After you buy your Ford Edge, the work is just beginning. It is important to keep your vehicle in top shape. A well-maintained vehicle reduces your fuel costs, and regular preventative maintenance helps you get the most out of your vehicle and avoid costly significant repairs in the future. Follow these four steps to keep your Ford Edge in top shape. 

1. Take Advantage of Your Ford Pass

The Ford Pass is vital to your vehicle’s health because it alerts you when your vehicle needs attention. Check your fluids from the palm of your hand so you know if you are low and need to add anything. You can also use the app to get your service alerts. It will even alert you if something needs professional attention under the hood.

2. Check Your Tires

Checking your tires is essential to keep your Edge in top shape. Proper tire pressure helps increase your fuel economy while good treads are an important safety measure.  You can either buy or borrow a tire pressure gauge from a friend. Refer to your owner’s manual for the ideal pressure for your tires. Check it regularly, especially if you live in a climate with extreme temperature ranges. Read the rest of this entry »

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