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. 
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 »
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 »
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 »
Why the 2019 Flex Could Be Your Ideal SUV
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 »
4 Tips for a Stellar Vacation in Bloomington
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 »
4 Tips to Keep Your Ford Edge in Top Shape
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. 
- 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.
- 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 »
Don’t Miss These Autumn Events in Bloomington
With all the events going on in Bloomington, Minnesota, this fall, you’ll want to plan ahead and not miss a thing. Whether you’re an athlete or a shopaholic, you can just drive out and join the fun. See what your local theater troupes and community recreation groups have to offer this year. 
‘Our Town’ Performance
Artistry Theater and Visual Arts will perform “Our Town” Sept. 6-29 in the Schneider Theater at the Bloomington Center for the Arts. Thornton Wilder, a Pulitzer Prize winner, composed this romantic drama about the residents of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire.
Artistry is located at 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. Performances are available on on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and weekends.
Making Strides of the Twin Cities
On Saturday, October 26, 2019 take a long morning walk and join the fight against breast cancer at the same time. The Mall of America, located at 60 E. Broadway in Bloomington, is hosting this walk as a charity fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The walk starts at 8 a.m., with same day registration available on-site at 7:00 a.m.
‘Reclaiming Our Grandmothers’
Head back to the Bloomington Center for the Arts and visit the Atrium Gallery between Sept. 13 and Nov. 3 to see Zamara Cuyún’s paintings in the exhibition, “Reclaiming Our Grandmothers”. Through her art, viewers will see Guatemala in its past and present from a woman’s perspective. The opening reception is September 13, from 6-8 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
What’s New With Ford
Every season, Ford comes out with brand-new vehicles equipped with innovative features. What new and exciting models will Ford release in 2020? Here are five you will love to test-drive. 
- The 2021 Ford Bronco
The rugged and powerful Bronco SUV is among the world’s most popular four-wheel-drive cars. The model originated in the 1960s and is still going strong in popularity. This year, the 2021 Bronco, which will be available for purchase in 2020, is a midsize SUV with tons of high-tech features and a brand-new style. Stay tuned for updates about upcoming developments and amazing new features for this model.
- The 2020 Ford Escape
The 2020 Escape is aptly named, as it’s large and luxurious enough to take the whole family on a fun journey. The 2020 Escape boasts a roomy interior and impressive new technology features, making this car a must-have for your 2020 getaway. Consider, for example, its new Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, a special class of driver assistance that includes traffic alerts, a precollision assistance program, auto-emergency braking, a lane-keeping system, and even more accessories and optional upgrades to improve your driving.
- The 2020 Ford Super Duty
If you are in need of a truck for work as well as pleasure, look no further than the 2020 Ford Super Duty. A truck of this magnitude requires superpower, and so, it has been supplied with an impressive powertrain gas engine and extra-strong transmission. The F-600 engine takes either diesel or gas, and you can customize your purchase further, opting for deatures such as a 6.7-liter PowerStroke diesel engine or a 7.3-liter V-8. You can also choose between a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain. You’ll enjoy a new 10-speed transmission, as well. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s More to Bloomington Than the Mall of America
Bloomington, Minnesota, is a thriving city located outside Minneapolis that offers diverse attractions — most notably the Mall of America. Shouldered by 39 miles of reserved parklands and wetlands, Bloomington is a convenient 20-minute drive from Minneapolis and home to an array of activities beyond the city’s famed mall. Here are a few to check out while you’re in the area. 
- Take a Journey Through Minnehaha Falls Park
Gorgeous Minnehaha Falls is part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and operates under the umbrella of the National Park Service. The park is legendary. A product of landscape architect Horace W.S. Cleveland’s vision, it was designed in the late 1800s as a component of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system. Take in the beautiful hills, well-maintained trails, and the bridges that run over the waterways.
If you are interested in history, you will certainly enjoy the sites found within the park, including examples of 19th-century transport and architecture (such as the Victorian train depot and the John H. Stevens House built in 1849). The natural beauty makes this attraction worth the visit, particularly for photographers. The impressive 53-foot falls run into the Minnehaha Creek on the edge of the Mississippi.
- Visit Prince’s Domain at Paisley Park
Once you’ve wrapped up your excursion into nature, consider a visit to Prince’s recording studio. It is larger and more significant than you might imagine, as Paisley Park includes not only the recording area but also a large estate. On-site tours give you the opportunity to experience what the musical recording process would have been like, complete with wardrobes and instruments. You can only purchase tickets online, so plan for this musical journey in advance. Read the rest of this entry »
The 2019 Ford Explorer Trims Explained
The Explorer is one of Ford’s most-loved vehicles. With a world-class engine and premium features, it’s the ultimate SUV for going on a fabulous journey with friends and family. With a number of trim levels to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s the lowdown on each 2019 Explorer trim’s features. 
XLT Trim
The XLT trim offers drivers a few options. You can choose from the XLT four-door, front-wheel drive or the XLT four-door 4×4. You can also choose between a combined fuel efficiency of 21 or 23 mpg. However, all XLTs have an impressive 290 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and seats for six to seven people, making the XLT a great choice for a practical and premium ride. You’ll also enjoy comfortable seating in this SUV, due to its eight-way power driver’s seat that’s height-adjustable and has additional lumbar support. Folks riding in the back will love passenger cushion tilts and comfortable armrests.
Sport Trim
If you are interested in a sassy, sporty style, then you will enjoy the Ford Explorer 2019 sport trim. This trim’s features include a trail-blazing 365-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. You’ll adore the look of 20-inch alloy wheels and rear coil springs, as well as assets such as rack and pinion steering, speed-sensing, electric power-assist pinion steering, power steering, and sport suspension. The sport trim has a slick exterior with black handles, body-colored front and rear bumpers, a black grille, and a spoiler. For long journeys, you might find the power liftgate, trailer hitch, and roof rack load especially useful. Read the rest of this entry »
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