You don’t need to leave the country to enjoy traditional Italian fare. From classic spaghetti and meatballs to chicken cacciatore, the perfect place to celebrate the tantalizing flavors of the Mediterranean is right here in Minnesota. Immerse yourself in a fabulous European dining experience while you tempt your taste buds at one of these four Italian restaurants in Bloomington. 
- Ciao Bella
Your first stop in Bloomington for simple, homemade Italian cuisine is Ciao Bella. Everything on the menu is made from local in-season ingredients, including vegetarian-fed, hormone-free beef and poultry and freshly flown-in fish. Even their desserts are handmade, using only the finest certified organic dairy products.
At Ciao Bella, you’re going to get that white table cloth experience you love with a selection of great wines. Sample one of Ciao Bella’s small plates, like the delectable parmesan crusted shrimp, or order the herb grilled organic salmon served with roasted heirloom potatoes.
Visit Ciao Bella at 3501 Minnesota Dr. Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Piada Italian Street Food
If a white tablecloth experience isn’t on your agenda this evening, get your Italian cuisine over-the-counter at Piada Italian Street Food. This beloved chain serves up design-your-own Italian meals, from pasta and wraps to salads.
Order one of their tossed pasta bowls, like the Carbonara that features angel hair topped with grated parmesan and alfredo cheeses, pancetta, and spinach. Why not try their signature piada? This Italian-style street wrap is loaded with sliced Genoa salami, capicola, and mozzarella and is drizzled with basil aioli.
You’ll find Piada’s at 6745 York Ave S. in Edina. It’s open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s always something exciting going on in Minnesota. Right next door to the Twin Cities, Bloomington offers dozens of events each spring. From a sportsman’s expo to a course in maple sugaring, something is going on this season for everyone in the family. Here are four local springtime events you don’t want to miss. 
- Discover Maple Sugaring
Minnesota’s native people have long practiced the art of maple sugaring. You too can experience this fun and delicious craft they shared with early settlers. During this outdoor event, you’ll learn which trees to tap and how to collect the sap and boil it down. Come indoors and see how syrup transforms into sugar, and then make a paper makuk, a traditional basket, to take home. Don’t forget to sample the maple candy. It’s delicious.
The maple sugaring event takes place on March 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Gideon Pond House at 401 E. 104th St. This drop-in program has a suggested donation of just $2 for adults and is free for the kiddos. Parking is also free.
- Get Ready for Spring Outdoor Sports
If you love hunting and fishing, you’re going to want to head to the Minneapolis Convention Center from March 21 to 24. Get ready for the outdoor season with four days filled with fun and some of the best sporting gear in the country.
Watch pro anglers demonstrate their skills in the 5,000-gallon aquarium, talk turkey with experts from the NWTF, and watch the kids work the catch-and-release pond. It’s a great way to get the next generation hooked on fishing. Read the rest of this entry »
Are you shopping for a quality full-size pickup? Check out the power and performance of the 2019 Ford F-150. It’s arguably one of the most capable trucks you’ll find on the lot this model year. Featuring a spacious and comfortable interior, a smooth ride, and versatile bed options, the F-150 is a solid value with a reasonable sticker price. Let’s take a look at a few of this truck’s top amenities. 
Class-Leading Performance
Ford equipped the new F-150 with strong engines that deliver plenty of power. In fact, they launch it to the top of the class when it comes to maximum capabilities. The adequately equipped, the 2019 variants carry a 2,309-pound payload and tow an astounding 13,200 pounds.
For work or play, the F-150 pulls heavy trailers or a full bed of gear without feeling strained. It holds its own on the highway or crowded city streets thanks to its poised handling. Take the Raptor trim off the beaten path with brand new shocks and Ford’s trail control system.
Powerful Engines
Ford offers the 2019 F-150 with a choice of six solid engine options. All produce plenty of power, including the base V-6, which is an excellent choice for your daily commute. If you plan to put your F-150 to work, opt for either the V-8 or the turbo diesel. Turn your F-150 into a monster that can outperform every truck on the lot with one of three turbocharged V-6 options. Read the rest of this entry »
Your Guide to the Brand-New 2019 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is known for its dependability and durability. The 2019 model is no exception to this. But the new F-150 offers more than just power and strength. Here are some of the interesting features on the new F-150. 
Ford Sync 3 App Link with Waze
With AppLink, the popular maps and navigation app Waze is conveniently placed right on the dashboard making it easier to find the way out of traffic jams. Not only does this give the driver a larger display, but it also eliminates the need to operate an additional device and reduces distraction by the driver taking their eyes off the road. All Waze settings can be configured by the touchscreen or by the voice activation system.
Ford + Alexa
AppLink works with more than just Waze. Using AppLink, the infotainment system can be paired to Alexa, the digital smart assistant. With Alexa enabled, drivers can use voice navigation, get traffic information or use any of more than 50,000 skills. Amazon Prime shopping is also available, all without having to get out of the truck. Read the rest of this entry »
Bloomington, Minnesota is perhaps best known for being home to the Mall of America. However, the area offers plenty to do for all kinds of interests. For those who enjoy animals and wildlife, here are four attractions just for you. 
- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers a habitat for wildlife displaced by commercial and industrial development. At over 14,000 acres, the refuge provides a protected home for several species including eagles, coyotes, warblers, and more. Two visitor and education centers provide visitors with valuable information about the wildlife and the refuge’s mission.
The refuge offers various activities including wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, fishing, and plenty of photography opportunities. Self-guided and staff-led hikes let visitors get the most out of their visit. Outings and workshops are also offered.
The Bloomington Education and Visitor Center is located at 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington MN.
- Minnesota Zoo
Located in nearby Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo is home to 2,351 animals from 447 different species. The zoo offers daily events and special programs including a Close Encounters program that lets guests interact one-on-one with zookeepers and observe animal training demonstrations. Guided tours are offered and let visitors see what it takes to plan and run a zoo. Immersive Backstage Pass experiences let guests get up close and personal with several of the zoo’s species, including penguins, sea otters, sloths, bears, and birds all before the zoo opens. Other special events are offered and change seasonally.
Tickets are $18.00 for adults and $12.00 for children 3-13 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. The zoo is located at 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley MN. Read the rest of this entry »
Used or New: Which Ford Should I Buy?
For many people, one of the biggest investments they make is in their car. One of the first decisions they will come to is whether to go for new or used. Of course, there are pros and cons to both options that should be carefully considered before making a final decision. 
Brand New
If you go for a brand new car, you will be the first person to break it in and to make it your own. Because the dealership will carry a selection of each model, you can get your choice of options and trim levels. You also get the most current model. Shoppers for a new 2019 Mustang, for example, can opt for the new BULLITT model, which was not available in previous model years.
Buying a new car also means that you get the most recent body style. It can also mean that you can get a newly-launched model that wasn’t available in previous model years, like the all-new 2019 Ford Ranger.
A new car also offers more financing and purchasing options. This includes leasing. A lease is a good option for someone who would like to have a new car every three to four years and who doesn’t drive many miles. Leasing also can result in lower payments for the same car or a higher-end car for the same money. At the end of the lease, you have the option to return the car or purchase it to keep. Just be aware that going over the mileage on your lease contract can result in mileage penalties. Read the rest of this entry »
With busy lifestyles, sometimes a vacation to a far away city is not an option. But you needn’t go far from home for a perfect trip. Here are a selection of four hotels for a perfect Bloomington staycation for the entire family: 
- Radisson Blu Mall of America:
The Radisson Blu Mall of America offers the utmost convenience. Connected to the Mall of America by a skyway, the Radisson Blu is also close to Metro Transit Light Rail for easy access to the entire Twin Cities area. The hotel offers 500 rooms and suites, as well as an indoor pool, free wireless internet, and 24-hour room service.
Relax after a day of shopping or sightseeing in the Solimar Spa and Salon. The on-site spa offers massages, body wraps, facials, and salon services for hair, nails, and skin. The hotel’s restaurant, Fire Lake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, features an extensive menu for all three meals, making this a true getaway from the everyday.
- JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America:
Stay in the lap of luxury at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America. This AAA four-diamond hotel is connected directly to the Mall of America allowing for easy access to shopping and dining destinations, and everything else the mall has to offer. Room service is available 24-hours a day, and the onsite restaurant, Cedar + Stone Urban Table offers a contemporary American menu. The hotel also offers six event rooms and 19,516 total square feet of event space. Read the rest of this entry »
Where to Go Ice Skating in Bloomington, MN
Is there any better way to celebrate winter than going ice skating? Hitting the ice is a great option to keep an entire family occupied. Kids of all ages can learn a new skill while getting some exercise and fresh winter air, while parents can celebrate with a cup of steaming hot chocolate — or by enjoying the ice themselves! Grab a pair of ice skates, lace up, and check out these fun places to go ice skating in and around Bloomington, Minnesota. 
Bloomington Ice Garden and Public Rinks
Bloomington’s best-known and most popular rink is the Bloomington Ice Garden, also known as BIG. Established in 1970, BIG is an indoor facility that is open year-round. It boasts three rinks, including an Olympic-sized rink, as well as seating capacity for 2,500 spectators. BIG hosts several hockey leagues and the Bloomington Skate School, which puts on the annual Spring Ice Show in March. Skates are also available for rent.
There are actually 13 different public ice rinks dotted around Bloomington, many of them outdoors, that are maintained and staffed by the city. These rinks will be open from December 15, 2018, through February 18, 2019, and are lighted during opening hours. Check out Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation website for more up-to-date information about locations, opening hours, conditions, and more. You can even place a request to reserve ice time on these rinks through the website. Read the rest of this entry »
Leaked images from Ford have stirred up a great deal of excitement about the so-called Ford “Baby Bronco,” expected to arrive in 2020. This compact crossover off-road vehicle appears to be about the same size as Ford’s Escape. Beyond that, there are few confirmed details, in addition to a lot of rumors. Here, we’ve assembled everything we know, plus some speculation.
- What We Know For Sure: The Look
The leaked images show a boxy exterior shape, which is somewhat different than the sportier look of many modern crossovers. The boxy fascia, compact size, and muscular fenders all suggest that the Baby Bronco is going to be a terrific vehicle for off-roading adventures as well as for road hauling. However, a muscular engine hood, combined with LED lights and rounded fenders, will give the 2020 Baby Bronco a more modern twist on a classic off-roading exterior design.
- Rumors: The Engine
Moving on to what we don’t know for sure: some have speculated that the Baby Bronco will get the same engine as the Ford Escape since it is a compact SUV and is likely to be introduced around the same time as the newly re-designed Escape/Kuga.
The Ford Escape is currently available in three different 4-cylinder iterations. The base model is a 2.5-liter engine that gets a respectable 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The next level is the 1.5-liter EcoBoost, which cranks out 180 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost makes a monster 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. While the 2.5-liter version is expected to be discontinued soon, we are likely to see versions of the 2.5-liter and the 1.5-liter iterations in the Baby Bronco if this prediction is correct, although with some changes. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Places to Experience Fine Dining in Bloomington
Why travel to Paris or New York when you can experience fine dining right here in Bloomington? From upscale steakhouses and Italian dining to modern comfort food, Bloomington has got you covered. 
- Bloomington Chop House
Located in the lobby of the Hilton hotel, Bloomington Chop House serves up steak done pretty much any way you can imagine. Try the Waygu 8-ounce flat iron steak with coffee rub and ligonberry demi-glaze or the surf and turf with a 10-ounce sirloin steak and cold water lobster tail.
On the weekends, brunch is served family-style, with a starter of fresh-baked banana bread with roof top honey butter, plus the chop house scramble, eggs benedict, and big house-made buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and whipped butter. The build-your-own Bloody Mary with ingredients brought to the table is a fun brunch twist.
- Kincaid’s Bloomington
Kincaid’s serves traditional American food in the style of a chop house, and is perfect for a special night out. For appetizers, enjoy oysters on the half shell, country fried calamari, or shrimp and grits. A house favorite are the simply grilled steaks, either a 12-ounce New York strip, a 7- or 10-ounce filet mignon, or an 8-ounce 40-day aged American Waygu sirloin. Read the rest of this entry »
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