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 »
4 Reasons to Try the 2018 Ford C – Max Hybrid
Combining fuel economy with performance, and sportiness with utility, the 2018 Ford C-Max is not your average hybrid. Here are the top four reasons you should give the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid a try today. 
1. Fuel Economy
The Ford C-Max offers fuel economy that means you’ll have to stop less often to fill up on gas. There are two models of the C-Max available: the Hybrid, and the Energi. While both are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine that is linked to an electric motor, the Energi also makes use of a 7.6-kWh Lithium-ion battery that can be plugged in to charge and can power the car without the gas engine for up to 20 miles. The Hybrid’s battery is recharged by the gas engine through regenerative braking that harnesses energy that is typically lost during coasting or braking, storing it for later use.
In addition, the Ford C-Max brings technology that helps you make even smarter, more efficient use of fuel. The SmartGauge with EcoGuide that shows how your driving habits can be harnessed to maximize fuel efficiency. The Energy Coach shows you how you can change your driving performance over time to improve your fuel efficiency even further. Finally, EcoSelect mode allows the car to operate even more efficiently, with softer acceleration, less aggressive heating, and an EcoCruise activation option. Read the rest of this entry »
Sometimes a nice, relaxing dinner is just what everyone in your clan needs. With a variety of family-oriented restaurants in Bloomington, enjoying a sit-down meal is easy and stress-free at one of these local eateries. 
- Twin City Grill
Combine a shopping trip with family dining time at Twin City Grill, which is conveniently situated on the first floor of Mall of America. Make your way around the mall to see the latest offerings, and then head to Twin City for lunch or dinner. Choose comfort food to please the palate at this cozy grill, which features vintage photos and classic wood booths. Enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. with appetizers at half-price for the kids and assorted libations from the bar for the adults. The menu has something for everyone, from steaks and prime burgers to salads and grilled sandwiches. The grill opens at 11:15 a.m. Monday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
- Lucky’s 13 Pub
For a fun, exciting, and entertaining family outing where great food is served every day, you won’t want to pass up a visit to Lucky’s 13 Pub. The atmosphere is cool, calm, and collected and the food is made to please the taste buds. Whether you want family time for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Lucky’s has the menu to make it happen. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with tasty dishes such as chicken and waffles and eggs Benedict. The pub opens at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday and stays open until 1 a.m. Monday-Saturday and until midnight on Sunday. Read the rest of this entry »
When you’re planning a serious shopping trip to the Mall of America, having a few pro tips at your disposal can make the excursion a safe and successful experience. Before heading to the mall, consider these shopping tidbits. 
- Have a Plan
For those planning a visit to the Mall of America (MOA), whether it’s for the first time or you’re a frequent shopper, the following information will help with planning shopping activities.
The mall covers 4.2 million square feet and features 520 stores, featuring everything from clothing to computers. It is estimated a total of 86 hours is necessary to visit each store for about 10 minutes. This means there’s a lot of ground to cover and you won’t get it done in one day, so plan accordingly. Have a clear idea of what items you’re looking for and which stores have them. Then, lay out a route to keep you headed in the right direction.
When it’s time for a break from shopping to refuel, choose from 50 restaurants serving a diverse selection of culinary delights. If the kids get cranky and want a little play time, take your pick from Nickelodeon Universe, The Escape Game, Flyover America, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, and movie theaters with the latest flicks. Read the rest of this entry »
Its classic design, blended with refreshing updates, keeps the Ford Explorer America’s best-selling SUV. There are many features that make this SUV a great choice for forward-thinking drivers. With a roomy ride, excellent performance, and plenty of technology, the 2019 Explorer is ready to take you to your next destination in style and comfort.
Exterior Features
There are eight Explorer trims in assorted colors and a distinctive rear spoiler. The Explorer offers an optional trailer hitch receiver with a maximum capacity of 2,000 pounds, running boards, sun/moon roof, and dual moonroof.
Interior Comfort
The interior offers plenty of room for a comfortable ride with its three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven passengers. When you need storage space for shopping or traveling, fold down the second- and third-row seats for 81.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Standard bucket seats or optional quad bucket seats are available in leather. The driver seat is cooled, and the front and rear seats are heated. The driver and passenger seats also include lumbar support, seat memory, and are power adjustable. Read the rest of this entry »
In 1968, a “Bullitt” arrived on the big screen with actor Steve McQueen behind the wheel. Fifty years later, the new 2019 Bullitt is still blending classic with classy as it continues the tradition of this famous car with attention to power, performance, and undeniable attitude, just like the original. 
Performance
When someone says “put the pedal to the metal,” that means you have the power necessary to get where you want to go with no questions asked. That’s what the 2019 Bullitt brings to the table. Its 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 produces 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which means there’s no question the car has the power whenever and wherever you’re traversing the highways and byways.
To keep this special pony under control, you’ll have a six-speed manual transmission at your fingertips to shift while maneuvering the powerful car. Its optional active valve performance exhaust system is the icing on the cake. It does what a 480-horsepower Mustang is supposed to do: enhance the character of the car with a traditionally low growling exhaust that purrs like a high-performance car should. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s hard to believe that just a half mile from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America is one of the most important urban wildlife corridors in the state. If you’ve never visited the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR), you’re in for a real treat.
Fall is the best time to visit the MVNWR because there’s so much going on. Excellent photography opportunities, as well as a huge number of migrating bird species, make it a wonderful time to come out and check the fall foliage. You’re within walking distance of the Twin Cities, but you won’t even notice. 
Learn About the Park
The MVNWR was established in 1976 to provide extensive habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife within an urban setting and to provide opportunities for environmental education. Comprised of 13 distinct units, the MVNWR covers 72 miles along the Mississippi River from Henderson to Bloomington.
This very important wildlife refuge covers 14,600 acres of land. Most of this acreage is actually owned by the refuge itself versus a partnership with private owners. Laced within those acres are over 30 miles of trails, which provide numerous short- and long-distance hiking opportunities for those who want to get out in the crisp fall air. Read the rest of this entry »
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