On Saturday, we chose a spontaneous nature hike at Minnehaha Falls, having to buy shorts due to unexpected warm weather.
Afterward, we enjoyed a free visit to Como Zoo and savored a late lunch at The Nook, a unique dive from “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” before exploring downtown Saint Paul ahead of the Championship game. (Photos)
Indulging in Minnesota: Retail Therapy, Purple Rain, and an Evening Reservation
When you’re at a Frozen Four, Fridays are your free skate days, sandwiched between the Semi-Finals and the Championship. You have a day and a half to wander the city, exploring whatever it has to offer.
Our day included the Mall of America, a simplified but enjoyable tour of Prince’s Paisley Park, and concluding with dinner and gambling at Mystic Lake Casino. (Photos)
2024 Semi-Finals: College Hockey’s Best Clash at the Frozen Four
We made our way to the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul for the two semi-final games for this year’s Frozen Four.
The 4 PM Boston University at Denver game and the 8:30 PM Boston College v Michigan main event. (Photos)
Ballin’ with Darwin: World’s Largest Ball of Twine
Welcome to Darwin, Minnesota, and its famed giant twine ball, a testament to Francis Johnson’s eccentric dedication. Fashioned over 29 years, the 12-foot, 17,400 lbs twine ball is an iconic Minnesota roadside attraction.
Although the adjacent museum’s erratic hours were a mild letdown, the journey through Minnesota’s rural landscapes to this quirky landmark proved worth it. (Photos)
She Blinded Me with Science – Eclipsing
Woke up at 5 AM to reach Lake Placid for the Total Solar Eclipse, avoiding traffic for a good parking spot. Spent the day enjoying the town, checking out all the events they had going on, and shopping before the eclipse.
Despite the long, eventful day, I chose Lake Placid over Buffalo, enduring the same 6-hour drive home without stops though. (Photos)
Bladed Ice Things: World Cup Bobsledding and ECAC College Hockey Championship
With snow still coming cold and heavy, I extended my original 24-hour Lake Placid hockey adventure for an additional night. Departing after the 5 PM Championship game now seemed ill-advised.
So after breakfast, I decided to head to Mt. Van Hoevenberg where a World Cup Bobsledding event was happening. The perks of being in an Olympic town, there are always some winter activities going on. (Photos)
Hockey in a Northern Town – ECAC Championships in Lake Placid
Embarked on a road trip with plans to enjoy 24 hours in Lake Placid for the ECAC Championships, featuring Quinnipiac vs. St. Lawrence and Cornell vs. Dartmouth. I did not consult with the weather gods about the weekend weather. (Photos)