Fun things to do this winter

December 7, 2016 rosetaylorc Leave a comment

So many people each year stay inside during the winter. Turns out that it can be very unhealthy for you. Getting outside, especially in the winter, will help you so much in the long run. Being indoors all day everyday in the winter can cut off your healthy bacteria and make you sick while we are already so far into cold and flu season. So why not get out, find some stuff to do, and have fun!

Sledding Hills:

There are so many places you could go sledding this winter near Highland Park. There is of course the Highland Park water towers, and also the recreation center which is also connected to the library. Also some other hills near Highland Park is the Meriam Park and Baker Park hills both are very steep. If you don’t see the hill closest to you try this website: http://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/winter-fun/sledding-hills-in-saint-paul/

Highland Park Community Center

1978 Ford Pkwy. Saint Paul, MN 55116

Highland Park (behind water tower)

1400 Highland Pkwy. Saint Paul, MN 55116

Baker Park

209 W. Page St. Saint Paul, MN 55107

Merriam Park Recreation Center

2000 St. Anthony Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55104

Ice Skating:

A very popular activity for the winter in Minnesota is ice skating, as we are the famous state of hockey. There are many places you can go ice skating, or play some games of hockey, or just boot skate on a rink all around the Saint Paul area. The biggest rink, and most popular outdoor rink, is the Wells Fargo Winterskate. That takes place downtown Saint Paul in front of the Landmark Center. There are many other rinks outdoor as well. The closest outdoor rink to Highland Park is the Palace Recreation Center or the Edgecumbe Recreation Center. If none of these rinks are close to you can refer to the website below to find yours:

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/activities/winter-spring-activities/ice-rinks

Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt:

While most of us are eagerly awaiting 2017 for new years revolutions some are exited for 2017 for the annual Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt. The treasure hunt is a tradition for some people since 1952. The hunt is for a medallion that you can go search for all around Ramsey county starting on Sunday, January 22nd. The medallion, if found, is worth $10,000 and until found, there are clues in the Pioneer Press Newspaper everyday or on the Twin Cities Website. The treasure hunt actually has its own hotline so when the hunt starts the hotline will let you know the current status of the hunt.

So have a fun winter and get out and do something!

Travel/Food

Top Ski resorts in the U.S 5-1

December 7, 2016 rhenderson002 Leave a comment

Skiing is a hobby popular all across the globe. With Colorado bringing in $4.8 billion annually from skiing, the skiing industry is big and is only growing. Today, I will be continuing my discussion of what I think are the best ski resorts in the U.S, covering every region (#5-1).

Vail

Vail is one of the most known skiing resorts in the U.S, being the key destination for tourists and out of towners. However, it deserves this reputation, because of its land area and terrain suitable for those of all ages and skill levels. When someone thinks of a ski resort, they likely think of Vail, due to its vicinity to Denver and accessibility to all types of skiers and snowboarders.

Alta/Snowbird

Located in the Wasatch Range in Utah; Alta and Snowbird are in the same valley. What’s special about Alta, however, is that it does not permit snowboarders to ride on their runs. This is one of the only resorts to have a rule like this, and has been the target of much dispute from snowboarders and lawyers alike. These mountains host some of the most famous skiers and terrain, attracting expert skiers to see how they can contend with it’s dangerous slopes.

Big Sky

Being the largest ski resort in the U.S, this resort has no shortage of runs for everyone. From some of the steepest runs in the whole country, to the mellowest of slopes perfect for a young child to learn on.

Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley is full of skiing and snowboarding history. Located on the California side of Lake Tahoe, it’s one of the most well known and visited ski resorts in the United states. It has some of the biggest cliffs, the steepest runs, and the famous skiers. Skiing legend and adrenaline junkie Shane McConkey called it home as well as many other amazing skiers.

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is my personal favorite ski resort in the U.S by far. I’ve never visited, but it has the the best terrain for an avid skier such as myself in the world. Having the runs like Corbet’s Couloir, the steepest run in the US, makes it what it is.

Entertainment

December holiday traditions

December 7, 2016 victoria1213 Leave a comment

In the United States we are lucky to be a very diverse country. With so many different cultures and religions, December is full of celebrations. These are the three most widely celebrated holidays in the month of December.

Christmas is a holiday usually celebrated by Christians. The meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the day that Jesus Christ was born. People celebrate by decorating Christmas trees with colorful ornaments, giving gifts, and having big meals with family and friends. The iconic symbol of Christmas is, of course, Santa Claus. The idea of Santa comes from the monk St. Nicholas, who was, in his time, admired for being religious and kind hearted. Over the years Santa has changed, and now is said to bring gifts to good children. Another symbol is the tree. Some people say the Christmas Tree is a symbol to represent God’s everlasting life. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th. The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in the year 336.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday lasting eight days; this year, from the night of December 25th to the 1st of January. A long time ago, the Jews wanted to rededicate the desecrated Temple, but only found one container of the sacred oil needed. The menorah was required to burn throughout the night, every night, for eight days, but there was only enough oil for one day. Amazingly, the candles stayed lit for all eight days, which was the time needed to collect a fresh supply of kosher oil for the menorah. This event became known as “The Miracle of The Oil” and is now marked with the celebration of Hanukkah. Jews celebrate by lighting one candle, on the nine candle menorah, each night, also spinning a dreidel and having family meals. In the United States some Jewish families also give gifts during Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa lasts 7 days. It starts on the 26th of December and ends on the first of January. Unlike the other holidays, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not religious. Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American values and gratitude. The holiday includes reconnecting with family, thanking and honoring who they consider their creator, remembering their ancestors, and celebrating the all the good in their lives. People celebrate by having big meals with family and close friends and giving gifts to show gratitude.

Some things all of these holidays have in common is that they all are celebrated with family and people who are important to you, and involve showing gratitude towards each other.