Summer is the time to go outside, go on the lake, soak in the sun, or just hang out with friends. Summers in Saint Paul seem endless; there’s just so much that is offered to do in Saint Paul, and around the state of Minnesota.

Throughout the Twin Cities the activities vary from fairs and festivals, to great dining, or even outside music; Saint Paul has it all. Here are just some of the options that are available for you to enjoy this summer.

First, dine outside. Most restaurants or cafes have an option to sit outside, in MN you really have to spend as much time in the sun as possible, since it is very limited.

Next you can go to a zoo, Minnesota Zoo or Como Zoo, or you can take time to enjoy the arts at such places as the Walker Art Center, or you can even go to a museum (Children’s Museum or Science Museum).

You could also go spend time on the river or lake. In Saint Paul, and all throughout Minnesota, you can find any water activity you think of. You could go take a cruise down the river on the Padelford riverboats at Harriet Island, or you could just go find a lake and spend some time on the beach. Most parks with a lake will offer a beach with a swimming area and an option to rent kayaks, canoes, and/or paddle boards.

Throughout the rest of Minnesota there are many key points of interests that include:

• Mall of America: A huge shopping complex with a indoor amusement park
• Como Zoo: Zoo, gardens, and an amusement park
• Sea life at the Mall of America: Oceanic exhibits an play areas
• Minnesota History Center: Interactive exhibits, artifacts, and shows
• Science Museum: Educational and interactive exhibits
• Mill City Museum: A look at the flour industry
• Valleyfair: An amusement park with coasters and kiddie rides
• Walker Art Center: Contemporary art museum
• Minnehaha Park: Bike rentals, hiking, and waterfall
• Cathedral of Saint Paul: Revered beaux art landmark from 1915
• Minnesota State Capitol: Minnesota’s history
• James J. Hill House: Former railway magnate
• Ordway Center for Performing Arts: Concerts and theater  
• Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox: Monument
• Gooseberry Falls: Waterfall, camping, and hiking/biking trails
• Split Rock Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse and cliffs
• First Avenue- Music venues
• Regional parks- Beaches, trails, activities, rentals, and camping

This past spring break, a group of 30 Highland Park students (myself included) participated in the France and Spain trip, of 2017, led by Mr. Currie and Ms. Boe. It was a very exciting opportunity for world travel, and for students to practice their knowledge of another language like French or Spanish.

We visited four locations in total: Paris and Provence in France, then Barcelona and Costa Dorada in Spain. The students had free time at some points to walk around, visit some shops, and try some of the local food.

Our first major city was Paris; we visited the Louvre Museum and saw the “Mona Lisa” painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. We also got to tour the city by bus, and see all its famous landmarks like: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

We then traveled to Provence where we visited the Palais de papes, Nimes Amphitheater, and the Pont du Gard.

Once we finished with France, it was on to Spain. Our first city was Barcelona, and there we saw Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Montjuïc Hill, and the Columbus Monument. We then visited Park Güell, which is also land founded and made by Gaudi.

Our final destination was Costa Dorada. On the way, we visited a town called Sitges, and got our first glimpse of the coast of Spain. The next day, in Costa Dorada, we spent the whole day on the beach just relaxing after a lot of walking and sightseeing. This was my favorite day because it was nice to just sit on the beach, under the sun, and reflect on all that I had seen in the past week.

One of the best things to do is eat. But it’s a lot more fun when you get to eat holiday snacks and treats, because making them is even more fun, and surprisingly easy. During these past two days I’ve made a handful of treats that I’ll share with you.

Everyone loves chocolate, and almost everything goes good with chocolate. One of the simplest treats you can make are chocolate covered pretzels. All you’ll need is chocolate melts, pretzel rods or regular pretzels and anything you want to use to decorate them; I used white chocolate. All you need to do is melt the chocolate in either the microwave – mixing it every 30 seconds – or in a double boiler. Once you have your chocolate melted you want to dip your pretzels in it and set them on a cookie sheet covered in either wax paper or aluminum foil. If you choose to decorate your pretzels, you can add sprinkles or white chocolate to create stripes, but remember that you want to do it before the chocolate completely dries. I think these are the easiest and quickest treats you can make.

Something else you can make is Christmas tree Rice Krispy treats. They take a little more time but the end result is worth it. You’ll need the rice cereal, marshmallows, butter and green food coloring. First you need to melt your butter on the stove, and once the butter is completely melted you want to add your marshmallows and mix it until the marshmallows have been completely mixed in. Then, add the green food coloring and take the mixture off the stove. Start adding the cereal to the marshmallow mix and mix until well combined. Let it cool a little, but not too much, and then put a little bit of butter on your hands and start forming the mix into the trees. If you want a little extra something, you can add red M&M’S to act as ornaments. Let them cool for about an hour, or less if you put them in the fridge.

These are just a couple of the treats you can make for the holidays, and if you wrap them up in a cute bag and twist tie, or a Christmas box, you can also give them as a little present.

Links to the full recipes with measurement :

http://www.rachelcooks.com/2015/12/16/easy-christmas-tree-rice-krispie-treats-recipe/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/chocolate-covered-pretzels-with-sprinkles-recipe2.html

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).

5. 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.

4. 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.

3. 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.

2. 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.

1. 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.

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 discussing what I think are the best ski resorts in the U.S, covering every region (#10-6). 

10. Mount Bohemia

Mount Bohemia, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is not known for the land it covers, or its wide access to land. It’s known for its steep runs, backcountry territory, and the legendary bus that brings you back to the base. It may not compare to some of the resorts out west, but it’s the best of the best in the midwest.

9. Stowe

Stowe is located in the northern part of Vermont, and boasts a vertical drop of 2,360 feet. Vertical drop is from the base of the mountain to the top. This number is comparable to those out west, and averaging 314 inches of snow every year makes this a prime place to ski.

8.  Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is located in Colorado, and is a very famous skiing destination, with around 100,000 visitors every ski season. Known for its famous tree skiing, Champagne Powder, and family friendly accommodations, Steamboat is great for the old or the young, and anywhere in between.

7. Aspen

Aspen is also located in Colorado, but what is special about it is that it is 3 mountains in 1, providing a huge number of runs compared to other ski mountains in the area. A great choice for beginners as well, with one of the mountains devoted to mellower runs that are great for learning.

6. Silverton

Silverton is different than any other skiing resort in the U.S. With only one actual chairlift, it isn’t easy to access a lot of the terrain. Most of the good terrain requires hiking, bus ride, or a helicopter – depending on your budget. Silverton is a bad place for beginners and intermediates, and only really worth your time if you consider yourself an expert.