Category Archives: Travel/Food

Top 5 places to travel: These are some of the best places to travel and here is why

By: Isabel Strack

Image taken from: https://www.vecteezy.com/

Paris

Paris is one of the best places to travel because it is a major European city and a global center for finance, diplomacy, commerce, art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.

Paris has many great stores to shop at. The shopping experiences in Paris make it worth the visit.

Paris has leading roles in science and arts, as well as its early and expensive system of street lighting. In the 19th century Paris became known as the city of light.

And lastly, from many bucket list attractions like the Eiffel Tower, your first visit may feel magical, but even if you return dozens of times you will never run out of new things to see and do.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the most popular places to visit. Hawaii has very beautiful scenery like their gorgeous beaches. They are very well known for their famous beaches as well. From the idyllic shorelines of Waikiki to the wild black sand on Hawaii’s big island.

Hawaii has amazing wildlife whether it is whale watching season or seeing the tropical birds, to dolphins. You can watch the green sea turtles and how they behave in their natural habitat as well.

And lastly, you may want to visit because they have beautiful volcanoes. You are able to go on many tourist helicopter rides to see these mountains up close. The Hawaiian islands were formed by the volcanic eruptions deep under the ocean.

Bali

Many people like to travel to Bali because they have amazing beaches. They have big collections of gorgeous beaches. These beaches can range from white sandy coastlines to limestone cliffs.

Another big reason people like to visit is because they always have beautiful weather. Bali is always nice and warm because it is 8 degrees south of the equator which is why Bali is a top option for beach lovers.

And lastly, another reason to visit is because they have great restaurant options. Some of Indonesia’s best restaurants are right in Bali; some of them are even in the “World’s 50 best restaurants.” Those are just some of the many reasons why Bali is an amazing place to visit.

Greece

Greece is a very popular place to travel and here is why. Greece has great hiking spots. They have many hills and mountains that have beautiful views and are perfect for people who love to hike.

Greece has very nice beaches. Greece has over 6,000 islands which means that they have a lot of beaches. The sand is alway very soft and clean and the ocean is always clear and clean.

They also have amazing Greek food. They are very well known for their olive oil; they’re even in the top 3 olive oils. They also make amazing dairy products, like their Greek yogurt.

Rome

Many people enjoy visiting Rome and here are some of the reasons why. Rome is the capital of Italy and is a beautiful place.

Rome also has very beautiful weather. Temperatures in spring hover around 65 degrees but can occasionally reach to 80 degrees. Which means it can never be too hot or too cold.

Rome also has amazing Italian food. They have many different dishes but are most known for their spaghetti or Alfredo. They also make amazing pizzas in their stone ovens that can cook the pizzas to perfection. There are many different reasons why Rome is amazing to visit. These are just some of the main reasons.

Favorite places in our hometown

By: Priya Anderson and Ruby Anderson

Growing up in Rochester, MN is different from St. Paul in various ways: from the size of the city, to the activities you can do and the type of people you meet. We moved in October of 2021, so a majority of our life was spent in Rochester. For people unfamiliar with the Mayo Clinic’s birth place, we’d like to share some of our favorite places to get readers acquainted.

Apache Mall:

Apache Mall is like the centerpiece of Rochester. It is located in the SW portion of the city and has 114 stores. we’d say it’s the place teens and young adults hang out the most. The relatively small size is great for an impromptu shopping day, but sadly it is not as popular to actually shop as it was before COVID. When we visit Rochester, we mainly like to go to the food court and get Caribou coffee, since a large number of the stores that drew people in had to close. It is still a great place for teenagers to safely chill out and relax.

Soldiers Field pool:

If you’re looking for a place to cool down and have fun with your friends during the summer, Soldiers Field pool is the perfect place to go. We have had so many great memories at this pool from when we were toddlers to when we were teens. A lot has changed around Soldiers Field, but the pool remains open every season. We actually consider it to be nicer than the Highland Pool near Highland Park High School due to its larger children’s area and the length/number of slides. The pool is also located very close to downtown Rochester, so after you are done swimming you can go see any of the “tourist” stores and restaurants it has to offer.

Downtown Rochester/Peace Plaza:

The Mayo Clinic brings all walks of life to Rochester, which means it can be a source of “tourism”, if that word works. Things like restaurants, clothing stores, U of M merch stores, and countless hotels are due to the patients staying at The Clinic. The restaurants located here are very good in our opinion. For example, Chesters, which serves ‘upscale’ American food, Canadian Honker, a great family breakfast place (great for birthday brunch) and Victorias, an Italian style restaurant Mayo employees love, are some of our family favorites.

The Peace Plaza is in this same area, and is right in the center of all of the hotels. We highly recommend staying at one of these a couple times, even if you aren’t staying for the Clinic. Mayo Clinic history is also all over downtown, and you can walk through all the artwork/statues made for the hospital. Overall, this might be the second most popular place for anyone to spend time in Rochester.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo:

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is a campground and zoo that holds previously injured animals that have been inhibited from living in the wild. It houses 30 species of animals, from bobcats, black bears, foxes, porcupines, turkeys, chickens, bald eagles, insects like tarantulas, and amphibians and lizards. This was a lot of fun to go to as a young child and we still really enjoy it. It really is fun for all ages because of how diverse the animal selection is, and the walkable outdoors. Events also take place there, like holiday light shows and animal shows. Oxbow pPark also has great hiking trails, and forestry all around.

Quarry Hill:

Rochester Public Schools used to take us here the most out of any destination for field trips. Quarry Hill is a nature center with outdoor and indoor activities, and is primarily for younger children and elementary school events. Personally, the best part of any Quarry Hill trip was finally coming inside out of the cold and the forest, and seeing the T-Rex skull on display. In this room, they also had several large fish in a long tank, turtles, bees that lived inside of a hive within a see-through wall (and their queen which you would always try to find and when we were there for school, we used to get raw honey comb from the bees as well), snakes and lizards, and more large bugs. They also had things like animal pelts, antlers, bones, and fossils to put under microscopes and observe. There’s also a bird watch room behind the beehive. As said before, the T-Rex skull was always the most exciting, and being a little kid, it looked unbelievable. In the quarry there are more fun secrets like caves, rock climbing, trails, and rivers.

Even with the limited things we could do in Rochester compared to St. Paul, great memories were made and the connection Rochester has to nature is also evident. From the Apache Mall to Quarry Hill there are a variety of places to hang out and make memories with friends and family. We miss it a lot, and hope to go back soon!

Top 5 things to do during fall in Minnesota

By: Kumari Mia Wijetunge

Highway 61 in Fall, Minnesota by: Sharon Mollerus courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Fall is a very colorful and festive time of  year in Minnesota. Whether you enjoy the local festivals, hiking through the vibrant landscapes, or picking pumpkins, Minnesota offers something for everybody!

  1. Seeing the colorful leaves by the North Shore

One of the best ways to experience Minnesota’s fall scenery is to go up to the North Shore of Lake Superior. The scenic drive across Highway 61 offers breathtaking views of the colorful trees against the sparkling lake. Popular spots like Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche State Park provide many hiking trails and lookout points, perfect for spotting all of the beautiful colored trees and the wildlife Minnesota has to offer.

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Fall in Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. Many farms in Minnesota open their fields for pumpkin picking and offer a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy. Places like Afton Apple Orchard and the more northern, charming Pine Tree Apple Orchard not only provide pumpkins but also corn mazes, hayrides, and plenty of freshly baked goods.

3. Explore State Parks

Minnesota is home to many state parks that come alive with fall colors. Parks like Gooseberry Falls and Itasca State Park offer amazing views, animal sightings, and hiking trails. If you’re looking to hike, bike, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the colorful leaves, these parks can provide the perfect day to experience the fall weather.

4. Attend a Fall Festival

Fall festivals in Minnesota are an awesome way to take in the fall season, celebrating everything from harvests to the local arts. The Minnesota Harvest Festival & Ghost Stories, in the Twin Cities, is a highlight, varying from farm activities to crafts and live music. Other festivals, like Applefest, in La Cresent, which mainly focuses is apples, also has everything from arts and crafts to pie eating contests. These events are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

5. Experience State Fair’s Fall Activities

Though the Minnesota State Fair is mostly known for its end of summer fun, many of its attractions and vendors continue to celebrate during  fall. Keep and eye out for events at the fairgrounds, like apple and pumpkin-themed dishes to local crafts. The fair’s iconic food vendors often showcase seasonal flavors.

Double chocolate cookies

By: Norah Hoglund & Max Cahoon

Image created with Ai Generator

Are you looking for a delicious treat to bake? Check out this recipe for double chocolate chip cookies:

https://www.ihearteating.com/easy-chocolate-chocolate-chip-cookies/. These cookies are soft, chewy, and extremely chocolatey. But this recipe is not only delicious, it’s extremely easy to make. It only takes about 23 minutes to make!

You could make this for a family gathering, friend hangout, or just for a little treat for yourself when you’re feeling snacky. So next time you are craving a sweet treat, check out this recipe and enjoy!

Review:

Taste

Starting off with the taste of the cookies, the first thing to note is that they were very rich. They are basically like a brownie in cookie form. When they bake, they puff up and the top becomes crispy like a brownie. They were just the right amount of sweetness, and the chocolate chips added a change in texture that was very good. The melted chocolate chips in the middle was like a gooey mess but the crispy top added so much good texture that made every bite delicious.

Ease of baking

These cookies were relatively easy and quick to make compared to cookie recipes that have very specific and detailed instructions that can take longer. This recipe only took about 23 minutes, including baking time. It is a pretty standard recipe for cookies. One thing that was different was the recipe used melted butter instead of softened butter, which is sometimes more convenient because it’s hard to remember to leave butter out to soften. So, if you decide you are going to bake some cookies and don’t have much time, choose this recipe, it will save you loads of time!

What we would change

If we were to make this recipe of cookies again we would probably cook them for a little longer as we don’t like super super gooey cookies, but that’s just preference of course! If you like them to be a little bit extra crispy we would say bake them for 25 minutes instead of 23. Another thing we would change is adding ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt instead of ½ because these cookies were a little bit salty for our liking and if you like your cookies more sweet rather than salty you could do the same!

Overall rating

Our overall rating of these cookies would be a 9/10. The creator of this recipe did a great job with the measurements and the estimated times in the instructions are extremely helpful. We would 100% make these again and we also recommend that you try making them!

Recipe:

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Microwave the butter in a large, microwave safe bowl for about 40 seconds. Butter should be about 90% melted.
  3. Whisk the butter until it is completely melted
  4. Add both the sugars; mix until well combined.
  5. Stir in vanilla and egg until incorporated.
  6. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  7. Mix dough until just combined. Dough should be soft and a little sticky but not overly sticky.
  8. Stir in chocolate chips.
  9. Scoop out 1.5 tablespoons of dough (medium cookie scoop) and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  10. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until cookies are set. They will be puffy and still look a little underbaked in the middle.

Pumpkin Spice lattes: Which ones are worth it and which ones aren’t?

By: Norah Hogland & Lily Sheldon

Fall is here; you know what that means! Leaves changing color, Halloween, fall treats, and best of all: Coffee shops have released their fall menus, and we’re here to test them out. We went to three different chain coffee shops to try out the most popular fall drink: the Pumpkin Spice latte.

Starbucks is the most well known stop for the iconic fall drink, selling approximately 20 million Pumpkin Spice lattes every year. But as the drink’s popularity has grown, more coffee shops have started adding the drink to their seasonal menu. People wait all year for this drink, as its popularity has skyrocketed over the last few years. Other coffee shops have started releasing their version of this fall staple, and we are here to see which one is the best.

First, we tried a Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice latte. Some things to note about the Starbucks latte: the pumpkin flavor was not very strong, but still noticeable. It also had a strong coffee flavor, which appeals to some people depending on their taste. It came with whipped cream and spices on the top. The cost of this drink was $6.25, and it was the smallest amount of the 3, though we ordered the same size from each place. Even so, it was a good drink. Overall, we rate this drink a 7.8/10.

Then, we tried an Iced Pumpkin latte from Caribou. This drink had a larger cup than Starbucks, and the cost was only $5.89. Unfortunately, there was no whipped cream or spices on top of this drink, it was just the coffee itself. There was a larger amount of ice compared to the other drinks as well. The latte from Caribou had a stronger pumpkin flavor, and less of a coffee flavor. Another thing to note was that it also had a bit of a fake, artificial flavor to it, which was not exactly pleasant. Overall rating of this drink was 4.66/10.

Lastly, we tried the Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice latte. This drink had the largest cup for a small sized drink. Dunkin’s drink cost $5.89, the same as Caribou. This drink came with the most whipped cream, and it included caramel drizzle, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. This drink was the sweetest tasting of the three, tasted more like pumpkin than Starbucks, but not more than Caribou and was more milky than the other 2. This drink is very sugary and sweet, which some prefer and some don’t. Overall, we rate this drink a 6.8/10.

If you are still wondering which drink you would like most, here are our thoughts:

  • If you like to stick to the classics, and if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor and a less sweet drink, we would recommend the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte. It is a tasty, solid option for coffee lovers to be in spirit during the fall season.
  • If you are looking for a more simple, and less expensive option, with no add ons, we would recommend the Caribou latte. The only problem with this one is the strange flavor to it, but some people don’t mind this. Caribou is a good option for pumpkin lovers, as it has the strongest pumpkin flavor out of the 3.
  • Lastly, the latte from Dunkin’. It’s a sweet, milky drink topped with lots of whipped cream and spices. This latte was more of a treat, so if you don’t love the taste of coffee but love pumpkin and sweetness, then Dunkin’ is the one for you.

If you don’t know your preferences? Try Starbucks, as it is the most neutral and, in our opinion, best tasting out of the three. Or, to get the full experience, try them all!

Why eggs are the most nutritional breakfast option

By: Max Cahoon

According to the ‘Keck Medicine of USC’s’ Kurt Mong, eggs are a great source of high protein and also have very low calories. Eggs also contain a ton of vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.

Many people eat eggs to maintain or lose weight as well. Research shows that people that eat eggs may lose up to 65% more weight than people that eat their eggs with a bagel, according to ‘Sauder’s Eggs’

People think that what they eat in the morning doesn’t affect your body throughout the day, but it actually does both physically and mentally. Breakfast options like cereal or donuts may slow you down, but eggs improve your physical and mental health for the entire day. This is because of the nutrients/vitamins that are in eggs. Eggs have vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, which are all huge benefits to your bones and brain.

Eggs are also a protein powerhouse. Eggs are a very good option for people that workout/go to the gym because of the protein. Kirkland brand eggs have 6 grams of protein per egg, meaning if you eat 5 eggs every morning you will already have half of your needed grams of protein for the day, and protein builds muscle.

According to the ‘KRQE’ eggs are America’s favorite breakfast food and around 65% of people throughout the United States eat eggs every morning for breakfast. Eggs are also a very good food to combine other foods with, for example a lot of people will make eggs with sausage or bacon or fruit which makes it into more of a meal.

Another appealing factor about eggs is that there are so many different types of eggs to make, some people even go as far as to say that there are over 100 ways to cook eggs. A couple examples would be scrambled, hard boiled, sunny side up, and omelet, but those are just the popular ones, there’s a ton more that I didn’t mention.

Guide to the Land Down Under, East Coast

By: Baarika Suresh

Melbourne City

Melbourne City – Melbourne, the home of Australian fashion is known for its lively culture and vibrant lifestyle. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, one of the 7 states/territories of Australia. There is live music and jazz clubs around every corner as well as massive shopping malls. There is a free tram to access anything in the inner city circle so you can go anywhere anytime.

The great ocean road is a 240 kilometer long drive that’s west end starts in Victoria, and is where you can see the world’s best coastal views, such as the 12 Apostles.

Katoomba Waterfalls

Katoomba Cascades, Blue Mountains – The Blue Mountains are part of a mountain range called the Great Dividing Range, which ranges all the way from South Australia to Queensland. There are gorgeous walking tracks, beautiful views of the Australian greenery and many fun activities.

There are many local art galleries like the Lost Bear Gallery and cafes and shops nearby as well as the Scenic Skyway which is a cable car ride which glides suspended in the air. It has a 360 panoramic view of the landscape.

Sydney Harbor Bridge – Sydney is actually not the capital of Australia, yet it is the most famous city in Australia. Sydney is known for its beaches, shopping and entertainment. Go to Allianz Stadium where the women’s football World Cup was held last year to catch an A-League soccer game or head to the Sydney cricket stadium to watch the Big Bash League cricket matches.

Sydney never sleeps and people can be seen walking or playing basketball 24/7. Sydney’s most famous beach is Bondi Beach but there are many hidden gems in Sydney’s neighboring town, Newcastle.

Bogey Hole

Bogey Hole, Newcastle – The beaches of Newcastle are undoubtedly the best beaches in Australia. Red Head, Merewether, Nobbys and Newcastle beaches are beautiful places to visit. Nobbys Beach also has rich Australian history, as the boardwalk was built by the blood and sweat of English convicts. The boardwalk connects the beach to Nobbys Head and Nobbys Lighthouse, which guides ships to the biggest export/import port in Australia.

Next to Merewether Beach is Merewether Baths, which is an outdoor swimming area enclosed from the ocean, but lets in ocean water. 

Bogey Hole was dug out by convicts as a private pool for Colonel James Morisett. Now, it’s clear water is open to the public, so that they can enjoy the beautiful views.

Sunset in Orange

Central West – Central West, New South Wales is where the pinnacle of Australian life is. It is just across the Blue Mountains shielded away from the city.

Lake Canobolas (which is actually a dam) is located a half hour drive from Orange City Center and is an amazing place to be. There is a cafe nearby, mini beach, and beautiful walking tracks around the lake. It is in close proximity to The Pinnacle, which is a pretty steep trek up to The Lookout, one of the highest points of elevation in Orange. You can visit Borenore Caves, widely known for its stalactites and stalagmites, or pick your own produce at Huntley Berry Farm, a family owned farm.

Top 3 dishes to try in Minnesota

By: Hyde Moua

Image created with imagine.art

One of the best dishes to try in Minnesota is the “Jucy Lucy”, which is a burger with melted cheese in the patty. Matt’s Bar & Grill was just a neighborhood burger eatery in 1954, but shortly after they opened they created the famous “Jucy Lucy”. “Jucy Lucy ” got its name after a customer in 1954 said “Oooh, that’s one juicy lucy!” after taking a bite out of the burger. “Jucy Lucy” is typically made with two beef patties, spices, American cheese, and brioche buns. The “Jucy Lucy” can be bought for $9.75 at Matt’s Bar and Grill in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The second best dish to try in Minnesota is the “Tater Tot Hotdish”. One of many places to try the “Tater Tot Hotdish” is at a restaurant called Stray Dog for $16. A typical “Tater Tot Hotdish” would be made of ground beef, topped with tater tots and flavored with thick cream of mushroom soup sauce, or ground beef, green beans, tater tots, and melted cheese. This dish was invented during the Great Depression to create a more filling meal. The origins of the “Tater Tot Hotdish” is found in the Upper Midwest of Minnesota and the very first printed recipe of the Hotdish was found in a cookbook, This cookbook was distributed in 1930 and was spread throughout the community of Mankato, Minnesota.

The third best dish to try in Minnesota is “Walleye”. This fish is known for its mild, delicate flavor, flakey texture and is often in many traditional Minnesota dishes. One of many places to try “Walleye” is at Tavern On Grand. where many people recommend trying out the dish they serve. Tavern On Grand was opened in 1990 by a man named David Wildmo and they serve up to 2,000 pounds of walleye per week! Typically, you would eat “Walleye” with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw, wild rice, herbs, and seasoning. All of these can enhance the experience without overpowering the flavor of the walleye itself.

Top spring break destinations

By: Calla Fragassi

Image generated by: Deep IA

For spring break, people traveled all over the world to get a break from the harsh winter and stress of work and the school year. These are some of the most popular spring  break destinations.

  1. Cancun

Coming in at number 1 is Cancun. This is no surprise due to its warm weather and perfect beaches for tanning and swimming. The main tourist area in Cancun is called Zono Hotelera, which is where the most popular resorts in the city are located. It is known for being the “all-inclusive spring break capital of the world”, and is the perfect place to spend a couple days or whatever time you have!

  1. Hawaii

Hawaii features many different islands that all offer different activities and sights. The marine life and breathtaking views are just two of the many highlights of the islands that draw people there. Swimming with whales, dolphins, turtles and other animals is a serene way to embrace your time in Hawaii. Make sure to stop by a traditional luau to see the different cultures of indigenous peoples in Hawaii come to life through food and dancing!

  1. Costa Rica

In recent years, traveling to Costa Rica has become a popular destination for people during spring break. Similar to other tropical countries, Costa Rica offers stunning scenery and beaches, and is famous for their many national parks like Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja, which features some of the tallest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. There are over 500,000 different species of wildlife, and it is one of the happiest countries in the world. Costa Rica is full of different activities for people of all ages and can give anyone the vacation of their dreams!

  1. Jamaica

Jamaica is known as the “Heart of the Caribbean” to many, and has something for everybody. The nation’s tropical climates and vibrant culture is bound to give you an experience and a trip you will never forget. The beaches on the coasts of the island are one of the main attractions with endless water activities from taking boat tours, to jet skiing or parasailing. If you’re looking for relaxation and adventure, Jamaica is the perfect spring break destination for you!

  1. Miami

If you’re looking to stay in the country for your spring getaway, the most popular city during March and April is Miami, Florida. Miami is famous for its beaches, rivers, parks and bays that set you up for a perfect vacation. Miami Beach, South Beach, and North Beach are some of the more popular spots known for their incredible blue waters, and perfect sand for beach volleyball, tanning or any other activities you want to do while soaking up the sun. The boardwalk is also the perfect place to splurge your money and buy souvenirs!

Each of these amazing places have something different to offer, whether it’s relaxation or adventure. Be sure to reference this when planning out your next trip, and I hope you had a great break no matter where you were!

Breaking down the cost of each part of a McDonald’s burger will surprise you

By: Oak Berg

Image created with Wonder

Breaking down the cost of each part of a McDonald’s burger will surprise you.

The main ingredient, the beef patty, is the main reason of the cost. the meat might taste good to some people and might taste bad to others, which changes the overall taste of the burger. the patty is around 15-20 cents adding up to the total price

Fresh lettuce and tomatoes also add to both the flavor and price of the burger. Some people prefer to take lettuce and tomatoes off their burgers (price doesn’t change), lettuce and tomatoes at McDonald’s averagely cost 5-10 cents.

Cheese adds to the flavor and price of the burger, some people may like hamburgers more than cheeseburgers, this doesn’t effect the price for the buyer but the average slice of cheese costs 6 cents.

The labor price is high with the workers for preparing and making the burger needing a lot of pay. With employee wages, training programs, etc, the average McDonald’s hourly wage is $15 for a new worker.

Facility price includes paying for the building, land, and food stock. All of these things add to the overall cost of making a burger.

Marketing and advertising prices also contribute to the burger’s cost. They need to make the brand big and grow their customer base. This also adds to the price of the McDonald’s burger.

Even though the cost breakdown and the components may change, the normal price of a McDonald’s burger to be manufactured is around 40 cents and to buy one it costs around $3-4 for the buyer depending on where you live in the US. McDonald’s needs to make a profit or they would go out of business, so they raise the price on their burger by many times the original price.