Solsite Co. Creative

Tag: twin cities

  • Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    To celebrate my birthday, we did something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time; we reserved a spot at one of the Twin Cities Pizza Farms. We chose Two Pony Gardens in Long Lake, Minnesota, only 20 minutes from Minneapolis. It was such a magical afternoon!

    Two Pony is a farm that practices, encourages, and teaches organic gardening methods. When you get close to the farm, the road turns to dirt, and just a little further is the start of the driveway. There you find an adorable farm stand that is stocked daily with honey, jelly, tomatoes, garlic, gourds, pumpkins, flowers, and more. The farm’s main crops are dahlias and heirloom tomatoes.

    At Two Pony Gardens, there are three different areas to reserve your spot and enjoy your pizza; Farm House Front Yard, Sumac Hill, and Tailgater’s Meadow. We booked Tailgater’s Meadow. It’s a great spot to spread out, lounge, play catch, sit in the spirit tipi, or walk the trail. It’s not too far from the front yard and an easy walk to pick up your pizzas.

    Halloween and Fall Twin Cities Weekend Adventure Ideas

    Two Pony Gardens Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    Each reservation is for two hours allowing time to enjoy the farm. We loved walking around the farm and meeting all the animals. Especially the farm cat, Rocket and dog, Oak. I could have played with Oak and Rocket all day. This place, the animals, and the pizza is my definition of heaven.

    Two Pony Gardens Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    We ordered the seasonal pizza made with apples, sausage, sage, and cheddar. It was so fresh and delicious! We brought music, but it’s so rare that we get to enjoy the quiet; we were loving it and never turned the music on. The farm is incredibly peaceful. Two Pony just has that something special about it, it’s a feeling, a comfort. I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon.

    Two Pony Gardens Pizza Farm Twin Cities Minnesota

    After we finished eating, I sat in the spirit tipi for a while, connecting with nature, and relaxing. Then we took a hike around the property.

    The pizza season is over but make sure to add this to your Minnesota bucket list for 2022! We had the best experience. The staff was above and beyond. We also had the opportunity to have a long conversation with the owner, Lisa. Don’t you love those people that you meet, and you can instantly have a deep conversation? That was Lisa. She’s a gem and offered so much insight.

    Lisa – thank you for sharing this amazing space and food with all of us!

    Remember to support and eat local.

    For many birthdays, I didn’t really do what I wanted. I said yes to things that weren’t good for my soul.

    This year, I stirred my soul. ❤️

    If you’re looking for another quiet getaway close to the Twin Cities, check out Whitetail Woods Regional Park.

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Guthrie Theater – Rockin’ the Boat Gala – Photo Shoot

    Guthrie Theater – Rockin’ the Boat Gala – Photo Shoot

    I had the honor of shooting the Guthrie Theater Rockin’ the Boat Gala in June. It was such a beautiful evening and fun to see the Guthrie transformed for the event. Here are a few of my favorite shots!

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    www.guthrietheater.org

    ©Tracy Blowers
  • Keep It Simple – Westwood Hills Nature Center – Minnesota

    Keep It Simple – Westwood Hills Nature Center – Minnesota

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    Keep it simple.

    The best things in life are right in front of you.

    I hear people say all the time that they wish they could do this or that based on what they see on social media. Today’s “Mondays are for daydreaming” post is a reminder to put your phone down and see the inspiration all around you. Yes, we can get inspired by what we see on social but if we are getting sad or comparing ourselves, we need to step back and keep it in perspective. We have to remember that everyone has different priorities and different lives but that doesn’t mean ours is less or more.

    It’s all about our view.  

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    The little things that we take for granted.

    Sitting on a patio, the flowers in our backyard, or a walk through a neighborhood park. I was thinking about this a lot after recent conversations and as I walked with Terry through Westwood Hills Nature Center.

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    Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods, and restored prairie. The preserve is beautiful throughout the seasons and provides homes for many animals, including deer, turtles, fox, mink and owls. (from Westwood Hills Nature Center’s website) 

    They also offer many programs, camps, and activities run by professionally trained naturalists. It’s a little piece of heaven in the middle of the city.  A perfect spot for kids AND adults to play and learn.

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    We saw so many turtles! The more we looked, the more we saw.

    The next time you’re feeling uninspired, take a walk. A slow walk. Take a few deep breaths and look around. Take your shoes off and put your feet in the grass. Even just 20 minutes outside can help stress and anxiety.

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    Literally, stop and smell the flowers.

    Have a great start to your week and remember to keep it simple!

    Your life is full of abundance.

    XO

    #iPhonePhotography #WhatStirsYourSoul

     

  • Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

    Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota

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    It’s a rainy day so I’m dreaming of camping, looking at photos from past trips and planning new ones. I love going through old pictures and reminiscing. One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is the convenience of not having to travel too far to “get-away”.

    We really enjoyed camping at Baker Campground which is part of the Three Rivers Park District (offering 27,000 acres of parks and trails) and is only 22 miles from Minneapolis.

    The campsites are spacious, tons of wooded trails, and we loved being so close to Lake Independence. There’s so much to do that it’s hard to find time to relax! We rented their tandem bike which was so much fun. Another nice amenity is that they have rental equipment for almost any activity that you want to try. I recently turned 50 and it’s motivated me to try new things! It’s nice to be able to rent and try something a few times before making a big purchase.

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    This was the first time that we brought our girl, Utah, camping with us and the first time that Terry and I put up a tent together. (which you know can end a marriage. ;-)) But we were very pleased with our REI Co-op Camp Dome 4 Tent. It was very easy to set up…whew! There was plenty of room for us and we even brought Utah’s kennel in for the night.

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    I love all the different hiking trails and taking pictures of the wildflowers. The trail system is extensive offering something for everyone based on your skill level.

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    There is nothing better than relaxing in our hammock after a hike! If you are considering getting one, DO IT. I love the ENO hammocks because they are so easy to pack and don’t take up much room. They are so lightweight that you can just throw them in your backpack. I waited to purchase one thinking it would be hard to deal with and wish I would have got one sooner. It’s the little things!

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    Utah loves the hammock too! 🙂

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    What is your favorite thing about camping or favorite spot?

    Sponsored advertising content for REI. 

    ©Tracy Blowers

     

     

     

  • Mississippi – National River and Recreation Area – Twin Cities

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    Did you know that we have a National Park running right through the Twin Cities in Minnesota? The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area offer 72 miles of boating, running/walking/hiking/biking trails, fishing, birdwatching, nature and city photography, and much more. We are fortunate to live in an urban area with so much nature to enjoy.

    “Unlike most other national parks, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a partnership park.” – National Park Service.

    The National Park Service only owns 67 acres of the 54,000 acres of the park. The rest is owned by the city, state and regional parks, private businesses, homes, etc. They work in partnership to protect and preserve the mighty Mississippi. Read more: https://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm

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    A few of my favorite spots to visit and explore are Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Historic Main Street Park, and the Stone Arch Bridge. The Stone Arch Bridge is a perfect spot to take photographs of the Minneapolis skyline! There are many restaurants just off the Historic Main Street. We love the Aster Cafe! Amazing made from scratch food and live music. In the summer, the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board offers Movies in the Parks.

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    Stone Arch Bridge
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    The best is the changing seasons in Minnesota. ❤️ Each season offers a new perspective!

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    Nice Ride bike sharing is an easy and convenient way to explore the city and parks.

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    Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture photos and such a beautiful time to go for a walk. Sunrise is especially nice because the parks are the least crowded. Let me know if you are visiting the Twin Cities and need any recommendations. Even in the city, you can #FindYourPark!

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    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Weekend Plans? Local Art – Minneapolis

    Weekend Plans? Local Art – Minneapolis

    700analog-1735I had a blast taking photos at the opening celebration of The Analog Difference Art Exhibition located in the retail space at 700 Central! Gallery hours this weekend are Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19, 1-6pm. Art-A-Whirl is also happening in Northeast Minneapolis! Did you know that Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country? Tons of local art with the opportunity to meet the artists, local food and live music! Learn more: nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/

    Four artists are featured in the 700 Central exhibit: Ben Holmberg, Jess Zottola, Jonathon Rosemond, and Sarah Nicole. The artists all possess different aesthetic and conceptual points of view within various presentations.

    Here are a few photos from last night. Have a great weekend!

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    This gallery will be open until June 6th! The regular hours will be:

    Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12:00pm – 4:00pm and Saturdays 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

    ©Tracy Blowers

     

     

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