Minneapolis Trip - Continued

On our weekend adventure we rented a car for the afternoon and drove past some of the cutest houses in the Uptown/ Calhoun Lake area...I snapped a few shots for your viewing.

I like the modern take on this craftsman style home with the three car garage and pergola area above.





After we dropped the car off it was off to the baseball game we went. It was the Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers. We watched the game and then (still on a design note here guys...) we went to the coolest bar ever. yes I said it. The COOLEST BAR EVER. The Local - Holds the title for the most Jameson Irish Whiskey served in the world 2+ years in a row. I don't drink whiskey like it's going out of style so I thought I would have no place being here. Wrong. This place was amazing. The menu was delice', and the architecture was beautiful. They hand crafted the whole bar in Ireland and shipped it in pieces to Minneapolis, and put it all together. The pictures do not do it justice, and either does their website. (link)

Photo courtesy of "The Local.com"

I loved the charm and character of this place. Notice the gas-style lighting fixture above...they had several of these hanging throughout the bar. I found a light similar to this one on rejuvenation.com

We ate great food and took part in racking up their numbers for being the top Jameson seller in the world...We even stopped by for the morning brunch. I must say when we travel we rairly go back to the same place twice to ensure that we see everything. We stopped by this place at least 3 times over the weekend. Great service, great food, great drinks. Hands down. I promise. They didn't even pay me say this.

(left) Fish samiches' with a "special" dipping sauce - that I wanted to eat by the bucket full paired with a cup of Manhattan clam chowder . (right) my husband sampling some of the great beers and of course some Jameson.

Overall it was a great trip and we didn't want to come home to the mess that is our casa. We are moving furniture, painting a few rooms, hanging blinds and trying to keep up with the giant yard. We sure have our word cut out for us, so it was nice to get away for a few days.

Minneapolis Trip

The McKnight Foundation Sculpture Plaza - giant spoon

Last weekend casahusband and I took a trip for our 2 year Wedding Anniversary to the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Love 06/24/06

We walked the entire downtown area and tried to take in as much of the city as we could in just 72 hours. For this I have a new favorite city to add to my list. Minneapolis is rich in art, culture, & great food. And everyone we met was so nice. They sure know how to enjoy a beautiful summer day. After all it sure does get cold there during the winter.

The McKnight Foundation Sculpture Plaza

Ochestra Plaza Fountain - the water was off to conserve.
I thought it looked cool just like this, very M.C. Escher-ish

Orchestra Plaza - before the Jazz festivities began

Breakfast at Key's

Key's was the neatest place. It was a hot spot for brunch, and everything is homemade. Great food for not a lot of buck. I want to go back already for some Eggs Florentine!

Overall this was a great trip...more to share soon.

We are back and in moving into action to get the dining room completed. The trip to Mexico was a much needed retreat with sand in our toes, hugs from family, and even a trip to the local town zoo to hold a baby black jaguar. I look scared cause this 'baby' had paws larger than my hand, and claws long enough to shred me...but he was still friendly enough cuddle and play. Soo cute.



We took a day trip south off the beaten path and stayed in what the locals called Casa Estrella, a one room house we rented for the night. The house was made of all handmade clay bricks with a thatched roof. Simple yet comfortable, small kitchen sink, a bathroom off the side, the floor was cement, and the bed was hung from the large rafters with a large net around it to protect us from the critters, of which I saw none. Thank God because I hate anything creepy crawly, even lady bugs can give me the heeby-jeebies (but I still love to camp...I'm weird like that)





The sunsets where unforgettable, and the beach was paradise.

Pump your brakes!

We have to put the dining room on hold for week cause it's vacation time! Rob and I are traveling down to see family and enjoy the sunsets...be back in a week!

I will not be posting until we return from sunny Mismaloya, Mexico. Mismaloya is a small town south of Puerto Vallarta where we will be sitting pools side until out little hearts are content.






Until then check out my Daily Inspiration links to the left...I enjoy most all house and design blogs so please leave me a comment so I can check yours out too.

Thought I would have posted more last week but I just didn't have the time. I was in Charlotte, N.C. on a business trip for most of the week. It was a nice break but I just couldn't wait to get home after a few days. Now that I am home I am ready to start some major projects on the house...stay tuned.

-view from hotel room-