| Nestled along the naturally scenic settings of the Mississippi River, Saint Paul boasts an ethnically diverse population with restaurants, cultural recreation, and shopping venues for everyone. Unlike many other cities, Saint Paul is an unusually charming city of neighborhoods, each offering interesting places to explore. Originally an odd mix of Indians, European explorers, and American soldiers from Fort Snelling lived in close proximity, attracted by the river’s luxuries of trade and transportation. Fort Snelling State Park commemorates such a history, and includes Pike Island, named for the famed explorer Zebulon Pike. Today the area is festooned with small liberal arts colleges like Concordia University, creating the close community feel while still providing the amenities of an urban city. Saint Paul proudly recognizes two of its favorite sons, renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald and Peanuts cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, by displaying giant Peanut sculptures around the city and hosting events celebrating the Snoopy family. Hot spots like the Artists’ Quarter, a well-known downtown jazz club, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and O’Garas, an Irish pub with live shows showcase the artsy community. Saint Paul locals will be quick to name Grand Avenue as the best place to shop and dine, with popular boutiques and amazing eateries like Dunn Brother’s Coffee and the premier bakery Breadsmith. Just around the corner, the Cathedral Hill area is home to the Saint Paul Curling Club, the largest member-owned club in the United States. With over 160 parks, three pristine golf courses, the Como Park Zoo, and a public beach, there is limitless fun for outdoor enthusiasts. The St. Paul community works together to protect their natural resources with environmental programs like Care For A Park and popular Earth Day events. Get to know Saint Paul’s history, appreciate renowned artwork, and bring the powerful gift of performing arts to your family and friends by visiting excellent venues like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Children’s Museum, and annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival. Saint Paul certainly provides for the avid shopper! Bloomington’s Mall of America boasts over five hundred stores, and with an indoor amusement park as well, it does not disappoint. Perhaps catching a baseball game by the Northern League Champions the Saint Paul Saints is more your style; if so, Midway Stadium is the place to be. The nearby Xcel Energy Center hosts the Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team and Minnesota Wild Ice Hockey for sports fans as well. With so many interesting places to visit, the light rail transit system provides for convenient sightseeing, and the downtown area is connected by a skyway system for easy pedestrian travel. Saint Paul is quieter and more conservative than its Twin City Minneapolis, but there is no better place to spend a day with the family, a night out on the town, or simply soaking up the sun on a peaceful afternoon in one of the many scenic parks- whatever you are looking for, Saint Paul is the perfect place to be. Which state has over 10,000 lakes, is located on the shore of Lake Superior and is the starting point of the great Mississippi River? The answer is none other than Minnesota, whose name derives from the Dakota Indian word meaning “sky-blue waters.” In addition to every form of water recreation imaginable, Minnesota offers so much more. There is literally something for everyone. With Minnesota’s abundance of woods, wildlife and preserves, there are eco-friendly activities where you can travel without leaving an environmental footprint. For those of you who seek adventure and thrills, take a trip to Moose Mountain, Lutsen and explore some of the most rugged and challenging mountain biking trails. The St. Louis River is perfect for whitewater kayaking and Lake Superior offers a great scuba diving experience. And for the extreme skier, don’t forget White Bear Lake. Minnesota also offers fun and exciting family adventure. Take a trip to Hastings and visit the Afton Apple Orchards. Visit the International Wolf Center in Ely, where you can get an up-close and personal look at wolves in their wild habitat. As if the Mall of America isn’t reason enough to visit Minnesota, make sure you visit The Park at the Mall of America, which includes Legoland and a giant underground aquarium. Finally, if you are feeling a little crazy, visit the SPAM Museum. Learn everything there is to know about SPAM and even try your hand at making it. Minnesota truly does have something for everyone! 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