Posted on 4/1/2019
Have an open weekend and not sure what to do? There’s plenty to do right here in Minnesota’s 6th largest city, Brooklyn Park! It’s close to the Mississippi River, and our city is full of fun things to do over a nice weekend. Check out Coon Rapid Dam Regional Park for trails meant for walking, running, and biking. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then this is the place for you. No matter what side of the dam you are on you will see a fantastic sunset. They also have kayaks available to rent and seven miles to explore on the water. If you are a craft beer lover, then you must visit the Blue Wolf Brewing. This is the first ever craft brewery in Brooklyn Park. It serves German-style beers, has a great atmosphere, different food trucks outside, and friendly staff. They ... read more
Posted on 3/1/2019
What? Flying cars? What are you talking about?? When pigs fly! Oh, wait a minute. For some of us, this is an idea of the future… a future that will never arrive. In reality, it is a ‘when’ not an ‘if’ idea that is coming closer to fruition every day. It’s just a matter of time before we take to the skies to get to the office or dinner or our kid’s soccer game. Imagine what that will look like… remember George Jetson? Probably a bit like that, but let’s leave our imaginations wide open for what’s truly possible. In the none-too-distant past, it was thought that we would be jetting around all over the skies by the year 2000. While that didn’t quite happen, it will. Consider this, though… just how much we love our cars that hug the curves of the open ROAD. Yes, road. As we move into the future and we have the option to fly to work instead of drive, how easily do you think we will transition over to that exclusive o ... read more
Posted on 2/1/2019
Since most of the people in this country truly love their cars, it’s not unusual to think about just how much that is the case this time of year. Cars represent freedom, control, power, status and that’s more than you can say about most other things in your life. Even if you drive a piece of junk, it still provides the freedom that a bus or bicycle simply cannot! So, for the car lover in your life, here are some ideas for Valentine’s Day: Books: There are some really, really cool books on the history of cars on Amazon. Muscle cars, a visual history of the auto, classic cars, the art of the automobile, unique cars, and the list goes on. If your sweetheart has a fascination with the automobile, he or she would love one of these visually gorgeous coffee-table books. Check them out ... read more
Posted on 7/1/2018
The right games in the car during road trips can be a wonderful way to prevent boredom and a fun opportunity to stay connected to your family and other passengers on your adventure on the road. There are so many easy and creative games and activities that are sure to keep your child from moaning, "Are we there yet?” over and over and keep any adult entertained. Here are some suggestions for games to play in the car: Predictions Pick an upcoming exit, location, or landmark. Figure out how far away it is, the time, and your current speed. Have each person in the car predict the exact time you'll arrive at the location. Let the winner choose the next rest stop! Mundane Game Challenge people in the car to recall recent events. "What was the server's name at breakfast?", “How many stalls did the last rest stop have?”, “How much was the soda we bought at the last gas station?" &n ... read more
Posted on 5/1/2018
Is packing your trunk generally a nuisance for you? Here are some helpful packing tips that can take the complexity and challenges out of getting all you need in your vehicle: Step One: Organize your belongings into the following groups: Heavy items Awkwardly shaped items (things that aren't square, rectangular, or box-shaped) Medium weight items Lightweight things Malleable items (things you can squish like duffle bags and blankets) Belongings that must be easily accessible Step Two: Unless they can be damaged easily, put your awkwardly shaped things in first. Put them in one area of the trunk because they can't be stacked like square suitcases and you'll need to arrange items around them. Keeping them together means that only one portion of your trunk is underutilized as opposed to multiple areas. Step Three: Heavier items can be added to your trunk next. Back these things tightly and form one flat layer towards the rear of the trunk. Step ... read more
Posted on 4/1/2018
Road trips with your friends, family, or alone can be an adventure. Having the right tunes can certainly add some zest to your time on the road. Books on tape are also a great option to keep you engaged while driving down the open roads. Here are a few suggestions that could keep you engaged and entertained for miles: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams If you like science fiction and humor, "The Hitchhiker’s Guide" is a colorful journey through time and space. The dialogue is pithy and rich in philosophy and science. If you liked "A Space Odyssey" and “Johnny Dangerously", this could be a right choice for you. It's not a long book and this is only the first book is a series of five. There are many dramatized versions. However, the most popular is the version where the text is narrated by Stephen Fry. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle There are 12 different stories of our favorite detective ... read more
Posted on 2/1/2018
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what you and your special someone will do to celebrate the spirit of love. Luckily, there are romantic things to do in and around Brooklyn Park. Here are some suggestions: 1) Pazzaluna One of Saint Paul's top restaurants is now taking reservations for cozy intimate romantic dinners. This eatery with a warm environment is so committed to the Valentine’s Day vibe that they're offering a special four-course meal from February 12th-14th. 2) Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Saint Paul Como Zoo & Conservatory is getting into the Valentine's Day spirit and offering a candlelit dinner surrounded by ... read more
Posted on 12/1/2017
The holidays are approaching! Not only does this joyous time of year bring families together for great meals and anticipated gifts, but it also offers up many opportunities to see wondrous light displays. Luckily, we live in a part of the country that offers up a variety of shiny and bright lights that captivate people of all ages. Right here in Brooklyn Park, light-seekers can head to 8016 Upton Circle N. and view more than 50,000 lights with animated scenes. Should you want to check out displays in or near the Twin Cities, consider the following: Downtown St. Paul's Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights St. Paul's Christmas tree is located in Rice Park. During the holiday season, the entire lawn is draped with sparkling lights. This historic Landmark Center hosts several holiday events and even has a free ice skating rink. Downtown Minneapolis' Holidazzle Celebration The annual Holidazzle market takes place in Loring Park. Enjoy the food and crafts of loc ... read more
Posted on 11/1/2017
Driving in the winter is just a fact of life in Minnesota. It’s important to mindful of the harsher weather conditions and the effects that they can have on your vehicle and driving ability. Here are some do’s and don’ts that AutoPro Auto Service recommend that you’re aware of when driving during the colder seasons. Winter driving is safer with winter tires. They grip the road better than all-season tires. Tires pressure decreases during the colder months, so make sure that your tires have good pressure. Should you find yourself stranded on the road, make sure that snow is cleared from the tailpipe so you can run the heat and stay warm. Be cautious of other vehicles on the road that are unable to stop. To avoid skidding and brake lock-up, pump the breaks. Don’t tailgate because it takes longer to stop on snow. Use extreme caution on overpasses and bridges because they tend to freeze. Roads with snow and ice require you to slow down. Be par ... read more
Posted on 9/1/2017
Off-roading enthusiasts are car owners who enjoy driving their vehicle in a more “natural” environment. Whether it’s a riverbed, snow, gravel, snow, mud, or rocks, the activity draws those who seek adventure and perhaps those with a competitive nature. Here are some recommendations where Minnesota drivers can go to where to partake in this hobby or sport. Tri-County ATV Park in Faribault, MN The 25-acre park in southeastern Minnesota is equipped with a safety facility and open all year. It’s even equipped with restrooms and picnic areas. The trails at Tri-County ATV Park range from level stretches to hill climbs along the walls of a former gravel pit. Chengwatana State Forest Trails in Pine City, MN The forest contains several marshes, three rivers, and 11.7 miles of designated trails that travel through a forested area and rolling terrain. New riders can drive on the wide, gentle curves and the more seasoned drivers can enjoy a nar ... read more