Hal Heinze

Visited the MN Landscape Arboretum today to see this summer’s (2006) event the “Secret Gardens”, a series of specially designed mini-gardens with different themes. I must go back soon and explore the miles and miles of hiking trails (or ski trails in the winter) to see more of the remote areas of the Arboretum.

According to one of the Arboretum handouts it was named as one of America’s “10 great places to smell the flowers” by USA Today…I believe it.

Great food (of course), but the reason you should go here for breakfast or lunch is because you have to LOVE any restaurant that has Ralph Steadman artwork all over (plus the occasional Far Side comic strip) and the wait-staff wear pajamas. If you have kids, look for the red tool boxes, each labeled by age range, filled with toys and games to keep them entertained during the wait.

Pasta, pasta, pasta…anyway you might like it. The Mac & Cheese is a favorite with the kids (and adults too).

I have only been to the Minnetonka Snuffy’s, but hope to make it to the other three locations some day. Snuffy’s has the spirit of an old fashion malt shop and their choices of flavors for malts and milk shakes are top notch. They also make a great burger.

Wild Rumpus specializes in children’s books from toddler to young adult, but is a wonderful place for us older kids to explore the literature of our youth (or maybe the ones not yet written when we were kids).

Web link – Wild Rumpus

A wonderful small town in the heart of Wisconsin dairyland. It lies on the 400 State Trail for biking. The village has more info on the web here

The Peppermint Twist is a fun little drive-in food stand that has been featured on the Food Network. The Twist includes a walk-up window and a bank of car port spaces for your drive-in orders. Behind the parking lot is an area for the kids to play and eat (with many candy canes decorations). The milk shakes are outstanding (especially the Peppermint shake) and the rest of the menu will not disapoint.

Chef’s has been operating since 1923 as a Buffalo favorite. The food was wonderful and filling. The service was top notch. Many celebs have eaten there (photos hang on the wall including William Shatner, Jerry Springer and John Lithgow).

Spent time in the downtown area. There are some great old buildings that are just amazing.

One of my favorite places in the Twin Cities is Barbette. This restaurant has a great location in the Uptown area and the food is wonderful. On nice days you can sit outside or if you sit inside you can see what artwork is on display (it changes every couple of months). My favorite breakfast order is a latte, waffle with blueberries and lemon curd plus a side order of pomme frites (aka french fries). A great way to start off your day.