Explore Alexandria - Minnesota Vacations

Head to Alexandria this Summer for Awake the Lakes and Ribfest 2013

alexandriaminnesota — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:30:41 +0000

Awake the lakes, along with Ribfest, is a delightful festival that takes place in Alexandria every Memorial Day weekend. Live music, great food, and fun activities make this event the perfect way to spend your holiday weekend! Keep reading for more information on this fun festival.

When?

This five-day Awake the Lakes festival will take place from Thursday, May 23^rd to Monday, May 27^th. Ribfest, however, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30pm on Saturday, May 25^th. Check the schedule to find out specific times and dates for each event.

Where?

Majority of the events taking place during this festival will take place on 2^nd Avenue by Big Ole Central Park in Alexandria, MN. However, miscellaneous events will be taking place all over the town of Alexandria.

Live music

What is a festival without some talented live-musicians? Awake the lakes is jam-packed with some fantastic local talent! Blues man Dan Mahar will be playing live music at Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale Friday evening.

As for Saturday, May 25^th, Tyler Resch and Tyler Hocum will be playing live from 2-5pm. Following the Tylers, during and after Ribfest, the band Contention will be performing live.

Ribfest

Ribfest is a great opportunity to get out in the community and eat some tasty ribs! There will be two divisions of competitors for this contest, the professionals and the amateur. The professional competition is made up of people who cook for a living. Whereas the amateur competition is made up of average people who are great cooks. Everyone who purchases one of the $2.00 ribs is eligible to cast a vote for the winner. That’s right, you get to be the judge of this fierce competition. Bring your appetite!

Awake the Grapes

Awake the Grapes is a 5/10k race at the Carlos Creek Winery. This event will take place at 10am on Sunday, May 26^th. Come enjoy some fun exercise with your friends and family at the Winery. Be sure to arrive early if you are planning on registering that morning. All proceeds from this race go to support the Alexandria Figure Skating Club’s figure skaters and children in the Alexandria Lakes Area. For more information on this race click here.

Memorial Day Parade

Finishing up the weekend of fun and excitement will be the Memorial Day Parade. This parade will start on Broadway and end at the Kinkead Cemetery. Following the parade will be a Memorial Day service to honor veterans and fallen heroes.

Image courtesy of Seth J/Flickr

Pork Chop Supper at Trinity Lutheran Church 6/29/2013 4:00 PM – 6/29/2013 7:00 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:38:00 +0000

Pork Chop Supper – Trinity Lutheran Church, Holmes City, Mn, Saturday, June 29, 2013 from 4 to 7 PM. Entertainment by the Knudtson Family beginning at 4:30 PM. Grilled pork chops, potato salad, baked beans, dessert and beverages. $8 adults, $4 kids age 4-10, free for children 3 and under. Handicap accessible – everyone welcome.

AATA Youth Tennis Tournament at Discovery Middle School 6/27/2013 – 6/29/2013

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:22:00 +0000

AATA Youth Tennis Tournament Discovery Middle School Courts Pre-Registration Required by June 21. Varsity, Jr. Varsity and Middle School Divisions for Singles and Mixed Double Division for all ages. Draws limited to first 16 entries in each division. Offered by the Alexandria Area Tennis Association, in partnership with Zorbaz on the Lake. Trophies awarded. AATA Member fees: Singles $10.00 per entry and Mixed Doubles $15.00 per entry Non –AATA Member fees: Singles $15.00 per entry and Mixed Doubles $20.00 per entry.

10 and Under Tennis Workshop at Discovery Middle School 6/22/2013 9:30 AM – 6/22/2013 1:00 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:20:00 +0000

10 and Under Tennis Workshop for parents, grandparents, tennis coaches/instructors, and volunteers, to teach tennis using this new format for any beginning tennis player. Hosted by The Alexandria Area Tennis Association and conducted by staff from the United States Tennis Association Northern Section. 9:00 – 9:30 AM Check in and snack. 9:30 AM – 1:00 More Info »

Family Tennis Night at Discovery Middle School 6/20/2013 6:00 PM – 6/20/2013 7:30 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:15:00 +0000

Family Tennis Night The Alexandria Tennis Association, in partnership with Young at Heart Dentistry, invites families to the Discovery Middle School courts from 6:00 – 7:30 PM for a fun night of tennis and tennis games. Outdoor fun for ages 5 – 75. Parents must accompany children.

Adult Tennis Mixer at Discovery Middle School 6/2/2013 6:00 PM – 6/2/2013 8:00 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:12:00 +0000

Adult Tennis Mixer offered by The Alexandria Area Tennis Association at Discovery Middle School courts from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Rain Date is June 9

Adult tennis players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Free to AATA Members $5.00 for Non-AATA Members Tennis Balls provided.

Free Stand Up Paddleboard Demos 5/25/2013 11:00 AM – 5/25/2013 5:00 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Free stand up paddleboard demos with Hangloose MN! Come out and try the newest way to see our lakes! Fun and easy to do for everyone! Register to win a free 2 SUP for 1 hour rental.

Grand Opening 5/29/2013 8:00 AM – 6/1/2013 4:00 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Grand opening for Boomerang Marine & Powersports new Alexandria store located at 1110 North Nokomis St NE Alexandria’s Dealer for Yamaha Powersports & Personal Watercraft, Star Motorcycles, Argo amphibious Extreme ATV’s, Crestliner Boats, Larson Boats, Triumph Boats, Hurricane Deck Boats, Godfrey Pontoons, Crest Pontoons,Go-Floats, Floe Docks & Lifts, Walks on Water Docks & Lifts, Boomie More Info »

Unique Dining Experiences in Alexandria

alexandriaminnesota — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:22:07 +0000

Alexandria is known for its lakes, excellent fishing, and fun outdoor activities. However, Alexandria also has many delicious restaurants for you and your family to discover! Alexandria has many traditional chain-restaurants as well as many restaurants that offer unique dining experiences. Keep reading to discover a few of Alexandria’s most unique restaurants!

Minnesota Nice Grill

The Minnesota Nice Grill is located at the Carlos Creek Winery. This grill is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 5:00. The grill serves up some of the best Panini’s and pizza around. Fresh ingredients make up some interesting combinations that range from the Plain Jane Panini to the Mediterranean Panini. The Minnesota Nice Grill also has unique pizza flavors. Their Thai Chicken pizza has peanut sauce with fresh cilantro to give it an exotic taste that will awaken your taste buds! Pair your meal with some of Carlos Creek Winery’s award winning wine for a great evening out in Alexandria.

Depot Express

The Depot Express is a restaurant located at Alexandria’s Historical Burlington Northern Train Depot. This historical site offers views of Lake Agnes and the Central Lakes Trail. Locals call the Depot Express their “home away from home.”

The Depot Express is known for a wide variety of American dishes. From steaks and burgers to pasta and seafood, they have got it all. Throw in an extensive salad bar and some of the best pizza in town, Depot Express will please everyone in your party.

Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale

Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale is a premier wine bar and restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Alexandria. Here, you will find the best selection of wine and beer in the area. The knowledgeable staff can help you navigate your way around the menu, as well as the 70 types of wines and 40 types of beers to choose from.

Local fresh foods and desserts made from scratch make for a cuisine to satisfy any palate. Thursday nights at Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale are live music nights, check out the website to see who is playing. Come in today and enjoy a unique dining experience!

Rudy’s Redeye Grill

Located in the Holiday Inn, Rudy’s Redeye Grill serves up delicious classic American food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Rudy’s Redeye Grill is known for their steaks, seafood, pasta, burgers, and pizza… everything is good here! Try a “Juicy Rudy,” a burger stuffed with cheddar and bacon or their delicious Turkey Pot Pie!

A visit to Rudy’s Redeye Grill will surely please everyone in your party. Meeting rooms, banquet facilities, and catering are available upon request.

Bella’s On Broadway

Bella’s On Broadway, an Italian restaurant located in downtown Alexandria, is a hidden gem. Along with fantastic pasta, Bella’s also has fish, burgers, wraps, and other delicious entrees. All of Bella’s pasta sauces are prepared fresh daily for a delicious homemade taste.

The ambiance, décor, and friendly staff makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. You can’t go wrong with the great food and great wine at Bella’s On Broadway!

For more information on places to eat in Alexandria:

http://www.explorealex.com/attractions/dining/

Image courtesy of Stephanie.Lafayette/Flikr

Ponds Area Theatre Presents “Comedy of Danger and Finger of God” 5/17/2013 7:00 PM – 5/17/2013 7:45 PM

alexandriaminnesota — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:06:04 +0000

This Friday, May 17 LAT will show two short dramas. The very first, Comedy of Danger is all about three people held in a cave that’s filling with water. All will be saved? The 2nd, titled Finger of God, is all about a trader that has, for that second amount of time in his existence, stolen money. The very first time was like a youthful guy who had been caught, jailed, and disowned by his wealthy family. He moved, transformed his title, and left town just as one honest guy until he began embezzling money from his clients. Going to leave town together with his loot, he’s visited with a youthful lady who works best for him….approximately she states. Directed by Mike Roers, the show stars Benjamin Roers, Caroline Roers, Kip Sundlee with Bruce Wegner voicing a personality and carrying out the seem effects.