Tuesday, December 30

Is there anything that feels cooler than really getting your spin on at the rollerskating rink? You feel like you're flying, swooping in and out of air traffic, the air gently rustling your finely feathered hair . . . Sorry, I think I flashed back to the mid 80's there for a second. Believe it or not, there is something even cooler than this, though. Getting your spin on at the rollerskating rink . . . while wearing a cape! That's right, it's Super Hero Day at the Roller Garden from Noon to 4 pm! Admission is $6 each - bring your own blades if you can to save yourself another $3 for skate rental. It's also Winter Fun Day at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge with both indoor and outdoor activities planned all day until 4 pm. Muppets Most Wanted is the free Toddler Flick at MOA at 11:30 am, and the Minnesota History Center is free from 5-8 pm tonight.

Wednesday, December 31

I really only remember a handful of New Year's Eves that I've experienced. I clearly remember the year we partied like it was 1999 because, well, it was. We hosted a party and, unbeknownst to us, one of our friends sneaked to the basement. At midnight he threw the master switch on our fuse box to simulate a Y2K power disaster. Haha. Other memorable NYE's have involved a walk around Wood Lake Nature Center they call Candlelight and Ice. Now, this is what we've done the last couple of years, so maybe it has more to do with proximity than anything else. But I'm thinking it might be the glow of the luminaries lighting the way, the bonfire on frozen Wood Lake, the marshmallow roasting and the hot cocoa around the roaring fire in the visitor's center that stick in my mind. Candlelight and Ice runs from 6-9 pm and costs $4 if you're not a member.

Thursday, January 1

I've mentioned before that Riverview Theater is the best theater in town. It opened in 1948 and retains the vintage look of a 1956 remodel, it has the best popcorn out there, and movies are normally only $3! Today the Riverview is hosting The Sing-a-Long Sound of Music at 3 pm. Think of a cross between karaoke and Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7.50 for kids under 12, and should be purchased in advance. You'll get a bag of props to use while singing, and if you come in costume you might win a prize. Happy New Year!

Friday, January 2

Speaking of The Sound of Music, pizza and cookies are a few of our favorite things. We've become big fans of wood-fired pizza, and today we're going to enjoy wood-fired cookies as well at A Victorian Christmas at the Ramsey House. Today through Sunday, when you call on the Alexander Ramsey house, you'll step back in time 140 years to experience a Victorian-era holiday reception. Reserve your spot for the one-hour tour by calling 651-296-8760. Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for kids 6 and up. Minnesota Historical Society members get $3 off each ticket.

Saturday, January 3

The holidays are once again in the rear-view mirror, but they might be hanging around my waist for a while longer. I'm afraid I may have given new meaning to the term "belly dancing" this year - my belly is now just sort of dancing on its own. If you'd like to give real belly dancing a try, check out Zenon Dance School's Winter Open House today. The free open house runs 10 am - 4 pm, with classes for kids ending at noon. An adventurous soul might also want to give "Inversion Dance" a shot at 2 pm. I'm not sure what that is, but it sounds like a guaranteed muscle pull to me. I'll just keep working to perfect my belly dancing.