Fall 2014

We have been spoiled this year! This Summer was cool and now Fall has been absolutely gorgeous. Ok, winter was bad, but I just try to forget... The beautiful colors of fall that haven't been quite as bright in recent years finally decided to blossom for us this year.

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons. I love wearing the light jackets, the scarves, and enjoying those last precious moments of nice weather. When the leaves crunch under your feet as you walk. The way that a warm October fades deliciously into a cool November. When we turn inward and spend time at home, cooking, baking, making cocktails. Inviting friends over to enjoy in all the cooking, baking, and cocktails. I listen to jazz music in the Fall, because it just feels right. Fall is when our towns and our hours most feel like home. Familiar and cozy.

This October has been amazing! Enjoy some of the photos I have taken.

Photos were taken in Minnesota and Iowa.

New in Town: LynLake Brewery

Last night I felt like bing super trendy and headed over to the opening night of the new brewery right in Uptown - LynLake Brewery. Naturally, my phone decided to stop functioning while I was there and I only have two photos to share. So that just means you'll have to go experience it for yourself.

It's so fun getting to be among the first to enjoy a new brew and help build the atmosphere. Luckily, the weather was perfect as we had to wait in line for a few minutes before we could get our brew on. The line went quickly enough and we were inside.

It is a beautiful brewery. The building, having been a former theater, had exposed brink and gorgeous ceiling moldings that tell stories of what once was. The attention to detail was immaculate. The space was very open, as most breweries are, but this space has an elegance about it that is undeniably cool and very fitting for it's neighborhood. And to further fit in, a rooftop patio will be coming next Spring with views that can't be beat.

For those who prefer function over form, the beer was also incredible. You can get a flight that comes in a cool copper pipe holder. Or just take a bet on one of their many beers. You won't be disappointed. I tried the Ponyboy Gold (name that reference) first and it was delicious. It's the kind of beer that anyone can enjoy, while still not sacrificing quality. Clean and crisp, not too sharp. I especially enjoyed the Sideburns Milk Stout. I'm not a huge stout fan, but this one was smooth, comforting, and light. I think anyone would enjoy this stout. I took sips of other beers and they were all good. The LynLake Brewery seems to have a solid handle on crowd-pleasing high-quality beers. This is the brewery you take your family, your picky date, and your beer-loving buddies to enjoy a beer that will make everyone happy.

As it's a brewery and not a bar, it closes at a friendly 11pm hour. A great place to hang out early in the night before heading home or heading out. It's got that closing time vibe to it at 11pm - you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. Also, it's a brewery, so there is no food service. They are partnering with local businesses soon to deliver food right to your table. I'd check out Taco Cat, a bike-delivery taco service.

Now don't just listen to me, go out and experience the LynLake Brewery for yourself!

A Swed Adventure

After the trip to the Arboretum, we thought we'd sneak in one more museum day adventure. With about an hour left before close, we made it to the American Swedish Institute. A mix of historic and modern, you'll find yourself in the heart of Minneapolis at Turnblad Mansion. The museum is housed in a former Mansion that belongs to the Turnblad family, who generously donated the building to preserve Swedish heritage in Minnesota. The Museum also has an addition built recently in a modern Scandavian style. The whole museum is amazing. I enjoyed wandering around a cool mansion and imaging what it might have been to live in such a place. We decided it could be the focal point for the American version of Downton Abbey, appropriately called Turnblad Mansion. PBS, if your reading, call me if your interested. Other things I learned, my future house will require a solarium, a miniature ballroom, and a grand staircase. I highly recommend spending an afternoon at the ASI. Afterwords, I'd recommend getting a flavor of another culture by heading to Midtown Global Market for some food and shopping.

^Ugh, my future home NEEDS a | solarium! 

  

 ^ I am dying over this kitchen floor. I want so bad!

^Sassy Gnomes protecting the fireplace

^Also, a little bit of Norway too!