Here we are. Knee deep in a Practically Canadian fall. Leaves are falling faster than a broken thermostat in January…and I’m just looking around wondering how the heck this happened. Anyone else?
With our move back to Minot I’ve gained some clarity about some things I’d like to do while we are here. First of all, I’d like to further pursue the gifts God has given me in regard to teaching and speaking on Biblical topics. Second, I’d like to create a beautiful house from something pretty shabby. And third, I’d like to share my life here in Minot in hopes that I can shift the negative perception of what living in Practically Canada looks like…into something positive. Maybe even desirable.
So I guess, this space as well as my social channels will be a North Dakota lifestyle blog.
Yes, I know. This isn’t where you’d expect to find a lifestyle blogger. And the North Dakota lifestyle might not be as hotly sought after as…let’s say…an east coast lifestyle or swoon-worthy southern design. This, however, is the life I’m living. North Dakota is a quirky, weird, great place. It’s a place where the strangest things happen. It’s a place whose story isn’t being told. So I’m going to start telling that story.
At least as I see it.
I’ve put off starting to write this series for quite some time because I don’t want anything that I find silly to offend the dear locals that I love so much. So please know that everything hence forth written about North Dakota comes from a place of love. A special place in my heart reserved for the quirkiest, kindest, most bizarre place I’ve ever called “home.”
So I decided to start doing a thing. I’m calling it Minot Mondays because I like alliteration.
On Mondays I’ll be posting about life in Minot. Things to do. An anecdote. A gallery of photos. I don’t really know what all will crop up, but I’m reserving one day each week to pursue my goal of shifting the general perspective on what life here really looks like. So that when someone gets relocated here for whatever reason…their blood won’t turn to ice as they start thinking that life as they know it is over.
This is where I need your help. If you know someone new to the Practically Canadian region (AKA Minot), or someone about to move in, or someone who has lived here a while but still hasn’t found their groove–send them my way. Invite them to follow along with the blog, on Facebook or Instagram. I’m eager to grow a community of friends who want to thrive in the North Dakota lifestyle.
To kick off our first ever Minot Monday, I’ve compiled a few lists that will start to put the myth to rest that there is “nothing to do” in Minot. There’s tons to do. And since it only takes about 15 minutes to get anywhere in town…it’s all accessible (and because us Practically Canadians are thrifty, it’s usually surprisingly affordable!)
These lists are not exhaustive. Just some highlights that piqued my interest. Fo a full list of things going on, go the the Visit Minot website. Also…I’ll note that this list doesn’t include recurring events that happen all the time. We’ll talk about things like story times (there are story times and activities for littles happening nearly every week day!), trivia nights and sports some other time.
Special Stuff Going on For Kids This Week:
- 10/22 High Air Ground Tie Dye— $15 gets you jump time, a shirt, tie dye supplies and a drink (spots are limited)
- 10/25 YMCA Halloween Family Fun Night–$3/child or $15/family. Obstacle course, treats, games, haunted house and Dizzy the Clown. (PS, Dizzy the Clown is a pillar of the community. If you don’t know of Dizzy the Clown, people around here will know you’re new in town.)
- 10/25 High Air Ground Halloween Party (kids age 8-15)–$30 Jump in costume, games, and treats.
- 10/25 Spider Cake Decorating at Gourmet Chef–($30 ages 8-12) Kids cooking class
- 10/26 Minot Public Library Puppet Show–Free puppet show and story time for all ages
- 10/26 Harleyween Biker Trail of Treats–Trick or treat trail and pet costume contest at Harley Davidson (free, come in costume!)
- 10/26 Boo at the Zoo–-($3) Trick or treating at the zoo
- 10/26 Halloween Treat Class at Gourmet Chef –($25 age 5-9) Kids cooking class making a variety of Halloween snacks
- 10/27 Gymagic Skeleton Hunt Open Gym –($15 age 4-14) Skeleton hunt followed by open gym. (PS, look into their regularly scheduled open gym times. It’s only $5 for all ages and I’ve heard it is awesome!)
Skill Classes Happening This Week
In addition to the special stuff happening for kids, there is also a plethora of fall skill classes happening for grown ups. Craft classes are happening at The Spot, Minot Public Library, Margie’s, Market on 4th, The Foundry and The Fiber Basket. Painting Classes are going on at Souris River Brewery, The Taube and Nature’s Nook. And don’t forget about cooking classes at Gourmet Chef.
Halloween Events for Grown Ups (well…teens and grown ups)
There’s a lot going on since Halloween is on the horizon. If I hear anyone complain that there was nothing to do for Halloween, I’m going to be ticked.
Haunted houses are happening at Dakota Square Mall, the Haunted Forest, and the Library. There are creepy Escape rooms happening at Minot High. Halloween parties are happening at East End, the Moose, and the Little Chicago Pub District. For a costume event that isn’t Halloween related, hit the Hangar Dance. It’s golden era themed and looks super fun. Oh–and there’s a movie in the park. It’s Hocus Pocus, one of my nostalgic faves ever since I watched it with my favorite babysitter waaaay back in 1993. (Don’t judge me.)
Happy Minot Monday. I’ll see you next week!
