This weekend was Doors Open. We had missed the last couple years so I had a big list of places to see. I thought we'd drive to get to more places quickly, but Scott insisted we bike as it was easier to park.  Theo and I were ready to take some pics. We started out at the Rand Tower. My personal favorite Minneapolis skyscraper. Next we got to see inside a manhole. They had robots patrolling the sewer and a live video feed on a TV.  Then we walked over to the Dayton's Project. I really wish their food hall idea would have followed through, it's sad to see it so empty.  It's still mostly empty and I'm not sure if they know what to do with the space. We got to go in the nooks and crannies of the old JB Hudsons space, like this the old window display. There was lounge or bar that was opening soon to the public.

Road trips always mean snacks. Giant seaweed snacks that is. Well, to be clear, this was first time I've ever purchased the giant variety. We had hoped to make it to Mackinac Bridge before dark. Not sure why the last time we drove over it it felt really scary. This time it was fine. Nah, it was still scary. The center grates give me the whillies. Scott found us a historic resort to stay in the for the night, the Birch Lodge at Trout Lake . It was after we booked the room that we found out it was originally a tuberculosis hospital. Well, it was, but very briefly. I'd seen this place when planning our trip to the UP this past summer , it was a good price and looked right up our alley. It's only about a half hour from St. Ignace, which made a perfect spot between Lowell and Three Lakes. It was darling none-the-less. Notice the white framed areas above the beds. Our room was originally three rooms. The current owners saved the original transom windows but closed off the doors....

We have always wanted to go to a county fair here in Minnesota. Usually we are gone during fair time, but this year lucked out and we were home during the  Dakota County Fair . Once and while Meadow and Theo play without Theo crying. This picture has nothing to do with this blog post, but it sure is cute. Buds. I like how the edge of the Twin Cities metro can be so country. Wonder Woman requested a pronto pup. She's officially a Minnesotan. They had the mini ferris wheel here! Theo was POed that he couldn't ride with Meadow. Meadow really wanted to go in a floating hamster ball.  Sadly it was not included with the ride tickets, but cost extra. Instead Meadow and I went a roller coaster together.  We took a break from rides and checked out the animal buildings. The fairgrounds also has a heritage village . The Dakota City Heritage Village, to be exact. We got to explore all the old buildings and homes...