I love to travel and this past week found me in the Twin Cities area. I am not sure I would like to live there, however I sure love to visit. If you are looking for a nice area to travel, I recommend the city of Maple Grove. There is a huge shopping area, with a lot of hotels and restaurants. The main street area has some really cool shops and places to eat. My daughter loves the noodles from Noodles and Company, and my wife loves the bagels from Panera. She also likes the huge JoAnne fabrics store. Me, I enjoyed REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and getting my nerd on at Dave & Busters. If you have not been to a Dave & Busters, you are missing out. It is like Chuck-E-Cheese for adults. There are games of every kind. The group we were with played everything from four person air hockey, the crane games, basketball shooting games, and even a few video games. They have some really good appetizers there as well; I thoroughly enjoyed the pretzel bites. The weekend was not a cheap one by any means, so make sure if you visit, that you save up and keep a budget. It is very easy to over spend in that area.
Around Town
Lions Christmas in the Park
I absolutely love this one! The 11th Annual Lions Christmas in the Park opened on November 23rd and will run from 5:30 to 10 PM through December 30th and with extended hours – 5:30 to midnight on New Year’s Eve. Visitors can take a drive through scenic Lincoln Park, located off of Belmont Road and 13th Avenue South, and enjoy holiday lights displays created by local business and organizations. Some of these displays are just amazing to look at. Admission runs: Cars, $5; Limos, $10; Buses, $20; all proceeds will be distributed by Grand Forks Lions Clubs to local charities and community projects. For more information contact: Katrina Wendel at 701-330-0995 or kwendel@nd.gov
Brian Posehn
I am not much for live comedy, however Brian Posehn can be pretty funny. He has been seen on Comedy Central, The Sarah Siverman Show, Just Shoot Me, Mr. Show, Reno 911, American Dad, Metalocalypse and Grind. Do keep in mind this show is for mature audiences. Tickets can be purchased at both Grand Forks Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops, by phone: 866-300-8300, and online at JadePresents.com. Show time is set for 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 29th.

The Fantasticks
The Fantasticks (the longest-running musical in the history of American theater) follows two fathers that scheme together with hopes that their children will fall in love with each other. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for seniors/students. Show times are set for: 7:30 PM (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) & 2 PM (Dec. 2) at the Red River High School Auditorium which is located at 2211 17th Avenue South in Grand Forks.
‘Stache Bash!
Join the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals Group, at Rhombus Guys 2nd floor (Unofficial Venue)
312 Kittson Ave downtown Grand Forks, to show off your Movember Moustache for a chance to win some sweet prizes! There will be local celebrity judges on hand to pick the winners in a variety of categories. Rhombus Guys will set up a pizza buffet open to all for $10 + tax, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Ugly Sweater attire is encouraged. Don’t worry, girls, there are prizes for you too!
Hosted by the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals and Rhombus Guys.
TNA Wrestling
For all the TNA Wrestling fans out there, IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE will be invading the Alerus Center. Enjoy action-packed fun and see the stars from Spike TV’s Thursday nights this Sunday, December 2nd at 6 PM. Tickets range from $27.26 to $68.71. For more information call 701-792-1420 or go online to AlerusCenter.com
UND Women’s Hockey
The UND Women’s Hockey team will be in town this Friday the 30th and Saturday the 1st taking on RIT. Come out to the Ralph and cheer our ladies on to victory! Puck Drops at 7 PM both nights. For more information and tickets go to UNDSports.com
Winter wUNDerland
This Friday, November 30th, the UND Department of Music, Dr. Joshua Bronfman and Melanie Popejoy present “Winter wUNDerland”. This sparking holiday event will feature more than 250 of UND’s finest musicians performing a wide array of treasured holiday music from popular holiday songs to classic carols and everything in between. This is a concert only, and no food will be served. Tickets are available in advance through the Chester Fritz Auditorium Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, or at the door.
Plaid Tidings
That velvet-toned singing quartet is back to put a bit of doo-wop in your diddy this holiday season. Plaid Tidings, the sequel to Forever Plaid about the boy band that died but refuses to quit is back on the Fire Hall stage singing some holiday classics, along with a visit from Perry Como. Nov. 29-Dec. 9, Thursday – Saturday, at 7:30, and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be reserved by calling 777.4090. Tickets are: $18, $15 for students, seniors, military & Canadians with I.D. For more information go to: www.ggfct.com