SERVE IT UP:Pickleball
Pickleball is an exciting game for players of all ages and abilities. It is often referred to as “the fastest-growing sport that no one knows about.” It’s a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and it can be played with two, three or four players. In the fall of 2020, new pickleball courts were constructed at Alexandria City Park, 118 City Park Rd., and now offer players eight courts to play on.
State Park
SIFT THROUGH ANTIQUES: Discover
LAKE CARLOS
Built by receding glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park offers a myriad of natural wonders, including a clear and deep lake just perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. Among its 1,231 acres, nearly one-third of Minnesota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year long. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, ducks and heron, making this a birdwatcher’s paradise. You may even catch a glimpse of the beaver and deer that make their homes within the park. The park also features a year-round naturalist that leads several programs throughout the year. Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing and interpretive programs are just waiting for you. Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season. In the winter, snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. A thermal flip-over style portable fish house is available to rent on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for current rates and availability. The park entrance, 2601 County Rd. 38 NE in Carlos, is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 320-852-7200. You can also email the park at lakecarlos.statepark@state. mn.us You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/.
Lines of businesses situated along Broadway Street in the heart of Alexandria encourage visitors to stroll through their doors and explore what they have to offer. In addition to the heated spaces to wander around in, another highlight of the bustling downtown area is the antique stores. Categorizing a store as “antique” will immediately draw the attention of some and repel the interest of others. However, there may be something waiting around the corner or on a shelf for just about anyone. Antique stores contain more than rotary phones, model cars and worn furniture. Although, if that’s what the buyer is seeking, he or she will surely come across those items, too. These shops also hold unique clothes, suitcases, home decor and so much more. Sure, any of those would be plainly sorted
Festival
VIKINGLAND BAND
Always the last Sunday in June, the Vikingland Band Festival is a highlight of the summer parade marching season. Founded in 1985, the event has drawn nearly 100 different bands from at least seven different states, three Canadian provinces and Norway. The 39th annual Vikingland Band Festival Parade Marching Championship for 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 25, starting at 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit marching.com/events/vbf/. 14 | Vacationer • Spring 2023
unexpected treasure
at a department store, but they would most likely be double the price. Finding a good deal just increases the benefit of shopping secondhand. Thrifting is a different kind of adventure because things can be rediscovered and reused for a second life they never would’ve had if the original owner had thrown them away. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in an antique store or thrifting is your middle name, it’s worth a shot to go antiquing on Broadway.