Winter Vacationer 2012-2013

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Your Free guide to the Alexandria Lakes Area Winter 2012-13

Image Area

Ice Fishing Challenge 4 • Family fun 16 • Outdoor activities 6

An Echo Press publication

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Vacationerwelcome am a winter girl! I love, love, love winter in Minnesota. Having spent nearly all my life here, I cherish the memories of youth – skating, sledding, snow forts, snowball fights – all wonderful excuses to be outside in the crisp, fresh air.

Even now, I’d take a walk in the sub-zero temperatures over the heat of a summer day. Add in some snow and my trusty snowshoes, and I’m all ready to go.

There are so many things to love about the winter season – fuzzy slippers, a good book and a cozy blanket to curl up in, snow days, Lori Mork frost dripping from tree branches, VACATIONER EDITOR hot soup and the smell of fresh snow.

And so many winter activities are available here in

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the Alexandria lakes area. Just start with snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice fishing, follow it up with a little cross country or downhill skiing, round it out with some sledding and finish with a toasty fire and a cup of hot chocolate.

If you’re not an outdoor person, there’s still so much to do. Bowling, browsing through antique shops, movies, shopping historic downtown Alexandria or the Viking Plaza Mall, wonderful restaurants, live theater, winery tour – the list just keeps on growing. How about a visit to the area museums, or exploring the history of the controversial Kensington Runestone.

So check us out. I know you’ll find your perfect fit here in the Alexandria lakes area.

Activities Ice Fishing Challenge .......................................................4 Outdoor Fun......................................................................6 Alexandria Area YMCA .....................................................8 Carlos Creek Winery .........................................................9 Runestone Community Center.......................................10 Garden Center Lanes......................................................12 Big Splash Waterpark .....................................................14 Andes Tower Hills ...........................................................16 Churches.........................................................................23

Museums, Parks, Lakes & Trails Big Ole and the Runestone ............................................22 Snowmobiling.................................................................24 DATA Trails Map..............................................................26 Douglas County Historical Society .................................28 Area Lakes ......................................................................34

Arts & Entertainment Publisher: Jody Hanson Vacationer Editor: Lori Mork Graphic Designer: Karla Mikkelson Echo Press • (320)763-3133 www.echopress.com A publication of the Echo Press

Dining Guide ...................................................................17 Alexandria Blizzard Hockey.............................................30 Alexandria Area Arts Association ...................................32 Calendar of Events .........................................................33 Douglas County Library ..................................................36 Historic Downtown Alexandria.......................................38

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 3

Hit the ice for fishing fun he 13th annual Ice Fishing Challenge, sponsored by the Alexandria Sertoma Club, is set to take place Saturday, February 9, from noon to 3 p.m. on Lake L’Homme Dieu near Alexandria.

This year’s contest will award the largest fish, regardless of species, a $20,000 grand prize, with the top 100 fish receiving prizes, but you don’t even have to fish to be a winner. There is also a raffle drawing set for that day with a total cash payout of $9,800. Raffle prizes include $5,000 for first

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place and $1,000 for second place.

Winners from 3rd through 20th place will receive $100 to $500 prizes.

Along with the regular contest, there will also be a free youth fishing expo from 9-11 a.m., hosted by professional fisherman Mike Frisch. All entries 16-years-old and younger will receive a prize. Participants should bring their own fishing pole and tackle.

Raffle tickets, which are $5 each, can be purchased from any Sertoma member in the area, and can also be purchased at the Ice Fishing Challenge.

Tickets for the Ice Fishing Challenge are $35 each and can be purchased at Elden’s Fresh Foods, Sunnies (former Three Havens) and Christopherson Bait in Alexandria. To purchase tickets online, or for more information, visit www.icefishingchallenge.org.

ICE FISHING

Activities

Vacationer nge e l l a h c e h Take t

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The 13th annual Ice Fishing Challenge will be held Saturday, February 9 from noon to 3 p.m.

Action will take place on Lake L’Homme Dieu north of Alexandria: Take State Hwy 29 north two miles to Pikes Road, a gravel road going west.

Signs will be posted to a free general parking area with spotters available to help. Shuttle buses will begin running at 7:30 a.m.

Tickets for the contest are $35 per entrant and are available online at www.icefishingchallenge.org/ or at Christopherson Bait, Sunnies’ (formerly Three Havens) and Elden’s Fresh Foods.

Echo Press photos

4 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 5

Find your fun in the snow long with winter comes a whole new season of outdoor fun. The Alexandria lakes area offers a variety of fun outdoor activities for people of all ages.

Here are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in Douglas County this winter:

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Ice skating •Noonan Park in Alexandria is the site

6 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

of the city’s outdoor public skating rink.

The rink is regularly maintained, has a warming house and is lit for night skating.

The park is generally open for skating around December 20, or whenever there is 8 inches of ice.

Hours for the rink and warming house are Monday through Friday, 3 to 9:30 p.m. and weekends and vacation days, 1 to 9:30 p.m. The rink is closed daily from 5 to 6 p.m. During school vacations the rink opens at 1 p.m.

There is no charge to skate.

Located on the east side of Alexandria off of Nokomis Street and between 9th and 10th avenues.

FIND YOUR FAVORITE

Activities

Vacationer e b o t t a e r It’s g rs! outdoo

Reasons to love winter Ice skating Cross country skiing Sledding and tobogganing Downhill skiing, tubing and snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Building snowmen Sipping hot chocolate Wearing fuzzy slippers Snow days Making stews and soups Sitting in a hot tub Tree branches heavy with snow Warming up by a fire Snuggling under a down comforter Having a snowball fight Cookie baking competition Making snow angels Touring holiday light shows Catching snowflakes on your tongue

•Indoor skating is offered at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria.

Hours for open skating are Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. Call for Saturday and Sunday open skating hours. Cost is $2 per session. Children age 6 and younger can skate free. Season passes are also available. For more information call (320) 763-4466.

Located at 1002 3rd Avenue West in Alexandria.

Cross country skiing Local cross country ski trails are located as follows: •Lake Carlos State Park* has five miles of groomed trails and a warming house. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria about seven miles, turn left onto County Road 38 and go about one and one-half miles to the park entrance.

•Kensington Runestone Park* near Kensington has 10.5 miles of groomed and slotted trails and a warming house.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week.

Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about 13 miles, turn left onto County Road 103 and go about one mile to the park entrance.

•Spruce Hill Park* near Miltona has four miles of groomed and slotted trails. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 5, travel about 5 miles east on County Road 5 and turn left on County Road 105, then go about one-half mile to the park entrance.

•Andes Tower Hills, about 15 miles west of Alexandria, has about nine miles (15k) of trails, some of which are lit at night. Call (320) 965-2455 or visit the Andes Tower Hills website at www.andestowerhills.com for more information.

Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance.

•Arrowwood Resort near Alexandria has several miles of private cross country ski trails. Call (320) 762-1124 for information.

Take County Road 82 west of Alexandria, turn right at County Road 22 (at stoplight), go about two miles and turn right onto County Road 104. *State cross-country ski permits are required for anyone age 16 and older who uses any public ski trail, including those at Lake Carlos State Park, Kensington Runestone Park and Spruce Hill Park. Permits are

$6 per day. Season passes are $20; a threeyear pass is $55.

Ski passes are valid for use in all Minnesota county and state parks and can be purchased by self registration at state parks, at the Minnesota License Bureau at the Douglas County Services Center, at any business that sells hunting and fishing licenses, by phone at (888) 665-4236 or at the Minnesota DNR online license website at www.wildlifelicense.com/mn.

Note: State park visitors also must have a vehicle permit.

Sledding & tobogganing Kensington Runestone Park near Kensington has a toboggan hill and warming house.

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Take Highway 27 west of Alexandria about 13 miles, turn left onto County Road 103 and go about one mile to the entrance.

Downhill skiing, tubing, snowboarding Andes Tower Hills, located about 15 miles west of Alexandria, has 15 downhill ski runs ranging from beginner to expert, as well as facilities for tubing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski and snowboard lessons, a racing program, an after-school ski program, lodging, equipment rentals and a pro shop are also available. The chalet features a large-screen TV,

a gas fireplace, and the Whispering Pines Grill, which features burgers, chili, soups and gourmet pizza.

Andes Tower Hills has also added some new rental equipment and a variable-speed motor for a smoother ride on the Hollywood High chair lift.

Downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowboarding hours are from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays (nonvacation/holidays); 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and vacation days.

Cross country skiing has 800 acres of scenic trails packed and groomed on a regular basis. Lighted trails are also available.

Tubing hours are from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays (non-vacation/holidays); 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and vacation days.

For more information call (320) 965-2455 or visit the Andes website at www.andestowerhills.com.

Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance.

Snowmobiling There are 368 miles of snowmobile trails in Douglas County, which connect many of the communities in the area and connect to trails in surrounding counties as well.

For more information about area snowmobile trails visit www.douglasareatrails.com.

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 7

LOTS OF FUN

So much to do in the Alexandria area

Get in shape, stay in shape he Alexandria Area YMCA, located just west of Alexandria off of County Road 82, offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The YMCA also participates in the AWAY program, which allows members of other Ys to visit up to eight times a year. Guests are welcome as well, and can purchase a pass at the front desk.

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Multi-use Aquatic Facility The YMCA provides swimming instruction for all ages, water exercise classes, open swimming and lap swimming.

The 84-87°F pool has a zero-depth entry and features a whale slide, water spouts, a rain drop waterfall, and water

8 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

slide for kids of all ages.

Gymnasium This area provides facilities for youth sports, adult league and open recreational play for the entire family.

Wellness Center The wellness center provides a comprehensive area for health and wellness activity. The center is equipped with numerous cardiovascular machines, free and circuit weights and a walking/running track that extends in circles around the wellness center and gymnasium.

Aerobic studio Multi-purpose space This area provides flexible programming space for group fitness, family fitness, senior fitness and more.

Child Care Facilities This area provides a safe, supervised activity area for young children while you exercise.

VISIT THE Y

Activities

Vacationer a i r d n a x e l A A C M Y Area

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Winter hours at the YMCA are Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call (320) 834-9622 or visit the YMCA website at www.alexandriaymca.com.

Located at 110 Karl Drive (west of Alexandria along County Road 82).

Carlos Creek Winery fun continues through the winter

TO WORK

TO SCHOOL

New this year is the Minnesota Nice grill, featuring pizzas, paninis and homemade soups. Hours for the grill are noon-5 p.m. every Saturday.

The winery’s winter hours are noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call Carlos Creek Winery at (320) 846-5443 or visit its website at www.carloscreekwinery .com.

From Alexandria, go west on County Road 22, turn right on Arrowwood Drive (County Road 104), turn left on County Road 34.

The winery is on the right.

Your public transit system serving residents of Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens, Todd and Traverse Counties since 1995

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TO DANCE

HEAD TO THE WINERY Carlos Creek Winery is open seven days a week.

The winter hours are noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call Carlos Creek Winery at (320) 846-5443 or visit www.carloscreekwinery.com

WINE IN WINTER

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t may be cold outside, but the fun doesn’t end in the winter at the Carlos Creek Winery. Featuring 160 acres that include a grape vineyard, apple orchard, Siberian elm maze, wine cave and a gift shop, the winery is a “must see” on your visit to Alexandria.

In addition to one of the largest vineyards in Minnesota, Carlos Creek Winery also features wine tasting, free tours throughout the year, plus live music on weekends.

Winter activities include crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing on their free trails, and the winery is located right on the DATA snowmobile trail.

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 9

Find your fun on the ice ooking to learn how to ice skate? Are you interested in the intricacies of curling? How about a casual game of hockey? If so, the Runestone Community Center Ice and Curling Rink is an indoor rink and may be the perfect spot for you.

With public ice skating, figure skating lessons, ice hockey, pick-up hockey and curling, the variety of onice entertainment is endless. You can even hold your birthday party or special event at the cen-

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10 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

ter.

The Runestone Community Center is also the home of the NA3HL Alexandria Blizzard hockey team as well as the Jefferson High School Cardinal boys’ and girls’ hockey teams and the Alexandria Area Hockey Association teams.

For more information about activities available at the Runestone Community Center, call (320) 763-4466.

For information on curling, contact the Jason Rauk, Vikingland Curling Club at (320) 763-9698 or info@vikinglandcurling.org or vist www.vikinglandcurling.org For information on ice skating lessons, visit the Alexandria Figure Skating Club website at www.alexandriafigureskating.org

FUN ON THE ICE

Activities

Vacationer e n o t s e n u R r e t n e C y t Communi HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Runestone Community Center is located at 1002 3rd Avenue West, Alexandria. Call (320) 763-4466 for information on their programs Open skating is held Monday-Friday, 9-11 a.m., other times may be available, depending on scheduling The Alexandria Figure Skating Club handles lessons. Visit www.alexandriafigureskating.org for more information Both adult and youth ice hockey programs and leagues are available.

Information on curling is available at www.vikinglandcurling.org

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 11

It’s great family fun

arden Center Lanes has always been the familiar bowling facility in Alexandria, offering fun for people of all ages. Now, however, Garden Center is not only a place to try your best at getting a strike, but also a place to hold receptions and parties or catch the latest sporting events on one of its many televisions.

The business moved in the fall of 2005 from its old downtown location to its new home, north of 30th Avenue, across from the

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12 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

Midway Mall Cinema 9 theater.

Garden Center now has 34 lanes and an updated scoring system. Also new is a 2,500-square foot arcade, filled with more than 30 arcade games. In addition, the facilty includes large rooms for private birthday parties, a snack counter and a large pro shop.

Also in the same building are “Fat Daddy’s,” a sports bar and grill that features many different types of tap beer, as well as imported and domestic bottled beer; and “Broadway Ballroom,” a 650-seat banquet facility.

Garden Center is open at 9 a.m. seven days a week.

For more information, call (320) 763-6565, or visit its website at www.gardencenterlanes.com.

Garden Center Lanes is located at 115 30th Avenue West in Alexandria.

BOWL A FEW GAMES

Activities

Vacationer r e t n e C Garden ling w o b s e n a L

GARDEN CENTER LANES The Garden Center Lanes features 34 lanes to accomodate your largest groups.

There are 16 different leagues available, with competition every day of the week, and Garden Center hosts several tournaments each year It is also home to the Alexandria Cardinal adapted bowling team Call (320) 763-6565 to make your reservations.

Garden Center Lanes, 115 30th Avenue West, Alexandria

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A GREAT getaway for the entire family...

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Ice Fishing Cross Country Skiing Indoor Tennis Courts Lake Café & Rafter’s Lounge Darling Reflections Spa

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 13

Visit “The Big Splash” waterpark lexandria is home to “The Big Splash,” a 38,000square-foot indoor water park that offers many “wetand-wild” activities.

The park, located at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center near Alexandria, is open to guests of the resort as well as the public.

The Big Splash offers a wide variety of water activities to choose from including: •Three four-story waterslides that twist and turn inside and outside of the

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14 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

water park.

•A lazy river inner tube ride.

•A lily pad water walk.

•A tropical whirlpool spa.

•A children’s play fort in a zeroinch-entry pool area, which includes three slides, water blasters, geysers and deck bubblers. The play fort is topped with the “Calypso Cabana” – a 500-gallon splash bucket.

Other features of the water park include a family changing area, a concession area and a video arcade.

Winter hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, but hours may vary. For information, call Arrowwood Resort at (320) 762-1124 or visit its website at www.arrowwoodresort.com.

WET AND WILD

Activities

Vacationer ’ n i h s a l p As e good tim

WATERPARK DIRECTIONS To get to Arrowwood Resort, take County Road 82 west of Alexandria, turn right at County Road 22 (at stoplight), go about two miles and turn right onto County Road 104.

General admission passes are $15.95 all day MondayThursday, $11.95 after 4 p.m. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, passes are $20.95 all day, $15.95 after 4 p.m. Rates may vary.

Birthday party rates are $15 per person, plus tax and include a waterpark wristband, use of towels and locker room facilities, $3 in tokens per child to be used in Barracuda Arcade and a light meal for each participant Visit www.arrowwoodresort.com or call (320) 762-1124

Looking for golf advice?

Check out the academy t’s all about the swing. Golf pro and well-known instructor Scott Dirck guided three state champions in the same year and nearly 20 golfers among the state rankings that same season, proving he knows his business – and that knowledge is now available to everyone.

After instructing area golfers from his home for several years, the new Scott Dirck’s Golf Academy has opened at the Geneva Golf Club in Alexandria and serves as a year-round golf center that allows golfers to practice and train no matter what

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the weather brings.

The 4,500-square-foot facility has seven heated hitting bays and a putting green inside, as well as an outside driving range.

Some of the technology used during lessons includes Flightscope, a 3D Doppler Tracking Golf Radar system, which tracks the ball and club head through the golf swing, making it easier to analyze, and Tomi Putt, which records the putting stroke and gives solutions to fix it.

Dirck also provides club fitting services and gives individual golf lessons.

ACADEMY NOTES

Vacationer y m e d a c A Golf

BLUE CHIP STUDENTS Dirck has instructed several individual state high school golf champions including three from the Alexandria area in the same year, as well as the Minnewaska girls’ golf team, which earned five consecutive team state championships BIG GOLF HONORS He was named the PGA teacher of the year in 2010, and in 2008 and 2011 was named the Ping fitter of the year.

He has also been recognized as one of the top teachers in the state by Golf Digest magazine IN THE KNOW The golf academy will be open year-round for practice or training at the Geneva Golf Club, 4181 Geneva Golf Club Drive GET IN TOUCH For more information on the golf academy, www.genevagolfclub.com or call (320) 219-7677.

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 15

Andes Tower Hills skiing, tubing he Alexandria lakes area may not seem like a haven for skiing, but Andes Tower Hills has a different idea. With a family-friendly environment that goes back to the 1980s, Andes Tower Hills, located about 15 miles west of Alexandria, offers the outdoor enthusiast downhill ski runs from beginner to expert, tubing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Ski and snow-

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board lessons are also available, as well as rental equipment and a pro shop. Chair lifts whisk skiers to the top of the runs, and if you need a break, head for the chalet to warm up by the fireplace and grab a bite to eat at the Whispering Pines Grill, featuring burgers, chili, soups and gourmet pizza.

Lodging and food are available on site.

Since the hills opened more than 30 years ago, this local ski area has hosted more than a million skiers.

Join the fun and head to Andes Tower Hills.

SKIING FOR EVERYONE

Activities

Vacationer n u f c i t s a Fant y l i m a f e for th

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowboarding hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays (non-vacation/holidays); 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and vacation days. Cross country skiing has 800 acres of scenic trails packed and groomed on a regular basis.

Lighted trails are also available.

Tubing hours are from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays (non-vacation/holidays); 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and vacation days.

For more information call (320) 965-2455 or visit the Andes website at www.andestowerhills.com.

Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance.

16 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

Lakes Area

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 17

Open Daily at 11 am 1721 East Lake Street, Osakis, MN

Carlos Creek Winery Open daily, year-round ĨŽƌ ƚĂƐƟŶŐ Θ ƚŽƵƌƐ Live music every Saturday Grill open Saturdays Noon-5 6693 County Rd 34 NW Alexandria. minnesota www.carloscreekwinery.com

Just down from the DATA Trail on Lk. Osakis!

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FULL MENU & FULL BAR! 320-834-3250 - Friend us on Facebook Sun-Thurs: 11am-1am; Fri & Sat: 11am-2am

115 30th Ave E, Alexandria, MN

320-763-6565 • 1-800-657-3294 FULL MENU FROM A VARIETY OF Appetizers to Salads, Sandwiches, Prime Rib and Steaks Fast Track Lunch Special Mon-Fri 11am-1:30pm Sunday Buffet starting at 9am • Over 25 varieties of tap beer • Nightly drink specials

1/4 mile west of Broadway on 3rd Avenue

WINTER HOURS Book your Party!

Food Served Until 11 pm Full Service Bar

Holiday parties, business meetings, private parties & other gatherings available by reservation.

320-762-7092 18 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

Hwy 94 & Hwy 29 S, Alexandria www.doolittles.com

Come in & warm up with one of our great breakfasts!

Hours: 11:30am-1am 7 days a week

Open Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 5pm!

320-759-0885

Jan’s Place

3 miles East of Alexandria on Hwy. 27 to Liberty Road, North 3/4 mile

• Full Service Bar + Great Nightly Food Specials • Dinner Specialties: Hand Cut Steak, BBQ Ribs, Pan Fried Walleye, Prime Rib, Broasted Chicken • Most Items available for Take Out

“PEOPLES’ CHOICE” WINNER 2012

For more information call 320-834-2532 or 218-267-2726 during club hours.

320-763-3877 FAST & FRIENDLY Casual Friendly Dining Serving Breakfast & Lunch 7 days a week Mon-Fri 7 am - 1 pm Sat 7 am - Noon • Sun 8 am - 1 pm

Since 1925, Alexandria’s Recommended Family Dining Breakfast served All Day

Open 7 Days a Week

Visit us at travelersinncafe.com Serving lunch & dinner • BURGERS • STEAKS • SEAFOOD • PASTAS • ICE CREAM DRINKS

4960 Co. Rd. 42 NE, Alexandria 1 Block N. of the Carlos / L’ Homme Dieu bridge Join us on 320-846-1051

www.interlacheninn.com

It’s just like going to Grandma’s Serving Breakfast • Lunch 320-524-2453 107 Central, PO Box 456, Brandon Mon-Sat Breakfast 6-11am Lunch 11am-2pm Sun 7am-1pm Breakfast only Right off the DATA & Bike Trail

…the art of wine

The Area’s premier wine bar and restaurant Appetizers & Soups • Sandwiches & Wraps Pasta • Salads • Burgers • Poultry Fresh Fish & Seafood • Steaks & Ribs

Weekly Specialties!

Tuesday: Build Your Own Burger 2 of ‘em for $10.95! 5-9 pm Friday: Pasta Buffet 5-9pm Create your own pasta dish & see it sautéed on the spot!

• Over 70 wines by the glass • Specializing in unique craft beers • Casual fine dining • Live music every Thurs. Check our website for events!

Tues-Wed 4-10 • Thurs-Sat 4-11:30 sixthavenuewineandale.com

Sunday: Prime Rib Brunch 8am-2pm Breakfast & lunch favorites including prime rib & glazed ham, omelette station, fresh rolls, fruit and biscuits & gravy!

320-762-1124 • www.arrowwoodresort.com 2100 Arrowwood Lane NE, Alexandria

115 6th Ave. E, Downtown Alexandria • 320-759-2277

• Full Menu from Omlettes & Pancakes, to Walleye & Prime Rib • Known for Great Breakfasts... Egg Dishes, Waffles Omelettes, Pancakes, and Biscuits & Gravy • Breakfast Specials Mon - Sat until 10 AM • Home-made Soups & Daily Specials • Deli Sandwiches – Area’s Best Salad Bar • Caramel Rolls & Home Made Pies 511 Broadway - Historic Downtown - 320-763-4000

LJ’s

Food & Liquor

147 Main St. • Miltona 218-943-2441 21821 8-94 9433-24 2441 41

Tuesday - Taco Night Wednesday - Wing Night Thursday - Sliders Friday - Buffet Saturday - Prime Rib Special Sunday - Buffet Monday - CLOSED Tues. - Fri. 11am-10pm Sat. 8am-10pm • Sun. 8am-9pm

Mon.-Thurs.

7am-5pm.

Fri.-Sat. 6am-5pm

Food Service in Bar until 10pm

Home of “Shoot The Minnow” Fridays and Fishing Opener thru Labor Day An 80 year tradition of bringing you the BEST Chicken and Fall-off-the-Bone Ribs you will find anywhere!

DANCE FLOOR

11am - 10pm Dining Room • 11am - 1am Bar

Breakfast, noon & nightly dinner specials.

9am-last call (12:45am)

WITH COMPLETE SPEAKER SYSTEM In-House Catering for any size

Anniversaries • Birthdays Reunions • Business Meetings Seating Up To 300 - Decorations Allowed Reservations Requested for Menu - Groups Over 8

211 Main Ave, Carlos • 320-852-7170

Open 7 days a week!

••• Located downtown Nelson On Central Lakes Bike Trail

320-762-2416 We offer our catering service for your special events. www.corralsupperclub.com

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 19

WE INVITE YOU TO

Tubing at Andes Tower Ski Hills • www.andestowerhills.com

Explore Alexandria THIS WINTER.

Legendary Hospitality awaits you at

ExploreAlex.com

20 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

Ice Skating at Noonan’s Park

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Warming up inside at Carlos Creek Winery www.carloscreekwinery.com

Cross country skiing at Carlos State Park

Snow shoeing at Carlos State Park

Alexandri-ahh

Relax. Refresh. Recharge. Repeat.

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 21

Birthplace of America

P

erhaps one of the most eyecatching “landmarks” in Alexandria is Big Ole – a 28foot tall Viking statue that stands at the north end of Broadway.

Born in 1965, the Viking has become a much-respected resident in the lakes area.

The idea for the statue began in January of 1964 when North Star World’s Fair Corporation in Osseo began working on an addition to the Minnesota display for the New York World’s Fair. The display was to feature the historical Kensington Runestone in an animated scene titled “Minnesota, Birthplace of America.” The new item to coincide with this display was the 28-foot, four-ton Viking statue.

Big Ole was completed by Gorden Displays of Minneapolis in April of 1965 and was transported to New

York just in time for the World’s Fair.

Big Ole arrived at his home in Alexandria in front of the Runestone Museum in December of 1965. Now, almost 45 years later, he still stands strong.

KENSINGTON RUNESTONE It’s a controversy more than 100 years in the making: Did an immigrant Swedish farmer find a buried rock in 1898 that contained an ancient runic message carved by Viking explorers 100 years before Columbus landed in America? Or is the whole thing a hoax, perpetrated by the farmer or some other prankster?

A large replica of the Kensington Runestone is located at a small, wayside rest. Visitors can read the inscription and take a photo by the replica.

The replica is located in a small park at the east end of 6th Avenue in Alexandria.

Explore the controversy for yourself at the Runestone Museum, located at 206 Broadway in Alexandria.

For more information call (320) 7633160, or visit the museum’s website at www.runestonemuseum.org.

BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICA

Lakes & Parks

Vacationerle and Big O ne o t s e n u R e th

BIG OLE The 28-foot tall Viking statue is located at the north end of Broadway in Big Ole Park, across the street from the Runestone Museum at 206 Broadway.

KENSINGTON RUNESTONE The world-famous Runestone is located at the Runestone Museum, 206 Broadway in Alexandria.

RUNESTONE MUSEUM 206 Broadway, Alexandria. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with the Runestone, the museum holds exhibits on Native Americans, early immigrant history, the history of Alexandria, a memorial/gun exhibit, a Minnesota wildlife exhibit, and a hands-on children’s area.

FORT ALEXANDRIA Houses the Runestone Museum and is a nearly exact replica of the stockade built in 1862 and contains several original buildings, including an 1889 church, a log cabin built in the late 1860s and an 1885 schoolhouse.

22 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

Come Worship With Us ALEXANDRIA Alexandria Covenant 4005 Dakota St., 763-5659 John LeVahn, Senior Pastor Trinity Opp, Executive Pastor Brian Farka, Pastor of Student Ministry Julie Barnes, Director of Children’s Ministry For Worship service times & event info visit us online at www.alexandriacovenant.org

Alexandria United Methodist 2210 6th Ave. E, www.alexumc.org Jeffrey Hansen, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 10:30am Sunday School: 9:00am Coffee & Fellowship 9:00am

Berea Lutheran Brethren Church 1605 E. 6th St., 762-1092 www.welcometoberea.org Steve Walswick, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the month

Calvary Lutheran (E.L.C.A.) 605 Douglas St., 763-5178 Han Dahl, Pastor Saturday: Worship with Holy Communion 6 :00pm Sunday: Worship Services 8:30am & 10:45am Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays Sunday Worship Radio Broadcast: 10:30am KXRZ-FM 99.3 Sunday School: 9:45am

Catalyst Covenant Church 1401 So. McKay, 759-1800 (Woodland Elementary) www.catalystcov.org Steve Eng, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:00am Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the month

Church for the Harvest 1910 Aga Dr., 759-1400, www.cfthonline.com Sunday Worship: 10:00am Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the month Youth: Wednesdays 6:30pm

Cornerstone Church 202 7th Ave. E, 762-1565 www.cornerstoneofalexandria.com Darryl Knappen, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:00am Holy Communion 1st, 2nd & 4th Sundays

First Congregational United Church of Christ 221 7th Ave W, 763-3341 Scott Keehn, Pastor www.firstcongregationaluccalex.com Sunday Worship: 10:00am Communion 2nd Sunday of the month KXRA radio broadcast 1st Sunday of the month

First Lutheran (E.L.C.A) 822 Douglas Street, 762-2196 Greg Billbert, Marilee Bergerson, Kari VanWakeren, Pastors Saturday Worship: 8:45am & 10:00am Sunday Worship: 8:30am, 9:45am & 11:00am Sunday School: 8:45am & 10:00am Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays & opposite Saturdays Radio Broadcast: 9:45am KXRA 1490AM Good Shepherd Lutheran 2702 Hwy. 29 N, 762-5152 www.goodshepherd-LCMS.org Eric Van Scharrel, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 10:45am Bible Study & Sunday School: 9:30am Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sunday of the month

House of Prayer Church 3020 Rosewood Lane SE, 762-0828 www.hopci.com Lynndene Way, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:00am Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Lake Community Church 1751 Co Rd 44 NW, 762-5424 www.lakecommunity.org Ron Berget, Senior Pastor Melody Warren, Minister of Women Jeff Pankratz, Youth Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Sunday School: 10:30am Weekdays: Kidzone 3:45pm Student Mentoring and Activity Groups

Living Word Lutheran Church (LCMC) Holiday Inn, Alexandria, 5637 Hwy 29 S, 762-1997 Office: 324 Broadway #209 www.livingwordalexmn.org AJ Kluver, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Sunday School & Adult Bible Study: 10:15am Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

New Testament Church 2505 Hwy 29 North, 762-2444 Peter Reishus, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10:00am

St. Mary’s Catholic Church 420 Irving Street, 763-5781 www.stmaryalexandria.org Father Steven M. Binsfeld Saturday Masses: 5:00 pm Sunday Masses: 8:00am & 10:00am Weekday Masses: Contact church for times Sacrament of Penance: 4:00pm Saturday

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (WELS) Rosewood & Scandia - Victoria Heights 762-1644, www.stpaulalex.com Michael Neuman, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Sunday School & Bible Class: 10:30am Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month

OTHER AREAS Our Saviour’s Lutheran Nelson, 762-0140 Jeremy Pedersen, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Church School: 3:45pm Wednesdays

St. John’s Lutheran (LCMS) 401 Park Street, Garfield, 320-834-2248 stjohn@gctel.com Benjamin Schimm, Pastor Sunday: 9:00am Worship 10:00am Coffee & Fellowship Holy Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays Sunday School & Bible Class: 10:15am Please call 320-834-5095 for weekday mass times: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Brandon Saturday Worship: 7:30pm

Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Millerville Sunday Worship: 8:30am

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Urbank Saturday Worship: 4:00pm

St. Williams, Parkers Prairie Sunday Worship: 10:30am

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 23

Grab your snowmobile and head out for a breathtaking ride innesota has more than 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails that criss-cross its forests, prairies, hills and lakes.

These trails, which are often maintained through a partnership between local clubs, trail users and the state, make Minnesota a popular snowmobiling destination.

Here in Douglas County, it’s just as wonderful for snowmobilers.

There are breathtaking scenes on 368 miles of Douglas Area Trails Association (DATA) snowmobile trails. These trails wind throughout the county,

M

connecting every community in the area and providing connections to trails in surrounding counties as well.

The DATA trails also include part of the Central Lakes Trail, the abandoned Burlington-Northern railway that has been transformed into a paved fourseason recreational trail. The 55-mile Central Lakes Trail connects the communities of Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis.

The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail, which extends from Osakis to St. Joseph near St. Cloud. Together, the two trail systems are about 120 miles long and extend from Fergus Falls to St. Joseph.

Studs are not allowed on either the Central Lakes Trail or the Lake Wobegon Trail.

Snowmobilers’ code of ethics RIDING SAFELY

Parks, Lakes & Trails

Vacationer s l i a r t e h t Ride

I will be a good sports enthusiast. I recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote fair conduct.

1

2 3

I will not litter on trails or camping areas. I will not pollute lakes or streams.

4 5 6 7

I will respect other people’s property and rights.

I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features. I will go out only when there is sufficient snow so that I will not damage the land.

I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.

I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.

I will not interfere with or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice anglers, or other winter sports enthusiasts. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.

I will know and obey all federal, state/provincial and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I use my vehicle. I will inform officials when using public lands.

8

I will not harass wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.

9 10

I will stay on marked trails or marked roads open to snowmobiles. I will not snowmobile where prohibited.

Source: DNR Snowmobile Safety Training Manual

24 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

Douglas Area Trails Association Years ago, there were few places in Douglas County to snowmobile safely. Lakes and ditches were about the only option available until DATA was formed in 1974.

The association built the first trail that year (15 miles) with help from private landowners, business people and residents, and by 1975 it had a total of 80 miles. The system grew by leaps and bounds, expanding to 270 miles by 1978.

The organization was started by a small group of snowmobile enthusiasts who wanted to promote safe snowmobiling in Douglas County.

More than 500 landowners have given permission for trails to cross their property. Without their cooperation, there wouldn’t be a trail system.

For more information visit the DATA website at www.douglasareatrails.com. A free trail map and additional trail information are available at the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 206 Broadway. See the DATA trail map on Pages 16-17.

We have everything for the

whole outdoors!

• Bait & Tackle • Ice Fishing Equipment • Predator Calls • Guns & Ammo • Danner Hunting Boots Fireplaces in all units

Best Prices on Guns in the Area!

The General Store For the whole outdoors 204 Central Ave, Osakis, MN • 320-859-5159

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK R001817404

r Round Open Yea

1532 Brophy Park Rd. NW Alexandria, MN 56308 320-762-8386 • www.brophylakeresort.com

BUSINESS HOURS: MON - THURS 9AM-5PM; FRI & SAT 8AM-6PM

R001821266

It’s 5:00 Somewhere!

Why not meet your friends at the BRANDON

LIQUOR STORE

Happy Hour Monday-Saturday 3-6 pm Birthday Specials last Saturday of the month - 2-5pm & 9-11pm Bloody Mary & Pizza all day every Saturday

320.834.4547 DAILY HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 10am-Midnight; Fri & Sat. 10am-1am ~ Friends always welcomed R001821261 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 25

WINTER FUN ALONG THE TRAILS Your guide to

GAS & GROCERY

LODGING

1 Cenex Convenience Store

8 Holiday Inn of Alexandria

2 Holiday Gas - 4 Locations

10 AmericInn Lodge

Garfield | 320.834.2224

320.762.0447 | 320.763.8130 320.763.2345 | 320.759.1720

3 Brophy Bay Mart 320.219.7523

320.763.6577

& Suites

320.763.6808

11 Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center 320.762.1124

12 Hampton Inn & Suites 320.763.3360

FOOD & BEVERAGE

13 Super 8 Motel

3 Brophy Bay Mart

14 Country Inn & Suites

4 Brandon Municipal

15 Days Inn

320.219.7523

Liquor Store

320.834.4547

5 Fire Station Bar & Grill

320.763.6552 320.763.9900 320.762.1171

16 Best Western 320.762.5161

Garfield | 320.834.3250

6 Leaf Valley Mercantile 320.834.2532

7 Herby’s On & Off Sale

ATV/SNOWMOBILE SALES & SERVICE

8 Holiday Inn of Alexandria

17 Evansville Sports

Carlos | 320.852.7170 320.763.6577

& Rudy’s Redeye Grill 320.763.9983

9 Osakis Liquor 320.859.2605

& Lawn

320.834.4626 | Yamaha

18 Ollie’s Service

320.763.4455 | Ski-Doo

19 Paul’s Small Engine

320.762.5167 | Kawasaki

To pinpoint your business on the map, contact Izzy at the Echo Press, 320.763.3133.

26 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

17

6

7 4 5 11

1

19 2 3

2 16

10 13 15

18 12

9

2

14 2 8

The Douglas Area Trails Association maintains 370 miles of snowmobile trails (shown in yellow) in West Central Minnesota.

Douglas County Map of Winter Fun, Including D.A.T.A. Trails!

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 27

Historicty Socie

Knute Nelson home houses Alexandria history nterested in local history? Visit the Douglas County Historical Society and take a guided tour of the famous Knute Nelson house, home of one of Alexandria’s most famous residents. Nelson, who served the people of Minnesota in public office for more than 50 years, was elected to the Minnesota Legislature, and served two terms in the U.S. Congress before becoming the state’s first foreign-born governor. He then served in the U.S. Senate for 28 years.

Nelson claimed a homestead in Alexandria in 1871 and built a small house on the property in 1874. As his political career progressed, he made additions to the house, adding a formal living room and large bedroom in 1900 and a dining room and kitchen on the main floor and four more bedrooms on the second story in 1915.

Nelson died in 1923. His will stated that following the death of his daughter, Ida, the house was to be given to the Norwegian Lutheran Church as a “home for the aged.” It served in that capacity for 38 years.

I

28 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Arts & Entertainment

Vacationeral

THE DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY was organized in 1976 to discover, preserve and disseminate the history of the county and its people.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC include a research library with church, school, cemetery and family history files, and microfilm of census records and area newspapers dating back to 1875.

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS are available to assist with research.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INCLUDE slide shows of each town in the county, oral history, interviews, a photo collection, materials for identification of significant buildings and sites in Douglas County, a vintage clothing and uniform collection, and county history books.

HOURS Office: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Tours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3p.m.

Research Center: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

1219 Nokomis Street FOR MORE INFORMATION call (320) 762-0382 or visit www.dchsmn.org.

In 1978, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On October 1, 1987, the “Knute Nelson House” became the headquarters of the Douglas County Historical Society.

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43164 43 316 164 CR R 112 112, 1 Sa 12 Sau Sauk uk C uk Centre entre en North Highway 71

320-351-7669 Don’t worry about the drive... Check us out on the web!

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www.Centre-Sports.com ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.

It’s easier than ever to switch! Open your account online or call our SwitchLine at 320.762.3200 or toll-free 800.450.8949.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone and check out all the frees we give our customers! bellbanks.com | Member FDIC

1001 Broadway, Alexandria, MN

Is Your Car Ready For Winter?

Take advantage of these service specials.

FREE ROTATIONS for the life of the tires

with 4 tire purchase.

Includes free balance with first rotation.

Add Road Hazard Tire Protection for $1 per tire.

Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. Excludes tires.

WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH DEC. 31, 2012.

FREE BRAKE INSPECTION

SAVE ON ANY REPAIR $

10 OFF any repair of $ 20 OFF any repair of $ 50 OFF any repair of

50 or more

$

200 or more

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Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. Excludes tires.

WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH DEC. 31, 2012.

Protect your tire investment!

Alignments starting at $50

PLUS $20 off any needed Brake Service with 4 tire purchase Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. Excludes tires.

WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH DEC. 31, 2012.

$

some restrictions apply

Most cars & light trucks. Limit one discount per vehicle. Not valid with any other discount. Excludes tires.

WITH COUPON. VALID THROUGH DEC. 31, 2012.

1705 South Broadway, Alexandria Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm • Sat 7:30am-Noon

320-763-6557

R001795834

R001822731 112

Cenex Tire Pros Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 29

Hockey entertainment all winter long f you have a hankerin’ for hockey, then the NA3HL Alexandria Blizzard action is for you! Competing in the West Division along with teams from Little Falls, Mason City, IA, Oakdale and Sauk Rapids, the Blizzard offers USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior hockey entertainment throughout the winter.

The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) is one of six leagues

I

30 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

serving as some of the top training grounds in the country available to student-athletes, providing them with more opportunities to advance to college and pro hockey.

Players are able to compete in front of the entire junior, college and professional scouting community as they fine tune their skills.

Highly competitive, 3HL hockey, and the Alexandria Blizzard in particular, provides exceptional hockey entertainment for spectators beginning in September and continuing through March.

IF YOU ATTEND

Arts & Entertainment

Vacationerard hit Blizz e the ic

THE ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD play their home games at the Runestone Community Center, located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 802 3rd Ave. West, Alexandria, just off County Road 82.

2012 HOME SCHEDULE FOR THE BLIZZARD Dec. 7 .......................................Quad City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 .......................................Quad City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14...................................North Iowa at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21..................................Granite City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 .....................................North Iowa at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Jan. 5.........................................Twin City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 ............................MN Flying Aces at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 ............................MN Flying Aces at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 .................................Breezy Point at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30.......................................Twin City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2...............................MN Flying Aces at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8.........................................Twin City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 ....................................Granite City at Alexandria, 7 p.m.

Minnesota .........................................................MN Flying Aces Granite City ......................................................GC Lumberjacks Twin City.......................................................................TC Steel North Iowa ...............................................................NI Outlaws Breezy Point........................................................BP North Stars Quad City..............................................................QC Jr. Flames

Your

Retirement...

When a Smaller Setting is Best...

Options for

Seniors

320.352.0255 www.diamondwillow.com

Apartments Available! Bethel Manor Independent & Assisted Living

ecumenbethany.org | (320) 762-1567 • Silver Sneakers Program • Weight Loss Support Program m • Pre-Surgical & Therapy Services • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing • Memory Care

320.859.2142

410 West Main Street • Osakis, MN www.galeonmn .com “Serving those with memory loss since 1997”

Call today for more information and to schedule a personalized tour.

(320) 763-8244 812 McKay Avenue, Alexandria • www.prairieseniorcottages.com Kayla Thoennes • kayla@prairieseniorcottages.com

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 31

Arts & Entertainment

Vacationer a e r A a i Alexandr ciation o s s A s t r A

Theater, music and entertainment right here in downtown Alexandria ommunity theater presented by the Alexandria Area Arts Association produces four main stage shows each season to entertain audiences in the lakes area.

Both brand new and seasoned actors take the stage before the more than 5,000 audience members that visit the theater annually.

Those shows include a wide variety of entertainment, from classic to farce and from drama to musical comedy.

Each fall, the AAAA theater season begins with a large-scale musical, which utilizes a live orchestra pit. The winter holiday show usually features a family-friendly holiday play, and the remainder of the season brings to life a wide variety of venues for audiences.

Both onstage and off, audiences will

C

notice many familiar faces as the AAAA takes advantage of the talents of local artists and community members – a true community theater.

To find out more about the theater and performances, visit www.alexandriaareaarts.org.

Main Stage Productions IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: Experience the holidays with the saga of George Bailey, an Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. On Christmas Eve, his guardian angel descends to save him from despair and to remind him – by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born – that his has been, after all, a wonderful life.

November 30, Dec. 1, 7-8, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 2, 9, 2 p.m.

RUMORS: At a large, tastefully appointed Sneden's Landing townhouse, the deputy mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of farce. Gathering for their 10th wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken and wife Chris must get "the story" straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.

February 8, 9, 15, 16, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10, 17, 2 p.m.

LUCKY STIFF: The story revolves around an unassuming English shoe salesman who is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently-murdered Atlantic City uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo. Should he succeed in passing Uncle off as alive, Harry Witherspoon stands to inherit $6 million. If not, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn, or else to the gun-toting wife of the casino owner! First produced at Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway (Richard Rodgers Award), the show later went on to win Washington's Helen Hayes Award for Best Musical, and is now performed frequently across the country.

April 19, 20, 26, 27, 7:30 p.m.

April 21, 28, 2 p.m.

TICKETS: Alexandria Area Arts Association 618 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308 BOX OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

One hour before performance Phone: 320-762-8300

32 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

EVENTS CALENDAR

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 10 a.m. to noon: Osakis Santa Day at Osakis School cafeteria.

10 a.m. to noon: Bees wax candle making at Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast, Carlos; (320) 852-7200.

1 to 3 p.m. Annual holiday tea at Ann Bickle Heritage House, 226 Minnesota Avenue, Glenwood; (320) 634-5334.

7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Derelict Trio at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Live music by Whisky Junction at the Eagles, Alexandria.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free community turkey dinner at Broadway Ballroom presented by Ellingson Plumbing, Heating, A/C and Electrical and Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill to benefit the Radiothon to End Child Abuse. Includes silent auction. Donations welcome.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 6:30 p.m. Allies Student Ministry worship night at Holiday Inn Barn, Alexandria.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 Alexandria Downtown Merchants Hometown Christmas Experience.

7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Funky Gumbo at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Alexandria Downtown Merchants Hometown Christmas Experience.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Douglas County Historical Society Ethnic Bake Sale, Alexandria.

7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Anne and Leon Duo at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 10 a.m. to noon: Snowshoe with a naturalist at Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast, Carlos; (320) 852-7200.

1 to 3 p.m. Snowshoe geocaching at Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast, Carlos; (320) 852-7200.

7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Lisa Lynn at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Free “Feed My Sheep” supper at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria; (320) 762-2196.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 5:30 p.m. 5-course Christmas wine dinner at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria; Reservation only; (320) 7592277, sixthavealex@gctel.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Enterprise at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Sara and Brian at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Finestra at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Finestra at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Alexandria Downtown Merchants Hometown Christmas Experience.

9 to 10 a.m. Free sausage/pancake breakfast, United Methodist Church, 2210 6th Ave. E, Alexandria; (320) 763-4624.

1 to 3 p.m. Animal signs/tracking at Lake Carlos State Park, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast, Carlos; (320) 852-7200.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 The 13th annual Ice Fishing Challenge, noon to 3 p.m., Lake L’Homme Dieu

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Alexandria Downtown Merchants Hometown Christmas Experience, www.downtownalexandria.com.

3 to 7 p.m. Winter Dance Club with Jerry O’Hagan Orchestra at Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 12 p.m. Alexandria Polar Bear Plunge presented by Minnesota law enforcement to benefit Special Olympics at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, 2100 Arrowwood Lane NW, Alexandria; (612) 604-1257, http://www.plungemn.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Uncle Willie’s Gut Bucket Blues at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17 3 to 7 p.m. Winter Dance Club with Velvet Brass at Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Emergency Stop at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 7 to 10 p.m. Live music by Tim Fast at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale, Alexandria.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 3 to 7 p.m. Winter Dance Club with Tim Patrick and His Blue Eyes Band at Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7 3 to 7 p.m. Winter Dance Club with The White Rose Band at Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 3 to 7 p.m. Winter Dance Club with The Sammy Jensen Orchestra at Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood.

Buy One adult ticket, get one

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HALf PRICE

320.763.7600 alexandriablizzard.com

Valid on home games through 2/9/13.

Limit 1 per visit.

Furniture . Decor . Art . Jewelry . Gifts 2 E Minnesota Ave . Glenwood, MN . www.Meco7.com R001827660

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 33

AREA LAKES

AARON Size: 545 acres Depth: 16 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Features: Shallow lake with sandy beaches Public access: Southeast end AGNES Size: 137 acres Depth: 31 feet Game fish: Pan fish, northern, bass, some walleye Features: Fishing pier in City Park, poor water quality Public access: Carry-in access from park on south side ANDREW Size: 946 acres Depth: 83 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Sandy beaches, popular recreational lake Public access: Southeast side from Co. Rd. 28 BROPHY Size: 289 acres Depth: 44 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Near Alexandria, small, heavy aquatic vegetation Public access: Northwest shore off Co. Rd. 82 BURGEN Size: 184 acres Depth: 43 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, some bass and walleye Features: Small, near Alexandria, steeply sloped shoreline Public access: North end of lake off Co. Rd. 23

34 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

CARLOS Size: 2,520 acres Depth: 163 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Access to chain of lakes, clear, deep Public access: North shore in state park, northeast shore near state park, west shore off Co. Rd. 11, east shore CHIPPEWA Size: 1,186 acres Depth: 95 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Deep lake Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 12 COWDRY Size: 238 acres Depth: 52 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Small, clear lake near Alexandria Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82, west of Alexandria DARLING Size: 954 acres Depth: 62 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, largemouth bass, walleye Features: Water access to chain of lakes Public access: Access by water from Lake Carlos

DEVILS Size: 221 acres Depth: 35 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Small, spring-fed lake Public access: North side of lake off Co. Rd. 7 GENEVA Size: 631 acres Depth: 63 feet Game fish: Largemouth bass, northern, pan fish, walleye Features: Pier on north end, access to chain of lakes Public access: North side, east side HENRY Size: 159 acres Depth: 32 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, some bass Features: Near Alexandria, small, next to City Park Public access: Accessible by water from Agnes IDA Size: 4,289 acres Depth: 106 feet Game fish: Walleye, bass, northern, pan fish Features: Large, clear lake with sandy beaches Public access: North side, two accesses on east side IRENE Size: 630 acres Depth: 44 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Small lake near Miltona Public access: Northwest side, southeast

L’HOMME DIEU Size: 1,744 acres Depth: 85 feet Game fish: Walleye, largemouth bass, northern, pan fish Features: Access to chain of lakes, swimming beach Public access: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 42, northeast side off Co. Rd. 120 LOBSTER Size: 1,308 acres Depth: 65 feet Game fish: Northern, pan fish, walleye, bass, muskellunge Features: Many bays and points, heavy recreational use Public access: West end of lake off Co. Rd. 27 MAPLE Size: 815 acres Depth: 78 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Mostly shallow, excellent water quality Public access: Two accesses on north shore near Forada MARY Size: 2,371 acres Depth: 40 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Large lake, popular fishing and recreational lake Public access: Northwest corner off State Hwy 27, southwest corner off Co. Rd. 4

MILL Size: 461 acres Depth: 40 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Spring-fed, moderately developed Public access: Southeast corner of the lake MILTONA Size: 5,838 acres Depth: 105 feet Game fish: Walleye, bass, northern, pan fish, muskellunge Features: Largest lake in the county, deep, diverse habitat Public access: North shore off Co. Rd. 14, northeast side off State Hwy. 29, township access on east side MOSES Size: 822 acres Depth: 32 feet Game fish: Walleye, largemouth bass, pan fish, northern Features: Clear water, moderately developed Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 16 OSAKIS Size: 6,270 acres Depth: 73 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, pan fish, bass Features: Large lake with many bars and fishing structures Public access: South end in Osakis, west side off Co. Rd. 10, north end off Co. Rd. 10, east side

OSCAR Size: 1,040 acres Depth: 25 feet Game fish: Walleye, pan fish, northern, muskellunge Features: Infested with Eurasian water milfoil Public access: North side off of State Hwy. 27 RED ROCK Size: 708 acres Depth: 22 feet Game fish: Northern, walleye, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Shallow Public access: East side of lake off Co. Rd. 1 SMITH Size: 575 acres Depth: 30 feet Game fish: Northern, walleye, pan fish, largemouth bass Features: Spring-fed, diverse aquatic vegetation Public access: Northeast corner VICTORIA Size: 419 acres Depth: 60 feet Game fish: Northern, walleye, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Long, narrow lake with access to Lake Geneva Public access: South end of lake off Co. Rd. 23 WINONA Size: 190 acres Depth: 9 feet Game fish: Bullhead, perch, crappie Features: Poor water quality, algal blooms, little fishing Public access: City-owned, carry-in access

Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 35

AREA LAKES

LATOKA Size: 776 acres Depth: 108 feet Game fish: Walleye, northern, largemouth bass, pan fish Features: Clear, deep, very good water quality Public access: North side, west side of south basin

Find your favorite at the Douglas County Library isitors can find both information and fun at the Douglas County Library, located at 720 Fillmore Street in the Douglas County Services Center in Alexandria.

Whether you are looking for books and magazines, movies and Internet access, or just a quiet place to read and research, the Douglas County Library has it all.

The library contains a total of about 93,000 items,

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including books, paperbacks, largeprint books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, books on CD, music CDs, and children’s books. Also available are several computers with Internet access, a photo copier/fax machine and a CD listening area.

The Douglas County Library is part of the Viking Library System, which consists of 11 libraries in six counties in west central Minnesota that share books and other items. Visitors can search for and request material from other libraries throughout the state on any of the library’s six online catalog computers or from their home computers. A self check-out machine is also available.

CHECK IT OUT

Arts & Entertainment

Vacationer Read a good book

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Douglas County Library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call (320) 762-3014 or visit www.douglascountylibrary.org BOOKS, MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS The library has more than 19,000 fiction and 22,000 non-fiction books, approximately 4,400 paperbacks and an ever-changing section of new books, as well as 90 magazine subscriptions and 12 newspapers.

The library also has more than 2,000 large-print titles for checkout.

E-BOOKS AND AUDIO BOOKS The library has downloadable e-books and audio books. Information about the electronic media can be found at www.viking.lib.mn.us.

AUDIO-VISUAL There is a large selection of audio-visual items, including more than 1,200 music CDs, 3,200 books on CD, and about 2,500 DVD movies. A DVD player is also available for checkout.

CHILDREN’S LIBRARY The library contains a large children’s section with around 30,000 items, including picture books, easy readers, non-fiction and paperback books as well as a large selection of books on CD, music CDs, and more than 1,700 DVD movies. Also available at the children’s desk are two children’s computers with Internet access. Additionally, there is a growing collection of teen materials, with more than 3,200 fiction books, paperbacks and books on CD. COMPUTERS AND INTERNET The library’s computer lab includes nine computer stations with Internet access, as well as two printers and a scanner. Wireless Internet is available throughout the library. In addition, the library has a computer for the blind, and machines to help people read who are visually impaired.

MEETING AND STUDY ROOMS Along with a quiet study room, two individual study rooms and a group study room, the library also has a small meeting room and a large meeting room.

Meeting rooms are available at no charge for nonprofit use. Other groups may rent the rooms for a fee.

USED BOOK STORE The store features hundreds of used books, including adult fiction and non-fiction in hardcover and paperback along with many children’s books.

36 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

p o h S

DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA

Support these local merchants!

Refurbished & Repurposed Furniture, Home Decor & so much more!

109 6th Ave W Alexandria

www.thegoldengiraffe.com

522 Broadway Alexandria Mon-Fri.- 10am-5:30pm Sat. - 10am-5pm

women’s apparel

518 Broadway Alexandria, MN 320.219.7550

•F •Fabrics •F •Furniture •W •Window Treatments •R •Rugs •A •Accessories •I •Interior Design Service

& tanning

DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA • LITTLE FALLS MORRIS • WAHPETON

320.763.5157 • M-F 9-7; SAT. 9-5:30; SUN. 12-4

609 Broadway • Alexandria •320.763.8377 theinteriorshoppe@embarqmail.com • theinteriorshoppe.com

AN EVENT STUDIO

320.846.1166 614 Broadway, Alexandria

509 Broadway • Alexandria 320-846-0003

•Fresh Flowers •Special Events •Rental (Linens, too!) •Table Décor

KJ

614 Broadway, Alexandria

320-219-7159 10am–5pm Monday through Saturday Like us on Facebook!

604 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363

www.scandinaviangifts.com

Antique Store

Boutique

320-763-7011 www.dawnsquiltshop.com

Velkommen!

Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries

Karrow Jewelers

a fine diamond and jewelry company

Downtown Alexandria • 320-763-3334 Viking Plaza Mall • 320-763-5833

k a r ro w j e w e l e r s . c o m

• Furniture • Pottery • Glassware • Vintage Clothing & Jewelry • Primitives • Unique Home Décor

320-762-8990

517 Broadway, Alexandria

Sandi Johnson & Ron Moritz • Mon–Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5:30, Sun 12-4

6th & Broadway • Alexandria 320.846.1100 • magpie.com

Mens

Wear Big & Tall

For Men of All Sizes • Shoes • Tuxedos • Boots Mon. - Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-5:30 630 Broadway • Downtown Alexandria 320.762.2475

Alexandria Music • Guitars • Violins • Banjos • Accessories • Music Books • Repairs • Lessons • Big Sound/Rental/Sale/Install 606 Broadway St • Alexandria

320-762-8203 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 37

Arts & Entertainment

Vacationer n w o t n w o Historic d A little something for everyone here’s more to downtown Alexandria than storefronts. There’s history, a sense of pride and merchants who are dedicated to making visits so memorable you’ll want to come back.

Formed in 1967, the Alexandria Downtown Merchants Association (DMA) strives to enhance, beautify and promote the diversity of the city’s thriving downtown shopping and business district while protecting and preserving its historical past.

Rich in history since the late 1800s, downtown Alexandria encompasses 3rd through 8th Avenues on Broadway and is a popular shopping destination for antiques, unique boutiques, gift shops,

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38 Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer

eateries, museums and theater.

In addition, DMA organizes projects and events that take place downtown, and takes care of beautification projects, such as the purchase and maintenance of the colorful flower baskets that hang along the streets in the summertime and the “Historic Downtown Alexandria” banners that were put up a couple of years ago. With the DMA’s support, garbage receptacles and more benches were added to downtown to accommodate shoppers.

For more information about DMA, including upcoming downtown events, visit its website: www.downtownalexandria.com. The group is also on Facebook.

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Nov. / Dec. 2012 • Vacationer 39

p U m r a W inter W

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

• • • • • • • • •

1 cup p th thaw thawed, awed ed, ch chop chopped oppe ped d froz ffrozen rozen en n sspinach pina pi nach ch 11/2 cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts 6 ounces cream cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup grated Parmesan 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Boil spinach and artichokes in 1 cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in rest of ingredients and serve hot.

Love recipes?

Find more at eldens.com/mealplanner

Open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria • 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com

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