Things to do in the Greater St. Cloud Area | St. Cloud Shines

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“All work and no play” doesn’t sound like much fun.

But how would we know?

Greater St. Cloud has so much to do—day and night, season after season—that we always find reasons to play. Lots of them, so pace yourself.

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#StCloudShines Stories

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Feb 21

“We want to bring to life the heritage of New Orleans right here in downtown St. Joe. Combining a whole lot of passion with recipes passed down from generation to generation, our mouth-watering fare brings the culture and flavors of NOLA to Minnesota.” That’s @krewerestaurant - a Cajun, Creole, Italian, Vietnamese, and Irish-influenced restaurant in their first year of business - owned and operated by Mateo Mackbee.

The name itself is a homage to the groups of people who create the floats for Mardi Gras, “We use it as a way to say this “Krewe” is a group of people who have come together to make a creative experience! I grew up in MN but my mother was born and raised in New Orleans so we spent our summers growing there. My grandfather was a chef on a cargo ship that traveled from the port of New Orleans to locations around the world and when he was home, he would always be cooking for us.”

Krewe is a community-driven establishment that places great importance on being welcoming to everyone. Their restaurant is also a teaching kitchen that provides opportunities for marginalized communities in food and food-related industries. “We believe we can bring an elevated space with great food, awesome cocktails, and a great atmosphere that is loved by all.”

There are a few things that make Krewe unique - in addition to their menu. For example, their ingredients incorporate ingredients that are fresh and in-season. “Our service style is more of an experience than most places in the area as well. We encourage our guests to share food and enjoy conversation while eating.” And because “food is meant to be savored and shared” staff delivers food to the table as entrees are cooked are completed, rather than when the entire order is ready, so you can share and savor each dish while it is hot and fresh.

“My favorite menu item is probably the red beans and rice. It just tastes like home to me. The flavor and texture connect me to my mother and grandfather. It just gives me a feeling in my soul. We bring a cuisine that is not only unique to the Central MN Community but unique to our state as a whole.”

#StCloudShines
📸: @kwphotos_

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Feb 13

@daisyadayfloral opened in June 1992 in Sartell. Tom and Renee Omann purchased a building - previously a home - that they renovated. Just 4 years later, their daughter Tracy opened a second location in St. Joseph.

“One day my Dad noticed a daisy garden stake in the backyard - he pulled it out and handed it to my Mom and said, ‘Here’s a daisy for today’ - and that inspired her to name the shop Daisy a Day. We are a family born and raised in Central MN, and our family and community ties have kept us in this area. Now my daughter comes and helps at the shop and enjoys it, too.”

Renee Omann set a high standard for her floral business and led by example when it came to friendly, caring customer service. “I like to think I’m following in my mom’s footsteps by leading with my heart. We hear about someone who got bad news, or someone going through a hard time - and we try to send flowers, donate, or give back in any way we can. We have always felt it’s important to help bring smiles to our communities - but we’ve seen the impact of that even more in the last year.”

Although Daisy a Day’s Sartell location is no longer open, Renee still works part-time for her daughter in the St. Joe shop. “We still have customers of Mom’s who come in… and when they visit and she’s not here, they’re so kind to share stories of how special she is and all she did. She and I both feel we were meant to be in this line of business; people come in our door as customers, but leave as friends.”

When you visit their shop, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful, fresh flowers and green, blooming plants - but you might be surprised by the fun home decor, jewelry, apparel, and accessories they also have! “We like to be a shop for so many special occasions - new baby, birthday, prom, anniversary, wedding, celebration of life, and the ‘just because’ moments. We also do residential and event decorating.”

“I have so many flowers I love - the blush champagne alstroemeria, gerbera daisy, and double rose lily… my passion for design and helping others is why I truly love what I do.”

#StCloudShines

📸 @kwphotos_

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Feb 8

“A hand up, not a handout" - this isn't just a hallmark of Habitat for Humanity, but a phrase the Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity (@cmhfh lives by. “With the support of our donors and volunteers, CMHFH builds decent, affordable houses to help those in need. It is only after completing 200 hours of ‘sweat equity,’ taking 15+ hours of homeowner and financial wellness classes, and serving as active ambassadors and partners of our organization that accepted Habitat Homebuyer applicants purchase a home with a low-interest mortgage and manageable monthly payments,” explained Jessica Dahl, Volunteer Coordinator at CMHFH. “This ‘hand up’ helps break the cycle of poverty and creates a win-win for Habitat homeowners and the surrounding community.”

Community support - whether it be monetary or giving time - is invaluable to CMHFH. “As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we are responsible for developing our own financial resources locally. Our building budget is NOT subsidized by dollars provided by Habitat for Humanity International.”

Central MN Habitat for Humanity has built over 200 homes locally and abroad in the last 30 years. That work is thanks to a long, long list of amazing volunteers and community contributions. And, it’s something to celebrate! CMHFH is celebrating the generosity of volunteers, donors, and supporters during the Spotlight on Gratitude: A Virtual Celebration of Generosity event, held this week! This Friday the 12th, the celebration will wrap up with an evening driving tour of the three homes built in 2020. Each home will be beautifully illuminated to shine a light on the great work hundreds of individuals have done as part of Habitat for Humanity. They will also be handing out treats and gifts at two of the homes and everyone is invited! You can RSVP via the link in our bio.

#StCloudShines

📸: @kwphotos_

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Jan 26

5, 6, 7, 8 ... If you’ve had experience with dance, you know what that means - the fun is about to begin! Contrary to popular belief, dance class doesn't have to be for kids + teens only- and locally owned & operated studio, Ms. Melinda’s is making that happen!

Melinda Tamm is the Owner & CEO - and an instructor - at Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio (MMDS). “I am originally from Sartell and love the impact that Central MN has had in my development and growth as a business leader and artist.” They opened their doors to dancers over 15 years ago. These dancers are in our communities, as performers, coaches, students, mentors, and more - and they’ve performed in local musical theatre and events like @hollyballstcloud time and time again.

But it’s so much more than dance - and dance is so much more than movement and expression, especially to Tamm and her staff; “I started based on a passion of dance, and found a way to combine that with my love of teaching and the vision of a positive environment to encourage growth and self-awareness for others.”

In a world of online communication, comparisons, and negative messages, MMDS strives to be a positive influence and guiding light for students. “MMDS doesn’t just stand for Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio, it also stands for our values of M=Making a Difference, M=Mentorship, D=Dedication, & S=Self-Worth. Our staff comes together to help our community become the best version of themselves.” And there’s a whole lot of students in and out of Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio, growing stronger, in more ways than one. Every year the studio provides lessons to 500+ students ages 2 to adult.

And yes, you read that right - Ms. Melinda’s also offers ADULT CLASSES. Currently, there’s a session of adult tap classes for individuals across all experience levels. “All of our classes are offered to those with no experience to those with many years. My incredible staff is able to adapt classes to help all clients learn.” Adult classes typically start in January and the best way to be informed of opportunities is to follow their Facebook page and check the Class Registration page on the MMDS website (link in bio!). #StCloudShines

📸 @kwphotos_

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Jan 22

Prisms are used both literally and figuratively to show how to direct and disperse a beam of light. When a Central MN family was in the process of healing and bonding as a family, this symbolism was a natural fit. “An important message in our family is ‘Be the Light’ so we wanted to be able to incorporate that without necessarily using those words. For us, the meaning is multi-faceted, just like the prisms. If we can take a small amount of light - whatever we have - and multiply and disperse it, giving it beauty, hope, and bringing joy to someone who needs it, that seems like endless happiness - or Eternal Rainbows to us.”

Eternal Rainbow's mission is to embrace everyone’s inner light and make it shine even brighter through the power of giving. Each prism suncatcher is handmade by the Moorefield family. “These are made in remembrance of our son Isaiah, who lost his battle with depressing by suicide at the age of 19.”

“We are a family doing our best with what has been handed to us. It’s important to us that we share Isaiah’s light with others and to let them know they matter, and they are not alone. We’re also doing all of this to continue to instill strong moral values in our daughters and help them grow into strong confident and capable young ladies. We want to show others that they have a light within.”

For each suncatcher purchased from Eternal Rainbows, one is donated to a COVID19 patient in a participating hospital or care facility. “We knew what it was like to be “socially distant” already through our grieving but knew this was a new feeling of loneliness for many others. COVID19 seemed to have dimmed the world. After losing Isaiah we have found that part of our healing comes from wanting to help others.”

Eternal Rainbows is continuing to run their COVID19 promotion (buy one - give one). Hospital or care facility representatives can reach out to apply and receive suncatchers for COVID19 patients, too. Along with suncatchers, they are also selling a Be the Light masks - and if you’re looking for a way to be involved, there’s an option to donate. https://www.eternalrainbows.com/

Thank you, Eternal Rainbows, for helping others see how #StCloudShines.

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Jan 12

“I grew up on a small farm just out of the Foley area. From a very young age, I was exposed to a lot of great music by my parents. As a family, we were always listening to bands like Tom Petty, Eagles, @fleetwooddmac, and CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival) while working around the farm. Later on, I really got into the Heavy Metal music of the ’80s - Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Ozzy. That’s when I fell in love with #music and knew this was who I was. I got my first drum set and started trying to learn songs so I could join a band. After high school graduation, I was accepted at McNally-Smith School of Music in Minneapolis. Oddly enough, I ended up eventually joining a band from St. Cloud and moved back.”

Brian Helmin opened @stcloudmusicacademy (located in the same building as @thebridgeofharmony over 10 years ago, and they’re going strong! “In between gigs, I started doing private lessons at Al’s Music. Before long I had a fairly large student base. Unfortunately, they closed - but I saw an opportunity to start up my own lessons program including other various instruments. That was over a decade ago, and the program just continued to grow. We offer voice, piano, guitar, bass, drum, ukulele, and violin lessons for all ages and skill levels. We also offer a band program for students wanting to perform live.”

And did you catch that all ages and skill levels part? It’s true! St. Cloud Music Academy sees students from the age of 4 to senior adults! They believe you’re never too old to revisit a skill you once had, develop a new musical hobby, master a talent, or just enjoy and spend time with music. “St. Cloud Music Academy is all about passing on our passion for music to anyone who wants to learn. If you love music too, this is the place to be!”

As mentioned, there are a variety of types of lessons you can take at the Academy. And if you’re already a master of your musical gift, teaching is a great way to get involved! “We are also in need of additional instructors. Just call the Academy at 320-293-0588 for more information.”

If the music is calling you, St. Cloud Music Academy is there for you! #stcloudshines

📸 @savvyphotage

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Dec 27

Several years ago, three friends were chatting over coffee on a brisk November day, bemoaning their kids’ obsession with their Christmas lists. They longed to refocus their families on sharing the joy of the season with those around them and decided to start by doing one kind act—big or small—each day during the month of December.

It’s been almost a decade since that conversation, and over the years, Kendra, Julie, and Kristin have joined with friends and strangers alike each December to make cookies for neighbors, buy lunch for hospital staffers, and leave small gifts for the mail person. They’ve dropped off coffee drinks for their kids’ teachers, paid for the gas of a serviceman on his way out of town, and bought books for those who are incarcerated. They’ve picked out toys for kids in the greater St. Cloud community, served meals at Place of Hope, and rung bells for the Salvation Army.

At first, the idea felt daunting. But they believe that kindness can and should begin with you—in the places you’re already going, aimed toward the people you’re already seeing. Kindness doesn’t have to be another item on the to-do list.

What started with three friends wanting to spend December doing random acts of kindness as families ignited a movement and the publication of their first book, The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional. Their newest book—The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship Devotional— was published this fall, with the simple idea that in our busy, fast-paced world, many of us long for simple moments of connection with friends who make us feel loved and understood.

Together, Kristin Demery, Julie Fisk, and Kendra Roehl have written a series of books on kindness, generosity, failure, struggle, loss, a longing for true friendship and an unwavering desire to live intentionally through it all. The Central Minnesota authors invite others into the conversation through @theruthexperience, a growing online community. Their books can be found at the St. Cloud Barnes & Noble and @shantiyogacentermn. You can also contact them for contactless porch drop-offs through Facebook or Instagram!

#StCloudShine #DailyActsOfFriendship

📸@savvyphotage

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Dec 19

Meet the men behind the laughing, singing along, and wildly good times - based out of Central MN, but performing all over, they are Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos. Dave & Ted defy all expectations of a dueling piano show and lead the way to an unforgettable experience.

Dave Eichholz & Ted Manderfeld have been the piano duo guys for over 18 years! “Even though we have played so many shows together over the last 18 years, we still think each one is memorable! Things sometimes happen that you could never plan and shows all have their moments. Once we made a random senior couple stand up and dance a slow dance, and their grown children actually started crying. We thought we made a huge mistake, but it turned out it was that random couple’s 50th anniversary… and the old song we randomly played was their exact first dance wedding song. All. Just. Random. And memorable!”

Together, Dave and Ted have played in Panama, Canada, and all over the US - but Central MN is still home. “Our home base is central Minnesota and is often a home base for opportunities that bring us in all directions. I would say out of the 100-130 shows we do per year, a dozen or more of them are in the Central MN area.”

And while their shows started in bars and businesses that wanted to provide entertainment, a lot of their shows are now private parties. “When people ask if we play in Vegas, we then have to tell them that we do play Vegas, but for private entities that fly us down and put us in a ball-room in front of sometimes thousands of people... We haven’t played in a bar in almost a decade (not saying we won’t after 2020)!”

Speaking of 2020, Dueces Wild! Dueling Pianos is hosting a Live & Interactive New Year's Eve Special for the first time, ever - cozy up at home and grab some tissues (you’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry)! [link in bio with info!]

Dave & Ted really do put their whole heart into each performance; if you’ve had the pleasure of being in the audience you know what we mean! “We are always looking around making sure people are having a good time! To us the songs we are singing are never as important as the audience we are singing to.”