🥧 Paul, Babe & Blueberry Pie

Plus: A weekend in Bemidji

Author

Joe Carmack
July 23, 2025

Well, for cripes sake. She’s been a real soaker lately, huh? Feels like we’re one lutefisk short of needin’ an ark, and the rhubarb’s gonna be ten feet tall by August!

More storms in the forecast, but don’t let that dampen your weekend plans. We’ve got plenty of fun to keep you busy, come rain or shine.

Enjoy!

-Joe & Haley

Your Weekend Forecast

Minneapolis Aquatennial

7/23-26

Downtown Minneapolis turns into a summertime playground with a packed lineup of parades, water ski shows, live music, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the state. You’ll find food trucks, family activities, and a whole lot of people soaking up those long July days. Whether you’re posted up by the river or wandering Nicollet Mall, it’s the kind of weekend that makes the city feel like one big block party.

Michael Franti & Spearhead

7/27

Kick back on the grass in Plymouth and catch Michael Franti & Spearhead under the open sky. Expect good vibes, singalongs, and a feel-good soundtrack that pairs perfectly with a summer night and a picnic blanket.

 

Blueberry Arts Festival, Ely

7/25-27

This laid-back summer gathering in Ely’s park features rows of artist booths, handmade crafts, live music, and plenty of blueberry pie. With food stalls, cold drinks, and a relaxed crowd, it’s an easy way to spend an afternoon up north.

 

All Pints North Summer Brew Fest

7/26

Voted the Best Beer Festival in Minnesota, according to the Star Tribune! Spend the afternoon sampling brews from over 100 local breweries, with live music, lawn games, food vendors, and plenty of laid-back company.

 

Crystal Frolics 2025

7/24-27

A casual community bash featuring food vendors, live tunes, family-friendly games, a makers’ market, and even softball, kickball and pickleball tournaments. It comes with fireworks, a 5K walk/run, and the relaxed atmosphere of neighbors enjoying a warm summer day together.

Hyacinth in St. Paul is a cozy, stylish Italian spot on Grand Avenue recently elevated under chef-owner Abraham Gessesse, a James Beard semifinalist. The space features deep indigo banquettes and elegant tilework, but the real draw is the food—people rave about the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe and the Creamy Risotto. It’s the kind of place where familiar dishes feel unexpectedly thoughtful, and the service strikes a perfect balance between polished and warm.

Catching a Minnesota United game is a fun change of pace—even if you don’t know the difference between a corner kick and a goal kick. The energy at Allianz Field is electric, thanks in part to the Wonderwall supporter section and its chanting, drums, and scarves. The crowd’s excitement is easy to get swept up in and the open-air stadium feels modern and inviting. Plus tickets are quite affordable, making it a low-pressure, high-fun kind of night.

You’ve heard of Paul and Babe, of course—but have you been to the place where their story was born?

Here’s your guide to exploring their legendary hometown: Bemidji, Minnesota.

🗺️ Getting There

Heading to Bemidji from the Twin Cities is roughly a 4-hour road trip up U.S. 71. Get the weekend started off right with a stop at Ember Coffee Company in Big Lake – voted Minnesota’s Best Coffee by the Star Tribune the past three years. After your caffeine fix, continue north through Sauk Centre and Wadena, where you'll pass through classic small‑town Minnesota. If you’re looking for extra fun along the way feel free to stop over at Itasca State Park to skip across the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

🥾 Things to Do

Start your visit at the lakefront, where the giant Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues stand tall—perfect for a goofy photo and a little slice of small-town legend. Right next to them, the visitor center is worth more than a quick stop. Plan to spend some time inside learning about the folklore of Paul and Babe, checking out old photos, and soaking up a bit of Bemidji’s quirky history. Afterward, take a relaxed stroll along the Bemidji Sculpture Walk or spread out a blanket at Library Park for some lake views. When you’re ready for a treat, swing by Big River Scoop just across the street and grab a “Babe’s Raft” sampler—four mini-scoops, perfect for indecisive ice cream lovers. If you’re looking for souvenirs, the visitor center gift shop is ‘fine,’ but for something more memorable, wander into downtown and check out 218 Gifts. From Minnesota-made candles to flannel everything, it’s a fun spot to pick up something local. Later, cast a line off the lake, take a peaceful walk along the Bog Trail at Lake Bemidji State Park, or rent bikes and cruise a stretch of the Paul Bunyan Trail. Cap off the day with dinner downtown and maybe a show at the historic Chief Theater or an outdoor concert by the lake.

🧭 A Few Tips

  • Pack layers and bug spray - Northwoods weather and mosquitoes are no joke.

  • Book lodging early - If visiting during peak summer months, cabins and lakeside rooms fill quickly in summer.

  • Bring the binoculars - Bald eagles, loons, and deer often show up near town.

As always, happy trails!

-Joe

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PS: If your 2025 plans include buying or selling a home around the Twin Cites…

🙋‍♂️😃

Joe Carmack, MN/WI Realtor
763-291-8083 [email protected] LivingInMN.com