There's a reason that many people call this the best meat raffle in Minnesota. I love a good meat…read moreraffle, even though I'm a vegetarian. It's fun to play and I just give the prizes to one of my friends. The Jenkins VFW meat raffle truly is one of the best out there. For starters, all the meat comes from the butcher in Emily, Minnesota, which I have been assured is the best out there. I don't know. I don't eat meat. This meat raffle has a very precise set of rules. You have to buy the tickets at the right time. You have to line up in the order the numbers are called. And above all else, you are not allowed to touch the meat. I repeat, do not touch the meat. They will wrap it up in a bag for you after you claim it and when you bring it back to your table then you can touch it if you still choose. One of the really cool things about this meat raffle is that they do it in multiple rounds. The first couple rounds are packs of meat worth seven dollars. The next is $10. And then it escalates to $15. Regardless of the value of the meat, each ticket is still only one dollar. It's a ton of fun. The the bar is spacious. They have both live and video pool tabs to play in between rounds of the meat raffle. This is just such an awesome place to hang out. The weight staff is excellent and super friendly. They have a decent selection of beverages and make a good bloody Mary. The kitchen is open at four and there's often community events going on. This is an excellent VFW and I encourage you to visit.

I'm giving this a 5 star because it's about the best version of a VFW/American Legion in the area…read more First off, I love their meat raffle that is very generous AND has high quality meat. Second off, their Wing night on Tuesday is great. The wings are cheap, crispy and very tasty. Beyond that they have friendly staff, stiff drink and decent things like burgers. You should to here. It's far from gourmet but still amazing.

Had a great experience making our own wine! Great location close to the brained lakes area! The…read moreowner Sharon is very knowledgeable and has many unique varieties of wine to choose from! The shop is adorable, many unique gifts! Great girls trip idea! Our wine was delicious and I can't believe we still have 29 bottles to drink this winter!!

Since moving to Minneapolis (actually Minnetrista) 11 years ago, BIR has been my "home" track. My…read morecount of NHRA Nationals event locations is just shy of 20. With new ones opening up, I look forward to adding them to the list. I've also treated family members to their first-time nitro "experience" a number of times. They were awed at the first Top Fueler making a great run. I ALWAYS make sure first-timers get a dose of start-up nitro fumes in the pits when we first arrive. I also love to see their reactions at the first good nitro run down the track!!! I'm 82, went to my first drag race at Detroit Dragway as a 16-year-old high-schooler and have subsequently been in love with the sport ever since. Full 1/4 mile runs at ~8 seconds at ~170 MPH. I was blown away! IF I could find room for all the event pins I've acquired over the decades on my current NHRA cap, I'd have a splitting headache from their weight by the time the first qualifying fuel runs were over. What's not to LOVE about the drags?

Brainerd International Raceway, Indian Motorcycle's home turf, was a flurry of activity for King of…read morethe Baggers as always. Motorcycle races started early and ran throughout the day for the event, and everyone loved listening to them roar as they zipped by and watching them turn corners so low to the ground that kneepads were literally skidding on the asphalt. I was there as a Harley Davidson representative. The HD footprint is located towards the back of the raceway, so it was fun seeing which brands had turned out for the event and watching everyone set up for the day every morning as we walked pass. It's an outdoor space, so expect food trucks and portapotties. From what others on the HD team commented, food offerings were meh. Pack or buy a lunch to bring if inclined. If you are there early as part of a big event as opposed to a guest for said event, the portapotty hand sanitizer dispensers *may* not be filled yet, so maybe bring some alongside that lunch. Just saying. The raceway entrance is located beside VP Racing Fuels gas station. Massive trucks covered that entrance on my way in, so I completely missed the entrance and turned into said gas station for directions before dancing around the multiple unloading trucks to get to the raceway entrance. The attendants at the entrance were lovely and helpful in getting my credentials. Heads up: The gas station doesn't have a restroom either, just another portapotty. Local gas prices were such a nice reprieve given the spikes in metro areas. If you happen to be staying a half-hour north of the raceway, gas prices drop even further, and there's a little motel up there I'd highly recommend as well.

My favorite store in Nisswa... I especially love all the old-fashioned games and the amazing pop-up…read morebooks. Great place for home decor and unique gifts.

This place is pretty cool and the price is free (donations are accepted though and appreciated)…read more The people running this set up have multiple rooms with the most impressive being the main room when you first walk in. An elaborate set of the northwoods and local ore industry with HO scale trains running throughout (they have all sorts of different scale trains). Not sure what to do on that rainy day or when you need to give the body a break from the sun? Here is that option. The people are knowledgeable and friendly. Perfect for the budding train enthusiast or just to learn something of the area in a cool environment.

We love this place! We live in CA and visit every time we come to MN. My kids talk about it all…read moreyear.

Visited here on a recent weekend up at the cabin nearby. I was impressed. Its small, but it is…read morevery well done. The doll exhibit that was there when I visited was not my cup of tea, but my 5-year-old loved it and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Its a really nice space. Their exhibits turn over pretty frequently, which is impressive. Overall a great place to visit when in town, and I plan to be back!

A great art museum to visit regardless of size. Staff is extremely helpful and informative . There…read moreare visiting artists, there are local artists , besides the renowned Francis Jaques Museum and Art. There is a significant amount of consignment art from popular artists like Les Kouba . Hours are usually 9 to 4 but check their website to confirm. It is always free to visit. But bring money because you will not want to go home empty-handed. Here is their website. http://jaquesart.com I ordered beautiful Christmas cards from them .

Love this theater and location is prime! Please keep this a…read moretheater as I hear it might be selling! There will be a lot of people very disappointed in this area!

Absolutely nothing wrong with Sunset Cinema for an occasional movie up at the lake. The prices are…read moregood. The people are really friendly. The popcorn has real butter. The sound is surprising good, and the picture quality is as well. There is stadium seating. The only downside to all of this is the fairly uncomfortable seats and a pretty bare bones facility (cement block walls, no carpet in the theaters). Despite this, still a great deal.

Such a fun theater to view newly released movies and high demand favorites! It's one of our…read morefavorite date night spots.

Love aitkin. Please support this theater! Does a great job of selecting shows!! In a wonderful town…read morewith other great places to go and lots of delicious food.