Better (extremely) late than never…read more The Pavek affords one a step back in time to an era when Radio was dominant. I find that it has a fascinating collection of all manner of radios as well as TVs and assorted broadcast equipment. The museum has made a heroic effort to preserve the early days of electronic media and to me it serves as a reminder that what's new is old. Hours are somewhat limited (see Pavek online for current info). The price of admission is quite reasonable in my opinion. Unfortunately the Pavek is relatively obscure and not at all well known (at least locally). I suppose that makes the place a "hidden gem." I personally think it deserves much greater recognition. Well worth a look in my book.

Tons of very interesting historical radio and television equipment and information! A must see for…read moreanyone interested in radio and television broadcasting and technology! Lots of information on local Twin Cities broadcasting history as well.

Wasn't sure what I was expecting coming here, but it exceeded my expectations. I have to give a lot…read moreof credit to our tour guide, Dawn. She had a music background and just really was able to pull out all the ways Prince has influenced music. I feel like she went deeper than the typical tour. I also appreciated that most of the tour is phone free, so you get to really just experience it. It's a great place to experience!

If you grew into the Prince, the artist formerly known as Prince and any other names you must make…read morea visit to here. Was there for a Library conference and I also went on behalf of my recently departed man. A huge Prince fan and had subscribed to the NPG music club. Iykyk. He was supposed to come with me and we would have come together. Its a big property and pretty much left as it was. There is a security check and you are to turn your phone off and put it in a phone lockable holder. No pictures for the majority of the tour. Which is fine because you can pay attention to the tour guide. Its was strange because you can still feel his spirit, just like when I visited Gracela nd. Toward the end of the tour there is a area they let you take photos. Over all a great hour spent. The gift shop is not huge and overwhelming. You can get stickers, mugs, shirts, key chains, and LPs (records for you younger readers) I opted go for the umbrella that the drops on it turn purple in the rain. If you find yourself in the area make your way over.

Whenever you book a class, they cancel it. It happens all the time…read more And their response is, Oh well...

This is my happy place. I've taken two classes here and the instructors were amazing and everyone…read morewas so kind. To have a facility like this is truly a gift and I have no idea why this place doesn't have a solid 5 stars!!

Watch out Peter Lik, there's a new gallery in town and the kid is good!…read more Obviously John Knopf is no kid. In fact before even entering this gallery, one can tell by the facade and front display that he is experienced beyond his years. As with most high quality fine art, just a quick glance at a any piece in Knopf Gallery will pull you in and keep you studying it until you realize it's actually taken you to a different place. As stated on his website www.jknopf.com, John spans the globe in search of "The Perfect Shot" and brings it to intense life in his Gallery. All the while accompanied by his trusted companion Rylee both on photo excursions, and sitting quietly in the Gallery from time to time. John has had a camera in his hand since he was a young boy growing up in Arizona where he started with landscapes, foliage, and skylines. Although nature remains his first love, John has found himself to be the go to photographer for several Las Vegas entertainers. He walks freely on stage and around the showroom, as well as private engagements as photo journalist for Entertainers including Carrot Top, Frankie Marino, and Lorena Peril just to name a few. Have any questions for John? He is as approachable as he is talented and humble. You can find him at the Gallery during open hours daily. Unless of course he's off on another "hunt" for more. Aside from John's unique and diverse collection his Gallery goes a step further. Is that a baby grand piano? Sure is. you never know when a Las Vegas favorite on the keys will stop in and play for a bit. Cats like Patrick Sieben, Marcel East, and The Stratosphere's own Frankie Marino. You might even be able to talk John in to playing a quick ditty. Downtown Las Vegas has begun to boast a true art district. Make no mistake, it actually starts just north of Sahara on LVB at the Stratosphere in this must see Gallery. Don't leave empty handed. "It's not about the photo, it's about the hunt. Getting the shot, no matter what obstacles are in the way, make it worth it." - John Knopf

This is a must see gallery if you visit Las Vegas. John is a very talented photographer and the…read morephotos are spectacular. Do not miss this place!

This is an amazing place to spend a day or extended afternoon in the twin cities. I was gifted a…read moremembership and have had the chance to come here twice, once for an event and once for the 3 mile walk, and both times have been blown away by the breadth of planning and botanical mastery that has gone into these gardens. We saw the setup for a wedding while we were there and it was breathtaking. The small gardens near the front are beautiful, but it's a true feat to walk (or drive) the three mile walk and to see the entirety of the gardens. There's a fun (and quite difficult) maze, a sculpture garden, many different tree and flower displays, shrub displays, and way more! We haven't had the chance to check out the farm that's on the property, but are really looking forward to it! This is a great place to spend a day with energetic kiddos, or to just lose yourself in nature for a little while. And each month something new is in bloom, so there's always new to see and do!

The Landscape Arboretum is another one of the Twin Cities treasures that is overlooked or taken for…read moregranted. It was founded in 1958 and has 1200 acres located in Chaska. It is different experience depending upon the season and what you choose to do. Today I went to their annual pancake breakfast, highlighted with their own maple syrup. They also showed how maple sap is collected (there are plastic tubes running between trees leading to collection bags), to the process of reducing the sap into syrup. They also process Black Walnut and Birch syrup, with tastings of each. At other times, highlights include a three mile drive that loops through the forests, variety of shrubs and plants, sculpture garden, and heads to a farm with a variety of displays. You can also take a narrated shuttle trip. Seasonally, the tulips (40,000 tulip bulbs!), roses, and daffodils are amazing and worth a visit just for that. In addition, there are miles of walking trails, and surprises around every corner. In their library there is even a collection of Nakashima furniture, from a world-famous furniture maker. There is something that will delight every age from toddler to grandparent in this everchanging environment. Tickets are a bit on the expensive side ($20 for 16 and older), but free for under 16 with an adult. If you are going to make multiple visits within a year, you might want to consider membership, which entitles you to unlimited free visits, plus a discount in their gift store. You can apply your paid visit to the cost of an annual membership. Pro-tip: Although they have a cafeteria, it's not their strong suit. I recommend eating before hand, or bring a picnic if the weather is nice and warm.

Nice little museum in downtown Excelsior In the old Rail depot next to the Lake Minnetonka Trail…read moreand the boarding area for the Excelsior Trolley. You'll probably only spend 10 minutes at the most but they have some local history including boats and items from the old amusement park. Be sure to catch a ride on the trolley out front too.

Nice friendly place to check out. It's a must stop destination if you're looking for Excelsior…read moreAmusement Park memorabilia! It's free and there are a few things for sale, including the hard to find book "Excelsior Amusement Park... From Rise to Demise 1924-1974". They also accept donations.