Fun, engaging, accommodating and talented. My tween and I are taking Mom and daughter voice…read morelessons. We've learned so much from our instructor. No questions asked - the staff accommodated our every wish. We wanted joint lessons- done. We wanted evening lessons - done. We didn't want to learn to read music - done. We wanted to master a few killer karaoke songs - working on it. We wanted an instructor that could relate to a Mom and daughter duo - done. Loving the journey. I so look forward to our lessons every week. It truly brings me tons of joy.

An Urban Sketchers event was held here and the owners were fabulous hosts. There are lots of open…read moreareas for doing and viewing art. A stage and small kitchen area are located in the main area. Tables, couches, and comfy chairs encourage conversation. I love the high ceilings and open spaces. This place had 8000 sq ft to be used as a creative incubator, community gathering space, performance venue, workshop and art gallery.

This art studio/event space/design and build space is really fantastic--owned business the kindest…read morepeople. They are very generous with the space and allow all kinds of people to use it, from puppy rescues to avant-garde theater and art events, to church! There's a small polished art studio space in the front, a lager meeting room with flexible space and a stage in the center, and a garage like space at the back. From the outside, you'll be surprised by what you find inside.

When planning our 50th wedding celebration, we searched for a musician who could play the melodies…read moreof our youth as background for a dinner at The Colossal Cafe in St. Paul. The McPhail Center for Music, through its "Resources: Musician Referral" program led us to James Allan who was willing to adapt his talents to our choice of about 40 songs from the 60s and 70s (a few from earlier in the last century). James put a great deal of effort into preparation for our event, and on the evening of the festivities, he performed flawlessly. He specializes in jazz, Brazilian, South American, and classical music, but his expertise is such that he can perform other genres as well.

What happened to Scuba Center Eagan? It's been quite a few years since I've visited them until I…read morewent back several times last summer. Scuba Center taught me to dive 25 years ago. I loved to hang out there when I was a teen. I went back a few times this past year to escape Covid boredom and look at gear. Very disappointing. The gear selection on the floor is decent, mostly mid- and upper lines. Prices are not too far out of line for brick and mortar. I think Scuba Center has a significant online presence and no longer puts emphasis on its storefront, like many other businesses. I don't think they run trips anymore, either due to Covid or internet travel now being the way to go. The pool looks to be the same as I remember it, which brought a smile to my face. From what I understand, Jerry is gone and retired. A guy named Avary now runs the place and seems to think he knows everything about everything. I know my dive gear and therefore know when someone is blowing smoke up my dress. If this guy was even half as good as he thinks he is, he'd be UDT or EOD. Another guy came out of the back who I think is an instructor despite his obesity. I didn't listen to a word he said due to lack of credibility. I did not see any other employees during my two visits. Or any other customers. I miss the days of Jerry, Reece, and particularly RJ, who was my inspiration to get into professional diving. Now, the place is run by fat and balding gooey dudes. I sure miss the old days. I'm sure business is down a lot, but it's not all due to Covid. Employees trying to act knowledgeable and impress customers will drive away business, too. But what would I know? I'm only a recently retired United States Navy diver of 23 years, so my experience obviously pales in comparison to Mr. Avary's.

We had an awful experience at this store from shopping for gear or taking classes. To say that this…read moreplace lacks experience in customer service would be an understatement. They treat their customers with disrespect, the instructor we had was always rude and crabby. He treats people as if he is teaching them rocket science and they are just dumb idiots. Scuba diving is a recreational sport and yet this person makes people feel like they have to compete in the olympics. He is very standoffish and made us dread scuba diving. I have never written a bad interview about any place but this one really deserves it. Response: I was not offered free sessions. In fact, I paid for the extra sessions. I still have the receipts and the information are still on the bank statements. We also paid over $1000 for pool sessions and open water, and we were not able to do anything. My boyfriend refused to continue the sessions as well because he thought that the people are rude and doesn't want to deal with them. I posted my review 7 months later because I had called twice in the past weeks and both people who have answered the phone were rude. I generally don't post negative reviews about businesses and I'm sure there are so many people who have had great experiences at the center. However, we weren't one of those people and we felt that's necessary to share our personal opinion.

I was in St Paul and googled thrift stores. The name here is Cheapest Thrift Store. This name is…read morevery misleading unless you are looking for $1 clothes or coffee mugs. This store is one big cluster mess. The merch is garage sale rejects or crap from storage lockers. The prices were over the top. For example ceramic figurine for $30. A torn up globe for $30. It was laughable how ridiculously priced these items were. The store was super cluttered also. I really dont think they ever sell anything. There was even dead stuffed duck taxidermy on the wall that was in poor condition. I wasnt greeted when I walked in , but then the lady said if I needed help with anything to let her know. Unless they have promotions or sales, their store will always be a cluttered mess.

Both my daughters and I had the pleasure of being students of Brenda's! She is an amazing teacher…read more She was able to move seamlessly between teaching my young girls to teaching me as a beginning student at 40 years old:) Brenda is organized and thorough and makes learning piano fun and accessible to all. Thank you Brenda!

I am an adult student who studied piano as a child but could never find time to play while raising…read morea family. I needed a teacher who could work with me where I was at and figure out how to help me find joy in playing again. Brenda has been wonderful in steering me, suggesting fun music, and learning new musical styles. She is also very understanding of how busy life can be and making the most of each lesson. I am so looking forward to many years of music together.

Ethel's is owned - well by Ethel - a charming 85+ year old lady. She's awesome...and the clothes…read moreare very interesting. A great place to find a unique piece of clothing - everything from a funky Guatemalan jacket to a flattering wrap - and all sorts of stuff in between. The colors are bright and the mood is anywhere from elegant to festive. Ethel's can't be seen from the street which does it a disservice. Do yourself a favor and spend a minute or two talking with this savvy lady. She's been in the business since before I was a twinkle in my mother's eye - and she's got a sense of humor to beat the band. As an FYI, as of next week Ethel will be carrying a flattering choice of dresses from the New York designer, Karina - www.karinadresses.com - which do justice to a wide range of figures and are stylishly made (I was there while the rep was in and heard them do the deal) and picked up a info card... but it's the lady who makes the business - stop in and say "Hi" to Ethel!

I had the pleasure of meeting Ethel during my shopping ventures. She spent lot's of time trying to…read morefind that perfect outfit with me. I loved the shop, the clothes and most of all the relationship I built with someone who's been in the business for over 30 years. I walked out with a fun top, necklace and earings that you won't find anywhere else. Thanks Ethel. I'll be back soon. So if you want that personal shopping experience with an honest touch then I encourage you to visit Ethel soon.

Vintage and gently used clothes, gifts, jewelry, funky towels, hilarious socks... This is the type…read moreof small store where you'll find a tshirt with a huge dinosaur on it right next to a gorgeous Free People coat. Personally I dislike shopping, but Belleweather Boutique has a fun funky friendly vibe with great music playing, a dressing room with velvet curtains, a bench, and cute inspirational sayings like "Don't Look back, you aren't going that way!" and Janis Joplin posters. It makes you feel like you could do or wear anything. And their clothing selection matches that feeling with lots of colors and patterns and styles of clothing you won't find anywhere else. Staff are friendly and funny but don't talk too much so you feel free to look and linger as much as desired. Prices vary but many great deals, and you can find designer jeans for $20. Highly recommend Belleweather Boutique for your next shopping adventure.