Stillwater, Minnesota, captures the essence of a truly quaint riverside town nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley. Its historic downtown, famously known as the "Birthplace of Minnesota," is a living postcard, featuring a Main Street lined with beautifully preserved Victorian and Italianate-style storefronts. Visitors are charmed by the abundance of mom-and-pop businesses, antique shops, and cozy cafes, which replace the bustle of chain stores with a gentle, old-fashioned Midwestern pace. From scenic trolley tours past grand lumber baron mansions to leisurely strolls along the riverfront, Stillwater invites you to unplug, slow down, and savor the timeless beauty and authentic character of a classic American small town.

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BLA Rides is highly regarded in Brainerd, Minnesota, largely due to its strong commitment to reliability, community service, and availability. Unlike many smaller local services, Brainerd Taxi proudly offers 24/7 service throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area, including holidays, making it the most dependable option for both early morning and late-night transportation needs. Beyond just passenger transport, the company is known for its versatility, offering popular services like swift pick-up and delivery of packages, groceries, and other items, which significantly adds to its value as a true community utility. This blend of constant availability, commitment to a broad service area, and essential community connections cements its reputation as a great, dependable small taxi company.

A person examines cannabis flower at the CHAMPS Trade Show in Austin, Texas. Photo: Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images

It is currently extremely cold in Minnesota, with the air temperature sitting at -20°F. A light northwest wind makes it feel even more biting, dropping the wind chill to a dangerous -30°F. This frigid weather, typical for a Minnesota December morning, necessitates serious winter precautions for anyone venturing outside.

Jennifer Carnahan resigned as the Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Minnesota in August 2021 following intense pressure and allegations of a toxic work environment, retaliation against employees, and ignoring sexual harassment complaints. Calls for her resignation intensified due to her close ties with a prominent GOP donor who was indicted on federal sex-trafficking charges. Carnahan, who denied any knowledge of the donor's alleged criminal activities, initially resisted but ultimately stepped down, stating it was "in the best interest of the party and my mental health." The resignation was approved with a severance package of about $38,000.

"Camp Nisswa Weekend Roll Call" is the weekly event guide published by the local resource, Camp Nisswa, for the Nisswa and Brainerd Lakes Area in Minnesota. It is not an actual summer camp, but rather a curated roundup designed to help residents and visitors find out what's happening each weekend. The Roll Call highlights local events, specials, live music performances, meat raffles, bar bingo, and other unique activities, acting as an essential guide to experiencing the best of the "Up North" lake life community.

I tried pulling into a driveway tonight and there was a slight snowy ditch, and I took it too sharp and got stuck, but Greg was able to shovel me out and I was able to drive out and around.

Manhattan Beach Lodge is a historic log lodge, built in 1929, nestled on the shores of Big Trout Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in Crosslake, Minnesota. Originally a getaway for the Twin Cities and Chicago elite, the fully restored landmark offers a unique "up north" experience with 18 lakeside guest rooms. It features a great stone fireplace, handmade log furniture, and an acclaimed restaurant, "Manhattan's," known for its fine dining and stunning sunset views. The lodge maintains its classic, rustic charm while providing amenities like complimentary breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, and on-site recreation, making it a popular year-round destination for couples, small groups, and exclusive lakeside weddings.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that many working American households are expected to receive "very large refunds," estimated to be around $1,000 to $2,000, in the first quarter of 2026. This is attributed to the tax cuts in the administration's new legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The reason for the large refunds is that many Americans have not yet adjusted their tax withholding to reflect the new lower tax liability, resulting in more money being over-withheld throughout the year. The Treasury Department expects citizens to then adjust their withholding to increase their take-home pay going forward.

BLA Rides is a dependable taxi and transportation service operating in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota and beyond. The service emphasizes a personal and reliable approach, often dealing directly with the owner/driver, Peter. BLA Rides offers transportation services for local trips within the Brainerd Lakes Area, as well as longer distance rides to locations like the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Duluth, St. Cloud, and Rochester. In addition to passenger transport, the business also offers package delivery services. It is promoted as a safe and reliable option for various travel needs, including a safe ride home after a night out.

Ye Old Pickle Factory, affectionately known as "The Pickle" by locals, is a historic and long-standing municipal liquor store and bar located in downtown Nisswa, Minnesota. It is not a pickle processing plant, but rather a community hub that has operated as a city-owned establishment since its founding in the 1950s—the original frame building was reportedly an old chicken coop. The casual bar and eatery is famous for its fast service, laid-back atmosphere, and classic bar fare, including deep-fried pickles, tater kegs, and Heggie's pizza, attracting crowds of locals and tourists year-round for drinks, bar games, and community events.

Book today at 646-877-0010

(646) 877-0010

Booking with BLA Rides in Minnesota, particularly in the Brainerd Lakes Area, offers a commitment to personal, reliable service that distinguishes it from large app-based companies. The business, run by a local driver named Peter, emphasizes direct interaction, ensuring that when you book a ride, you are communicating with the person who will actually be driving you—no call centers or impersonal apps. This dedication to consistency and showing up for reserved rides—whether a lift across the Lakes Area, a trip to the Minneapolis airport, or a safe ride home after a night out—builds trust. Plus, the service uses a commercially insured, well-maintained, all-wheel-drive vehicle (a Ford Edge), providing a safer, more reliable experience, especially in Minnesota's snow and ice conditions.

Polar Avenue (often referred to as Poplar Avenue) in Nisswa, Minnesota, is a residential area within the picturesque Brainerd Lakes region, known for its beautiful wooded surroundings and access to many recreational opportunities. Properties along this avenue range from single-family homes to vacant, heavily wooded lots, often appealing to those looking for a tranquil "up-north" cabin feel or a place to build a new residence.  Its location is highly desirable, offering residents the chance to be close to the shops and eateries of downtown Nisswa, as well as recreational features like the Paul Bunyan Trail and public access to Lower Cullen Lake, making it an ideal spot for enjoying the area's year-round activities.

The Sugarberry Creek neighborhood in Brainerd, Minnesota, is a residential area characterized by modern single-family homes, many of which are newer construction with contemporary features like open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, and three-car garages. It offers a desirable balance between country-like living with medium tree coverage and proximity to the city amenities of Brainerd and Baxter, often being just a short drive away. The neighborhood is generally considered quiet and friendly, with some homes backing up to outlots for added privacy. It is also noted for having easy access to outdoor recreation, including proximity to the Paul Bunyan State Trail.