Got a ride on Christmas Day evening from Walker to Ostego
The drive from Walker to Otsego covers approximately 156 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The most direct route heads south on MN-371, passing through the Brainerd Lakes area, before merging onto US-10 East toward the Twin Cities suburbs. This scenic trip transitions from the northern lake country through central Minnesota, ending in the rapidly growing community of Otsego located along the Mississippi River.
The largest IMAX screen in Minnesota is now open for movie-goers
As of late 2025, the largest IMAX screen in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is located at Emagine Lakeville, which officially opened on December 19, 2025. This screen measures 64 feet wide and 36 feet, 6 inches tall, and features 4K laser projection. It surpassed the AMC Southdale 16 in Edina, which was previously considered the largest active IMAX in the metro with a screen roughly 54 feet wide. While the historic Minnesota Zoo IMAX was significantly larger at seven stories tall, it closed permanently in 2019, leaving Emagine Lakeville as the current record-holder for the state.
Old Milwaukee club in Pequot Lakes is just one of many bars, speckling the Brainerd Lakes area Woodside and each have a unique character
The Old Milwaukee Club Saloon & Eatery is a storied "hole-in-the-wall" landmark located in the community of Ideal Corners, just outside of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. A quintessential Northwoods dive bar with a family-friendly twist, the club has served as a local fixture for over half a century, known for its unassuming exterior and welcoming, "everyone is family" atmosphere. It is particularly famous for its Sunday morning "mason jar" beers, legendary Friday night fish fries, and an all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet that draws crowds from across the Brainerd Lakes Area. Despite its rustic, memorabilia-packed interior, the establishment remains a beloved detour for vacationers and locals alike, offering a timeless slice of authentic Minnesota tavern culture.
Lyft stats to date
As of 2025, Lyft’s driver network has expanded to approximately 2 million active drivers across the U.S. and Canada. The company has focused heavily on driver retention through its industry-first "earnings commitment," which guarantees that drivers earn at least 70% of rider fares each week after external fees (such as commercial insurance). Recent data highlights a highly diverse and flexible workforce: 69% of drivers identify as members of minority groups, and about 91% use the platform part-time, balancing driving with other jobs or education.
Lotzza Motzza served with extra mozzarella
Brew Pub Lotzza Motzza is a super-premium frozen pizza brand, famous for its massive amount of cheese and crispy thin crust. Produced by Wisconsin-based Bernatello’s Foods, each pizza is famously loaded with over half a pound of award-winning Wisconsin mozzarella, ensuring a dramatic cheese pull in every slice. Beyond the cheese, the pizzas feature a rich, zesty tomato sauce and high-quality toppings like large nuggets of sausage and thick-cut pepperoni. Its popularity in the Midwest is so significant that it was named the "Official Pizza of the Green Bay Packers," making it a go-to choice for fans looking for a pub-style experience at home.
White Oak Casino in deer River Minnesota
White Oak Casino, located in Deer River, Minnesota, offers a classic Northwoods gaming experience with a friendly, intimate atmosphere that visitors often describe as welcoming and less crowded than larger resorts. Owned and operated by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, it serves as a popular local spot for 24/7 entertainment.
• Gaming Options: Features over 300 slot machines and several blackjack tables for variety.
• Amenities: Includes a full-service bar with bar-top gaming and a cafe serving casual fare.
• Accessibility: Offers ample parking and is conveniently located right off Highway 2.
Brad Marchand worth mentioning
Brad Marchand is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Florida Panthers, following a legendary 15-season tenure with the Boston Bruins. Drafted 71st overall in 2006, Marchand evolved from a specialized "agitator"—earning the nickname "The Rat" for his pesty, high-energy playing style—into one of the NHL’s premier elite two-way forwards. A cornerstone of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, he eventually served as the franchise's 27th captain and remains their all-time leader in shorthanded goals. Over his career, he has surpassed the 1,000-point milestone and earned multiple gold medals representing Team Canada, solidifying his legacy as both a prolific scorer and one of the league's most tenacious competitors.
Can’t carry a BB gun in the car in Minnesota
It's legal to carry a BB gun in a car in many places but varies significantly by state and city; generally, it should be unloaded, in a case, and out of reach (trunk is best) for safety and to avoid confusion with real firearms, as some states treat them like firearms, while others don't classify them as such, but Minnesota recently ruled a car on a public road is a public place where BB guns are restricted. Always check your specific state and local laws, as a BB gun that looks real can still lead to serious issues with law enforcement.