Antique Power Show

Car Dealership

This past weekend, Doug and I went to the Antique Power Show at the Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings, MN.  We enjoyed wandering the grounds, exploring restored old buildings like the Little Log House that started the village, a general store, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, telephone building and jail.  Although most of the buildings were over 100 years old, there were a few that were newer, like the car dealership above.

Porky's Drive-In

A new addition this year was Porky's, a drive-in previously located on University Ave in St Paul. The restaurant opened in 1953 and closed earlier this year.  This weekend, the carport was filled with classic cars from local clubs.  Vintage cars and trucks were also displayed at the old car dealership nearby.

The Little Log House that started it all.

In addition to touring all the old buildings, you could watch demonstrations at the butcher shop, flour mill, print shop, engine shed and blacksmith shop as well as demonstrations of threshing, basket weaving, quilting, and spinning in other areas of the village. There were also Military displays and demonstrations, model railroad trains and old tractors to look at. 

Vendors sold various items inside different buildings, and a large flea market was located outside. The grandstand had tractor and truck pulls and children could visit the barnyard and petting zoo. Refreshments were available at the saloon and various food stands.

A lot to see and do during this annual open house of the Little Log House Pioneer Village. If you get a chance to check it out next year, don't miss it.

Times Square at Night

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, NYC

During one of our long walks exploring midtown, Doug and I came across Bryant Park, located between 5th and 6th Avenues and 40th 42nd Streets.  The Holiday Shops in the park had just been set up near Citi Pond.  The Holiday Shops are open through January 2, 2011, and the skating rink will be open through February 27.

The shops were fun to wander through, with great selections for holiday gifts. Candles, costume jewelry, bags, scarves, and framed artwork were just some of the offerings.

Walking Through Central Park

More from the ING NYC Marathon

Related post: 2010 ING New York City Marathon

2010 ING New York City Marathon

Doug and I recently visited New York City for a few days.  While we were there, we were able to experience some of the excitement of the New York City Marathon.  At first, our plan was to avoid the crowds, but walking through Central Park, we heard the cheering and, unable to resist, wandered over to the race route.

The energy of the crowds was amazing.  It was fun to watch them cheering people on, calling some by name and shouting encouraging words.  We continued along the route, watching the runners and taking pictures.
 

Related post: More from the ING NYC Marathon

Piney River Trail near Vail, Colorado

When friends heard we would be near Vail, they recommended driving up to Piney Lake. Staff at the hotel we were staying also recommended the drive, so after getting directions, we were on our way.  It was a beautiful drive, and that early in the day, we saw little traffic.

Our original goal was to park at the Upper Piney River Trailhead just before the entrance to the Piney River Ranch and hike the 2.5 miles to the waterfall. A last minute conference call scheduled for Doug, and clouds threatening rain, changed our plans. We only had time for a shorter hike, but it was still beautiful.

You can see part of Piney Lake in the above photo.  This section of the trail crosses the private property of Piney River Ranch.
 

Next time we're in Vail during the summer, we will have to take time to hike further on the trail, maybe even past the waterfall.