Ever since I moved out of my parent’s place for college, I haven’t stayed in the same place for more than a year. It’s been nearly a decade of dorms, apartments, and a few months on a mattress on a friend’s living room floor. This week, we are closing on our first house. The transition has me thinking about what it means to roam and come home.
Home is what you take with you, not what you leave behind.N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin wrote, “Home is what you take with you, not what you leave behind.” So, for this weekend I wanted to share some things you can take home with you.
Friday: Take Home the Memories
If the choice is between baseball or music, there’s no wrong answer. The Moondogs play the Waterloo Bucks at Franklin Rogers at 6:30, and there’s live music aplenty.
If you’d like to pair your tunes with a nice glass of wine, several local wineries will be hosting live music: Brandon Flygare is at Javen’s Family Vineyard from 5:00-8:00 pm, Alpha and Omega are playing Indian Island Winery from 6:00-8:30 pm, and from 6:00-9:00 pm Courtney Yasmineh will be at Chankaska Creek.
There’s Jazz in the Pavilion in St. Peter, plus other live performances at the Landing on Madison, and the What’s Up Lounge. Or, if you’re ready to take the stage, it’s Karaoke Night at the Oleander starting at 8:00 pm.
Then gather up a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy a free outdoor movie screening at Spring Lake Park. The movie will be announced today (August 6) and begins at 9:00 and concessions are available until 10:00 pm.
Saturday: Take Home a Treasure
First things first: caffeine. I’ve been absolutely loving everything on the menu at Karshe Tea, the newly opened East African infused tea house. Wake up with their espresso then make sure to try their freshly made mango smoothie. You’ll love every sip.
The Farmer’s Market will be open all morning in both Mankato and St. Peter. This weekend I’m excited to check out the selection of flowers. Nothing makes a house feel like a home like fresh flowers! If you happen to visit the St. Peter market, make sure to swig by the Bookmobile, which will be at the corner of Mulberry Street and Minnesota Avenue from 8:30 am until noon. You can pick up a library card and of course, books!
If your home has room for more love, check out the Mending Spirits Animal Rescue Adoption event at Pet Expo from noon to 2:00 pm. Volunteers will be standing by to answer all your questions. Not ready for a live pet? Head to the Lake Washington Regional Park for Saturday Shenanigans. This Saturday, they have everything you need to craft the easiest pet on the planet: a pet rock! You don’t even have to walk it! (Unless you feel like it. No judgement.)
Sunday: Take Home the Skills
Are you one of those people who can guess every plot twist? Do you have what it takes to solve a mystery? There’s a play for you. The State Street Theatre Company in New Ulm presents Sherlock Holmes, Sunday at 2:00 pm.
Then from 3:00-5:00 pm all writers are welcome in the monthly Critique Group for Writers, an online course through the Arts Center of St. Peter. Or, you can use that same time slot developing your clay skills with the help of the Clay Studio staff, also by the Arts Center of St. Peter.
Bonus: Take Time on Your Home
Remember that home improvement project you said you’d “get around to” forever ago? Remember those plans for the craft supplies in the closet? Are you a little overdue for a home makeover? (And I’m totally not just bringing this up out of spite because I have a trailer of dressers and shelves and chairs to unload…)
If your house could use a refresh, there are tons of ways to make a big change without spending a ton. All it takes is a little time, some experimenting, and maybe some muscle. Rearranging furniture, cracking open that can of paint in the garage, finally framing those photos, or sticking some fresh fruit or flowers on the table are all easy ways to freshen up.
If you’ve been procrastinating, this is your sign: make your house feel like home!
Additional Links
- Javens Family Vineyard & Winery in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- Indian Island Winery in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- The Landing on Madison in the MankatoLIFE Bar & Restaurant Directory
- What’s Up Lounge in the MankatoLIFE Bar & Restaurant Directory
- Oleander Saloon in the MankatoLIFE Bar & Restaurant Directory
- Spring Lake Park in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- Arts Center of St. Peter in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
