There's a reason that many people call this the best meat raffle in Minnesota. I love a good meat…read moreraffle, even though I'm a vegetarian. It's fun to play and I just give the prizes to one of my friends. The Jenkins VFW meat raffle truly is one of the best out there. For starters, all the meat comes from the butcher in Emily, Minnesota, which I have been assured is the best out there. I don't know. I don't eat meat. This meat raffle has a very precise set of rules. You have to buy the tickets at the right time. You have to line up in the order the numbers are called. And above all else, you are not allowed to touch the meat. I repeat, do not touch the meat. They will wrap it up in a bag for you after you claim it and when you bring it back to your table then you can touch it if you still choose. One of the really cool things about this meat raffle is that they do it in multiple rounds. The first couple rounds are packs of meat worth seven dollars. The next is $10. And then it escalates to $15. Regardless of the value of the meat, each ticket is still only one dollar. It's a ton of fun. The the bar is spacious. They have both live and video pool tabs to play in between rounds of the meat raffle. This is just such an awesome place to hang out. The weight staff is excellent and super friendly. They have a decent selection of beverages and make a good bloody Mary. The kitchen is open at four and there's often community events going on. This is an excellent VFW and I encourage you to visit.

I'm giving this a 5 star because it's about the best version of a VFW/American Legion in the area…read more First off, I love their meat raffle that is very generous AND has high quality meat. Second off, their Wing night on Tuesday is great. The wings are cheap, crispy and very tasty. Beyond that they have friendly staff, stiff drink and decent things like burgers. You should to here. It's far from gourmet but still amazing.

This is much more than a railroad museum. It has displays on the history of the Crosby area…read moreincluding mining, tools, household and business gadgets and clothing of bygone eras. The small park next to the museum is nicely done with lots of plants, flowers and trees. Thanks to the wonderful docents who keep this museum open for everyone's enjoyment!

Downton Abbey era museum right in Crosby! Great historical significance, curious objects and…read moreartifacts from antique dresses, to household objects, to railway paraphernalia and mining history. Lovely staff took the time to walk us through highlights. Donations needed! They can't afford central heat in the museum so please stop by and give what you can!

Since moving to Minneapolis (actually Minnetrista) 11 years ago, BIR has been my "home" track. My…read morecount of NHRA Nationals event locations is just shy of 20. With new ones opening up, I look forward to adding them to the list. I've also treated family members to their first-time nitro "experience" a number of times. They were awed at the first Top Fueler making a great run. I ALWAYS make sure first-timers get a dose of start-up nitro fumes in the pits when we first arrive. I also love to see their reactions at the first good nitro run down the track!!! I'm 82, went to my first drag race at Detroit Dragway as a 16-year-old high-schooler and have subsequently been in love with the sport ever since. Full 1/4 mile runs at ~8 seconds at ~170 MPH. I was blown away! IF I could find room for all the event pins I've acquired over the decades on my current NHRA cap, I'd have a splitting headache from their weight by the time the first qualifying fuel runs were over. What's not to LOVE about the drags?

Brainerd International Raceway, Indian Motorcycle's home turf, was a flurry of activity for King of…read morethe Baggers as always. Motorcycle races started early and ran throughout the day for the event, and everyone loved listening to them roar as they zipped by and watching them turn corners so low to the ground that kneepads were literally skidding on the asphalt. I was there as a Harley Davidson representative. The HD footprint is located towards the back of the raceway, so it was fun seeing which brands had turned out for the event and watching everyone set up for the day every morning as we walked pass. It's an outdoor space, so expect food trucks and portapotties. From what others on the HD team commented, food offerings were meh. Pack or buy a lunch to bring if inclined. If you are there early as part of a big event as opposed to a guest for said event, the portapotty hand sanitizer dispensers *may* not be filled yet, so maybe bring some alongside that lunch. Just saying. The raceway entrance is located beside VP Racing Fuels gas station. Massive trucks covered that entrance on my way in, so I completely missed the entrance and turned into said gas station for directions before dancing around the multiple unloading trucks to get to the raceway entrance. The attendants at the entrance were lovely and helpful in getting my credentials. Heads up: The gas station doesn't have a restroom either, just another portapotty. Local gas prices were such a nice reprieve given the spikes in metro areas. If you happen to be staying a half-hour north of the raceway, gas prices drop even further, and there's a little motel up there I'd highly recommend as well.

When I'm on vacation at the cabin and the weather is not cooperating with my golf game, I usually…read moreend up here. Where else can you get a cheap stiff drink, pull tabs and the chance to win pounds of meat in a raffle? Not in California...that's for sure. The clientele is mostly locals mixed in with a few tourists, all of whom are really friendly. Make sure you arrive early on "bingo night" as the place gets packed.

This American Legion is one of the most impressive that I have experienced. They have a great space…read moreto enjoy a drink, dinner, or game of bingo with friends. But what makes them stand above the rest is their involvement with the community... they do more than fundraise... they give back by doing!

Ive been going to this since I was a little girl. unfortunately have to say it really has gone down…read morehill. My mom is full Norwegian so she loves to go to the lutheran church right in town where they are selling homemade Lefsah but you have to get there early!! they go out fast. The line for beans goes at a decent pace but you could be standing there for about 15 min. the beans were okay but have to say this year ... a let down. i felt like something was missing either sweetness or just some more salt or even some bbq just something. They do give a good amount for it being free so it really cant hurt you to try out!! The vendors as well though have really gone down hill there used to be so many and now its subpar.

"July 18, 6 pm Burying of the Beans Ceremony. The beans, prepared by secret recipe behind locked…read moredoors, are buried in huge cast iron kettles and cooked over a wood fire for 24 hours. Join us for this special ceremony. July 9, 11:30 am The bean pots are raised and volunteers serve a delicious bowl of beans, bun and lemonade to thousands of attendees. July 10 & 11, 9-4 Craft Fair along the Paul Bunyan Trail. Over 100 booths!" A festival about beans... word...

Had a great experience making our own wine! Great location close to the brained lakes area! The…read moreowner Sharon is very knowledgeable and has many unique varieties of wine to choose from! The shop is adorable, many unique gifts! Great girls trip idea! Our wine was delicious and I can't believe we still have 29 bottles to drink this winter!!

My favorite store in Nisswa... I especially love all the old-fashioned games and the amazing pop-up…read morebooks. Great place for home decor and unique gifts.