A Fly Fishing Lesson!

Another great adventure this past weekend:  A Fly Fishing Lesson!  We met our guide on the Rush River in Martell, WI to learn how to cast with fly rods and reels, then we got to actually go into the river and do it ourselves!  As we stood in the water casting these long fish lines, we couldn't wait to feel that tug on the line telling us that we got a fish!  And that we did!  I think we all had a chance to catch at least one... It's amazing what you can learn and accomplish in just a few short hours on the riverbank.  We went from no-how to know-how in that time and got exactly what we were looking for!  Only with Events & Adventures will you be able to meet and mingle with people each day AND learn something in the process!  Can't wait until our next adventure!
Events and Adventures Minneapolis

We Had Our First Outing Of Foot Golf!

We had our first outing of Foot Golf this past weekend, the new sport that is "sweeping the nation"!  As we were waiting in the club house waiting for everyone to arrive, we were debating on if it's still called a "tee time" or if it should be a "kick off" or "punt time"... as we split into teams and sent the first one off, we were figuring out our strategies and anxious to see what was in store for us.  The first group "kicked off" and we watched as they made their way closer to the 21 inch cup... We heard some cheers as a surprising kick went in along with some "Ahhhhh's" when the ball didn't go in... then it was our turn to try!  We each placed our ball on the tee box as it was out turn and made a running kick, much like the "Happy Gillmore" in the movie, just without a club!  And as we made our way through the course and laughed and cheered each other on, we realized at the end of the round, that it doesn't matter what we do because we get to do it with friends!  AND something we normally wouldn't have tried!  We can't wait until our next round of Foot Golf!  FORE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Events and Adventures Minneapolis

What Do You Do When It Is Raining?

What do you know? It's raining when we are supposed to have an outdoor event... but guess what?!  We make the best of it!  Instead of our "Outdoor Music In The Park" event tonight, we had to change it to a mingle at a local hangout instead due to rain... We can't complain too much because the All-Star Home Run Derby was tonight as well... in the open stadium!  But as we hung out at Tugg's on the Riverfront, watching the home-run derby inside out of the rain, we laughed and made some new friends!  And when it cleared up a little, we grabbed our umbrellas, put up our hoods and took a walk in the sprinkles along the Riverfront... splashing in puddles, ducking under someone else's umbrella for some relief, and smiling for pictures by the Mississippi River dam despite the rain... and to top it off, we had a rainbow appear over our heads with one end landing in the water... we didn't see a pot of gold, but we did have a fun adventure even if it wasn't exactly what we had planned!  Another great night with E&A friends! Events and Adventures Minneapolis

Our Fireworks Cruise on Lake Minnetonka was a Blast!

 We climbed aboard the "Queen of Excelsior II" double-decker boat and sailed off around the Lake until the fireworks began.  We had an array of appetizers and fondue for dessert and just as we thought that was it, there was a raffle drawing for prizes to be given away!  Not everyone may have won something, but at least everyone had a chance!  After we watched the beautiful sunset, our captain parked us in the bay to watch the fireworks explode overhead of us!  After the spectacular show, we cruised around the lake a little bit more, all while missing the post-fireworks traffic, and returned us to the dock.  As we said good-bye for the night and laughed with our new found friends, we were planning when we would see everyone again!  Well... there's an event every day so the options are endless!  Cheers to freedom! Events and Adventures Minneapolis

Tackling The Rapids!

We had a chance to tackle the rapids on the St Louis River this past weekend!  We carpooled up north on 35W, just 15 miles shy of Duluth, and all met at our launch location in Cloquet.  We each had our own little adventures on the way up in anticipation of the big ones we would have in just a couple hours... when it was time to go, we all got our life jackets and a paddle and went to our assigned rafts... on the grass... hmmm what??  Ok, I guess they had to explain a few things before we went out on the water... probably a good thing!  Ha!  Then we finally got to set our rafts in the water and paddle out... practicing our together-ness with each stroke and getting the teamwork thing down.  When we finally got to the rapids, it was a shock of how warm the water actually was compared to the 68 degree air!  Some of us got soaked... ok, ALL of us got soaked with the waves spilling into and over our rafts, filling our rafts up to our seats with water... it's like we were sitting in a pool!  But as soon as we paddled through that last rapid, it was all smiles and laughter and an accomplishment of no one actually falling OUT of their raft!  Anyone up for singing some "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in a round?  Good times as always! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Another Week Of Outdoor Volleyball = Another Night Of Fun!

 Setting up the nets for our grass court, tossing the ball around, staking out the court lines, and getting a game going!  You can go barefoot or wear tennis shoes, but no matter what you decide, we are all out to have a great time!  Skills of any level are invited to play, because that's what we do!  In E&A everyone has a different personality, background, attitude and athleticism, so with volleyball, we can all come together as a team for a little friendly competition!  Join us on Wednesdays throughout the month of June! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

What An AWESOME Memorial Weekend!!

 After loading up our cars and heading towards the Dells, we were more than anxious to get there.  Upon arrival, some members had already arrived and staked out their space for their tent to be set up... some already had a beer cracked enjoying the sunshine and to kick off the weekend!  As we got the main canopy set up and all of our supplies unloaded, it was time to get to our own tents... but wait!  Some super nice guys have already started on mine!  I guess it pays to be "the boss"!  Haha  As more and more people arrived, we helped them find their perfect place to set up a tent, then assisted in set up as needed.  After the chatter and laughing began to rise, it was time to head up to the restaurant for some fish fry!  As we sat on the patio eating dinner, we looked down the table at our fellow E&A-er's that were all ready for a fun weekend!  When we got back to the campsite, the bonfire was already burning and people were already gathered around, pulling up their camping chairs, grabbing their coolers... and I thought it was a perfect time to whip out the smores:  Marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, rolos, fudge stripe cookies, oreos, etc... have you ever stuck a rolo inside a marshmallow before you roast it?  The best thing ever!  And as the night lingered on, so did the campers... laughing, playing cards, beer pong, stories around the fire and more... as everyone started to awake the next morning, we started breakfast and got on with our day of hiking and a jetboat tour.  That night, we all returned from our activities and gathered for dinner.  More bonfire and laughing followed and continued until the wee hours of the morning.  Another hearty breakfast on Sunday, followed by the Riverwalk and Ziplining... and wow!!  Was that fun!  Another check off the bucketlist for me!  As we returned to our final dinner of the weekend, some were already dreading having to leave the next morning... I know I was!!  But as we packed up that Monday morning and we said our goodbyes and gave hugs all around... we were left to our thoughts of what a great weekend we had as we drove home... but not to worry!  Labor Day weekend is only a couple months away and we will see everyone again! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

New Member Ice Breaker Fun!

Another New Member Ice Breaker in the books!  We had a great turnout of New Members and the chatter and conversations kept going on the way through our 3 games of cosmic bowling.  There were some nerves in the beginning, you know, meeting new people or walking into a big group for the first time?  But remember, everyone is in the same boat as you… I love to see the nerves subside as the night progresses and they get introduced to more people, ate some pizza, shared some laughter, and after awhile, it’s like you walked into a group of old friends!  After your first couple events, you aren’t “new” anymore, and then the rest is history… you’ve made some lifelong relationships!  Welcome to E&A!

What's Better Than A Hike?

 A hike in the snow!  Well... what else are we supposed to do with this Minnesota snow that never quits?  Let's make the best of it!  We hiked and climbed and laughed along the way... maybe threw a snowball or two... even if we did have to bundle up a little for the weather, that didn't stop us from coming out of hibernation for this beautiful winter day to be OUTSIDE!  They are sometimes few opportunities for this, so let's take advantage of it... in the same way, use the opportunity of being an E&A member to its fullest!  Get out there, meet new people, talk to someone new at every event you attend... as I've said before, I meet someone new at EVERY event I attend, so you will too! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

E&A Takes On The Wheel!

When is the last time you played with some clay and spun a pottery wheel?  Maybe high-School?  Maybe never?  For me, it was college.  Well we had the chance to relive those memories from WAY BACK WHEN in a pottery class!  Our instructor showed us the different techniques, showed us what NOT to do, and threw a couple pots right in front of our very eyes.  It was all coming back to me, and I thought, "Oh, I got this!"  Then we got to try it ourselves... and realized I may not have had it after all... but after a few tries, a couple pots and bowls later, I was back in the swing of it!  For some of the members, it was their first time ever, and they caught on pretty quickly too!    By the end of the class, all of us decided we could keep going for hours... and I think we were all satisfied with our final choice of our pottery wheel-spun creations... Now to choose the color of glaze... Some choices are harder than others, except that we can all agree, this was definitely an adventure! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Trampoline Dodgeball and Twin Cities Live!

Trampoline Dodgeball just never gets old.  We had a great turnout which made it a super fun night!  Along with our jumping, throwing, dodging and such, we were also being interviewed...  By who you ask?  None other than Emily Engberg from Twin Cities Live!  They came along to our event to do a little bit on Events & Adventures and the type of fun you can have by being a part of the Minneapolis club!  She chatted with me on the in's and out's of the club and how we plan each event, and then interviewed some members on their experience of the club!  Then she (Emily) got to be a part of the action right along with us... jumping... and dodging as everyone decided to gang up on her and throw the balls all at once... well, at least it wasn't me this time!  Ha  We'll be able to view the final production this coming Friday between 3pm & 4pm on channel 5/KSTP!  Can't wait!  Never a dull moment with E&A! Events and Adventures Minneapolis

Dog Sledding Adventure!

As our winter is slowly warming up, we are definitely looking forward to spring.  But not before we can get in a few more winter activities.  This weekend we are going up to Duluth for a Dog-Sledding Adventure where we get to meet the dogs, play with them, help hook them up to the sled and ride along behind them... we even get to drive the sled, that is, if we are adventurous enough to do so!  Meanwhile some of us will get to see the horses and saddle them up to pull us in a bob sleigh... then we'll finish off the day with a snow shoe through the cranberry bog on the property.  After what will be a gorgeous and exciting day, we get to know people all that much more... spending time with them in a car for two hours up, spending the day with them, then two hours in the car ride home... one can even say you made a new friend!  Always keep and open mind... you never know who you are going to meet! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Taking Advantage Of All The Snow!

Since we are stuck with this snowy winter here in Minnesota, we might as well take advantage of it right?  Well we decided to turn an average day of sledding down a hill, into sledding down a hill to knock down inflatable bowling pins... Sledding Bowling!  We tried it as singles, we tried it as doubles, and we even tried it as triples... but we figured out that the more people connected, the less control we have on hitting the pins, so we didn't keep score, we just had a blast figuring out the hardest way to get down the hill!  Some of us found out how difficult snowboarding on a sled could be... and some of us took a break "just chilling" in the snow... overall we had a blast, sliding down our different runs, using a variety of sleds, making our own paths and maybe popping a few bowling pins or two from our efforts!  This is how we make the best of this forever winter here in MN... E&A style! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

An E&A Bar Hop......

An E&A Bar Hop is not just about the drinking, but more about the people and the atmosphere!  In what kind of a night do you get to meet new people, go to a few different places, eat, drink, play pool, dance AND laugh all together?  That's what we get out of our hops!  We meet at the first place, grab a beverage and mingle with everyone while waiting for those last few people to show up... then we head over to bar number two, grab a table, maybe another drink?  And of course, check out the menu to find some good eats and grub to satisfy our bar food cravings... meanwhile, let's play some pool until the food comes!  As we finish up our apps and drink number two, we feel the need to get out and dance... so we head over to bar number three with a live DJ playing the latest jams... oh, and not to mention free Margarita shots!  So after a night of different bars, eating, drinking and dancing, the most important thing is that we got to know someone better tonight!  And even someone new!  Always an adventure with E&A! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

So We Get To Paint While Sipping On A Glass Of Wine?

Painting AND wine?   Some may be skeptical of this concept, but let me tell you, it's therapeutic! Not necessarily the wine part, but the painting part... For the next three hours, I get to relax, paint, sip and chat with the others in the class.  You start with a blank canvas and a paint palate... you look at the finished product displayed in the front of the room and think, "How am I going to go from this to that?"  But as the music plays and our instructor walks us through each step of the painting, we go from discouraged to excited!  When we take a break, we walk around the room and see what everyone else's look like... it's amazing how the same painting can be interpreted differently by each person, but that's what we find in E&A too!  An eclectic mix of great people of all ages and interests, coming together to accomplish one goal... getting out and trying something new!  What's next on your list? Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Love Meeting New Members!

Never a dull moment at a New Member Ice Breaker & Cosmic Bowling Night!  New members walking in, most of them for their first event, and I can see the nerves in their eyes as I welcome them and start introducing them to the others.  As we all start chatting, the tension eases, and we are laughing and carrying on.  The best part is watching them play the "People Bingo" game, mingling around the room to find people who match the criteria in order to fill up their boards.  Who has the same birthday month as you?  Who has been sky diving?  Who owns a motorcycle?  And it gets them thinking about what they are going to accomplish this year with E&A... maybe sky diving is on their bucket list... or maybe they'll find something in common with another member who rides motorcycle just like they do... there is so much to find out!  And as we move to the bowling lanes, grab our shoes, and search for our lucky ball for the evening, we are excited to spend more time getting to know more members!  So WELCOME! To all of you new members!  Pretty soon, you won't be a "newbie" anymore and you'll be showing other new members "the ropes" of the club!  So much is in store for you, just wait! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

What Was Our Dinner Theme This Month?

Each month we have a dinner themed event from cuisine from all over the world... Italian, Asian, Greek and so on.  This month, we had an Italian themed dinner!  We all met at the restaurant, sat at our table and opened our menus... do we go with Pasta?  Pizza?  Calzone?  So many choices!  Meanwhile, we meet some new people... I got to meet TWO new members that night!  And that is what is so exciting about an event every day... you are bound to meet someone new at EVERY event!  I host 3-4 events a week, and STILL meet at least 1 new person at each event I'm at.  So as we ordered our pizza and pasta dishes, we talked and laughed and got to know someone a little better.  It's fun to sit and listen to the conversations of the people around you... people who have just met, who have something in common with each other, and can say they met a new friend tonight!  There is always an opportunity at ANY event with E&A! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Happy New Year!

 Our New Year's Eve Bash was great success filled with the holiday excitement!  It was great seeing members arrive all dressed up and ready to party!  When you walked in, you were greeted by one of our hosts for the night and after signing in, given your drink tickets and casino tickets, you were whisked away for a mini tour of the event... our hors d'oeuvres room was filled with the yummy smells of the food prepared and as we checked out the mashed potato bar, you were amused... that's a new one!  On to the photo booth... let's test it out quick!  Grab a hat or a feather boa for added fun!  And a photo keepsake of the memories and friends you met tonight!  And don't forget about the casino play... "Blackjack" and "Texas Hold 'em" seemed to be your popular favorites of the night, but what about "War"?? You can increase your chip count pretty quickly or for that matter, lose it all just as fast.  That's the risk you have to take, because the more chips you get, the more raffle tickets you get to turn in for prizes:  Wild Tickets or the Mystery Boxes?  Which to choose?  And after those big decisions, let's see what you can do on the dance floor... dance-off anyone?  No one took me up on it, so does that mean I won??  Ha right!  Either way, as we grabbed our champagne and counted down to the New Year, we toasted 2014 with our new friends we met tonight!  Cheers to all the more we will meet in this new year! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

Making Fleece Blankets For A Local Charity!

With our Christmas spirit still hanging in the air, we look forward to ringing in the New Year of 2014!  Our presents have been opened and the shopping has ceased, well except for a few returns or exchanges from presents received. We made fleece blankets for a local charity this past weekend with our E&A friends, for those in need so that they too can be filled with warmth this holiday season!  We are awaiting our ugly sweater & white elephant party this week, to keep that holly jolly attitude alive.  But how are we going to celebrate this past year and celebrate the one to come? With an E&A New Years Eve Bash, that's how!  As we await our annual dress up party, we think about our year and where we were when we started with E&A... The people we've met, the friends we've made, and the ones we have yet to meet! If 2014 is anything like 2013 was, then it's going to be a great year! Check out our club and make E&A one of YOUR New Year's resolutions! Events And Adventures Minneapolis

"Racing" For Last Minute Gifts!

Christmas is in less than a week!  I’m not sure why I’m so surprised, because it does this every year… sneaks up on me.  But that’s a good thing we have a Mall Scavenger Hunt and Last Minute Shopping before the actual day of the gift exchanging!  While we team up and set off on our hunt for the items that will give us the most points, we will have the chance to grab that last minute gift we have been searching for.  A two in one!  Although a group photo with Santa will be the “icing on the cookie”, the time of standing in line could lose us some valuable time… do we go for the big items and hope everyone else goes for all of the smaller ones?  Or do a little of both?  That’s the strategy each team will have to come up with.  So as we are hunting and scavenging and grabbing those last minute gifts, we will be racing to the finish… either for a team win or maybe a win in completing our own Christmas lists.  And on the subject of completing those final presents, maybe think of YOU… and sign up for the New Year’s Eve Bash just ONE WEEK after… that way we get to spend more time with our fellow E&A-ers and not only celebrate the Christmas spirit together, but we get to ring in the New Year together!   10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2… 1!
Start off 2-0-1-4 right with Events & Adventures! Events And Adventures Minneapolis