http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php Grand fun. Grand shopping. Grand dining. Greater Grand Forks. Get away to the Red River Valley where the great outdoors meet the friendly towns of Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=47 Besides being one of the most uniquely beautiful buildings in Greater Grand Forks, the historic Empire Arts Center has become a downtown hub of great entertainment. Their schedule includes everything from Blues and Bluegrass concerts to movie classics and classic Broadway plays. Plus, the Empire's wide variety of events offers something for every member of the family…from Grandpa Joe to Joe the toddler!As proof of its diversity, just take a look at the Empire's upcoming schedule: February 26, Tue, 16 Feb 2010 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=46 I got the chance to check out the musical "Annie" performed by the Greater Grand Forks Community Theater at the Empire Arts Center last weekend and what a treat! The theater was packed full of all ages enjoying the sounds of "It's a Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow". What a great group of talented performers right from the Greater Grand Forks area!"Annie" ends its run this weekend! Shows are February 18th through the 21st. Tickets available by calling 70 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=45 We ate at the new restaurant Mi Mexico this past weekend. It is located on the corner of Washington St. N. and DeMers Ave. in the old Hardees location. When we walked in Saturday evening, the place was packed...this was surprising because the city was in the midst of its first weekend storm warning of the year. Everyone around here is always geared up for trying something new no matter what the weather. While we were waiting near the entrance for a table to open up, we noticed how bright it was Mon, 16 Nov 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=44 This will be great with the kiddos...Local Boy Scout Alan Ashworth of the Latter Days Saints Troop #165 recently completed the construction of a natural play area in the Greenway. The play area is approximately 150 square feet in size and is located in a grove of trees along the lower trail in the area commonly referred to as Sunbeam in Grand Forks, just north of 47th Avenue South. Alan coordinated a group of volunteers to help design and construct the many features of the play area. Logs washe Wed, 11 Nov 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=43 The Empire Arts Center continues to be one of the grand jewels in Greater Grand Forks! The new staff continues to book exciting entertainment while also partnering with local organizations to create events like Art & Wine Walk and a new event I mention below.Last week I attended the Ladies Night Out: Pretty Woman Event, and what a great time it was! Women were treated to fabulous food and shopping along with prizes, a style show and movie. I am really looking forward to Empire's Oscar eve Mon, 21 Sep 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=42 Fall seems to be the time for great weather and fabulous events in Greater Grand Forks! We just wrapped up another successful Art & Wine Walk with approximately 375 attendees this last weekend. The final one of the season takes place October 17th in downtown Greater Grand Forks. What a great way to shop, view regional art and enjoy unique wines!Farmer's Market will be wrapping up its season this weekend on the 26th. I know I want to get out there and grab some of the great produce and un Wed, 5 Aug 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=41 Crimson Creek Players, a local professional theatre company, brings the 1960s' counterculture to the stage at the Empire Arts Center. I was able to attend opening night of Hair August 4th. The show was funny, profound, edgy and fast-paced. The cast of 20 illustrated a high level of talent and professionalism as the show is almost entirely sung along with physically demanding dance numbers. You may recognize a few of the songs like "Age of Aquarius" and "Let the sun shine in" while being enthrall Tue, 21 Jul 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=40 There is going to be more fun downtown Greater Grand Forks this weekend, as the second of the three-part 2009 Blues on the Red music series will continue this Saturday, July 25, from 5 to 10 p.m., in Town Square, with two exciting acts from the Minneapolis area.Blues on the Red headliner, Cool Disposition, is proud of a lineage that can be traced directly back to Muddy Waters. Their sound expands upon the bedrock influence of 50's era Chicago Blues, touching base with a variety of styles Tue, 23 Jun 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=39 The first of the 2009 Blues on the Red series will debut this Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 10 p.m., in Town Square with two exciting acts from the Minneapolis area.Blues on the Red headliner, The Sweet Papa Dave Band, is led by Sweet Papa Dave (AKA David Hart) who was born in St. Paul, MN, and was raised in the deep back woods of Grand Portage, MN. His family had no running water and heated and cooked with wood. As a child he grew up listening to Huddy Ledbetter, Woody Gutherie, Pete Sieger an Thu, 18 Jun 2009 http://www.visitgrandforks.com/blog.php?id=38 Grab your family and friends and take a walk, take a sip and take a look. A unique summer and fall event held in downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, the Art & Wine Walk gives you three activities in one: wine tasting; a chance to view the work of regional artists and a little exercise for good measure. Starting locations are the Blue Moose Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks and the Town House/Muddy Rivers in Grand Forks. Purchase a map for just $10 (cash or check only) and receive