Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1) Albanese Candy Factory outlet Store
On a recent family trip we had unexpected reason to stop in scenic Crown Point Indiana for the night. We were tired and ready to be home and still had a 6+ hour drive ahead of us. As we exited the interstate, intent on getting to the hotel and then getting some dinner, we saw a billboard that said ALBANESE CANDY FACTORY OUTLET STORE. Now, I have eaten my fair share of Albanese gummy bears, and they are exceptional in both flavor and texture, but that was not enough to get me excited about a candy store. My wife, however, knew better and insisted that we go. It was Willy Wonka-esque, without all the harm to children. Chocolates of every desirable flavor and shape. Gummies and fruit candies by the bin. I could go on and on, but suffice to say, our excursion to the candy outlet made for a much more joyful evening and tolerable completion of our road trip. So if you ever have the misfortune to be staying near Crown Point Indiana, just know there is a (very) bright side.
2) Target Field
I grew up about four blocks from the Metrodome, that feat of 1970s engineering (it opened in 1980) that succeeded at keeping the elements of Minnesota weather at bay so sporting events could be held while also fending off any semblance of natural light or environment. It was a wonderful home field advantage for the Twins and Vikings, mainly because teams were unaccustomed to playing in bionic bubble. I attended countless games at this “ballpark” and enjoyed it, but I never stopped yearning for outdoor baseball. Summer in Minnesota is marvelous, and the natural elements are part of the game. So when they opened Target Field on the other side of downtown Minneapolis in 2010, I was thrilled. It is everything a major league ballpark ought to be with open concourses, great sight lines, a downtown view, homages to Twins greats, compact design so all the seats feel near the field, and a pile of local concession options. It’s the kind of ballpark that is a delight to go to whether or not the team is good. On July 4 I had a chance to take my family to a game there, introducing my wife and son to one of my favorite places on earth (my daughters had been with me previously). Fifteen years after opening, I think Target Field has only gained charm. If you’re a baseball fan, make the pilgrimage.
3) Randy Moss Highlights
Randy Moss has been in the sports news recently for declaring that he is the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. While I think that is fallacious (nod to Jerry Rice), I do think he is the most gifted and exciting WR in NFL history. I had the pleasure of watching the beginning of his career on the Vikings, and there has never been another playmaker like him at the position. Just watch.
