Last call for Dinner with Colleagues

Dinner with Colleagues registration will be closed at noon on Wednesday, October 9th to allow hosts to finalize reservations.  As of this afternoon, two venues have no attendees, just hosts!  Don't let them dine alone, sign up now.

If you're not in the mood for supper, how about happy hour?
Stop by the St. Cloud Library before 9pm for a lime green wrist band.  Dinner with Colleagues hosts will have wristbands on hand for you as well.  The wristband is your ticket to Wednesday only MLA exclusive specials at these downtown St. Cloud eateries:

• Howies: $5.99 select appetizers and $3 20 ounce taps
• Mexican Village: show your wrist band and receive free fried ice cream with an adult entree 
• Red Carpet Martini Lounge: $5 Signature Martinis from 4-8pm
• House of Pizza: $2 1 topping flatbreads, $3 select appetizers from 4-6:30 and 8-11
• Green Mill: $5.99 select appetizers, $3 rail drinks, and $3.50 tall taps from 3-6 and 9-midnight   
• DB Searles: $3 domestic bottles and $3 rail drinks all night in the 1st floor pub
• Nick's 3rd Floor: 20% off entree
• BoDiddley's: 30% off any sub. pita or gyro from 4:30-8pm 

Free at Last: Journey of Hope

You won't have to travel far to see this art exhibit; it's on display on the first floor of the convention center through October 31st! The 60 works, including weavings, crafted handbags, ceramics, drawings, and paintings, were all created by recent immigrants who live in the greater St. Cloud area. Created during a Hands Across the World program in conjunction with 5 local artists, the artwork and 14 accompanying biographical essays tell the often traumatic and emotionally turbulent stories of their immigrant experiences.

Stickwork @ CSB/SJU

Photo Credit: Tommy O'Laughlin

If you're driving to Saint Cloud from the west on I-94, you'll want to take a short break on the exit to Saint John's University to check out Lean On Me, a Stickwork sculpture created in September 2012 by Patrick Dougherty with the help of several campus and community volunteers.  Approximately 30 minutes west of the convention center and less than a minute south of the interstate on the entrance road to SJU, Lean on Me is made of natural materials from the Saint John's Arboretum with inspiration from the Stella Maris Chapel overlooking Lake Sagatagan.

Around the Cloud

  Picture it, 8:30 on Friday night.  You’ve had a great time at the conference, a great time meeting new friends and talking shop.  You don’t want the good times to end.  What to do?  Pull out our cell phone or tablet or iPod or laptop and look up aroundthecloud.org.    

   You’re bound to find a band playing nearby, or mosey on over to the Paramount and check out the Minnesota Disability Mural and Story Project Exhibit.  With free classes and workshops, theater, music, dance, and art all in one spot you’re only problem will be choosing what options to check out!  Perhaps you should book your hotel room for one more night to experience all that is around the cloud.

Around the Cloud

Quarry Park & Nature Preserve

Quarry Park is the most unique county park in the United States. It features:

 

§  Granite reflecting pools

§  A swimming hole 112 feet deep

§Hiking

§  Mountain bike paths over billion-year-old bedrock

§  Trout fishing

§  Rock climbing (on specific dates)

§  Ski trails

§  Pools popular with scuba divers

§  Stacks of Granite rock mixed with a dense forest.

Quarry Park currently contains 684 acres, it has much to offer for those who love the outdoors.

 

Munsinger Gardens

 

 

Immerse yourself in a truly unique botanical experience. Awaken your senses. Delight in the natural beauty. Located along the Mississippi River across from St. Cloud State University, Munsinger and Clemens Gardens invite you to stroll the winding paths and brick pathways as you experience this dazzling St. Cloud treasure.

Stearns History Museum

The Stearns History Museum was organized in 1936 by a group of area citizens. In 1973, it began shaping itself into a professional museum.  Later in 1982, groundbreaking took place for the current facility.  Today it is a nationally accredited museum, serving the people of Stearns County and drawing visitors from all over the U.S. and world.

The museum is located in a 100-acre nature park with flower gardens, ponds, walking trails, abundant wildlife, and a skateboard park.  It offers exhibit galleries, a research center, historical archives, meeting rooms and a children’s play area.  Throughout the year, the Museum presents exhibits, programs and activities that educate, entertain, and inspire. 

 

Because librarians never get tired of libraries...

If you're one of those librarians who can't help but drop by the local library when vacationing or conferencing, consider putting a visit to the St. Cloud Public Library on your to-do list.

The St. Cloud Public Library is a quick half-mile walk from the River's Edge Convention Center. Constructed in 2008, the library features several pieces of public art, a green roof garden, and a new Smart Play Spot from the Minnesota Children's Museum.  SCPL is also home to the headquarters of the Great River Regional Library system.

Dinner with Colleagues sign up is live!

Wondering what to do when you get to St. Cloud on Wednesday, October 9th?  Look no further - Dinner with Colleagues is your chance to meet some new people or catch up with friends before the conference officially starts.

We have six sites from which to choose - sign up here.
Dinners are scheduled from 6:30 til roughly 8pm.

Ciatti’s Ristorante, 1.75 miles from conference center, $$$

2635 W Division St, St Cloud, 56301  (320) 257-7900

http://www.ciattisristorante.com/

Ciatti’s offers a unique dining experience with their comfortable atmosphere and aromas from their made from scratch Italian-inspired dishes.  Their menu features a variety of pasta dishes, fish, and meats served with endless salad and breadsticks or fresh-baked Rosemary Focaccia bread.  A special early dining menu is available from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Monday-Thursday.  

Granite City Food & Brewery, 2.9 miles from conference center, $$

3945 2nd St. South, St. Cloud, (320) 203-9000 

http://gcfb.net/location/st-cloud

Granite City Food and Brewery is a favorite spot for casual dining inside or outside on the patio, weather permitting.  Everything on the menu is made fresh from scratch in their own kitchen with a variety of selections, ranging from burgers to salads to steaks.  Their on-site microbrewery offers of variety of freshly brewed beers.   

Sawatdee, 4 blocks from conference center, $$

800 W St Germain St, St Cloud, (320) 240-1454

http://www.sawatdee.com/

This Thai restaurant serves authentic spicy curries, spring rolls, pad thai, and stir-fries.  What really set them apart, however, are the famous spring rolls. There are lots of vegetarian choices at this restaurant. Sawatdee also has a beer list that includes Thailand's own brew, Singha. For dessert, nothing is nicer than fresh mango with sticky sweet rice.

de la Pointe at Le St-Germain Hotel, across the street from the conference center, $$$

404 W St Germain St, St Cloud, (320) 654-1661

http://www.lestgermainsuitehotel.com/about-us/

The de la Pointe restaurant is in the Le St-Germain Suite Hotel. The Hotel has a controlled skyway access to the River's Edge Civic Center directly across the street. The de la Pointe offers an upscale atmosphere with a chef designed menu to satisfy even the most discriminating connoisseur. After dinner, relax in the lounge and enjoy a glass a wine with your friends. Join St. Cloud State University Library Dean Mark Vargas for an evening of great food and conversation.

Green Mill, 2 blocks from conference center, $$

100 4th Ave S., St. Cloud, MN 56303, (320) 259-6455

http://www.greenmill.com/
Enjoy a casual atmosphere at this local sports bar. Menu features include legendary pizza and pastas as well as a wide selection of wings, entrees, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts. Full bar available with Happy Hour specials after 9 p.m. Wednesday's specials include 1/2 price bottle of wine with a purchase of an entree.

Nick’s 3rd Floor, 2 blocks from conference center, $$

18 5th Ave S, (320) 253-0655

http://www.nicksthirdfloor.com/ 

Located on the mezzanine in DB Searle’s. Nick’s is a locavore’s heaven! The majority of the produce, beef, pork and chicken served at Nick's Third Floor is supplied by local farmers and vendors, all within a 20-mile radius of St. Cloud.

Dinner with Colleagues

The Local Arrangements committee is finalizing details for Dinner with Colleagues which will be held Wednesday, October 9th at 6:30pm.  Dinner with Colleagues is a fantastic way to kick off your visit to St. Cloud, meet new people, and enjoy a new restaurant - locations and sign up details will be posted by the week's end.

Local Flavors: You'll want to drive to these

Although a little further away, we think these restaurants are worth the drive!

Anton's (4.5 miles) 

2001 Frontage Road North, Waite Park MN, 320.253.3611

Passing under a covered bridge you arrive at Anton's, originally a speakeasy during prohibition. This restaurant, a local favorite, serves steaks, chicken, seafood, and chops in a beautiful cabin-like atmosphere situated on the banks of the serene Sauk River in Waite Park.

The Boulder Tap House (2.9 miles)

3950 2nd St S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.230.0100 

Legendary wings with seemingly endless sauce combinations? Check. Hand-cut fries with a cajún twist? Or maybe you prefer lighter lettuce wraps? Check and check. Our burger heights know no bounds, may we suggest “The Applewood Avocado Burger,” or for the bacon and cheese lovers, “The Defibrillator.” Don’t forget to treat your sweetie to a shake or malt. Mouth watering yet?

Café Renaissance  (5.5 miles)

2140 Frontage Rd N, Waite Park MN, 320.253.9300

Café Renaissance is a sophisticated dining experience with a Mediterranean/European bistro atmosphere. The entrees, ranging in price from $8-$25, consist of French, Greek, Italian, Moroccan and of course American, choices. The setting is elegant and peaceful with a truly friendly wait staff. A full bar is available. Café Renaissance is located next to Slumberland on Division Street in Waite Park.

Ciatti’s Ristorante (1.9 miles) 

2635 W Division St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.257.7900

Ciatti’s offers a unique dining experience with their comfortable atmosphere and aromas from their made from scratch Italian-inspired dishes. Their menu features a variety of pasta dishes, fish, and meats served with endless salad and breadsticks or fresh-baked Rosemary Focaccia bread. A special early dining menu is available from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Monday-Thursday.

Coyote Moon Grille Lounge (6.0 miles)

480 55th Ave SE, Saint Cloud MN, 320.258.4653

We are known for our fresh salad bar and homemade popovers with honey butter. Try our number one selling walleye or our smoked ribs!

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse (3.5 miles)

148 2nd St S, Waite Park MN, 320.252.3838

Walk into a soothing world of a Koi pond and relish the sight of the beautiful Japanese decor of our restaurant. You can choose to be in a fun environment at the Hibachi / Teppanyaki grill room and watch a skilled spatula twirling chef cook right in front of you, or you can select the dining room with authentic Japanese cuisine in a comfortable booth. Sushi bar, full bar, and a lounge are also available.

Granite City Food & Brewery (3.3 miles) 

3945 2nd St. South, Saint Cloud MN, 320.203.9000

Granite City Food and Brewery is a favorite spot for casual dining inside or outside on the patio, weather permitting. Everything on the menu is made fresh from scratch in their own kitchen with a variety of selections, ranging from burgers to salads to steaks. Their on-site microbrewery offers of variety of freshly brewed beers.

La Casita (3.4 miles)

314 Division Street, Waite Park MN, 320.230.8633

LaCasita Mexican Restaurant offers a casual, relaxing, rustic atmosphere with many hand-painted murals throughout the cantina and restaurant. The menu has a wide variety of Mexican appetizers, soups and salads, fajita skillets, Mexican favoritos de Mexico, traditional Mexican plates, grilled dishes, and combinaciones. The restaurant is located in Waite Park and is easy to find.

The Local Blend (8.6 miles)

19 W. Minnesota Street, St. Joseph, MN

The Local Blend is a locally owned, homemade, organic coffee house located in St. Joseph, MN. They specialize in locally produced and locally grown coffees and ingredients. Serving soups, salads, and in-house bakery items.

Mongo’s Grill (2.7 miles)

3701 Division St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.253.2695

Choose from over 25 vegetables and spices - like fresh red peppers, ginger, garlic and curry. Combine them with beef, pork, sausage, tofu, noodles, steamed rice, brown rice or make it a wrap...Then stand back and watch our expert Chef stir fry your selection on a 650 degree grill, sealing in all the flavor for a taste experience you won't soon forget!

Old Capital Tavern (2.4 miles)

2 North Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN, 320.291.4541

Locally owned, the Old Capital Tavern is serving up 50 tap craft beers along with reasonably priced, delicious fine dining in a rustic tavern ambiance.

RJ's American Grill (6 miles)

4221 Clearwater Rd., Saint Cloud, MN 56301

RJ's is modern grill with a wide selection of items to choose from. Everything from sweet potato fries and chipotle chicken nachos, pizzas and pastas to steaks and homemade desserts.

Star of India (2.2 miles) 

2812 Division St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.281.3380

From mild to hot, get exotic and spice things up! Many vegetarian options are available and the lunch buffet is a local librarian favorite!

Local Flavors: A little further out, but still downtown

Biology 701
701 W St Germain St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.443.6027

Saint Cloud's LGBT bar, Biology 701 serves unique salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, with several vegan options, in a lounge setting.

Bo Diddley’s Deli

216 6th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.252.9475

BoDidd’s is a St. Cloud classic: casual atmosphere with a very affordable selection of subs and pitas.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

211 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.203.4430

Jules’ Bistro

921 W St Germain St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.252.7125

Jules’ offers a welcoming atmosphere, local art finds, and great place to gather with friends. This bistro has a variety of fresh, homemade soups and specialty items. There is also an extensive wine and beer list with featured seasonal selections.

Perkins

118 6th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.251.9011
Sawatdee

800 W St Germain St, Saint Cloud, 320.240.1454

This Thai restaurant serves authentic spicy curries, spring rolls, pad thai, and stir-fries. What really set them apart, however, are the famous spring rolls. There are lots of vegetarian choices at this restaurant. Sawatdee also has a beer list that includes Thailand's own brew, Singha. For dessert, nothing is nicer than fresh mango with sticky sweet rice.

Taco John’s

25 9th Ave N, Saint Cloud MN, 320.251.0596

White Horse Restaurant & Bar

809 W St Germain, Saint Cloud MN, 320.257.7775

The White Horse offers a very tasty selection of freshly prepared dishes, changing by the week. Top your choice off with a choice of bottled beers, tap beers, wines and other beverages. Test your trivia knowledge by playing their BuzzTime Trivia and competing against others.

Local Flavors Close to the Convention Center

Not a huge fan of conference food, or just want to get a taste of Saint Cloud?  These restaurants are within walking distance of the Saint Cloud Convention Center.

5th Avenue Grille

404 W St Germain St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.258.2580

Located inside Le-St Germain Hotel, the 5th Avenue Grille offers upscale dining at a casual price.

Nick’s 3rd Floor

18 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.253.0655

Located on the mezzanine in DB Searle’s. Nick’s is a locavore’s heaven! The majority of the produce, beef, pork and chicken served at Nick's Third Floor is supplied by local farmers and vendors, all within a 20-mile radius of St. Cloud.

Green Mill

100 4th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.259.6455

Best known for their legendary pizza and wings, the Green Mill also offers unique pasta creations and sandwiches.

House of Pizza

19 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.252.9300

Established in 1964, House of Pizza has been serving St. Cloud’s favorite pizza and Italian food for over 45 years.

Jimmy John’s

14 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.257.0611

Mc’s Dugout Bar & Grill

501 W Saint Germain St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.259.9862

Classic bar food with great happy hour specials - ask about the Hairy Buffalo!

Mexican Village

509 W St Germain St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.252.7134

A St. Cloud favorite - escape to Mexico!

Subway

30 South 5th Avenue, Saint Cloud MN, 320.257.7002

Welcome!

On this blog you will find things to do in and things about Saint Cloud.  We hope you find this blog helpful in planning your 2013 MLA Conference experience.  Librarians will rock this Granite City!!!