We’re delighted to have the American School Counselor Association conference (ASCA) here in Minneapolis this year. We’re looking forward to connecting with all of our school counselors during the conference. Please stop by to meet us at Free Spirit’s booth (#438). We know your weekend is packed full of valuable sessions and inspiring keynotes, but if you find some time to get outside and enjoy our beautiful city, we have some suggestions of how to spend this lovely 80-degree weekend.

Ten Things to Do in Minneapolis While at ASCA (Outside of the Convention Center):

1. Support a local business with your morning cup of coffee. Stop by Dunn Bros. in the convention center or Caribou Coffee on 11th Street and Nicollet Avenue.
2. Stroll through Loring Park, home to the 40th Annual Twin Cities Pride Festival this weekend. There will be festivities all day Saturday and Sunday, with a parade down Hennepin Avenue on Sunday at 11 a.m.
3. Try your hand at lawn bowling on the grassy rooftop of Brit’s Pub. Between 11th & 12th Street on Nicollet.
4. Enjoy a Big Ginger at The Local—the largest seller of Jameson Irish Whiskey in the world. 10th and Nicollet.
5. Take a picture with Mary Tyler Moore. Well, her statue, anyway. On the corner of 8th Street and Nicollet.
6. Eat breakfast for dinner while taking in live jazz at Hell’s Kitchen. Try their world-famous peanut butter, then buy a jar to take home—it’s addicting! Hidden in a basement on 9th Street between Nicollet and Marquette Avenue. (Look for the sign with the flashing lights.)
7. Try a local MN brew at 8th Street Grill, with over 44 beers on tap to choose from. At the corner of 8th Street and Marquette Avenue.
8. Walk down Nicollet to the Mississippi and stroll the pedestrian-only Stone Arch bridge. Take in a sweeping view of the riverfront and St. Anthony Falls.
9. While you’re down by the river, stop in Wilde Roast Café for a scoop of their fabulous homemade gelato. (Our favorite flavor: salted caramel). Located on historic Main Street.
10. Have your feet had enough? Hail a pedicab for a breezy ride back to your hotel or rent a bike at any of the Nice Ride bike stations, located every few blocks in the downtown area.

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