Pioneer Passion

We recognize the dozens of options you have for heading out over valentine's day weekend and that having options is what living downtown is all about!  We love having choices too!  If you or someone special you know is a Pioneer Endicott resident, you may enjoy a few of the events being held at one of our Pioneer Pass partners, or, you may want to exercise your right to one of the exclusive offers featured here.  Regardless of which one(s) you choose, spending your time - and money - at local businesses will make us 'heart' you too!  What's not to love?!  It seems like yesterday, when we were talking Small Business Saturday and listing all the benefits of keeping in the 'hood.

Speaking of exercise... even though gas prices haven't been this low since 2003, we are huge fans of walking so don't forget to click on our friend wherever you see the symbol before you head out.

The good news is, if you do drive there, you'll have a little extra change in your pocket to share with our dedicated friends in the industry!

The better news is that you have several of our favorites - right down the block and just through the skyway!

Here are a few special Valentine's Day events for you to consider along with our very own Valentine's Day cards:

Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Salt Cellar

Saturday, February 13 - Sunday, February 14 beginning at 5:00pm

Chef Alan has prepared two menus, Land and Sea, that will ensure a dinner to remember for Valentine's Day.  Deposit of $50.00 is required at time of the reservation.  Due to limited seating they do require 48 hours for any cancellations.  Seating times are 5:00, 7:00, and 9:30pm.  Click Here for Reservations

Fresh Flowers, Heart-shaped brownies & overflow space in Legacy Chocolates

February 8 to 14

So much chocolate, coffee and famous fresh roasted coffee that they are taking over the skyway!  

Heartland Restaurant & Wine Bar

Valentine's Weekend Menu, February 13 & 14

Fauna

Four course fixed price $75/optional wine pairing $25/optional book pairing $35

Flora

Four course fixed price $65/optional wine pairing $25/optional book pairing $35

Click Here for Reservations

SW Craft Bar

Friday, Saturday & Sunday Feb 12, 13 & 14

Special four course menu featuring Lamb, Surf & Turf and Chicken Mole as options.  $40 for one/$70 for two Click Here for Reservations
LIVE MUSIC.  No Cover!
Friday is Sarah Streitz Music @ 8:00pm & Saturday is Tempestad - Jazz Duo @ 8:00pm

Now you have over a dozen ideas for fun ways to spend Valentine's Weekend - or any other time!  Pioneer Endicott residents and their friends enjoy these discounts throughout the year - just flash your Pioneer Pass!!

Our gift to you is this 2003 Trivia.  Use it as a conversation starter, challenge your friends, or simply see how much you remember about the time when gas prices were this low:

In 2003...

1. Who won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay?
2. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions?
3. Who was the American Idol?
4. Who won the Oscar for Best Actor?
5. What was the Billboard's Best Album?
6. Who won the Super Bowl?
7. What won MTV's Best Video Award? (Bonus point if you can name either of the women involved with "the kiss" at the VMAs)
8. What country won the Rugby World Cup?
9. Who won the Oscar for Best Actress?
10. What team won the MLS Championship?
11. What won the Oscar for Best Picture?

Answers below.  How did you do?

We wish you well on the trivia and for whatever plans you have for Valentine's Day!  Keep this post handy and make sure to follow us on social media as we announce more Pioneer Pass partners!!

@pioneerendicott

Lowertown puts the "is" in 'Tis the Season

Lowertown IS the spot for the Holidays in east metro.

You know it’s December in Saint Paul, when the calendar features dozens of special events to choose from.  We’ve picked a few of our favorites in-and-around town.  Many are free and all of them have Twin Citians beaming with pride!  Take in a few of your favorites and mix in a couple of new adventures along the way.

View from the 17th

Lowertown First Fridays Holiday Bazaar

What: Lowertown First Fridays (LFF) is an association of artists who open their studios (or have a gallery arrangement).  This event is free and open to the public.
Things to do:
• Visit artists’ studios
• Watch artists at work
• BUY ART
• See live music performances
• Eat at local restaurants
• Visit galleries
• BUY ART
• Take part in interactive events
• See live dance performances
• Sign up for classes
• Meet a lot of very interesting people
• and BUY ART!

Where: Lowertown
When: Friday, December 4th: 6pm-9pm. Saturday December 5th:  12pm - 5pm
Cost: FREE to attend and free to look, but we’re confident you’ll do more than look!

Here are a few of the many items you can find at the Bazaar:

Caroline Mecklin

Barbara Evan

Also, don't miss the free Wine, Beer & Spirits tasting in the Pioneer Endicott building as part of Lowertown First Fridays hosted by Revival Wine Beer & Spirits 

37th Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar 

Source

What: Over 75 booths of beautiful and unique handcrafted gift items by artists in the area. From jewelry and clothing to handmade lotions and soaps, you can find a gift for everyone at this event! You won't want to miss one of Landmark Center's longest running and most beloved traditions!

Where: Landmark Center in St. Paul
When: Friday, December 4th: 10am - 7pm. Saturday, December 5th: 10am - 5pm.
Cost: $5 per person. Ages 12 and under are free.

North Pole Express

What: A steam train experience like no other! This one-mile train ride, beginning at the Union Depot, brings you to the North Pole to meet and pick up Santa. During the ride back to the Union Depot, Santa will hand out treats and goodies to the children.  At the end of the train ride, children receive a treat and hot cocoa, and will be invited to participate in other fun activities.
Where: The Union Depot in St. Paul
When: December 4th - 6th, and December 10th - 13th. Times Vary, so check the schedule.
Cost: $17.95 for children. $21.95 for adults. Kids under 3 are free. Purchase tickets here.

St. Nicholas Day Concert at the Fitzgerald

What: This one-night concert event at the Fitzgerald Theatre features Season 3 finalist of NBC's The Voice, Nicholas David. All net proceeds from this event benefit Masonic Children’s Hospital. Tickets are almost sold out, so reserve yours ASAP!
Where: The Fitzgerald Theatre
When: Sunday, December 6th. 7:30pm
Cost: $40.00, $30, or $25.50. A $2.50 facility fee will be added to each ticket.

   

Tree Lighting Celebrationwith Holy Rocka Rollaz

Source

What: The Holiday Tree Lighting celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Waiting Room with entertainment and holiday activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Enjoy a holiday musical performance by The Holy Rocka Rollaz starting at 6:30 p.m. At approximately 7:15 p.m. guests will move outside to the North Plaza for the tree lighting celebration followed by a short fireworks display.

Bring new or gently used mittens, scarves, hats and boots to Union Depot Dec. 4 – 6. Donations will be accepted during the European Christmas Market, the Holiday Tree Lighting, Holiday Movie Night and throughout the weekend at your Hub for the Holidays. Donations benefit the Hallie Q. Brown Clothing Closet.

Where: The Union Depot in St. Paul
When: Friday, December 4th: 5:30pm w/Music at 6:30pm and Holiday Tree Lighting at 7:15pm
Cost: FREE

St. Paul Ice Fishing & Winter Sports Show

What: This is the LARGEST Ice Fishing Show in the country! Shop more than 190 exhibits with products and services dedicated to the die-hard ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast.
When: Friday, December 4th: 1pm - 9pm.  Saturday, December 5th: 10am - 7pm.  Sunday, December 6th: 10am - 5pm.
Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre
Cost: Adults $9. Children 6-12 $5. Children 5 & under free.

Honorable Mentions

Opening weekend for St. Paul Farmers' Winter Market.

Black Nativity: A Tradition of Love and Light.  Penumbra Theatre Saturday December 5^th 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday December 6^th 4pm & 7:30pm. $15-$40 BUY TICKETS

Lowertown Classics No. 15 – Music: Nerea Berraondo, Catherine Ramirez, Eva Beneke, Maja Rodovanlija, Alex Lubet!  Wine tasting by Revival Wine & Spirits!  Candy!  Friday, December 4th: 8pm $10 suggested donation.

the plume project: Emily Stover’s Rumblings will dance across the sky Saturday December 6^th and Sunday December 7^th 5-11pm

Holiday Lights in the Park: Holiday Lights in the Park is a joint venture of the St. Paul chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the St. Paul Police Foundation with the sole purpose of creating a fun and affordable holiday event that is fun for the entire family. All of the net proceeds from this event will be distributed to a community non-profit partner, the Saint Paul Police Foundation, and the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy.  Nightly in Phalen Park. $10 cash at the gate only.  BUY TICKETS for $8

On Your Mark... Get Set... Have FUN!!!

Visit our blog frequently and follow the Pioneer Endicott social media for more exciting events throughout the season!