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

New Year's Eve Celebrations 2016 - Downtown St. Paul – the REMIX

Pardon the cliché but if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.  Certainly applies to the blog post that went live a year ago. We’ll toast to the efforts of Talia Schmitz, as well as, our new Pioneer Pass partners; while remembering ‘old acquaintances’ our long-time Pioneer Pass partners, affectionately known as the “Original Six.”  We’ll raise ‘em a little higher for our inspirational Pioneer Endicott residents, our All-Star staff, and our professional partners.

Please enjoy an update to Talia’s guide to New Year’s Eve Celebrations in and around Lowertown, St. Paul.  From family-friendly and ending by 8pm, to 21+ and lasting all night, everyone is sure to find a perfect NYE option for ringing in 2016!

New Year's Eve w/ PaviElle

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What:  Includes music & champagne toast at midnight!  Full a la carte menu will be available.

PaviElle’s sound often has the faint flavor of Sly and the Family Stone, or seems to draw on the influences of little Jose James, and Rufus – with the soulful feel of Bill Withers occasionally evident in the groove.
Where: Vieux Carré. 408 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, MN
When: December 31st. 10:30pm
Cost: $25
*This is a 21+ event

Noon Year's Party

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What: A family event so popular, we’re doing it twice!  Ring in the “Zoo” year during a special Noon Year’s Celebration.  Kidsdance, Minnesota’s favorite high-energy, interactive DJ service for kids, will be here both days with tunes, contests and fabulous prizes!  We will have craft making, special animal enrichment, giveaways, and a countdown to noon with hundreds of beach balls dropped form the ceiling.
Where: Como Zoo Visitor Center. St. Paul, MN
When: December 31st & January 1st. 10:00am
Cost: FREE

Open Season - A New Year's Eve Party

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What: An early NYE celebration at the Black Dog in Lowertown. Featuring musical acts (and good friends, together for the first time): Todd Harper - piano, Nathan Hanson – saxophone, Eric Coursen – drums, and Todd Baer – Trumpet.  This year’s show will combine crisp Latin rhythms with two horn harmonies; waltzes, mambos, ballads, swinging items, and many things without names.

Where: Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Cost: FREE

New Year's Eve at TheSaint Paul Hotel

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What: JoAnne Funk and Jeff Brueske give 'A Tribute to Frank Sinatra,' along with special guests Nathan Norman and Steven Marking.

Where: The Lobby Bar at The Saint Paul Hotel. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. 8:00pm - Midnight

Cost: Free. Food and drink available for purchase.

The “V” is for very entertaining: Happy Crazy New Year V

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What: Dangerous Productions will take over Bedlam Lowertown again for a one-night only show and fundraiser followed by a New Year’s MASQUERADE PARTY co-produced by DP and Bedlam Lowertown.

After HCNY ends the New Year’s Masquerade will begin, with dance music by the wailing Brass Messengers followed by more dancingy courtesy of the Twin Cities’ own Ms. Lakesha.  Champagne toasts, spiritual forecasting and more!

Where: Bedlam Lowertown. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. 8:00pm

Cost: $10-$20 here – HCNY V will be the initial fundraiser for HAPPY FROGTOWN, with all ticket sales going to support the $10,000 match needed for the Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge Grant for the project.

Flying Poodle's in Amsterdam

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What: This 80s & 90s themed show is made up of 4 showcases that run all evening. The showcases feature dance music, comedy, and 'hilariously sexy burlesque acts.' If you're up for it, you can participate in 'ridiculous burlesque inspired contests' and win prizes! Free aviator glasses at the door for the first 50 guests.

Where: Amsterdam Bar and Hall. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. Doors at 9:00pm, show at 10:00pm

Cost: $15 advance tickets. $18 at the door.  $60 for a table of 2. $120 for a table of 4.
*This is a 21+ event

Please consider these offerings by our Pioneer Pass partners: 

New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Salt Cellar

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What: Chef Alan has prepared two menus, Land and Sea that will ensure 2016 will be a great year.

Where: The Salt Cellar steak and seafood on Cathedral Hill. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. Seating Times are: 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00pm

Cost: $50 deposit is required at time of the reservation.  48 hours for any cancellations.

New Year’s Eve in America’s Heartland

What: Four-Course Menu featuring “Forest & Prairie” w/Smoked bison loin; “River & Lakes” w/Spicy catfish; or “Farms & Fields” w/Winter squash ravioli.

Where: Heartland Restaurant and Wine Bar. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Cost: $75 per person fixed price; tax and gratuity additional.  Click here for reservations.

 New Year’s Eve w/ the Tim Sigler Band

What: The NYE tradition lives on!!  Celebrate the arrival of 2016 w/ the Tim Sigler Band.  Admission includes complimentary domestic tap & rail drinks from 8-9pm, plus a complimentary champagne toast at Midnight to ring in the New Year.

Where: Eagle Street Grille. St. Paul, MN

When: December 31st. 9:30pm to 1:30am

Cost: $19.46 - $27.37 Get Tickets.

2016 Healthy Start ideas:

Core Power Yoga – Pioneer Pass holders get Student Discount Rates.

Wells Fargo WinterSkate

The Saint Paul Athletic Club – Pioneer Pass holders get 50% off first month’s membership dues

Afton Alps – Single Day Lift Tickets Mon-Thurs $51/$46 & Fri-Sun $56/$51 (rates change after 3pm)

Have a Happy & Safe New Year’s Eve and a wonderful 2016!!!

Make sure to follow us throughout the year for original pics, new events, and more great adventures!!!

@pioneerendicott