In Progress!
Prelude to a Trip
Volcanoes and lava have been something of interest my entire life. Growing up in the Southern United States, we unfortunately weren’t close to any geysers, calderas or other fun hydrothermal features. After moving to California as an adult, I’ve been fortunate to visit the Sulfur Works at Lassen Volcanic National Park and the lava beds of Craters of the Moon. Now, my eyes are set on another hydrothermal haven: Yellowstone.
Realizing this type of destination requires extensive planning, guides come in handy at this phase. Drawing from the usefulness of the Complete Guide of the National Parks of the West, I obtained a copy of Fodor's Yellowstone guide. With a reservation for the historic Old Faithful Inn set for next summer, route planning comes next.
What else in on my bookshelf? From Dollywood to Disneyland, travel guides adorn my library. Read more here
A tiny book on my shelf catches the kiddos’ eye from time to time: Bored in the USA. This quant collection of iconic sites throughout the country is chock full of large roadside attractions through the Dakotas such as the World's Only Corn Palace. Combine this with an adoration of the 1970s and 80s TV show, Little House on the Prairie, and you have yourself an itinerary quickly taking shape.
Meandering through the north eventually we will make our way to Minnesota, birthplace of Charles Schulz, Janet Jackson, and the iconic Prince. There’s even a Purple Highway in his honor.
While researching and locating over 150 Peanuts on Parade statues in our beloved Santa Rosa, CA, my partner gifted me a second Peanuts on Parade guide. This time, it was focused on the OGs in Minnesota during the first iteration of statues dedicated to Charles Schulz beginning in 2000. Over 500 statues await us in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Out of the hundreds that debuted many decades ago, I’ve been able to gather a list of over two dozen statues known to still delight locals and travelers in the Twin Cities area. Although a few Snoopy statues can be found at the airport, our main focus will be Rice Park and the surrounding downtown area for a walking tour, including the scrumptious looking Candyland.
A few of our sister bronze statues from CA are placed around the area like the Schroeder and Lucy and Marcie reading on her bench. A few additional bronzed Peanuts characters can be found unique to MN, like Peppermint Patty kicking a ball.
Then, we’ll hop in our trusty vehicle for a scavenger hunt from Saint Paul to Stillwater for a few more statues and exploration. In my research, pulling from internet musings, TV reality food shows, and William Johnson’s handy PoP Guide, I’ve found there’s a heavy Italian influence in the Saint Paul area where two Italian eateries, both over a century old, sponsored the bronze statue in honor of Charles Schulz’ father who was himself an Italian Immigrant. Mancini’s Char House, sadly, has since closed. Cossetta’s is an institution home to both a thriving pizzeria and pasticceria. We’re looking forward to trying gelato during the hot summer.
One tidbit that I love has to do with the naming of Saint Paul. While researching the statues, I kept coming across pig imagery, especially surrounding the CHS Field home of the minor league team: Saint Paul Saints. While I’m unable to determine if this venue houses any Peanuts statues, one thing I can tell you is the pigs come from the city’s origins. Named for a man dubbed “Pig’s Eye” Pete, St. Paul was originally known as “Pig’s Eye Landing” after one of the first European settlers of the area. The Twins-affiliate team honors the city’s history through their mascot named Mudonna or “Mud” and the recently retired ball-toting pig program. This Bill Murray co-owned team even houses a museum home to a Space Jam exhibit. CHS Field has also been dubbed the “greenest ballpark in America.”
Nearby, a food rivalry began over a legendary cheeseburger. Both local joints, Matt’s Bar and 5-8 Club, claim to be the origin of the “Juicy Lucy” AKA “Jucy Lucy” burger, something I’m looking forward to trying. There are hot leads that a Minneapolis 5-8 Club location has a few Peanuts on Parade statues, too!
Speaking of food: I’m hoping to end a tangent that I got started on during the last trip. British Scones and Utah scones are not the same thing. For one thing, you wouldn’t have a Navajo Taco entree on your menu using a British scone. Heading back through the dinosaur-laden Uintah Valley, Country Grub in Vernal has both English Chips and scones on the menu. Neither visibly would be recognized anywhere near Great Britain or even a Union Jack flag. However, Utahns have enjoyed the square potato fried delights and something resembling Native American fry bread rather than a dry biscuit-like food item. For more, head on down the rabbit hole from our Search for Spud tour.
To revisit the sauces and moles of The Red Iguana and dine like the Basque at The Martin Hotel is high on the list! Until then, visions of Jucy Lucys and Jumping Snoopy will be dancing in my head.
