Explore Alexandria

Love is in the air! It’s that time of year again to remind the ones we love how much they mean to us. Flowers and candy are safe bets, but the gift of memories on a romantic getaway to Alexandria is always a winner! There are plenty of great lodging options from comfy hotels to unique resorts and bed & breakfasts to spice up the romance, and there’s plenty of things to do to stay busy. More information below on how we can help, lodging specials and a list of ideas for a fun romantic getaway in Alexandria.

Here’s how Explore Alexandria Tourism can help you with your gift:

• First decide that you are going to give the gift of a getaway to the Alexandria Lakes Area (good choice!)
• Contact our office either by email info@explorealex.com or call 320-763-0102
• Let us help by providing you with the goods to give to the gift receiver ….. and we will also give you all the materials you will need to plan your getaway! The items will include a high quality 8.5X11 printout to give (below), plus some other trinkets and swag.
• Contact us soon and let’s talk about the fun! To ensure we get your materials in the mail in time, please contact us at least 4 days before you need the items.

Need some ideas for your getaway? Consider the following:

Carlos Creek Winery

On top being a great place to visit generally, Carlos Creek Winery also has special events and options for you and your sweetie! Full details on all these events can be found HERE

ZOMBIE LOVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER! This show and dinner has it all! High drama! Comedy! A love story! …and Zombies, of course! Make reservations for either February 10th or February 17th.

 WINE & DINE YOUR VALENTINE! Enjoy beautifully paired wine and food courses in an intimate setting with the people you love! Make reservations for this February 14th 4-course meal event.

CHEESE, CHOCOLATE & WINE PAIRING! Featuring a special Valentine’s Wine, Dessert & Cheese pairing for only $35! No reservations needed. Available February 17-18th.

SPARKLING SUNDAYS! Enjoy an unlimited buffet of donuts, muffins, fresh fruit, Mimosas, Pointsettias (Cranberry Juice + Minnescato) and weekly special mimosas all for just $10. Available every Sunday this month.

Ice Skating at Noonan Park

Take a leisurely glide on the ice at Noonan Park! Warming house on site and ice skate rentals are available at Cowing Robards.

Shop Unique in Downtown

Everyone knows one key to the heart…shopping! Take a couple’s stroll through dozens and dozens of unique shops in Downtown Alexandria. She will love it!

Visit the Copper Trail Brewery

After a long 70 year wait, brewing is back in Alexandria! Visit Copper Trail Brewing for a taste of their locally-brewed beers. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!

Tour the Whiskey Distillery

Visit Panther Distillery for tours of the facility as well as a fun gift shop. Also part of Alexandria’s Craft Beverage Trail … the Skal Crawl!

Outdoor Adventure

The Alexandria area has dozens of parks, trails and hundreds of lakes for outdoor winter fun. Visit our Winter Guide for ideas and listings of great parks and trails.

Couples Spa Treatment

Immerse yourselves in deep relaxation for your mind and body. Darling Reflections Spa has dozens of options from Couples Massage, Hot Stone Treatments, Detox, Body Scrubs, Foot Treatments, Masks and more! See their full options HERE

Couples Paint & Sip

Create a work of art together! Art Bar 39 will be hosting special couples wine & paint events. Staff will be on hand to teach you everything you need to create two pieces of art to hang together. Various events February 10-24th, visit their website for more information.

Candlelight Hike/Ski/Snowshoe

Come enjoy a romantic evening in Lake Carlos State Park by candlelight! Hit the trails, where you will be guided by the full moon and candle luminaries. Then warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview Warming Shelter. February 24th. More details HERE

Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra Concert

Take in the beautiful sounds of the orchestra as they perform favorites from the theatre. February 10th at 7pm and February 11th at 2pm.

Beer & Wine Tasting

Taste test a variety of wines, spirits and Minnesota themed beers and appetizers. Raffle and games will take place at the event for a chance to win prizes! February 16th, more details HERE

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing

Andes Tower Hills has endless fun for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Lessons and rentals available on site, and there is always good snow with their snow making machines regardless of the season’s snowfall totals. Also, get your second day free with their 2 for 1 Weekend Special…more info on the 2 for 1 HERE

Special Lodging Offers:

Spirit Cove Lodge Bed & Breakfast offers a Simply Romantic! escape for couples with a quiet, relaxing ambiance for enjoying an amorous moment together. Valentine’s 2018 special: Complimentary bottle of wine with your stay. Valid February 9th through February 17th. Reservations required. Mention ExploreAlex Romantic Getaway promotion.

Take your darling to the shores of…Lake Darling! Arrowwood Resort has a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, suites, townhomes and cottages. You’ll find plenty to do with all the on-site amenities which includes Darling Reflections Spa, Lake Cafe Restaurant, Rafters Bar, Big Splash Waterpark and more! February Couples Package includes: Overnight accommodations, couples massage, chocolate covered fruit and champagne! Rates start at $189 per night. 

Get a fun and entertaining experience in the Alexandria Lakes Area at one low package price! On top of all the great things to do in the lakes area, take advantage of this excellent deal to explore great theatre, entertainment and food. You get everything for the low price of $49 per ticket!  All the details are below:

Romeo & Juliet

Alexandria Area Arts is delighted to present this classic story. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. This tragic love story has been adapted for this stage by Alexandria’s own Philip Goellner.

Lakes Area Radio Theatre

Before television, radio variety shows were one of the primary sources of entertainment. This tradition is alive in Alexandria! Located on the shores of Lakes Geneva, Lakes Area Radio Theatre records ”old time” radio shows.  Live music, their own sound effects and lively actors help bring the stories to life. Enjoy 2 original radio plays by an Alexandria author and a treat from Roers Bakery with this special discount package!

Alexandria Escape Room

Check out one of Alexandria’s newest attractions! Test out your problem solving skills and try to escape the themed rooms within an hour! The Escape Room Alexandria has three great rooms to choose from: Aunt Bea’s Cabin, Bank Heist and the Baker Street Mystery. One adventure is included in the package price!

Dinner at Pike & Pint Grill

Also included in the package price, a delicious meal at Pike & Pint Grill! Choose from one of four entrees: 1/2 Rack BBQ Ribs, Fish and Chips, Japanese Pan Noodles or Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Shrimp or Chicken. A perfect way to get ready for the evening’s theatre production!

FULL SCHEDULE & DETAILS:

Tickets are available by calling 320-762-8300, in person at the Alexandria Area Arts Theatre or online at AlexandriaAreaArts.org . (if purchasing by phone or online, please stop by the theatre on or before April 21st to get all the tickets for each stop) If you need overnight accommodations, click here for lodging options.

This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama is an elegant and engaging story of obsession, intellect, the struggles of mental illness and family bonding.  This is a brilliant show that has gotten tremendous feedback from audiences. It will make you think, make you laugh, and make you feel! After the first weekend of showings, audiences are calling it “”brilliant,” “compelling,” “touching,” “wonderfully acted and staged,” “thought-provoking,” “relevant” and “awesome.”

Twenty-five year old Catherine must establish the authorship of a mathematical proof found in the office of her brilliant but troubled father, Robert. Following his death, she must confront her volatile emotions along with the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire, and a burgeoning romance with Hal, her father’s former student. When all these forces come to a head, Catherine begins to question whether she’s inherited her father’s talent or his madness.

“{PROOF} is a story about the complexities of relationships,” said director Claudia Bursch. “It is about family dynamics: love, trust, misunderstandings around depression and mental illness and how people deal with this heartache, each in their own way.

{PROOF} was written and first produced Off-Broadway in early 2000. It opened on Broadway in the fall of that year, and has played internationally to critical acclaim and praise. In addition to winning both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award, {PROOF} also won the Drama Desk Award for Best New Play, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, in addition to Tony Awards for Best Actress and Best Direction.

In 2005, a film adaptation was released starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Catherine, along with Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Adapted by Rebecca Miller, and directed by John Madden (who directed the West End premiere of {PROOF}, also starring Paltrow as Catherine).

{PROOF} has JUST THREE MORE showings April 29 and 30 at 7:30pm, with a Sunday matinee on May 1 at 2:00pm.

Tickets to {PROOF} are just $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors, and can be purchased:

—Online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/956311

—Over the phone at 320-762-8300 (M-F, 11am-5pm)

— In person at 618 Broadway, (M-F, 11am-5pm :: or walk-up before the show) Group rates, especially for academic, literary, and study groups, are available by calling the box office.

{PROOF} is sponsored, in part, by Thornton Law Office: Thornton, Reif, Dolan, Bowen & Klecker, P.A.

It’s not everyday that Alexandria has completely original locally produced, performed and composed art. Here is your chance to experience Berlin – Faded Memories:
 

The Alexandria Area Arts and Lakes Area Radio Theatre are excited to present a new radio theatre event, Berlin-Faded Memories.  This cold-war era drama is a semi-autobiographical telling of Karl Zimmer’s time serving in the U.S. Army in 1958, and a mission he was asked to complete.  A mission, that according to the U.S. Army, never happened.  Berlin-Faded Memories is written by Alexandria native Bob Sievers (whose experiences in East Berlin serve as the basis for the story) and features an original score composed by Spencer Brand, also of Alexandria, who received a grant to complete the composition.

Berlin-Faded Memories will be performed live, on-stage with a live orchestra, Saturday May 16 (Armed Forces Day) at 7:00pm at the AAAA Theatre and is a fundraiser for the Alexandria Area Arts Association.  Berlin-Faded Memories is directed by Mike Roers and features the voice talents of David Christman, Alex Shockley, Benjamin Klipfel, Kent Garlinghouse, Kip Sundlee, Gary Lund and Scott Giannone.  Hilary Ninman is providing sound effects.  Spencer Brand is the composer and will conduct the orchestra.  Tickets are just $5 and are available at the door.

Playwright Bob Sievers wrote the story as an opportunity to tell about a six month period of his time in the U.S. Army – a story he hasn’t told until now.  During the writing process, local music student Spencer Brand read the script and wanted to create a classical score to accompany the story, and over the past several months has worked to create Berlin-Faded Memories.

“This is a unique and interesting story, full of mystery and intrigue,” said Benjamin Klipfel, Executive Director of the AAAA. “It is even more interesting that the story is auto-biographical and features a brand new, original score.  It’s rare that community theatres have the opportunity to present and promote original, locally created art.”

Tickets for Berlin-Faded Memories are available at the door for $5.00.  All proceeds benefit the Alexandria Area Arts Association.  For more information, contact the AAAA Box Office at 320-762-8300.

Playwright’s Notes: Bob Sievers on Berlin-Faded Memories

First, we have an 80-year-old Alexandrian who wrote a radio play about some of his time in the Army.  Big deal !   Then something very unusual happened.  A friend … a 19-year-old friend and neighbor read the play . He then stated that he wanted to write an original musical score … a classical musical score … to support the play.  Unheard of !  But almost a year later, here we are … and here you are.

This is my story.  It’s a story about six months I spent in Berlin. You see, I was in the Army when I was married in December of 1957, and right afterward, in early 1958 I was transferred to Berlin.  At almost the same time Nikita Kruschev was appointed Soviet Primier.  He didn’t like the way Berlin had been divided up after the war, and he started making a lot of noise about how he was going to change things.   The Allied Forces put all of Berlin on high alert.  That meant no dependents were allowed to come into the city.  That alert lasted for about six months.

My wife joined me at the end of July.  We spent a marvelous year-and-a-half  in Berlin, living off base with a German family and traveling all over Europe.  All my family and friends know all about those times and trips.

BUT, I‘ve never told anybody about those six months I spent in Berlin alone before my wife joined me.  No one.  I didn’t want to talk about it, and nobody really asked.  I didn’t even talk to my wife about it then, and I haven’t talked about it for more than 50 years.

My younger son, Tim, will be in the audience.  He’ll tell you that he’s heard hundreds of stories and seen countless pictures and movies of his mother and I together in Berlin, but nothing about that six months of 1958.

Now it’s time.

Time to tell my story.

Let’s go back to 1958.

Back to 1958 Berlin.

Back to Faded Memories.