Out & About

Sometimes when we are out and about, the “where” we are going is far less important that the “why” we are going or the “who” we are going with. That is not to say that the “where” does not matter because, it most certainly does, as does the “when” and “what.” When is a huge factor in where you are going, why you are going there, and who you are going with. With all the “W’s” in focus, here are some “Out and About” ideas that not only provide you with a few things to do, but maybe even make some wonderful memories.

The Regina Foundation is once again hosting their “Drive Thru Tree of Lights Spectacular” this year in the north parking lot at the Regina Hospital campus, located at 1175 Nininger Road in Hastings. There will be carolers, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be taking a break from their busy schedule to stop down a few times as well. So, grab your most important “who” and start the night off with a little holiday cheer as the event runs from November 25th until January 1st of 2023, with the lights turning on at dusk.

Speaking of lights, as part of the “Holiday Hoopla” in Downtown Hastings, the Tree Lighting at City Hall will be held at 5:30pm on Saturday, November 26th to culminate a day of fun and frolic that includes music, a craft and vendor fair, horse and wagon rides, a fire show, and much more. A list of the activities is available at www.hastingsdba. com, click the “MORE” tab and go to Holiday Hoopla. Whether you spend an hour or five, opportunities galore exist for the making of memories, picking up that one-ofa-kind gift for that that special “who” and even having some cookies and hot chocolate. “Why” you might ask… because it’s the most wonderful time of the year, duh?

For those who prefer a real tree for this time of year, as opposed to an artificial one, just a heads up that the Moen Tree Lot has moved from the traditional Vermillion Street spot to their new location on Highway 316 and 180th Street. Not only does this cover a who, but the where and what are in there as well. The when is up to you but common wisdom would say do not wait too long or you might be stuck with a Charlie Brown special.

If you are looking to make some great memories with some of those special “who’s” in your life and are open to a bit of an adventure, you should really check out Sam’s Christmas Village and Light Tour just up the road in Somerset, Wisconsin, or Miracle at Big Rock near St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Both destinations offer food, fun, and much more, including MILLIONS of lights. At Sam’s, there are numerous vendors, a restaurant on site (with excellent food), S’mores Cabins, and photo opportunities galore. The Miracle at Big Rock is nothing short of miraculous with special musical events, cookies with Santa, food trucks, sledding and even fireworks. The websites for these two incredible “out and about” hotspots are www.samschristmasvillage. com and www.miracleatbigrock. com respectively. At this time of Thanksgiving, not only are most of us focusing a bit more on those “who’s” in our lives that we are thankful for, but we also take time to remember those who we no longer are able to celebrate with. The memories are what we have left and while bittersweet, the memories remain. Grasping the opportunities that we have in our lives to make these memories is vital. We often do not think about the importance of creating memories until it is too late. If you know of any places in and around the area that could help others create memories while they are out and about, please share them at [email protected] and we will check them out. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the “who’s” in your life and make great memories while “Out and About.”