Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--East Bethel Black Bear Against the Clouds!

In East Bethel, Minnesota on the north side of Highway 65 sits this tall carved black bear. It is a beautiful carving and one I am proud to add to my series of Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions!

Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm

Almost Speechless Sunday--Found the 3 Bears But Where's Goldilocks?

Anyone that knows and loves White Bear Lake, Minnesota knows that you cannot be a long time resident of the city without at least considering buying a statue of a white bear. (Note these are NOT statues of Polar Bears...They are WHITE Bears as Polars live in North St. Paul!) It seems that almost every other house in White Bear Lake has a cement statue or some sort of tribute to the city and high school mascot!

Heck even the Chevy dealer has had a giant statue above its cars for decades (but that is a Polar...Remember it is Polar Chev!)

Sometimes you need to do a double (or triple) take when you drive through the area at the number of statues gracing the front lawns and hiding in the landscape of this north metro community!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Giant Red-Headed Woodpecker in Forest Lake, MN

Winding around Forest Lake along North Shore Trail, it is always a good idea to keep your eyes on the road. Along this twisty-turny trail, there is a good view of an eclectic mix of lakeshore homes with huge mansions abutting the property with quaint lakeshore cabins.
Just off 97 and before the turn on Keather, if you look up, there is a wonderfully unique distracting piece of carved and painted art perched up on an overhanging limb. The woodpecker is about three feet long; just a bit bigger than the real Pileated woodpeckers that inhabit this area.

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Ice Tower in Stacy, MN

Most of my Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions have been permanently set into the front yards of home owners in the north and east Twin Cities metro area. But it is winter and it has been cold…Subzero temperatures usually suck the fun out of a Minnesota winter day. Especially for a home owner as they have to worry about their frozen pipes, horrendous heating bills and carbon monoxide poisoning if they unthinkingly attempt to warm up their cars in an attached garage. But as a hearty Minnesota REALTOR®, I did persevere and show homes this month. While trekking across Chisago County with buyers from Linwood to Wyoming, I drove by this ice sculpture in the front yard of a Stacy homeowner. It towers over the rambler home and begs the question, "Why?" The ice tower reminded me of the news report from a few weeks back of a guy in Big Lake, MN with a similar passion for creating unique winter art. He uses the water from his geothermal heating system and a robot to “sculpt” a new creation every year. Last year the ice castle in Big Lake finally melted away sometime in July. It was a much larger sculpture but got me wondering how long this one will last. Anyone care to make a guess?

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions to check out:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Grrrr....Black Bear in Columbus


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: East Bethel’s New Resident Black Bear


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Steel Dragons in Blaine


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Move Over Tiger! Yogi’s Ready for the Links in Forest Lake!


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Skol Vikings! Minnesota Viking in Roseville, MN!


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Not Paper Roses…Wooden American Beauties in Blaine, MN

Don't be distracted when making YOUR important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR® , give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Not Paper Roses…Wooden American Beauties in Blaine, MN

Last week on the way home from an orthodontist appointment for my son we detoured down a Blaine street following a bright pink sign advertising a late season garage sale. We turned into a dead end road but not a single garage door was opened on this cold gray early morning but we discovered an even more exciting treasure…Another Uniquely Minnesota Artful distraction.

At the end of the cul de sac there was the remnants of a beautiful perennial garden. In the center of the garden, surrounded by wood chips and hostas with leaves starting to yellow, was a wonderfully carved display of wooden roses. Now I know Marie Osmond had a hit with Paper Roses way back when, but these wooden American Beauties are really something to sing about! Good thing I had my camera with as we were going to take a photo of a Blaine water tower for a real estate market statistic post. I was able to get a picture of this unique wooden carving to share.

Look closely at the bottom and you will see a hidden treasure. There is a small dog carved into the bottom of the sculpture. I am guessing the dog is named Rosie!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Grrrr....Black Bear in Columbus
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: East Bethel’s New Resident Black Bear
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Steel Dragons in Blaine
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Move Over Tiger! Yogi’s Ready for the Links in Forest Lake!
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Skol Vikings! Minnesota Viking in Roseville, MN!

Don't be distracted when making YOUR important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: East Bethel’s New Resident Black Bear

I try to avoid driving on Hwy 65 when showing houses in Anoka County. The backroads throughout Ham Lake, Linwood, Blaine and East Bethel are more picturesque. But a shortcut to our favorite movie theater in East Bethel from our Ham Lake home has my family driving down a short stretch of the Hwy 65 service road quite often. About two months ago, we noticed a enormous log standing straight up toward the sky and surrounded by scaffolding. There was the beginnings of a bear head on top of this huge piece of wood in the old Lefty Liquor’s parking lot. Of course, since we were heading to the movies, I had no camera with. So I made a mental note that this chainsaw masterpiece in the making was one to watch.

About a week later, we drove past again. That mental note popped up but too late to remember the camera. Now the giant bear was complete but there appeared to be more to do. A few weeks pass and another can’t miss feature film is showing at the Mueller East Bethel theater. As we pass rush to the movie house not wanting to miss the previews, that mental note once again came into my head as the bear was done. And not just completed but it was masterfully painted from head to toe and beyond. He was surrounded by several smaller bears, eagles and gnomes and a few uncut logs. It looked like a new chainsaw art business was in the making.

Wow—Now I had to get a photo before the bear was sold! So later that day we headed to the parking lot and shot several pictures of the bear. I loved the details as there are realistic stones, okay boulders, and a small pine in the base. Note how extremely tall he is from the shot that was taken from underneath. Using my 6 foot plus son to get perspective, I think this guy is in the 20 foot range!

Last Sunday, as my family packed in the car and headed to see the second Narnia flick, I realized the new chainsaw bear might become a more permanent fixture in East Bethel. Lefty’s is under new ownership and is now Black Bear Liquors. So when people head north on Highway 65 through Anoka County, take a moment to wave and welcome East Bethel’s newest artful roadside distraction!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Grrrr....Black Bear in Columbus


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Don't be distracted when making YOUR important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Black Bear in Columbus....GRRR!

Daily trips from Ham Lake to Forest Lake are a part of my routine. If I have to travel to the south part of town my options are limited due to the wetlands in the Carlos Avery Nature Preserve which stretches from Anoka to Chisago County.

My favorite short cut through Columbus, Minnesota is well traveled. County Road 19 or Potomac can shave several minutes off a commute to Forest Lake Senior High by avoiding the stoplights on Broadway. My daily travels take me down this 55 mph road but I often slow down when I pass this wonderful piece of chainsaw art...the black bear and tree.

The first time I saw it, I marveled at the detail in the bear contrasted to the tree he is entwined with. The tree is as smooth as a piece of driftwood. Both figures seem to be carved out of the same tree…but yet they don’t.

At either rate, it is another wonderful example of a uniquely Minnesota roadside distraction!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Don't be distracted when making important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City

Several years ago, I was headed down the stretch of the two-lane Highway 8 from Forest Lake through Chisago, Lindstrom and Center City when this huge rodent and a herd of Buffalo took my eyes from road. As a Minnesota Realtor, I had been driving to list my very first house in Chisago County and was I was distracted by a giant mouse with a cheese wheel, an array of colorful flags and a herd of buffalo! Buffalo in Minnesota? It was quite a distraction!

The turn for Shafer was just ahead, but the unique display at this huge farm with the giant roadside art was worth a second look. I hadn’t been aware of this family owned bison farm and cheese store but made a mental note to bring back my family to see the Minnesota bison herd.

Center City is on the map for being home to the world renown Hazelden Treatment facility. But for most Minnesotans, Eichen's has much more appeal.

During the period I had my Shafer home for sale, I passed by the Eichtens Hidden Acres farm and cheese shop on more than one occasion. It is more than just a bison and cheese store and restaurant, Eichten’s is an icon in the area. Family owned and operated, their café serves bison burgers, Dutch Gouda cheese and ice cream for the less adventurous.

If the second largest herd of real bison in the state of Minnesota aren’t visible from the road, their other family friendly giant buffalo certainly will be! (Where do 300+ giant bison hide anyway?!)

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Don't be distracted when making important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train

As I slowly wound my way through ice and snow on the slippery North Shore Trail while showing Forest Lake homes this past week, I was momentarily distracted by a colorful garage door. The elements made it difficult to see properly so yesterday I wound around back around the lake where I had showed homes days before to find this wonderful steam train artistic distraction.

While painting a mural on a garage door can be a detriment to a home's value, I will have to admit that this steam train mural would be a welcome sight to many. It really pops out against the white winter snow and many people still love the nostalgic steam train era.

Not all art in Minnesota is in museums or created with chainsaws!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: D’oh! Homer at Home in Centerville
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Don't be distracted when making important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Buying a car in the north and east Twin Cities metro usually means a trip down Highway 61. It is the mecca of new and used cars! Ever since I can remember one a huge Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction, the big polar bear at Polar Chevrolet, has been greeting auto buyers from the shore of Goose Lake just outside of the city of White Bear Lake. There were years where the polar bear donned sunglasses and a painted swimsuit in the summer or a scarf to ward off the winter cold but this year he is just bare.

For nearly half of a century, the giant bear has towered over cars enticing buyers and delighting youngsters. As toddlers, my own kids loved to pass the bear as we traveled up from North St. Paul to Forest Lake. From time to time we still take the slower route up Hwy 61 when returning from Maplewood Mall or my Keller Williams Real Estate office in Vadnais Heights. It is always fun to pass by and wave at the huge bear!


Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower



• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: D’oh! Homer at Home in Centerville

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction—Homeowner Version: D’oh! Homer at Home in Centerville

Now what can I say about this permanent lawn sculpture except the homeowner must have a great sense of humor and fun! Homer Simpson in all of his colorful glory was spotted by my teenagers in the front yard of a home between Centerville and Lino Lakes.

It is definitely one for the collection of Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions as when my son first saw it I was distracted by the exclamation, “Look! There is a giant Homer Simpson in that yard!” On our next trip down to the Twin Cities, taking the short cut from Columbus through Centerville, we slowed down and there was Homer in all his glory. This piece of chainsaw art is carved right out of what must have been a massive tree where it stood in the front yard of the home. Not the lawn decoration for every family but for lovers of the Simpson’s, it is "¡Ay, caramba!" or a great surprise!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower

Drive down highway 8 between Forest Lake and Taylors Falls and can’t miss this icon. After all the Lindstrom teapot is located just off main street and the highway IS main street in this little town with Swedish roots! Lindstrom has nicknamed itself “America’s Little Sweden” as it was originally settled by Swedish immigrants. Though the water tower was put out of service in 1990 after 88 years, the teapot still stands as a welcoming beacon to those who visit and reside the Chisago County community.

As a Realtor working in the north metro, I often get to travel down this road on the way to show the lovely area lakeshore. Lindstrom is literally surrounded by several lakes and is a wonderful place to vacation and live. I love this hometown Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction as it brings to mind a simpler time.
I grew up watching reruns of “Leave it to Beaver”. In one memorable episode, the Beaver’s imagination got the best of him and to settle a bet he climbed up and subsequently got stuck in the giant cup of coffee over the coffee shop trying to figure out how it stayed hot and steamed constantly. The Lindstrom teapot probably caused a lot of wonder and sparked more than one imagination during the past century. Nowadays, kids have flashing neon and billboards that change every few seconds welcoming them home. In some respects, maybe simple was better.

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction—Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest

As I headed to a listing appointment in Anoka County this summer, I rounded a corner and noticed a beautifully carved oak tree at a Ham Lake residence. The carving was not unusual as I have seen carved and painted bald eagles at craft fairs but this one was carved out of the tree about 15 feet in the air.

Bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list earlier this year. Due to their protected status for the past several years and efforts to bring back this beautiful bird, the amount of breeding pairs has grown from a low of 417 in 1963 to nearly 10,000 today. According to the Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2005 Bald Eagle survey, Over 1,000, roughly 10% of bald eagles nest in the state of Minnesota. I have seen these huge majestic birds fly over my Ham Lake home, along the roadside in Columbus Township and soar over the 4th of July parade in Forest Lake.

At the Minnesota DNR building at the state fair this year, there was an example of an eagles’ nest on display. Their nests are built of interwoven sticks about ¾ to an inch in diameter. I have seen an actual nest where a pair of eagles built a few years back in Keller Park in Maplewood. My estimation is that it is the size of a child’s swimming pool woven up into the treetops. The DNR display was just about eye level and easy to view.

The week after we were at the fair, I was back to check on my listing. As I rounded that same corner, I noticed that the beautiful carved eagle now had a nest! What a Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction created by an innovative homeowner. This is one landscape decoration that will add to the property value of this lovely Ham Lake home.

Another Artful Distraction Post from Series:Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman

North St. Paul in the 1970’s was a typical small town suburb. It was family and kid-friendly. We could walk to downtown North St. Paul (or “uptown” as my best friend, Roxanne, called it ) for a Coke at Perrault’s Ice Cream Shop, a hamburger at Mac’s Dinette or a plate of hot fries at Village Pizza. Downtown has changed as only Village Pizza remains from those days but the wonderful huge, iconic snowman remains.

Originally this guy was constructed behind the old bank building on the corner of 7th and Margaret. I remember when the first rebar steel was set in cement resembling a round cage that motorcycle daredevils use in the circus. We would stand inside and try to figure out what the heck it was going to be. I think it was years before the snowman finally took shape and became the icon that it is today.

The move of the snowman in the early 90’s to its current location at the corner of Highway 36 and Margaret is just as memorable. It was so large that it was moved in two pieces. The snowman sat headless for months on the side of the road. Its smiling face just yards away from his two snowball bottom. Finally, the city heard the plea of a resident to “Please Put Frosty’s Head Back On!” in the Review!

Only in Minnesota!

Look for other Hometown and Homeowner Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions in upcoming posts.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions

Minnesota is full of roadside art. Distractions or attractions? It’s probably a little of both.

People love the beauty along the scenic highways and byways of Minnesota. A Sunday afternoon drive in the country is an occasion that becomes a perfect family adventure. If you are the perceptive sort you will notice the roadside art that pops up along the landscape showing the humorous side of Minnesota residents.

Communities have tranformed utilitarian watertowers into gigantic icons. Cities have welcoming mascots that tower over mainstreet. Businesses have created massive sculptures of logos and trademarks. Many are quaint but all are memorable.

Homeowner’s have gotten into the act of landscape decorations too. With the popularity of chainsaw artisians at craft shows throughout the north and east metro, it wasn’t long before these local artists were asked to transform dead trees into masterpieces. Working like a cross between Paul Bunyan and Edward Scissorhand’s many front yards now have wooden sculptures to welcome visitors and delight passersby.

As a Real Estate agent, I drive through many communities and areas throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties. I have noticed, laughed at and marveled at many a decorative distraction along the road or in someone’s yard. From Ham Lake to Lindstrom and North St. Paul to Forest Lake…I have seen the wonderful and whimscal aspects of many examples of roadside art. Driving to a new listing can often be the opportunity to discovering a new unique piece of neighborhood art hidden a few blocks off the main road.

Here is to the start of my new series of Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions. There will be Homeowner and Hometown versions of this periodic photographic series. I hope you enjoy the uniquely Minnesota art as much as I enjoy seeing it along side the roads.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com/