Steamboat Days, Carver, MN

This one is hard to describe, though it has a title that would invoke boats, it seemed mostly center around automobiles. Not only was there a small show of cars parked in the downtown while you visited booths and food stands, the main attraction for the afternoon was a burnout contest house in a park nearby all the activities.

I was surprised at just how "down-home" this event and contest seemed to be. Pick-up trucks parked around the contest area and many of them became the contestants. 

You definitely can't deny that this event was unique, but I also think it lacked a certain something. This now concludes my fair season this year. Phew. 

Revisit: Barker's, Hudson, WI

This place has yet to disappoint and a Friday night visit for a simple dinner couldn't upset the trend. 

Start with this...

Add a dash of a stuffed burger...

And a pinch of Green Chile Smoked Bacon Mac n' Cheese...

And one more of these...

And that's a meal fit for anyone...unless you have the gout. 

I can have my cake...

... and eat it too. Why wouldn't you? 

Minnesota State Fair, Part III, Fun!

Don't forget to have some fun between all the edible binges. 

Sky Ride:

Giant Sing-Along:

The Giant Slide:

(Lit up at night)

Skyflyer:

Minnesota State Fair, Part II, Four-legged Friends

There are always tons of animals to see at the fair, and I'm not talking about the humans. It's not hard to find great examples ofMinnesota's best animals. 

 Clydesdales in their "dressing room" before going on. 

Minnesota State Fair, Part I, Foods

In order of eating...the red velvet funnel cake is still a champion, imho. 

Chocolate Cream Puff. Simple & Delicious. 

Deep Fried Reese's PB Cups. Great. 

Tater Twist. Kinda lame. 

Double-decker S'mores. Why not?

Some kind of meat cone. The horseradish sauce was very nice. 

The Red Velvet Funnel Cake. So. Friggin. Good. 

Pork Chop on a Stick. For me, a close 2nd on the "best of" list. 

The only thing I believe I missed taking a pic of was corn on the cob, also a nice treat.

Lago Tacos, Excelsior, MN

In a word, delicious. 

Though a rather busy Saturday night, we were able to put our names in, walk over to the lake for a bit, head back, and then they seated us within minutes. The crowd seem like a typical, affluent Excelsior mix, with families, older folks, and young people. Everyone looked to be eatin well. 

The food was very fresh, almost what you'd expect from any Mexican restaurant, but they've added their own twist to almost everything making it even better and more interesting. You can mix-and-match three of their numerous taco offerings, and create a plate of your own. 

I can't wait for the next chance to go back to Lago taco, and stuff my mouthful of their delicious Mexican delights...and it's not just the margarita talking!