The weather extremes of Sioux Falls

Living in Sioux Falls means dealing with every weather extreme.

We experience four distinct seasons, and while each offers unique opportunities, they also bring their own challenges.

The annual temperature fluctuates from a low of six degrees to a high of eighty-five degrees, and the skies tend to be cloudy. Sioux Falls averages 45.3 inches of snow, which requires a lot of shoveling, plowing and scraping. The snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes are certainly beautiful and create the perfect conditions for ice skating, hockey, sledding and ice fishing. In Sioux Falls, it’s necessary to own a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and heavy boots. We keep rock salt on hand and take very good care of the home’s heating system. I typically run the furnace for eight straight months. I look forward to the long-awaited thaw of spring. The city bursts into the color of blooming flowers and it’s finally possible to go for a hike, run or bike ride. While summer temperatures in the eighties don’t last all that long, most residents of Sioux Falls make the most of them. There are plenty of festivals, outdoor events and live music to enjoy. One of my favorites is the Sioux Falls JazzFest. Usually held during the third week in July at Yankton Trails Park, the festival always includes an amazing lineup of jazz, blues, reggae, Latin, rock, soul and funk artists. They perform on two stages and around 75,000 people show up. Along with great music, there’s all different varieties of delicious food. The warmer weather is also a chance to fully appreciate the scenic beauty of Big Sioux River. Although the arrival of fall means that winter is once again right around the corner, the colors of the leaves are nothing short of amazing. Plus, I really love apple picking and the array of fresh fruits and vegetables available.
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Things to do in Fort Worth, Texas

Situated in the heart of the Lone Star State, Fort Worth, Texas, manages to blend a rich Western heritage with a dynamic cultural scene.

From a cowboy lifestyle to world-class museums, the city offers a diverse selection of activities for visitors of all ages from across the world.

For the history buff, art enthusiast, nature lover or family fun, Fort Worth is a worthwhile destination. Anyone who travels to Fort Worth needs to experience the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards. This historic district is a step back in time to the days of cowboys and cattle drives. During the daily cattle drive, real Texas cowhands guide a herd of longhorns down Exchange Avenue. There’s also a selection of shops, restaurants and saloons that capture the essence of the Old West. For something very different, there’s Fort Worth’s Cultural District. This haven of creativity is home to several world-class museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. There is the opportunity to appreciate masterpieces from various eras and styles, from classical to contemporary. A more leisurely attraction for a day outdoors is the Fort Worth Botanical Garden. Covering 110 acres and offering 23 specialty gardens, this green oasis seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and the Conservatory are just a few of the must-see elements that showcase diverse and beautiful plant life. For some lively entertainment, visitors should head to Downtown Fort Worth. Sundance square offers a mix of shopping, dining and cultural experiences. There is a wide assortment of boutiques and restaurants. Live performances happen regularly at Bass Performance Hall, a venue known for its stunning architecture and premier productions.

 

 

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Things to do in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama, is located in the heart of the Deep South and often referred to as the “Magic City.” From its Civil Rights heritage to a diversity of unique culinary offerings, the city has a wide assortment of activities to explore and enjoy.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is an opportunity to learn more about the area’s history. The 16th Street Baptist Church is the location of a tragic bombing in 1963 and a must-visit site for insight into the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. To take in the beautiful scenery, sunshine and fresh air, visitors and locals alike head to Railroad Park. Nineteen acres offer walking trails, playgrounds and the perfect spot for a family picnic, leisurely stroll or a game of catch or frisbee with friends. For the art enthusiast, the Birmingham Museum of Art is home to an inspiring collection of over 27,000 works. From ancient to contemporary art, the museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits. Nearby Vulcan Park draws crowds to the world’s largest cast iron statue. The Vulcan statue stands fifty-six feet tall, from toe to spear point. It’s situated on a 124-foot pedestal rising to a height of 180 feet. It weighs 101,200 pounds and is the biggest metal statue ever made in the United States. History buffs head to Sloss Furnaces, originally an active iron-producing blast furnace and now a National Historic Landmark, for guided tours that provide information about the industrial heritage of Birmingham. From the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and Birmingham Botanical Gardens to a huge selection of restaurants, the city is a vibrant hub of culture, history and entertainment.

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Attending hockey games in Tampa

It’s a great time

My husband and I are huge hockey fans. Because we live in the northeast, we typically watch NHL games from home. During the hockey season, the weather tends to be extremely cold and snowy. We don’t dare buy tickets ahead, because the day of the game the roads could be dangerous. Blizzard conditions, black ice, sleet, white-outs and driving bans are often a part of the forecast. Even if we brave the commute to the game, we then need to park and walk through snow and bitter wind chill to reach the arena. It’s necessary to dress in heavy boots, hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters and wool coats. The inside of the arena is rarely much warmer than the outdoors. A few years ago, my son moved to Tampa, Florida. He has become a big Tampa Bay Lightning fan. Because of him, my husband and I have started following the team. Every year, we travel to Tampa several times per year to catch a Lightning game. They are a super successful team and recently won two Stanley Cups in a row. Attending an NHL game in Florida is much different than in the northeast. We usually drive to the game with the air conditioner blowing. We dress in shorts, T-shirts and sandals. The walk from the parking lot to Amalie arena is enough to work up a sweat. There are always a lot of people and activities going on in the area directly in front of the arena. It’s a great time. As soon as my husband and I retire from our jobs, we plan to relocate to the Tampa Bay area. We love the weather, the proximity to the water and the people.

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