Monthly Archives: January 2016

Through Explore Minnesota’s popular Instagram account, using #OnlyinMN_Winter, travelers can engage in winter theme weeks each Monday through Friday for a chance to win prizes or be featured in “Top Pics of the Week”!

Share your photos on your Instagram account to join the fun by following Explore Minnesota on Instagram.

• Jan. 25-29: Sparkling Scenery (snow, ice, water, sunsets)
• Feb. 1-5: Minnesota Food and Drink (your favorite #OnlyinMN dishes & drinks)
• Feb. 8-12: Cozy Indoors (restaurants, cafes, shops, breweries, museums, theaters)
• Feb. 22–26: Winter Sports/Adventure (skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing)
• Feb 29–March 4: Cabin Fever (ways to embrace the season, throwback spring photos)

Main streets are filled with small businesses that have the passion and the drive to sustain its town.

The Small Business Revolution on Main Street awards one community a $500,000 makeover that includes “marketing services for small businesses in the community and revitalized public spaces, store fronts and more, designed to protect and reinvigorate the sense of community,” according to the Small Business Revolution website.

Nominate a Big Stone Lake area town by clicking here; the contest entry period ends January 28!

Small towns fewer than 50,000 residents will be considered. Nominees will be judged on challenges faced by local businesses and the town itself, impact of the Small Business Revolution on Main Street award and the need for support.

Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and will then be put to a public vote during National Small Business Week (May 1—7).