Best Ways To Experience The Pres. Inauguration
The presidential inauguration is a time to remember that we live in a great country full of opportunity and promise. Freedom to express ideas and pursue happiness has been ours since the first president took office. The freedom to celebrate the presidential inauguration in any way we choose is ours as well. Here are some suggestions for Minnesotans wondering what to do on this historical occasion.
Drink an Obamatini
Created by a martini blogger in south Minneapolis, the Obamatini is the perfect cocktail to sip while watching the inauguration this January. The pineapple and coconut reflect the President's home state of Hawaii and the chocolate reflects our first African-American president.
Recipe:
- 2 ounces coconut rum
- 1.5 ounces pineapple rum
- 1 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
- 1 ounce creme de cacao
- Powdered cocoa (like Swiss Miss)
Shake all of the alcohol together over ice and pour in a martini glass. Garnish with a dusting of powdered cocoa and a Kit Kat stick. Toast to democracy.
Visit the Minnesota History Center
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 259-3000
www.minnesotahistorycenter.org
While all eyes will be on the inauguration in Washington, D.C., Minnesotans can experience their own piece of history by visiting the History Center in downtown St. Paul. The History Center offers exhibits that highlight the development of Minnesota into the great state it is today. Within the History Center is also the Minnesota Historical Society's library. The library contains an extraordinary collection of research tools and documents related to the history of Minnesota. Learn about a past governor or some of the great founders by spending an afternoon immersed in history.
Related: Important Places To The People Who Built Minneapolis
Quit Smoking
www.preventionminnesota.com
When Barack Obama takes his second oath of office on Jan. 21, 2013, it will be approximately three weeks after the new year was celebrated. Did you make a resolution to quit smoking that may not be going so well? Obama quit smoking in 2009 to set a positive example for his children and the nation as well. Quitting smoking while working one of the most stressful jobs in the country helped to demonstrate that it can actually be done. To honor Obama's commitment to his health and this nation, pack away your own smokes and celebrate the inauguration this year by breathing clean air.
Read a Political Book by a Minnesota Author
Probably the most famous governor in Minnesota history, Jesse Ventura was outspoken about his political beliefs and ideas. Even after his tenure was complete, Ventura continued to openly discuss his politics through radio programs, speaker engagements and published books. One of Ventura's earliest works, "I Ain't Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic from the Bottom Up," discusses his dominant campaign to become the governor of Minnesota through strong convictions and outspoken ideas. Be inspired that anyone with enough passion can achieve a place in political history. Buy the book here.
Road Trip to D.C.
www.presidentialinauguration.com
If the excitement of the inauguration is too much to miss, attending the actual ceremony and inauguration ball in Washington, D.C. is always an option. In 2009, Minnesota partnered with other Midwestern states to have their own celebration at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year, guests can attend the all-American ball or just line up to watch the inauguration. Tickets can be purchased to get closer to the capitol building for the actual swearing-in ceremony but most of the festivities, including the parade, are free of charge.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
