Caponi Art Park

Caponi Art Park is located in Eagan, Minnesota.  This is the perfect place to take pictures for almost any occasion.  My dad and I went there to take senior pictures for a girl in my dance group.  The beautiful art and nature provided the perfect background for the pictures.

Anthony Caponi open the park in 1987.  The park was originally used to show how creativity is a necessary part of everyday living.  Caponi is a sculptor and retired professor.  His house and studio are located in the park.  The park contains many sculptures and props perfect for pictures.

Some of the props we used in the senior pictures were a tunnel, a truck, rocks, trees, paths, and more.  There was much more to the park but we didn't have the time to go through it all because we  were on a tight schedule.  The park also has The Theater in the Woods.  It is a huge stage where many plays and activities/entertainment is done.

There is so much to do and see at Caponi Art Park.  For more information go to http://www.caponiartpark.org/index.html 

Also, here is a video of how the park got started.

Here are some picture of our senior pictures, the park itself, and Anthony Caponi.

Cossetta Eventi

Cossetta Eventi is an Italian restaurant and market located on 7th street in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The parking lot is relatively small so if there isn't enough room, you may have to park elsewhere.  The parking lot, however, is free.  The building is currently under construction- probably because it's grown more popular- so the building may look a little sketchy on the outside.  Also on the outside, there are tables set up to enjoy your meal outside.  As you walk through the double doors, the whole atmosphere changes.  The smell of Italian food runs throughout your whole being.

Once you soak in the commotion of Cossettas, you  have to make the decision of getting a salad/entree or pizza.  The salads and entrees are in one line to the left, and the pizza line is on the right.  No matter what line you choose, you will not be disappointed.  Each month they have a special pasta entree. October's pasta was a portobella mushroom ravioli.  My parents each got the special, I got a caesar salad, and my brothers chose different pastas.  Every single person was satisfied with their order.  We were all very full by the time we were done eating. 

The layout of the building is spread out between two floors.  The bottom/main floor is full of food.  Both the restaurant and market are located there.  The main floor is filled with people telling you where to go and some workers have very thick Italian accents.  On the top floor, there are tables.  It may be complicated finding a table because of all the people crowded in.  The workers are also going around picking up plates and helping out.  In the left corner, there is a stand with water, glasses, silverware, and tops for your containers.  Workers are constantly restocking the station so you'll never be without something.  All the workers at Cossettas are highly trained and want you to have the best experience possible.

After your meal, go downstairs and look through the market.  You'll want to do this after you're finished eating so you don't spend hundreds of dollars in their market.  You can see the market on google maps at http://maps.google.com/maps?q=cosetta+eventi&layer=c&z=17&sll=44.943721,-93.104110&cid=1018202530702563952&panoid=sZ7pnEe0Rg3RJENCEIsPtQ&cbp=13,107.45683761713053,,0,0&hl=en&ved=0CD4Q2wU&sa=X&ei=wGWSTuS-M46-NtDf6YAJ
On your way out, stop at the front and grab some gelato to go. 

If you're ever looking for a family friendly or romantic evening, head to Cossetta Eventi.  The restaurant is perfect for any occasion.  It feels like you're back in your grandmother's kitchen with your whole family.  I suggest Cossettas for everyone who loves a good Italian meal.