Things to Do in Minnesota

Melding a flurry of powerful forehand chops, pinpoint pivoting, and sneaky backhand lobs, tennis is second only to competitive chainsaw sculpting as America’s favorite sport at which to grunt. Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association Northern Section, the Tennis Festival of the North features three days of events that include demos, clinics, an exhibition match, and jet-engine–powered tennis-ball launchers. Tennis fans and fanatics alike will enjoy an all-inclusive pass that includes access to Friday-evening demos and drills, Saturday and Sunday clinics, and general-admission seating to Saturday's exhibition. Tennis pros and experienced instructors lead informative sessions on topics such as Boomers and Beyond, Playing Tennis After 50, and Nutrition Hints for Winning Tennis, while attendees can also browse a vendor fair and an interactive fan zone. Additionally, Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Davenport and 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova will be present to talk tennis and cut up the court during an exhibition match.

Hole up away from home in something that is neither a hole nor your home with today's Groupon. For $59, you'll get a cozy garden room at The Arbor Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast in Prescott, Wisconsin, just 35 minutes outside of the Twin Cities. The "Travel Green" destination follows eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, using cloth napkins and high-efficiency washing machines, and taking a little time each day just to think about the planet and really appreciate how complex it is. It's the perfect romantic couples retreat after a long week of arguing about whether or not Roger Clemens could throw a baseball through a wedding cake.

As proud holders of the gold, silver, and bronze medals from the United States Dressage Federation, instructors Anne McKay and Suzanne Wepplo bring a wealth of equestrian expertise to Pegasus Riding School. The duo helm all manner of courses, including dressage, jumping, and combined training lessons in classical European equestrian philosophies. They educate riders of every age and skill level at their large, onsite outdoor arena and racetrack, as well as from within the comforts of a heated indoor training arena.

With only three home-turf games remaining in the season, cheer on the Twin Cities' fearsome squad of sassy ladies as they run, pass, tackle, kick, shimmy, teleport, twirl, and crank call their way across the gridiron. But don't expect any shortened fields, wussy tear-away flags, or altered rules just because the players have little use for a cup—this is straight-up football, right down to the earth-shaking QB sacks, high-flying Hail Marys, and tackles that pack their own crater. This hard-hitting action, coupled with intricate strategic plays, provides more entertainment than a shaky washing-machine race through a corn maze. Additionally, on May 8, Burnsville High School will host a BirdieBall golf tournament prior to the Vixen game (not included with the Groupon), which will feature par 3 holes, field goal drives, various prizes, and an opportunity to pair football with the most brutally unforgiving of sports.

For years, Bill Ahmann mastered the complex inner workings of piston and turbine aircraft as an aviation mechanic. In 1997, he finally achieved his dream by founding his own aviation company out of Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Initially a small venture with a staff that totaled three, Bill's penchant for providing aviation-related services with a personal touch led to rapid growth and a second Twin Cities Aviation location in Saint Paul. In 2008, Bill's veteran squad of flight instructors helped the company achieve Part 141 certification, distinguishing it as a reputable flight school. Today, TCA's staff numbers more than 20 industry professionals drawn from military, commercial-airline, and other aviation backgrounds. Flying a tiptop fleet, the team boasts varied expertise in charter flights, FAA-certified flight instruction, and aircraft sales. The staff's experienced mechanics also service pilots and plane owners with repairs that range from routine safety inspections to refueling propeller hats.

Just off the freeway, the fan-worthy Radisson Hotel is a strategic launching point for experiencing the area's diverse mix of lakes, nature trails, golf courses, gigantic shopping malls, giant ax-men, and equally gigantic blue oxen. Adventurous guests may opt to take a light walk to a number of parks and trails located less than a mile from the main hotel before returning for their complimentary repast of prime rib and drinks. Hotel homebodies, meanwhile, can play billiards in the lounge, lounge in the pool, pool quarters for the game room, and room with that special someone while trying to guess which number setting on their Sleep Number bed is "deadly spikes." They'll also get to hit the fitness center, watch movies on 42-inch flat-screen TVs, make themselves coffee or tea, surf the Net on high-speed WiFi, and bring their kids (under 18) and pets along for free.