Get Out ... and Explore the Mendota Heights Area Aug. 12-14

1.) Music for Neighbors, Inc.

When/Where: 4-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12/ Cub Foods, 2001 South Robert St., West St. Paul (by the trellis and picnic tables)
Why Go: An award-winning high school jazz ensemble from the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists will perform to entertain and encourage food donation. The event is an Eagle Scout project for a member of Troop #248.

Pricing: Free, cash and non-perishable food donations encouraged.

2.)

When/Where: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug 13; 1 p.m. Friday Aug. 12/ , 12600 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville

Why Go: A youthful cast from The Play's The Thing Productions will recreate a classic tale of discovering inner beauty.

Price:  Adults $13, students and seniors $11. Tickets can be bought online.

3.)

When/Where: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, August 13/ Dakota County Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor’s Center, 860 Cliff Rd, Eagan

Why Go: Geocaching is the modern day equivalent of a treasure hunt, and who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? Open to ages 5 and up.

Pricing: $10, register online.

4.)

When/Where: 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13; Dodge Nature Center, 365 Marie Avenue West, West Saint Paul

Why Go: The whole family can learn how honeybees make this sweet treat from flower to honeycomb. Discover what a hive is like and what beekeepers do.

Pricing: Public—Adults $7, children $7, families $20; Members—Adults $5, children $5, families $15; children ages 2 and under are free. Registeration encouraged.

5.)

When/Where: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14/ 593 Fairview Ave N, Saint Paul

Why Go: Peruse the offerings of donations for rare finds and cheap best-sellers, as well as CDs, audio books and movies. All proceeds from the book fair will go to food, shelter, and medical care for the cats and kittens under the care of Feline Rescue, a no-kill shelter and foster network in St. Paul devoted to cats.

Pricing: Free to attend, but bring your wallet.