February is here and according to the groundhog we have six months left of winter, just enough time to start getting ideas for that spring home improvement project. Thankfully the Twin Cities has many different home improvement shows and expos to get great ideas from. Of course February is the beginning of the Parade of Homes(sm) and the Remodelers Showcase. Pratt Homes has several homes in the Parade of Homes(sm), click here to see them. In addition to some great home improvement and remodeling expos there are also some great outdoor events happening that the whole family can enjoy.

Maple Grove Polar Plunge
When: February 7th, 1pm
Where: Fish Lake Regional Park
14900 Bass Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55311

Don that Speedo and head out to Fish Lake Regional Park for a nice frigid dip in the lake. If you’ve never done a polar plunge before now is the time to gather some courage and freeze for a good cause. If you have the nerve get out there this weekend and take the plunge. Participants need to raise a minimum of $75 to participate. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Minnesota. It’s for a great cause and you’ll have a great story. Click here to register today!

Valentine’s Day TC 5k
When: Saturday, February 14, 10am
Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell
4120 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Nothing says I Love You like a 5K. Grab your sweetheart and participate in the oldest winter run in Minnesota. The Valentine’s Day TC 5k is perfect for first time runners, advanced runners, kids, couples and singles. You can even bring your pet! It’s a great way to get started in the world of marathon running.

49th Annual Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show
When: February 12th – 15th
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Before you know it summer will be here and the open road will be beckoning. But before you can hit the road you’re going to need to get your RV, camper or tent in shape. What better way to plan your next road trip than to make a short trip to the Minneapolis Convention Center for the 49th Annual Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show? Shop hundreds of 2015 class A, B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, tent trailers and park models. This is the largest consumer show in the five-state area so wear a good pair of walking shoes.

Twin Cities Women’s Expo
When: February 20th and 21st
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Twin Cities Women’s Expo is going on this month so grab your best girlfriend and head on out to the Minneapolis Convention Center. With over 150 exhibits you’re bound to learn all kinds of wonderful things to boost your mind and body. Highlights of the event include a fashion show, food sampling, spa treatments, and shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis Home and Garden Show
When: February 25th – March 1st
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

The Minneapolis Home and Garden Show is another great place to get ideas for your next remodel. DIY project or even just a simple room organization. Think spring by planning your next project at the Home and Garden Show. Check out the latest trends and see the newest innovative products,  get new ideas and even some great deals on remodeling and home improvement. Over 1000 home building experts will be on hand to help plan your next DIY or remodeling home project.

Parade of Homes(sm)

When: February 28th – March 29th
Where: Various locations in the Twin Cities

The Parade of Homes(sm) is in its 67th year and will be featuring 400 new homes and 60 remodeled homes. 236 of those homes will be featured on the Green Path Energy Tour in partnership with Xcel Energy. To be part of the Green Path Energy Tour each home must undergo independent energy testing and receive a MN Green Path Home Performance Report (HPR) that provides easy to understand and compare information. All homes are free to tour except for the Dream Homes and one Dream Remodeled Home, where a $5.00 entry fee will be charged to benefit the BATC Foundation. Click here to see the Pratt Homes on the Parade of Home(sm). The Trip Planner is a handy tool to map out the homes you want to see. Click here to plan your Parade of Home(sm) tour.