Russian Art Museum
Spend a few hours in one of Southwest Minneapolis' best hidden cultural treasures; the Russian Art Museum is the only one of its kind in North America. One exhibit features the art of Vasili Nechitailo, the people's artist of Soviet Russia. If you have any ties or have spent any time in Russia or surrounding countries, you will feel the immediate nostalgia for the people and their way of life. The museum will be open regular hours 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Wirth Winter Recreation Area
On Dec. 31 the snowboarding park, snow-tubing hill, cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you're not looking to spend money, Sunset Hill is open for free sledding.

Landmark Theatres
Relax and catch a movie. Edina Cinema will be showing The King's Speech and Made in Dagenham, while the Uptown Theatre will feature Rabbit Hole, and Black Swan, True Grit, I Love You Phillip Morris, and All Good Things will be at Lagoon Cinema.

Experiment in the kitchen
Try out those drink and dinner recipes you never got around to during the first 364 days of 2010. Be sure to swing by South Lyndale Liquors or France 44 & Spirits to pick up your choice wine, beer, liquor and, of course, a little bubbly for midnight. If you're looking for something new try my personal Romanian seasonal favorite:

Vin Fiert (Hot Spiced Wine)

1 bottle of red wine & 1 bottle of white wine (Any flavors will do, cheap wines work grand!)
1-2 cups of water
10-12 cloves
10-12 allspice (or a few shakes of ground allspice)
6 cinnamon sticks or (a few heavy shakes of ground cinnamon)
honey or sugar to taste

Pour wine into a large pot, add all other ingredients (the water, spices and sweetener are all optional and can vary to personal taste), and slowly heat the liquid mixture on your stove but DON'T bring to a boil. Enjoy pure warm bliss!

Minnesota Wild vs. Nashville Predators at 5 p.m
If you don't mind crossing over the river to the other side every, then you can squeeze in one last hockey fix for 2010. Tickets start at $35 and are available at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office or call (651) 222-WILD.

Old Fashion Game Night
Whether you're spending the holiday with family or friends, never underestimate the potential of non-technological amusement! If Parcheesi induces an instant groan, head over to Creative Kidstuff for the youngsters, Games by James for the group-friendly game Buzzword or simply stick with the homemade version of charades.

Kaleidoscope New Year's Eve
From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the International Square Market, the Kaleidoscope of Cultures will feature live music from around the world, 20 different food/drink vendors and an optional dinner buffet catered by Damico. If you feel like getting dressed up and seeing the world before 2011 arrives, this is the place to go. Call 952-484-0272 for additional information.

2010: The Winners and the Losers. Mostly the Losers
Lizz Winstead, best known as the co-creator of The Daily Show  will perform stand-up regarding our nation's year long political stroke at Pepito's Parkway Theater at 9:30p.m.  If you missed the native Minnesotan on MPR Thursday morning, be sure to get tickets to see one of the nation's top political satirists in person. Tickets can be purchased online for $25-$99. Although you're probably reading this because you're absolutely hell bent against participating in the New Year's Eve bar scene, you're still invited to Pepito's after the show for a midnight toast...no obligations.

Chiang Mai Thai
End the year with the taste of South Minneapolis' best Thai food. And if you feel so inclined to let out a few giggles, stick around for a 10 p.m. comedy show with Chris Maddock and Chris Knutson for $15. Call ahead for a dinner reservation at (612) 827-1606.

Bryant Lake Bowl
Bowl in the new year, have a few drinks and be sure to wear socks (otherwise a new pair will set you back $2.25). And/or catch the 11 p.m. stand-up and improv comedy show The Year in Denial: The Scrimshaw Brothers New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza. Tickets can be purchased on-line for $20 or call the box office (612) 825-8949, but hurry because the 9 p.m. show is already sold out.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!