Tour the vacant houses of Dayton's Bluff
It's been said that the average American moves every seven years. I've lived in my current home for 10 years and whenever I get antsy, I dream of moving to another country or the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood of St. Paul. With its hills, its mix of stately and dilapidated Victorians, old churches and all kinds of people — rich and poor — it wields power in my imagination. This weekend, I'll have a chance to tour 10 vacant homes in the neighborhood, which is located north of the city's downtown. The Star Tribune notes that another 225 homes are vacant in the area and that local activists want to show off the good deals: One house is on the market for $98,900.

To check it out, go to 798 East Seventh Street for free trolley rides to the vacant houses. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 t0 5 p.m. on Sunday. There's more information at the Dayton's Bluff website and at MPR.