Imagine our very own BURNSVILLE, MN…

• Recognized on BestOfTheRoad.com as one of the top small towns and points of interest!
• Written about by USA TODAY Travel!
• Featured in the 2014 Rand McNally Road Atlas!

Once again Burnsville is participating in Rand McNally and USA TODAY’S search for the “Best Small Towns in America,” in the Best of the Road Rally. Last year we became just one of six town finalists for “Best for Food.” This year we want Burnsville to win it and we need your help! If you shop or dine in Burnsville, please review our town, upload your photos, and vote Burnsville “Best for Food.”

VOTE HERE! Voting takes just a few moments and you may vote daily, now through May 15th. Simply click on the green “Review & Vote” button, register to vote and start voting everyday! You may also choose to write a review, vote “best for Food,” and upload photos! Check out all the traveler reviews while you’re there – doesn’t it make you feel good what folks are saying about your town?

See where Burnsville currently stands in the 2012 Best Small Towns in America contest. Together, lets bring Burnsville to the number one rating!

Check out Best of the Road on Facebook.

Read the full story on the search for Best Small Towns and attractions in America on USA TODAY Travel.

As you probably know already, Valley Natural Foods is hosting its first ever Run for Hope 5K race on May 7th at 8am outside the store.

We know you are gearing up for the race but have you considered what you are going to do after the race?  How about enjoying a  healthy breakfast from our deli dept that will restore your energy and give you a needed boost?

The breakfast will be $5.00 but save a dollar off the meal by using a coupon located in your swag bag! The breakfast will be served in our eating area.

The Run for Hope 5K Breakfast Menu includes:

Scrambled Eggs, sausage, pancakes, orange juice and/or coffee

Your swag bag will also include lots of yummy bars, vitamins, a protien shake mix, a $5.00 off Buca di  Beppo coupon,  tea samples, and other fun items. If you signed up for the race, pick-up your swag bag and t-shirt on any one of these days/times before the race at the Valley Natural Foods Education Kiosk (located just beyond the produce area as you enter the store):  Thursday, May 5th from 8-10am and again from 6-8pm or on Friday, May 6th from 3-7pm. Swag items can also be picked up on the day of the race. However, picking items up early will ensure you can use your $5.00 off  Buca di Beppo coupon to fuel up on healthy, home-cooked pasta the night before!

So look forward to a good race and a healthy meal on May 7th! It will be a great day!

Even with the March 23rd snow, we are still gearing up for our May 7th Run for Hope 5K at Valley Natural Foods! It just over a month away, believe it or not. Rain or shine, or I hate to even mention the word again–snow, all runners will be strutting their stuff for a great cause.  All proceeds will benefit Hope for Tomorrow, a mentoring organization for young people in the south metro.

Although we can’t guarantee the weather on May 7th, we can guarantee that if you register by April 7th online or in-store, you will receive a free t-shirt in your size! This is only a few weeks away! Therefore start thinking spring and gearing up to participate in our 5K! Sign up today!

Once you have decided to enter our 5K race, the next step is to start practicing. Coming to the race unprepared could put you at risk for injury. Figure out your weak spots during training and focus on those. Practicing prior to the big day will prepare you for what’s to come! It is also important to incorporate stretching into your workout routine. Warm up your body by doing stretches from head to toe. Stretch everything from your neck to your hamstrings. This will also help prevent injury!

For more information on the 5K event and Hope for Tomorrow, read our blog from last week and/or the official press release.