Jim Grabinski

From the Thrifty Scot to the Best Western, local motels have shaped St. Cloud’s travel history in surprising ways.

Imagine stepping back to 1921, when the Breen Hotel first welcomed guests. Its journey is just one chapter in St. Cloud's fascinating hospitality story.

The St. Cloud area has and continues to have iconic ballrooms. This is our 2nd installment with local historian Jim Grabinski. He joined me on WJON to highlight the ballrooms that hosted numerous weddings, concerts and events.

Drive-in restaurants reached the height of their popularity in the 1960s in the St. Cloud area. Local historian and lifelong St. Cloud area resident Jim Grabinski joined me on WJON.

Drive-in restaurants were popular in the United States in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. St. Cloud area historian and life long resident Jim Grabinski joined me on WJON to highlight some of the past drive-ins in this community. This is the 2nd installment.

Drive-In Restaurants were everywhere in the St. Cloud area in the 1950s-1980s. St. Cloud area local historian and lifelong resident Jim Grabinski joined me on WJON. He explains at drive-ins customers would park and car hops would come to you.

Longtime St. Cloud area resident, businessman, historian and travel expert, Jim Grabinski joined me for an appearance on WJON's My Life Series. Jim grew up in Sauk Rapids in the 1940s and 50s and was within what he calls running distance to downtown.