It's coming. The snow. The wind. The Cold! Winter will be here before you know it so now is a good time to take a few minutes to make a list of the things you do around your home, before the cold weather sets in.

1. Shut the windows. How many times have you checked a basement window and found out that it was open, just a crack. And you found out in February. Take a few minutes and shut down your home.

2. Furnace Filter. Have you changed it recently. Since last March? Now is a good time to change it out. And put a teaser reminder in your phone for about 4 to 6 weeks to change it again.

Those are just a few reminders. How about you? What Fall chores do you have to make sure you have a more enjoyable winter? We'd love to hear from you in the comments or your can email me. jdcollins@kikn.com

Pre-Winter Check List For Midwest Living

Items to check before Winter Hits in the Midwest

Gallery Credit: JD Collins-Townsquare Media

5 Tempting Pumpkin Seed Recipes to Try This Fall

What better way to indulge in the seasonal spirit than by exploring the endless possibilities of pumpkin seeds? From sweet to savory, these recipes are bound to take your taste buds on a delightful journey through the heartwarming essence of fall.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images/ Canva

From Masks To Silly String: Unusual Halloween Laws

Iconic Sioux Falls: Phillips Avenue Diner, a Downtown Gem

I'll never forget the best malt I ever had. It was many years ago at a new restaurant in Sioux Falls. The restaurant was housed in a silver Airstream trailer on Louise Avenue and was called The Market Diner. The malt was so creamy and I think it was probably the first time I'd ever had whipped cream on top of a malt.
 
The Market Diner was a unique '50s-style dining experience with neon signs, classic vinyl booths, stainless steel counter stools, and even a jukebox.
 
That was over 20 years ago. The Market Diner became Dixie Brothers Grill and eventually closed.
 
A few years later, the trailer was moved to a downtown location on Phillips Avenue, extensively remodeled and renamed Phillips Avenue Diner. The malts have not changed, nor has the diner ambiance.
 
 
My niece Ashlea and I ventured downtown and had lunch at Phillips Avenue Diner. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. It's diner classics turned up a notch.

The breakfast menu includes omelets, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and of course waffles. Recently, Phillips Avenue Diner's waffles were named the best in South Dakota according to Food Network.

Ashlea had the Ranch Burger and it came topped with bacon, onion rings, American cheese, and BBQ sauce. She substituted sweet potato fries.

My selection was the Burger of Champions. You can substitute a chicken breast for any burger, so I had mine with chicken, Applewood bacon, ham, and American cheese. It also comes with a hard-fried egg on top, but I chose to hold that. 
 
Eat local. Some of the best food and atmosphere can be found at local, non-national chain restaurants. Try Phillips Avenue Diner at 121 S. Phillips Avenue and explore downtown Sioux Falls while you're at it.

Check out the menu here and enjoy one of Sioux Falls' iconic restaurants.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

Best 'Dish to Pass' In South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

Gallery Credit: Patty Dee