Halloween was back in action throughout the country on Tuesday. Despite the chilly weather, kids and kids at heart in South Dakota dressed up for this spooky season.

Halloween costumes like witches, vampires, and clowns haunted the streets around the Sioux Empire. Even South Dakota's First Family got into the Halloween spirit.  From the looks of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's Instagram and Facebook accounts, she decided to try multiple costumes this Halloween!

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South Dakota Governor Noem once again welcomed trick-or-treaters to the Governor's Residence for delicious Halloween candy. No tricks. Like South Dakota Governors before her, Governor Noem and her family dressed up for the occasion. But before she passed out candy to the trick-or-treaters at the Governor's Residence, Governor Noem wanted to dress like a country superstar.

Just for the day..."Lainey Wilson" was running the state of South Dakota! There was also a Presidential Barbie, a pheasant hunter, Rosie the Riveter, and Judge Judy helping the governor for the day. How fun was that!?

So what costume did Governor Noem and her family wear to greet the trick-or-treaters? Introducing...Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam!

It's always such an entertaining tradition to see how the Governors and their families in South Dakota celebrate Halloween! Last year, Governor Noem and her family dressed as classic Disney characters from the movie Mary Poppin.

Between her Lainey Wilson and Lady Liberty costumes, which one is your favorite from South Dakota Governor Noem?

Parents, don't forget to enjoy some candy! You deserve a treat too!

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own. 

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

The Best Pizzas In South Dakota

Grab a slice and enjoy some of the best pizza in South Dakota

Pizza is one of those things in life that usually everyone can agree on.
Leave it to Best Things South Dakota to uncover South Dakota’s best and favorite local pizzas. From cheese and sausage to pineapple pizza, Best Things South Dakota identified the best traditional and creative pizzas throughout the Mount Rushmore state.

Unfortunately, one pizza establishment on the list, Sioux Falls’ Zaroty closed its doors in the summer of 2020. So, I took the liberty of including one more Sioux Falls pizza place people really like!

Gallery Credit: Christine Manika

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