Minneapolis-St Paul

Are we in Minneapolis? Are we in St Paul? Who can tell - these twin cities ran together in one happy combination for us this weekend.

Day one 

When direct flights work, it's so amazing and wonderful. It seemed like nothing to get from Detroit to Minneapolis. We rented a car, dropped our stuff at our Airbnb, and headed out to meet up with Kris' cousin and his wife at a place called Nook. My friend had told me to try a Juicy Lucy, and I didn't even know what that was. Local delicacy! Cheese-infused burger. We had them and they were delicious.  

It was Halloween weekend and the bars were filled with college kids all dressed up. Fun to see.

Day two

A few of us went running to the Mississippi River, and the leaves were so colorful.

We went to Minnehaha Falls Park. The falls were beautiful and we walked down and around for more views, then walked on a (closed) trail through the woods. 

We drove over to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and it was great! Really impressed with the art. 

We walked to the Stone Arch Bridge. We ate lunch at Freehouse (fine), then visited Bricksworth (okay) and Modist. Again, the town was packed with college kids in costume! We tried to go to Stub and Herbs (both nights actually) but it was too packed for 12 of us. Some of us ate at Groveland Tap, and some went to listen to music at Gluek's. 

Day three

Up early to tailgate at the Ski-U-Mah parking lot! For those of you who don't know - and that was me before we left - this is the rallying cry of the University of Minnesota, and it was everywhere! We parked early (8:30ish) and walked 0.9 to breakfast in Dinkytown - yes, that's what the neighborhood is called. Minnesotans are into catchy names. There was this really popular place that was too packed (Al's), so we went to one block more to Tony's and loved it so much. 

Tailgating was great - so much family and so many Minnesota-nice Gopher fans! Our hosts were friends that had tailgated with us when their daughter was a student at MSU, so that was lovely.

We got great tickets for the game months ago...before our team didn't have a coach or a good season...and it was fun to be so close despite the loss! The Gophers had great stadium music, band, and cheerleaders!  

Afterward, we ate at Surly Brewery because at least five people had told us to go there. It was great - nice, open atmosphere, German style seating, and friendly people. (We also tried to go to Stub and Herbs - again - but still too packed.) 

We stayed in an Airbnb on St Clair Ave in St Paul, close to the University of St Thomas. But I could have been in any nice, tree-lined street in many Midwestern city - it had the same nice college feel.

Minneapolis-St Paul is actually the first place I ever flew. My dad used to have bank board meetings there when I was young, and I flew there with him when I was 13. I remember walking over the bridge, all lit up - I assume it was the Stone Arch Bridge. Then the next day he put me on a plane alone to Denver to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins. I remember the plane seemed very small. And they're only getting smaller! 

Thanks for a fun time, Minnesota! We'll beat you Gophers next game...