In January I went to Minneapolis, MN for an incredible, fun-packed weekend. MN is a very cold place, but it warmed up to the 30's for my visit. I was very appreciative. I think J and I did
more in those few days than many do in weeks.
We had a great time walking through the University of
Minnesota's campus, which is beautiful. I loved the "Gopher Way", an indoors (sometimes underground) pathway that allows you to travel from building to building without having to go outside too much. There are a few different paths, but I especially loved the ones with the school's old photographs. I'm in agreement with J that some of them like the one below and in the video are a little creepy.
In the evening, we went to my FIRST EVER hockey game. It took five years to get there, but I am so glad that it finally happened. It was one of the biggest games of the year, and
very exciting.
Of course, J and I HAD to get our picture with Goldy.
Our second day was PACKED. After going to the temple, we went to St. Paul where we grabbed lunch at the Kindness Cafe.
We also went to visit one of the swankiest hotels ever. Apparently, this is where movie stars stay when they come for a visit. Since I love interior design, I decided to treat you to a sneak peek of the bathroom. (
REAL towels? But of course!)
And since I'm a real gem, I made a video for you. As soon as I saw the dressing area I wanted to be dressed up in a ballgown. (By the way, you should probably MUTE this video when you play it. I hadn't really thought through the
logistics of taking a video in a bathroom.)
Greatest candy store ever:
Ice-skating on an outdoor rink.
A walk across the lake, and lucky me! This fine gentleman let me drill a hole in the lake.
How many people can actually claim that they've drilled a hole in a lake?
J on the lake.
This is what people in MN do best: enjoy the outdoors, and combine it with culture with a flare of its own. This shanty town was built
on the lake.
One of my favorite buildings on the lake: a library. (And, yes, that is a heating pipe on the right side of the picture.)
We capped off the evening with salsa dancing. (Don't you just love the look on J's face?)
Sunday was also a landmark day. I tried out a B
umpit. (I know. You've all wondered about it yourself.) Allow me to answer your most burning questions: yes: it's obvious, and no: I don't recommend it.
Monday morning was also busy. We went shopping (success! new jeans!), enjoyed an amazing lunch at
Lorimar's Pasta Bar (a must try), and stopped by Jonathan's local outdoor skating rink.
Lorimar's Pasta Bar is a must even if only to check out the great design. Again, I've treated you to a video of the bathroom. (Lest you think I'm always checking out bathrooms, the recommendations actually came from someone else. I mean, who thinks to use huge silver basins and showerheads for sinks? Lorimar's.)
How can you not love a place with such a fun waiter?
Have you caught on yet? I fell in love with this city! It's like they transplanted all the great outdoorsy people of Portland Oregon into a Midwestern culture of goodness and generosity, placed in a setting like New York City with culture and food. Oh. and p.s. add snow and cold. GO. You will thank me. (But maybe wait until May.)
J's local outdoor skating rink.
My favorite picture of the weekend. Why? I don't know. I love this guy, though. SUCH a great brother. Thanks for a great trip, J!
