Two Weekends in Minneapolis

Have you ever traveled somewhere, and it pulls on your heart so much that you think to yourself, yes, I could live here – I never want to leave!

Minneapolis, Chicago, Ireland, and Scotland are four places that have completely captured my heart to the point where I could get up and move there in a heart-beat if given the opportunity. 

Over the years I have realized that when I feel strongly about a place, I get so attached to the point where it leaves me with a great feeling of sadness when it’s time for me to leave. I seem to be at a constant battle with the mysterious, complicated emotion that is nostalgia. Why I can’t be a normal person with normal feelings, I’ll never know.  (:

When I start to get the restless urge to simply hop in my car and go somewhere, I am reminded how fortunate I am to only live 4 short hours from Minneapolis; the city I was born and raised in until around the age of 9. 

Whether it's visiting family for the holidays, seeing friends for the weekend, or even a simple day trip, I take every and any chance I can to make the trek. 

Two weekends ago, my friend Dani and I decided we wanted to get out of town, so we packed our stuff, got in my car, and drove to Minneapolis without any real plan. I'm starting to really enjoy the spur-of-the-moment, impromptu trips. There is something thrilling about not knowing what may happen and having the freedom to make spontaneous decisions. 

You would think that after traveling for four months I would want a break now that I am home…wrong! I guess one weekend in the cities wasn't enough, because four days later I found myself back in my car with a sense of deja vu as I drove the familiar route along I-94. 

I spent the weekend visiting and catching up with my good friends from school; Morgan, Kayla and Garrett.

 We discovered a quaint little lunch spot, explored parts of Minneapolis I've never been to, acted like 5 year olds at Skyzone, challenged ourselves by taking pictures with Kodak disposable cameras, drank a lot of Caribou, and spent our Sunday helping out with photography at Morgan's church.

Until next time, Minneapolis. I'm sure I will be seeing you again shortly.

The Walking In Between

This past Friday, a couple others and I took a road trip down to the cities to see an amazing Singer/Songwriter, Ben Rector, at the Varsity Theater.

This concert was just hands down incredible. From the music, to the lighting, to the funny jokes. It had it all. At times the audience would be jumping out of their seats and dancing to an upbeat song, and others it would be completely still listening to just Ben and the piano in quiet enjoyment. 

Ben genuinely cares that everyone has the best time possible and gets the audience to sing and dance and be involved. He really makes you feel like you get a sense of what a good, down to earth, funny guy he is. The way he puts on a concert makes it feel very personal and fun and like he's just a friend of yours coming to hang out.

Seeing him perform draws you into his excitement and frankly, just your own sense of pure joy. Early on in the show, he took a moment to stop and stare around the holy auditorium, which caused his audience to be drawn into the moment he was experiencing. He called for the house lights to be brought up so he could see the equally excited faces around him. 

At the end of the show, we stuck around for a while and had the opportunity to meet Ben! He was so sincere in taking the time to talk with each of us on a personal level verses just saying hello and getting an autograph. 

I leave you with one of my favorite Ben Rector lyrics. If you haven't had the chance to listen to his music, what are you waiting for?! 

 "Life is not the mountain tops, it's the walking in between."

Home Away From Home

I often call Minneapolis my "home away from home."

I was born and raised the first half of my life there,

 then moved to Moorhead when my dad was offered a new job.

I dearly miss it, and count the days until I am able to call Minneapolis my home once again.

So as I wait for that time to come, I get my dose of the cities by taking little weekend trips.

When I tell people I am once again heading to the cities,  I often get this response..

"What do you do there? Go to the Mall of America?"

Let me put it into perspective..

That is the equivalent to asking a New Yorker if they like going to Times Square.

The answer to both.
No. 

My trips consist of discovering new sights, quaint coffee shops, restaurants & stores.

Here are some of my favorites...

1. Barbette

Barbette, located in Uptown, is a charming little restaurant with a bustling atmosphere. 

Great for breakfast and lunch.

2.  Sebastian Joes

Hands down, Sebastian's has the best ice cream my mouth has ever tasted.

I highly recommend the Nicollet Pothole (Chocolate ice cream w/ fudge, truffles, heath bar & sea salt)

3. Rustica Bakery

My favorite Sunday bakery. 

Great for their coffee art, delicious pastries and freshly baked bread.

They were named one of the Top 10 Bread Bakeries in America by Bon Appétit Magazine

4. Russel and Hazel

 
I promise, you will be in organizational heaven when you step into this store.

5. Stone Arch Bridge & Lake Calhoun

  

With stunning views of downtown, the Stone Arch Bridge and Lake Calhoun are both great for running, biking, walking and sightseeing. 

I of course have more favorites than just 5, but this post would be a novel if I included them all!
I will make sure to share addional favorites when I take my next adventure to the cities.


Have a terrific Tuesday!